Here we GOAT!
In case you haven’t realized, we don’t even have any goats yet!
Last fall, I placed deposits on 2 unrelated bucklings and 3 doelings from a reputable breeder who runs a closed Nigerian Dwarf herd. Purchasing goats from a closed herd helps ensure the goats will be free from certain contagious diseases like CAEV (Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus) and CLA (Caseous Lymphadenitis). We want our herd to get off to a strong start. One of our goats was born last fall who we instantly named, “Boots”:
Since goats are social, herd animals, and cannot be alone, he has remained with the breeder as we anxiously await the birth of the others this spring.
With healthy, genetically diverse goats on the way, we are focusing our attention on getting everything ready here on the property. There is so much to do and learn to position ourselves for success in this venture. We are taking time to prepare and learn everything we can about how to properly care for our precious goats when they arrive.
Right now, our biggest investment is sweat equity! Our current priorities are completing stalls and a hay loft in the doe barn, building separate buck quarters, and planning fencing – here’s hoping the Northern Michigan ground will be thawed in April/early May to install fences – fingers crossed.
We are in contact with a Forester, from our local conservation district, who can evaluate the health of our forest and ensure our property is free from plants that are toxic to goats.
We have also secured a source of quality grass and alfalfa hay. While our lucky goats will be able to browse on trees, bushes, and woody weeds in the forest, we want to make sure we have a steady supply of nutrient-rich hay year round!
Tractor Supply is our family’s new favorite store! We have started building an inventory of tools and medications required for goat care. There is a lot to learn about hoof trimming, giving injections, breeding and kidding. As a registered nurse with a daughter who wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up, we are ready to roll up our sleeves and dive in!
We will be sharing our progress on these projects and invite you to welcome our herd home with us this May!
*** We are so grateful you’ve taken an interest in our journey. Sharing these early stages of our farm and business development is a vulnerable choice. We will undoubtedly make mistakes, so get ready to laugh and cry along with us. We hope our transparency will educate and inspire, and our authentic commitment to quality and a job well done will shine through!