One Year Ago Today . . . .

. . started our journey into the world of dairy goats. It was then that we purchased our very first 2 Nubian girls. A Mother - daughter duo that has given us many days of joy, wonderment, confusion at times, laughter and a few hair pulling session (ours, not theirs). We have learned a good deal in the past year, but am far from knowing all that we need to know. Reading books and talking to other owners has helped to teach us how to live with dairy goats. Amber, now 3 was our first milker and had to learn patience with us as we learned how to milk. She has become our sweetheart in many ways over the past year. Being two when we brought her home, helped as she had a little experience already under her udder.

Amber, age 2 (March 2009)

Sugar was just a 7 week old baby and our first learning curve test. She is just as sweet as sugar too. We have found joy in seeing her grow up this past year, reaching her second birthday on February 9th.

Then, age 7 weeks ( March 2009)

Anna & Samson joined us last Fall, with Anna being a seasoned doe and Samson just a strapping young buck. They brought with them attitudes learned from their previous owners, but quickly learned to be a part of a larger family group of 4.

Anna, our Alpha doe ( September 2009)

Samson, age 6 months (August 2009)

This past February we were blessed with 5 healthy kids born over a holiday weekend. Pepper, Cinnamon, Glory, Buckshot and Annabelle all join their place in the herd and our hearts. Pictures of their births and growth can be seen here , here and here.

Lessons are an ongoing assignment when you raise goats. Caring for their needs is fairly simple, knowing what is best for them requires a lesson in deciphering the recommendations offered from the many resources available. Goats are pretty resilient for the most part, eating what is good for them from the browse when given the chance. Picking out those tidbits that will give them the vitamins and minerals they need.

We have come full circle in the seasons of goats. Starting with the milking in the Spring 2009, helping them to stay healthy and happy during the Summer. Breeding them in the Fall, only to watch them carry their kids through the Winter. Bringing us back to kidding in the Spring 2010. Each season has it's highlights and joys.

We've made mistakes along the way, while learning what to avoid in the future. We have faced some things new to us in their care and then being victorious in them. I guess the biggest thing we have learned over all is that each herd is different, with it's own set of dynamics. What works for one goat owner is not always the best thing for your goats. It is a matter of gleaming ideas from those who have walked the road before you and then implementing what will will work for you herd. I am glad we have a year under our "goat belt" because it gives us more confidence in ourselves, in regards to their well being. It has been a year of ups and downs for sure, but full of satisfaction for both of us. I think Lon will agree that we couldn't imagine our lives without them.

There are many benefits to owning dairy goats, to numerous to list, but having fresh milk is at the top of our list. But there can be challenges as well that can make it difficult at times. Like having to go out in sub-freezing temperatures to feed and check on them, busting frozen water buckets so they can have fresh water to drink, trimming hooves on feet that don't want to be touched, midnight labor checks on pregnant does, trying to figure out what is making one appear sick, milking with aging backs and hands, just to name a few. But don't let this discourage you from trying them out yourself. They are much easier to handle that cows, don't weigh as much ~ which is good if one ever steps on your foot, are better at converting feed into healthy nutrition, they learn their names and simple commands fairly quickly, are loving, and will wrap their place securely around your heart before you know it.

After adding 5 new kids this year it will be a challenge of our wills over our hearts to decide who will stay and who will find new homes. But we can't keep them all and I know that this time next year, will bring a whole new set of faces to be joyful over. Our plans are to put together a good herd of milkers to meet our personal needs here and give us enough excess to pursue some new interest. There is a multitude of things that can be done with their milk.

It's been a good year and we look forward to the future we our goat family in the years to come.

Wouldn't have traded it for nothing!

Deborah