Herd Health

Herd health is extremely important to us.  We manage our herd by starting with animals that are physically and nutritionally sound with strong immune systems.  Any new animals brought onto the farm are quarantined before entry into the main herd. Does are seldom brought in although we do regularly bring in outside bucks to improve the genetic base of the herd. The entire herd (including all does, bucks and kids) is tested annually right before kidding season for CAE.  We have a herd that has never had any indication of Johnes or CL.  With shows and occasional exports, we have tested animals for TB, Brucellosis, Johnes and CL with negative results.  Because of our herd health, we occasionally dam raise kids but the majority of our kids are bottle fed.

Because we're located in the southern Appalachian mountains, our climate can go from extreme cold in the winter to extreme heat in the summer with rain and wet and mud a constant.  Our barn is open and "breathes" and the does have constant access to pasture and fresh water.  Our land is steep and the walking they do up and down our mountain side keeps them well exercised and in good shape.  The girls eat a custom blend of a milking dairy goat ration and have free choice local alfalfa as well as the hands-on TLC of a family that loves and respects them.  All this leads to a milking line of does that are strong, healthy and productive.  We love our animals and we greatly appreciate how hard they work for us.