Goats

Our mischievous goats are always in a silly mood!

Our goats can be found often acting as landscapers, helping us manage our farmland by clearing paddocks overgrown with poison ivy, mugwort, and wild grape vines. They respond quickly to affection and are always eager for treats!

Saanen Goats are a prolific dairy production breed originating from Saanen Valley, Switzerland, arriving in the United States in 1904. They are one of the highest producing dairy breeds in the world, and are considered a foundational breed for all modern dairy goats. Many breeds are hybridized from Saanens to enhance production and hardiness. They are easily recognizable by their cream or white colored coats, sturdy builds, and upright ears. They have a friendly, gentle demeanor making them a great option for both small and large scale operations.

Nigerian Dwarf Goats are a breed of miniature dairy goat, but are more commonly kept as companion animals. These goats were brought to the USA between 1930 and 1950. They were once considered endangered by the Livestock Conservancy, but have since skyrocketed in population. Our Nigerian dwarf goats were graciously donated by Dilly’s Lavender Hill, located in Pine Bush, NY.

Nubian Goats are a highly recognizable heritage breed developed in the early 19th century. They are used for their high quality dairy production, with a high butterfat content and can be recognized by their distinctive long ears and “roman nose”.  They are a great choice for homesteaders due to their friendly nature.

American LaMancha Goats are one of the few heritage goat breeds created in the United States, created in 1927 by crossing small eared Spanish goats with established American dairy goats.  They were officially recognized as a heritage breed by the American Dairy Goat Association (AGDA) and Livestock Conservancy in 1958. They are known for their calm and protective demeanors, as well as their rich and creamy milk, which is great for making cheese. 

Goats are intermediate-ruminants, meaning like cattle and sheep they sport the 4-chambered stomach designed to break down hard-to-digest cellulose contained in grasses, but thrive best on a diverse diet including forages and woody plants with less cellulose. This makes them a smart and important agricultural tool for food production in very forested, high elevation, or arid landscapes unsuitable for crop and lush pasture growth. Goats are browsers, thriving on forage that grows at or above shoulder length like bushes, vines and low hanging tree branches. Due to their unique grazing habits, goats are often used to control unwanted plants like poison ivy, wild grape vines, and Himalayan blackberry while also providing humans with a food source in both meat and milk.

Adore our goats? Help care for them year-round! As a Fund-A-Friend Sponsor, your support helps provide essential food, veterinary care, and enrichment to keep them happy and healthy. Click here to learn more!