One Fine Acre - 2023 4H Steer Project Update

babsbag said:

While some goats won't breed easily when it is hot the temperature isn't what sends them into rut; it is the daylight hours. So why are all the bucks showing signs of rut early this year? Daylight hours are the same this year as they were last year.

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The past week and a half here i have noticed it has been "dark" when we get up so here at least the days are appearing shorter quite suddenly.

I didn't give an update last month on our milk testing, we just got the results back from our 4th monthly test. Opal a FF was 143 days in milk and Shea another FF was 104 days in milk. All of the others are in between that range.
Some good and some bad. I'll give the bad first.
I had said that Ginger, Zamia, Cocoa and Taffy would have to take dive off of the cliff to not get a star on volume. Well, Zamia and Ginger have taken a dive.
Zamia's output went down after the Memorial Day show. We did fecals and she had some worms and she got a little anemic. We have treated her and her output is going back up. She is still on track to get her star on volume, and is trending upward.
Ginger didn't go to the National Show, but when they had been gone for a few days, she went off of feed. No parasites and nothing we could really find wrong with her except the fact that two of her daughters were gone. She has always been very sensitive. A little baking soda and yogurt and she went back on feed and then when the others came home she has gotten better. We haven't gotten her production back up yet in this heat, but still feel good. She is just outside of getting the star in volume.
Cocoa has gone down a little. Taffy as of now is on track to be our top volume goat.

The good news.
Rosemary wasn't on track to get a star on volume but her output has increased nicely and now she is. She is also the top fat produer.

And here is the biggest good news. All of our does on test including our FF are on track to get milk stars on fat production

In fact, Zamia and Rosemary will likely hit the number next month.
They each need to produce 24 lbs in 305 days to get their star and Zamia produced 20 in 120 days, and Rosie produced 20 in 124 days. They are both at 6%

Opal needs 21lbs in 305 days and has produced 13lbs in 143

Our best goats still have a chance to get stars in all 3 categories, volume, fat, and protein.

We have always gotten great results in making cheese. We have some good fat producers.

With the shows, schedules and weather it is amazing they are doin as well as they are.
This heat is really having an affect on so many as far as milk production.

We are definitely not taking milkers to the Mountain State Fair
We may not take them to the State Fair either.
At this point, the best thing on Zamia's resume is a milk star. If we can get it in all 3 categories that's even better.
She could also be in top 15 percent in fat and get that SG to go in front of the CH

I have heard of chasing moonbeams but your girls are chasing stars...hope they catch them.

So I sold the camper I got in May
Couldn't help myself
It was worth more than I paid and a little work turned a nice little profit
I needed the cash any way
A really nice 2 year old buck became available
He isn't exactly cheap
Unless something goes bad getting him on Sunday
More to follow

Well good for you! You've been hinting at this buck for a while. Glad it's coming through for you. You'll prob get a chance at another trailer next year if you really want one. They're out there.

When the deal is done we need pictures, pictures, pictures.... Did I mention we'd like to see pictures!

Latestarter said:

Well good for you! You've been hinting at this buck for a while. Glad it's coming through for you. You'll prob get a chance at another trailer next year if you really want one. They're out there.

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Hey
He's polled
Of course that's not why I'm
Getting him

frustratedearthmother said:

When the deal is done we need pictures, pictures, pictures.... Did I mention we'd like to see pictures!

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Trust me
There will be pictures
He is striking
His dam is an Elite doe 1100 lb milker
His paternal grand dam is an Elite doe 1100 lb milker