Howdy!

[JimOwens]

We're deep in the pineywoods of East Texas. I currently have two hives, but hoping to expand over the next couple of years up to nine hives. We also just moved on the outskirts of town and now have almost 7 acres, so we're hoping to add dairy goats to the mix sometime soon!

 

[Baymule]

Where about in the deep Piney Woods? I’m in Trinity county between Crockett and Lufkin.
Welcome to the forum. I raise Katahdin sheep.

 

[JimOwens]

I'm just outside of Lufkin! We've always wanted to do sheep as well, but dairy goats are the priority for now as they will get us the ag exemption on property tax. Do you have an issue with predators with your flock?

 

[Baymule]

I have 2 Anatolians, no predator problems. I’m on 25 acres 9 miles from Apple Springs. What breed of goats do yall have?

 

[JimOwens]

Don't have goats just yet, hopefully by the end of year. Just got the woods mulched so we can get a feel for lay of the land (we had a thicket of yaupon and green briers!). Next is putting up fencing. Will probably fence off the woods and pasture separately, and maybe further divide so we can rotate between paddocks. Would like to visit someone that has breeds we're interested in so I can get a feel for what works vs what doesn't as far as setup goes. Trying to decide between Saanen and Nubian. Saanen sounds little easier to maintain, and not as loud; but we also want to make cheese and butter, so maybe a couple of Saanen and then one Nubian for the higher fat content?

 

[Baymule]

I’ll buy some milk from you!
@Mini Horses has Saanen
@frustratedearthmother dont you have some Nubians?

 

[canesisters]

Welcome to the forum, from VA

 

[Mini Horses]

Yes, Saanen and SaanenXNubian. Saanen generally produce quantity, delicious milk. They ARE quieter & calmer overall. Nubian has only a slight more cream, only a little more vocal.

I make cheese with the milk & yogurt, cajeto, ice cream, soaps. Plenty of cream for that. The heavy cream is ND but, then you've got buck issues -- plus unless from a really good milk line, I wasn't happy with quantity & tiny teats. It's a personal choice. Tried butter. I have a cream separator. Lovely cream but, butter is not tasty like fresh cow cream butter. Rather bland.

Weaned some kids & back to milking this week. A lot depends on how much milk you want. A Saanen can easily provide 1.5-2 gal a day. Plus, they do have a long lactation. I've had some that were hard to dry off! So 18-24 months to milk thru is possible with feed & care. May have some reduction in quantity but if you don't want to keeps bucks all the time, it's a consideration

Can you tell I love my goats?

Oh, yeah...I also have several Boer. Because the dairy girls are full sized (& have more than I want to milk), I cross breed to those bucks. Simply because the kids grow well & bring more at sales, or more freezer fill. I have access to full Saanen bucks, if I want pure dairy kids. See the options?

 

[CLSranch]

Howdy and welcome from NE OK. I don't have goat fence but I do have a couple of hives that really need/could be split into 5 this year and still grow well.

 

[fuzzi]

Welcome, from eastern NC. I currently just have bantams but goats are planned. As I've only a third acre it's going to just be a couple goats, for weed control.