Pasture Management
We strive to produce fast growing kids on lush vegetation with only mineral supplements, early spring through the first frost of the winter. We want our goats grazing high vegetation. Here in east Texas the hot and humid weather make worms a problem in overcrowded farms. We run a fraction of the number of goats we could, but we prefer low numbers with healthier animals. Remember, the worst thing for an animal species is more of the same. One of the benefits about our herd management program is by grazing different species together it helps keep worm populations reduced. The same is true for our dairy and meat cows. We keep our herd numbers low in comparison to the land we have, therefor guarding against health problems and grass shortages due to drought. A well managed farm plans for the worst and does not overgraze.
Breeding Philosophy
We want does and cows with good mothering instincts and good udders that are well attached and have good capacity. We must have animals that raise their young without help from us. We cull animals that walk away from their young. One of the reasons we have a Gelbveigh bull for our meat herd is that we love the mothering instincts and milk production of the Gelbveigh breed, Just like with our Jerserys, they must have good udders! Of course we also breed for conformation, good feet and legs and worm resistance.
Feeding
We creep feed our kids and calves. Other than winter, our adult goats and cows flourish on grass, weeds, vines, trees, and shrubs. We keep a high magnesium content mineral available at all times. The magnesium prevents bloat when you run on lush vegetation. We keep our animals in excellent body condition. Of course the exception is our lactating dairy cows, and does when they need it, which are feed Purina high energy all natural creep feed ,good for cows, calves, goats, even horses.
