Meat Goat Blog

Post Oak Contact Information

Occasionally folks want to contact us for information about our goats, their goats, or upcoming events we know about. For anyone wanting to contact us by e-mail, you can send a message to steve@postoak.us or matt@postoak.us. We will gladly reply at our first opportunity. We really appreciate the many wonderful comments from those of you who read and follow the Meat Goat Blog and thank you!!!

A Job I Couldn't Do

    A couple days ago, we were approached by a man who hoped to buy some goat milk to settle his stomach. Being a strictly meat operation, we suggested other options. Milking 120 goats 2 times a day 7 days a week, 365 days a year, sounds like a tough job!!! We definitely appreciate those brave souls who are dedicated enough to wake up in the early morning and do it though.

Leaving the Nest

 
 We're always amazed how fast our little babies transform into big, self sufficient does.

Our Source of Color

While color should not be the focus in selecting quality goats, if all other desired characteristics are present, a little extra color sure livens things up. But how do you get it? Color, like any other genetic trait, can be sort of flukey. For example, Samson, our 100% New Zealand Kiko herd sire is white all over but will often throw colored kids. Similarly our Purebred Kiko buck, Roman Ruler, has beautiful markings and throws his color even with the plainest does. While color is good, herd sires also pass down more important traits such as: parasite resistance, twin production, and even mothering abilities. This is why having a good herd sire is SO important.

Can't AFFORD to Sell Goats

Like many Oklahoma goat ranchers this year, we have been blessed by a significant increase in the price of goats. In fact, we have received SO much interest in our prime breeding stock that there aren't many left that we could let go of. While all the sales are good for economics, we want to have enough goats to be in business next year.

Do You Want This Guy On Your Payroll?

 
You'd be sleepy too if you spent the night chasing coyotes!!!

The Dilemma: To Keep or Sell?

This doe is the perfect example of a goat ranchers' retension decision making process. She is starting to age for breeding purposes. But she routinely raises twins that are healthy and hearty. She has good parasite resistance and an easy keeper. The question of whether to sell her now while she has value or keep rolling the dice to see how many additional years are left is tough. With this one, the decision has been made to keep her and see if we get another set of twins like these. Some does have kids up to 12 or 13 years old, but most stop by 8 years. Only time will tell if this was the right choice.

Does Kid In The Brush

 
A lot of our does kid in the brush and then rejoin the herd with their new kids. This doe was photographed bringing her new baby back to the group. Kidding away from the other goats seems to make sense. Once the kids are just  4 or 5 hours old, many of the mothers have them in the herd.

102 Degrees Change in One Week

If there was ever a doubt that Oklahoma goats need to be adaptable, last week proved it. Temperatures went from minus 22 to 80 degrees in seven days. A temperature change that dramatic means goats have to be ready to adjust quickly. 

The goats prefer the warm weather and I assure you we do!!!

Spring Is Almost Here!!

This doeling is glad to see the sun shine and the snow melt. This kid could melt your heart and the snow!