Meat Goat Blog

Drought Makes Feeding Grain a Necessity

Opposed as we are to feeding grain and supplements to the livestock, the lack of rain this year has forced our hands. As with most ranches in the Oklahoma area, the lack of water killed off the forage that would have sustained our livestock for the rest of the winter months. Right now we're having to feed about half a pound of grain per head every day to keep all the pregnant does from getting run down.

We feel very fortunate that we are able to hold on to our herd during this difficult time. Many ranches have been forced to sell their breeding stock for slaughter, just to keep them from starving. The majority of these ranchers will start all over again in the spring, using brand new stock.

So, while we don't like doing it, when most of the property has turned to dust and rock, something has got to give and we feel very blessed that we are able to hang on to our herd's genetics - even if it does mean using a little bit of grain.

Goats Make Great Training Partners For Young Horses

Goats have many uses from brush control to food to milk. In our drought stricken area, just keeping the undergrowth cleared is a huge benefit. Of course, most of us like to eat and goat meat is good stuff. But we use our goats for training young horses. The goats tend to move away from other animals and they rarely go in a straight line for long. The meadering and wandering is a great way to teach a young horse to neck rein. The horse will naturally follow the goats. Each time the herd turns, the horse will soon follow along.We apply the reins against the horse's neck before he naturally turns. Pretty soon the horse knows how to neck rein and the goats helped.

When you work in agriculture in today's environment, every aspect needs to be considered. Leveraging the benefits of different livestock is just one more reason we like a goat herd. Brush control, food, income, horse training, and don't forget - plain old good fun!

Goats For Christmas; You Gotta Be Kidding!

We aren't  kidding, not until late January! Goats  make a  Christmas present your spouse will never forget. Think about it, how many times have you heard someone say, " I got goats for Christmas. " You could be the one everyone is talking about and the remarkable gift you gave. Got to admit, you are guaranteed to get an A+ for trying to find something different than the purse or tie you gave last year. Ordering  goats for Christmas is a great gift idea and also one that doesn't have to stop with giving. Goats do reproduce! But, you have to have at least two of them. If we can help with your goat herd or if you need marital advice, just give us a call. Merry Christmas!