You fellow goat lovers will be very envious to know I am sitting at the computer with a good cup of coffee and a new Nubian buckling, just a week old, sleeping on my lap. I never thought I'd get so weird that I would let the livestock in the house, but...he is a baby after all!

He is a Sand-Bur-Kids boy out of Glamour and Revelation. I am excited, because I saw these breeders at a show last year, watched them walk away with tons of ribbons, and drooled over their goats. Now, I have one! He is a big boy, long ears, nice topline, and should put the milk in my herd, which, as a cheesemaker, is what I want.

The breeders were very kind, and even took us out to dinner in town after milking chores were finished! We came away with a new buckling, but also new friends. A big bonus to buying from the really good breeders, is that they are so willing to educate you. They want to see you succeed with their herd names in your herd, it's good for them as well as you.

I have found the breeders who love their goats are so generous with advice and tips, that spending time with them is like going to a class. The Patnodes, who we bought "Handsome Rob" from, are doing extremely well in the show rings, and the Nationals in Spokane this past year proved that. I was happy to see that the does do just as well in the milkroom as the show ring. Next year, my husband said he will buy a doe for me from them. Can't wait!

So, if you are looking to get into goats, remember that you might as well feed, house, and vet a good goat as well as a poor goat. You will get more milk, more kids, and more ribbons and sales if you get and breed the best you can. This doesn't always mean the most expensive. Get subscriptions to Dairy Goat Journal, Caprine News, and join the on-line goat groups. Watch for show results, Linear Appraisal scores, etc. Send to ADGA for info packets and study the material inside, so you know what to look for. Visit a really good breeder in your area, even if you aren't ready to buy. You will see what "good" likes like, and find out what to look for and what to avoid. Buy the best you can afford, even if you have to save and wait. There are no guarantees, and always room for improvement, but it sure is hard to build a good herd if you start out with poor animals. A really good milk goat should do a great job in the milkroom, kidding pen, and the show ring.

I am going to go cuddle my new baby now!
Visit Sand-Bur-Kids to get a look at some nice goats.