Dairy Goats: The Beginning

Kelsey joined 4H in 2019, her first projects were cake decorating, photography and dairy goats. I cannot completely remember why we decided on goats or any animal for 4H, since it isn’t necessary to own or show animals to be a part of 4H. To be honest, I was likely looking for an excuse to own any animal and our town has an exception about owning livestock. So long as the animal is a 4H (or FFA) project they are allowed within city limits.

 I love animals of all shapes and sizes as does Drew (though he pretends he doesn’t enjoy all these critters, but he can’t fool me 😉 ) and the children love them too. Anyway, I know we asked Kelsey what she wanted to raise and while she liked the idea of rabbits she decided on goats. Drew and I started on plans for the goat pen and doing research on breeds of goats as well as how to care for them.

Our options for breeds were Alpine, Guernsey, LaMancha, Nigerian Dwarf, Nubian, Oberhasli, Saanen, Sable and Toggenburg. We spent time looking at the ADGA website, comparing traits and adorableness (very important to have adorable goats, right?), Kelsey was leaning towards the Nubian breed. I also appreciate the Nubian breed; they have super long ears and are considered the loudest but also very sweet. However, we pointed out to Kelsey that we only have a quarter acre so it would be better to get the smallest breed, the Nigerian Dwarf. Plus, trying to imagine our little Kelsey (she has always been a tiny child, as in sometimes she needed an anchor on windy days, just in case*) leading around these large goats was a bit nerve racking.

That first county fair when we were able to see goats in action, she was sold on the Nigerian Dwarf breed. Even after deciding on the breed, it took us several years to acquire any goats. We were set on having the goat pen completely built before buying any. Although, due to our inexperience with building and not really knowing where to go to get the “right” goat held us back.

Kelsey didn’t completely go without handling goats during those early 4H years. When a goat owner has more than one goat in the same class they need extra handlers. On several occasions during county fairs Kelsey was able to help some lovely goat owners show their goats. Each time she would get more excited to have her own.

*For the record we “anchored” Kelsey by holding her hand on windy days, it really would push her around. ⚓