As I stand here looking out the kitchen window, watching the herd move about the grazing pasture, my heart is warmed by all the memories we share together. Did you know that 60% of our herd is 8 years plus? That all but 4 traveled across the country from California to Tennessee?! We have had all of these goats, except for one, since conception. Most of these girls were the first or second kids to ever be born onto our farms. This herd is our family .
I remember the day Skye and Reign were born. I had never been through a kidding with Storm so I was a bit nervous, but of course she handled it like a champ. Twin girls! I was so excited!! And of course they were perfect in every way and have been ever since. They will turn 9 this year.
My Luna…sweet, beautiful Luna Moon. She was born to Angilou along with Ethyl Belle. They were born on a wet, stormy night in Tollhouse. Angilou came about 4 days early and caught me off guard. I had a feeling and upon going out to check, found 3 kids on the ground, sopping wet and cold. Angilou was trying her best to get them inside, but sadly, one didn’t make it. Luna and Ethyl Belle grew strong and eventually Ethyl went to a friends farm in Clovis…Luna Moon stayed with us…she is probably my favorite. (shhh…dont tell the other goats). Luna will also turn 9 this year.
Next comes Joy….yes, the superstar of the herd! Joy is Luna’s daughter…she was a bottle baby. She was and is Joshua’s girl. The two of them are inseparable. Its borderline creepy. We always say that Joy is Joshua with hooves. That young man loves his Sweet Ivy Joy.
Speaking of Joshua…his other love is his UDD Kid Diego. Going on 8 years old, Diego is our senior breeding buck. He has sired many, stunning kids for us over the years. He is our bubby for sure. I doubt Josh will ever part with him. He is a big guy weighing in at just over 300lbs, but his heart is even bigger than that. Josh will tell you that he is a lover, not a fighter.
Of course we can’t leave out Phat Angie! By far the healthiest goat we have ever owned! Nothing and I mean nothing gets Angie down. She is strong as an ox and about the size of one! Angie belongs to our oldest son, Kyle. They’ve always had a weird bond.
Angie also will be turning 9.
Now of course we have a whole other group of newbies that we cherish just as much as the oldies. They are the sons and daughters of our seniors and they are as beautiful and elegant as their parents. I often wonder that as my herd begins to retire, will I retire with them? After losing Meghan and Storm last year, I felt rather done. These goats and I have grown up together. They and their parents taught me how to be a goat farmer. I do love them all so very much. History matters to me and these goats and I have one heck of a history together!
Suzanne
