Goat keeping through the years

Ashley, our first Purebred Nubian doe 2010

Aiyana 2011

 --------I will likely add to this post off and on, as long as we have goats...-----------

John Henry /Double Dipper 2014

We've raised more than a few goats through the years.
We mainly raise our mixed Nubian goats for fresh dairy:  milk, yogurt, buttermilk, chevre, feta, mozzarella, ricotta.
We have eaten goat meat, but it's been a while (I can recommend goat processing by Fort  Valley State University SMALL RUMINANT CENTER).  If you like deer meat (I do), then you'd probably like goat meat.

2012

For a while now, we've sold our surplus live goats right off the homestead (Craigslist farm and garden ((Columbus, GA)) listings have worked well for us), so no extras left for eating.


Starting 2018, we had repeat goat customers.  Two had purchased bucks from us for breeding in years past, and wanted to repeat their success.  Several had purchased does for milk and/or breeding, and wanted more of the same.

I do enjoy meeting new goat folks.  But I am very much encouraged by seeing previously new goat friends coming back as happy repeat goat customer friends.

I prefer keeping our goat herd small:  ten or so, tops.  Although I have milked seven goats at morning milking, I prefer three or four at a time.  (I feel myself slowing down in recent years.)  This way some can be in milk, and some can be hanging around with the buck, for the next round of freshening.  In a perfect year (no issues with predators, parasites, weather catastrophes, budget constraints, stress, infertility, etc.), just as one half of the herd is drying off, the other half is freshening.  That has probably occurred once or twice in about 16 years.

We try to limit keeping the new kids.  I prefer us just keeping one or two doe kids (doelings) per year.  For the sake of diversity, I tend to not keep too many generations of one line.  If I really want to keep the new girl kid then I will probably sell her dam.  Not always every time.  Just a general guideline.

Emma & Grayson Spring 2019

If there is a very promising buck kid (buckling), then he's a keeper for a year or two.


We make sure to get a new buck (new genetics) every two years or so to prevent inbreeding.

Ideally we'll have two freshening seasons in a year:  a cool season and a warm season.  This keeps us in milk year round.  I'm a bit conflicted here.  On the plus side we don't have a dry period, and we'll suffer less through allergy or flu season.  On the minus side, we don't get a season of rest because we (usually me) milk goats every morning.  At peak flow (right after kidding) Bryant or Grace or Katie also milks at night.

I used to - scratch that - still do - tell folks that you can usually tell what book we're reading, or what show we're watching by what names the goat kids end up with.  In the interest of reducing attachment/limiting keepers, we keep a list of male & female names handy.  The keeper list stays short and the get rid of list (book / TV show characters we do not like) is long.

Donovan & Koa Autumn 2019

Autumn 2019

Merry Christmas 2013

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Grace's 2013 Highlights

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2012 Photo Highlights for Grace

Our Moments Christmas Card

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for Bryant and Sandra - a universally popular vegan soap recipe

DISCLAIMER:  FOLLOW STANDARD COLD PROCESS SOAP PROCEDURE (NOT TO BE ATTEMPTED BY NON-SOAPMAKERS).  WHEN MAKING SOAP YOU ARE WORKING WITH SODIUM HYDROXIDE, OR LYE, WHICH IS A CAUSTIC, DANGEROUS CHEMICAL.  WEAR PROTECTIVE SKIN, EYE & RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT & WORK IN A WELL-VENTILATED AREA.  AUTHOR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE OR INJURIES.

This is my original recipe.  If it ends up being close to someone else's, that is a happy coincidence.

Orange Cedarwood w/Moroccan Clay Vegan Soap

25.7 oz filtered water

9.8 oz lye

24 oz olive oil

23.8 oz organic palm oil

19.3 oz organic coconut oil

1.4 oz castor oil

1 oz raw organic cocoa butter

.6 oz shea butter

15 grams grapefruit seed extract

1 ounce Moroccan Clay **(see note below)**

Pure Essential Oils:

1.7 oz Orange Essential Oil

.3 oz Tangerine Essential Oil 

1 oz Cedarwood Essential Oil

**Note:  I've made this soap two different ways.  My preferred method is, after the lye is dissolved into the filtered water, I add the Moroccan Clay to the lye/water mix, stirring 'til dissolved.  This makes a uniform, consistently colored soap.

 

Another option is to add the clay after trace, to a portion of the base, then swirl this in.** 

Once I get the oils & butters measured & melted, I add the GSE to that, stirring well.

I stir periodically while I wait for the lye/water mix and the oil/butter mix to get to 100 degrees F.

I add the Pure Essential Oils at trace.

I let the soap goo insulate in molds for 2 to 3 days.  Then I  remove, cut & lay out to cure.  After 2 weeks I label.  Should be ready to use 3 weeks from original date of manufacture.  I label each bar, listing all ingredients & date of manufacture, weigh, wrap & then ship or hand deliver.

Matthew 23:26  Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.

2 Corinthians 7:1  Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

1 Kings 6:18  And the cedar of the house within was carved with knops and open flowers: all was cedar; there was no stone seen.


Isaiah 41:19  I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together:


Psalms 92:12  The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

Job 33:6  Behold, I am according to thy wish in God’s stead: I also am formed out of the clay.

Psalms 40:2  He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

Isaiah 29:16  Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter’s clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?

Isaiah 45:9  Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?

Isaiah 64:8  But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

Jeremiah 18:4  And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

for Lisa and Jill

DISCLAIMER:  FOLLOW STANDARD COLD PROCESS SOAP PROCEDURE (NOT TO BE ATTEMPTED BY NON-SOAPMAKERS).  WHEN MAKING SOAP YOU ARE WORKING WITH SODIUM HYDROXIDE, OR LYE, WHICH IS A CAUSTIC, DANGEROUS CHEMICAL.  WEAR PROTECTIVE SKIN, EYE & RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT & WORK IN A WELL-VENTILATED AREA.  AUTHOR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE OR INJURIES.

This is my original recipe.  If it ends up being close to someone else's, that is a happy coincidence.  

Vegan Extra Conditioning Soap

539 grams filtered water

197 grams lye

398 grams organic palm oil

458 grams organic coconut oil

11 oz castor oil

3.9 oz jojoba oil

2 oz sweet almond oil

2.9 oz raw organic cocoa butter

2.2 oz shea butter

5 grams grapefruit seed extract

5 grams Vitamin E oil

Once I get the oils & butters measured & melted, I add the GSE & Vitamin E oil to that, stirring well.

I stir periodically while I wait for the lye/water mix and the oil/butter mix to get to 100 degrees F.

I add the Pure Essential Oils at trace. 

I split this recipe as follows:

for Lisa S.

2/3 of base

21 grams Pure Lavender Essential Oil

for Jill 

1/3 of base

4 ml (or 1 dram) Pure Citronella Essential Oil

I let the soap goo insulate in molds for 2 to 3 days.  Then I  remove, cut & lay out to cure.  After 2 weeks I label.  Should be ready to use 3 weeks from original date of manufacture.  I label each bar, listing all ingredients & date of manufacture, weigh, wrap & then ship or hand deliver.

Psalms 19:12  Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.

Psalms 51:2  Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

Psalms 119:9  (BETH) Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

Ephesians 6:7  With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

for Paulette, Emily & Betsy

DISCLAIMER:  FOLLOW STANDARD COLD PROCESS SOAP PROCEDURE (NOT TO BE ATTEMPTED BY NON-SOAPMAKERS).  WHEN MAKING SOAP YOU ARE WORKING WITH SODIUM HYDROXIDE, OR LYE, WHICH IS A CAUSTIC, DANGEROUS CHEMICAL.  WEAR PROTECTIVE SKIN, EYE & RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT & WORK IN A WELL-VENTILATED AREA.  AUTHOR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE OR INJURIES.

This is my original recipe.  If it ends up being close to someone else's, that is a happy coincidence.  For the longest time, this was my absolute favorite.  Enjoy!

COBBLESTONE SOAP RECIPE
Takes a while, but worth it:  a wonderfully mild base, with subtle hints of peppermint, tea tree and lavender.  First I make the elements:

> Rhassoul Clay, Myrrh & Peppermint Vegan Soap
> Rhassoul Clay Tea Tree Vegan Soap
> Lavender Vegan Soap

I don't generally wait for the elements to cure for 3 weeks - just a few days.  Then I cut them however I like (I've used small heart shape cookie cutters, or just a knife, or even sometimes used a grater).  I really like the way this soap looks, smells & feels. Once I've got the elements ready, I make the base.

Cobblestone Soap Base

25.7 oz filtered water

9.9 oz lye

1 lb 6.8 oz olive oil

1 lb 7.2 oz organic palm oil

1 lb 4.4 oz organic coconut oil

1 oz sweet almond oil

1 oz castor oil

1 oz raw organic cocoa butter

1 oz shea butter

4 grams grapefruit seed extract

6 grams Vitamin E oil

Note:  After the lye is dissolved into the filtered water, I add the Rhassoul Clay & Myrrh to the lye/water mix, stirring 'til dissolved.

Once I get the oils & butters measured & melted, I add the GSE and Vitamin E oil to that, stirring well.

I stir periodically while I wait for the lye/water mix and the oil/butter mix to get to 100 degrees F.

Mixed into base at trace, generous chunks of:

• Rhassoul Clay Tea Tree Soap
• Rhassoul Clay & Myrrh Peppermint Soap
• Lavender Vegan Soap

I let the soap goo insulate in molds for 2 to 3 days.  Then I  remove, cut & lay out to cure.  After 2 weeks I label.  Should be ready to use 3 weeks from original date of manufacture.  I label each bar, listing all ingredients & date of manufacture, weigh, wrap & then ship or hand deliver.

Paulette likes "logs" to slice off bars as needed for herself and her family.  When I deliver a big block of soap to someone, I still give them a label & wrap their soap.  I also offer to email extra labels for them to print (and edit) as needed.

Matthew 23:23  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

Luke 11:42  But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

Ephesians 5:26  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

James 4:8  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

1 John 1:9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

a personal favorite with Peppermint and Myrrh

Disclaimer:  Follow standard cold process soap procedure (not to be attempted by non-soapmakers).  When making soap you are working with sodium hydroxide, or lye, which is a caustic, dangerous chemical.  Wear protective skin, eye & respiratory equipment & work in a well-ventilated area.  Author is not responsible for any damage or injuries.

This is my original recipe.  If it ends up being close to someone else's, that is a happy coincidence.

Rhassoul Clay, Myrrh & Peppermint Vegan Soap

25.6 oz filtered water

9.9 oz lye

23 oz olive oil

18.5 oz organic palm oil

24.5 oz organic coconut oil

2.6 oz almond oil

1.6 oz castor oil

1 oz raw organic cocoa butter

.7 oz shea butter

13 grams grapefruit seed extract

29 grams Rhassoul Clay

29 grams Myrrh powder

1 oz Peppermint Essential Oil

Note:  After the lye is dissolved into the filtered water, I add the Rhassoul Clay & Myrrh to the lye/water mix, stirring 'til dissolved.

Once I get the oils & butters measured & melted, I add the GSE to that, stirring well.

I stir periodically while I wait for the lye/water mix and the oil/butter mix to get to 100 degrees F.

I add the Pure Peppermint Essential Oil at trace. 

I let the soap goo insulate in molds for 2 to 3 days.  Then I  remove, cut & lay out to cure.  After 2 weeks I label.  Should be ready to use 3 weeks from original date of manufacture.  I label each bar, listing all ingredients & date of manufacture, weigh, wrap & then ship or hand deliver.

Genesis 37:25  And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.

Genesis 43:11  And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:

Matthew 2:11  And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

for Lou

Disclaimer:  

Follow standard cold process soap procedure (not to be attempted by non-soapmakers).  When making soap you are working with sodium hydroxide, or lye, which is a caustic, dangerous chemical.  Wear protective skin, eye & respiratory equipment & work in a well-ventilated area.  Author is not responsible for any damage or injuries.

This is my original recipe.  If it ends up being close to someone else's, that is a happy coincidence.

Lou's Vegan Lavender Soap

25.7 oz Lou's well water

9.9 oz lye

1 lb 7.8 oz olive oil

1 lb 7.8 oz organic palm oil

1 lb 4.6 oz organic coconut oil

1 oz sweet almond oil (?)

1 oz raw organic cocoa butter

1.2 oz shea butter

4 grams grapefruit seed extract

6 grams Vitamin E oil

1.7 oz lavender essential oil

Once I get the oils & butters measured & melted, I add the GSE and Vitamin E oil to that, stirring well.  

I stir periodically while I wait for the lye/water mix and the oil/butter mix to get to 100 degrees F.  

I add the Pure Lavender Essential Oil at trace.

I have used this recipe as is, and other times included 1 ounce finely ground dried lavender buds.  Some folks like scratchy texture, some like creamy smooth.  Lou likes creamy smooth.  Yes, you can use filtered water in place of Lou's well water.  

I let the soap goo insulate in molds for 2 to 3 days.  Then I  remove, cut & lay out to cure.  After 2 weeks I label.  Should be ready to use 3 weeks from original date of manufacture.  I label each bar, listing all ingredients & date of manufacture, weigh, wrap & then ship or hand deliver.  Lou likes nice big chunks, to slice off bars as needed for herself and her family.  When I deliver a big block of soap to someone, I still give them a label & wrap their soap.  I also offer to email extra labels for them to print (and edit) as needed.

1 Corinthians 2:12  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

I Choose Joy and Contentment

Deuteronomy 30:19  I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

As is often the case when someone I know dies, I have been thinking more than usual about my life, my choices, my time, where I’ve been, where I am, where I’m going and what matters to me most.

Back in the early 1990’s, my family consisted of my husband, our oldest daughter and me.  We had some folks visiting that told me (when my husband & daughter were not present) I was wasting my life and my talents, and how disappointed they were.  I was stunned by our visitors' opinion (and that’s what it was – an opinion), but managed to sputter out that I thought my husband and our daughter and our home were the most important parts of my life and I thought putting all my best energy & efforts towards them was not a waste of time.  I don’t know if they heard me; they kept tsk-tsking and shaking their heads.

This was one of those milestone events that pushed me into taking a very hard look at myself & my life.  Did I mean what I said?  Did I really believe that being a wife, a mom, a neighbor, a friend was what I wanted to spend my life on?  I concluded that yes, I meant what I said.

I still believe this to be the case – many years & two more daughters later.

At this point in my life I am less bothered by the opinions of the nay-sayers in my life.  These nay-sayers are always going to be one of the less pleasant aspects of relationships.  But they are certainly entitled to their opinion; and frankly, I’m thankful they feel comfortable being honest with me about their thoughts.  I am also thankful the Lord has been gracious to gift me with the blessing of rest and sleep, most of time.  I don’t lose sleep worrying over not living up to others’ expectations.  However if I felt I was disappointing the Lord Jesus, I would indeed be too troubled for rest or sleep, as has been the case off & on over the years.  I hope & pray the Lord continues to prompt, prick or poke my conscience when I am in need of correction!!

Life is short.  I don’t want to waste whatever time I have (be it four score more, or just another day) in bitterness over lost opportunities, in sorrow over hurt feelings or a broken heart, in longing over unfulfilled relationship(s), or in a mean-spirited state of unforgiveness.  It is my hope & prayer that God will continue to be gracious towards me, and continue to show me where He would have me to focus my time, to continue to correct me when I go astray (inside & out), and to keep me from wagging my finger or my attitude at others’ faults – and remind me that’s between them & the Lord.

And I pray the Lord grants me His grace and His love, and helps me to pray as I ought to pray for these folks; I ask the Lord to help me to point them to Him, and not be a stumblingblock in their walk. 

Deuteronomy 30:19  I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

Joshua 24:15  And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Job 9:14  How much less shall I answer him, and choose out my words to reason with him?

Job 34:4  Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good.

Job 34:33  Should it be according to thy mind? he will recompense it, whether thou refuse, or whether thou choose; and not I: therefore speak what thou knowest.

Proverbs 1:29  For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:

Proverbs 3:31  Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.

Isaiah 7:15  Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.

Isaiah 7:16  For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.

Philippians 1:22  But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.

Nahum 1:7  The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

Isaiah 58:11  And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

Titus 2:14  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

James 4:8  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Psalms 51:10  Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Psalms 73:1  « A Psalm of Asaph. » Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.

Proverbs 27:7  The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

Jeremiah 2:19  Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

Ephesians 4:31  Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

Hebrews 12:15  Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

James 3:11  Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

James 3:14  But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Galatians 5:23  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Galatians 5:24  And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Galatians 5:25  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Ecclesiastes 5:12  The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.

Psalms 90:12  So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Hebrews 4:12  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Ezekiel 18:30  Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.

Matthew 3:2  And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Revelation 3:19  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Psalms 51:11  Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

Isaiah 63:10  But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.

Isaiah 63:11  Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him?

Luke 11:13  If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Ephesians 1:13  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Ephesians 4:30  And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

1 Thessalonians 4:8  He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

Matthew 23:23  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

Luke 11:42  But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

2 Corinthians 2:15  For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: