The (2023) Kids are Here!

Sam with the 2023 kids.

Another kidding season has been completed with 65 kids being born and almost all of them surviving this wet winter.  Some of you may remember last year’s totals.  The total number of kids born is much lower because of a reduction in my breeding doe herd size.  Inflation, drought, and changes in operational management are the reasons for this adaption. 

Inflation and drought are wreaking havoc on the entire California Agricultural community.  As a Nevada County Farm Bureau member, I see daily reports on how devastating inflation, drought, and poor water management have left formerly fertile agricultural areas in California fallow.  The consequence is felt by my goat business as my winter hay price is almost $32.00 per bale!  Shavings for bedding is up 10% over last year, and I’m having trouble getting grain at $20.00 per bag!  

To adapt, I have reduced the number of bred does I keep through the winter and also started a herd of wethers (non-breeding male goats).  Gestating does (pregnant female goats) have very high nutritional requirements.  Additionally, the requirement for shelter (protection from the environment) is higher too.  Carrying a smaller number of bred does reduces my feed costs, shelter expenses, and bedding needs.  Wethers’ nutritional needs are half of those of a pregnant doe and they can tolerate far more extreme weather conditions than gestating or lactating goats.  

Fortunately, my smaller breeding herd triples in size every year.  The combination of new kids, does, replacement stock, and wethers will provide more than enough goats to keep the vegetation under control at Lake Wildwood.  I will be starting the grazing season by moving goats to the back 40 off Minnow Way in March (weather permitting).  Very soon you should be able to see goats and wildflowers blooming in the same area.