Boer Goats
The Boer goat is a relative newcomer to North America, arriving in the United States in the 1990s. Known for its high meat-to-bone ratio, the Boer is considered one of the premier meat goat breeds in the world.
Boer goats also make excellent companions to cattle, horses, and sheep, helping turn rough pasture into productive grassland. They eagerly browse brush, multiflora rose, and other plants that many livestock species ignore.
Did You Know?
- Up to 75% of the world's population eats goat meat.
- From September 2022 to September 2023, the United States imported more than $94 million in sheep and goat products.
- According to USDA data, goat meat is lower in calories, fat, and cholesterol than chicken, beef, or pork.
- In recent years, live-weight market prices for goats have often exceeded those of beef cattle.
My Herd
I've been raising Boer goats since 2002. After many years of breeding registered stock, my focus shifted to developing a strong commercial herd.
Over more than 20 years of selective breeding, I have worked to build a herd that is:
- Hardy and pasture-oriented
- Easy to handle
- Strong in maternal instincts
- Structurally sound with good conformation
- Full of color and personality
My does are all fullblood or purebred Boers. I make every effort to be present for each kidding and to handle the kids from birth. One of the things I am most proud of is how often visitors tell me that my goats are the friendliest they've ever seen.
I believe in practical, low-stress management. I do not subject my goats to unnecessary testing or procedures, and the only vaccine I administer is CD&T.
The 2026 Kid Crop
The 2026 kid crop has produced some of the best kids I've ever had hit the ground. I am very excited to watch them grow and develop. Captain's influence is evident not only in their color but also in their impressive thickness and growth.
Looking Ahead to 2027
I am equally excited about the 2027 kid crop.
This year I added Kedar, a black registered Boer buck who, at only 11 months old, is already showing tremendous potential. He will be bred to several of Captain's retained daughters, and I have high expectations for the offspring from these crosses.
Why Goats?
Goats have wonderful personalities and can make excellent companions. My girls come running when they hear me and are always eager to "help" with whatever project I'm working on in the pasture.
One thing goats do require is excellent fencing. Without it, you'll quickly discover just how creative they can be! Here, I use sheep and goat woven wire fencing with wooden posts. The small mesh openings prevent adult goats from getting their heads stuck, which is especially important since all of my goats have horns. (The little ones can still fit through, so daily checks are a must.)
Personally, I have never had much success containing goats with standard electric fencing, so I don't recommend it unless you're using electric netting such as Premier1.
Whether you have one acre or one hundred, goats can be a smart addition to a farm or homestead. They can provide meat, milk, and companionship while requiring significantly fewer inputs than cattle. Their manure, much like rabbit manure, can be applied directly to gardens without composting, helping improve soil fertility quickly.
Questions?
Feel free to reach out. I love talking goats!
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