| The herd consists
of purebred, registered LaManchas. This breed was chosen for their dairy
character with excellent fat and protein contents. Monthly milk tests are
conducted through the Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) which
verifies milk component parts. Registration is through the American Dairy
Goat Association (ADGA). Additionally, all animals are appraised annually
through ADGA. This rates them as compared with other LaManchas across the
country. And, these goats are just plain enjoyable! The are hardy,
intelligent animals with unique personalities. The herd name is "Texas
Girl" goats. Rhonda chose this name to continue her association with
"home" even though far away. The goat dream is Rhonda's. She got her first goats in April of 2002, a mother and doe kid pair. This was supposed to just be the family milk. But this was infectious. The following September, Rhonda added two more bred does ... As of December 2004, there are currently eleven bred does awaiting milk production for Spring. There are also three willing bucks to do their willing part of the plan. So it's not hard to see there are already more kids than the farm can use. Contact Rhonda if interested in these magnificent animals! Our current breeding program consists of fall breeding with spring kidding. While this keeps with the goats' natural cycles, it also provides for projected milk needs and allows a milking break for the milker, Rhonda. Does are typically dry (not in milk production) from approximately Christmas through Valentine's Day. During this time, they are happily ruminating and gestating. The feeding program has been very well thought out, tried out, and evolved. While we are not organic, we are natural as we can be -- no hormones of any kind are ever given. There is a high emphasis on prevention and health. All hay is of the highest quality available. They are given alfalfa hay from Eastern Washington as well as pea hay from Skagit Valley. The grain ration is a collaborative recipe which is custom mixed by Conway Feed, the local feed mill. All feed runs must meet Rhonda's exacting standards. |
Click on any of the pictures below to see a larger version:
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| 2006 Bucks | Ready to go | On the milk stand |
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| Lucy the Redhead | Twin Sister Lily | 2006 Doelings |
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| More 2006 Bucklings | "Willie" | Nursery Barn |
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| Handsome Fella | Lucky Bucklings | "Schwartz" |
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| Babies Everywhere! | The lead and #2 are "my" LaMancha wethers on a hunting trip in Idaho. | "My" pack goat in Idaho |