| In 2000, my family
and I decided to fix up the place, with the intention to sell it. We formulated a
plan to remove the unwanted trees and brush and to rebuild the fences. A bulldozer went to
work pushing down the old scrappy trees and brush, and shortly thereafter we rebuilt the
fence. Now, since we were not able to be there all the time the question came up,
"How do we keep this place clean?" As it turned out GOATS were the
answer. Our venture into the goat business began with 30 or so, just to clean up the brush. I soon realized that there was much more to this adventure and the potential lay there waiting for someone to do something. Since then, we have built a state of the art goat barn (Pictures) complete with insulation and built-in, permanent kidding pens. There are nine kidding pens, one sick pen for isolation and a creeper for the kids. The entrances are setup to allow for four separate areas of shelter, along with dual entrances into a crowding pen for worming. The tops of the kidding pens are layered to allow for hay storage throughout the area, giving the goats something to munch on at night time. In January 2002, we started plowing the north 40 (28 acres) to allow for planting of a permanent summer grass (we selected Tifton 85). Then we cross fenced this area into 4 separate paddocks, thus allowing for rotation of the grazing, as well as a pasture to cut and bale hay for the winter. The south 40 (12 acres) is where the house and barns sit. This area is also divided into two separate pastures, one of which is a five acre tract we are using for winter crops of rye, oats and clover. This years (2002-2003) we had 91 kids total, losing 5 of them within 3 days for whatever reason. Therefore we are ready to sell about 100 animals of all percentages 50% thru fullbloods. See our Sale page. In addition to the goats, we have since added five guard animals, four Great Pyrenees dogs named Thelma and Louise, Bommie and Miss Kitty to go along with the border collie Chester. One Jennet named Melecia and a barn cat named Checkers. We also have 2 horses. Mariah and Sonny. Now, when my dad comes to visit, he claims I don't have a ranch, I have a petting zoo! Anyone have an elephant to trade for a goat? My only regret at this point of the never ending story is that the people in Louisiana got to their name before we did... You know: the Neverdone Ranch. What a joy of a lifestyle!!! |