All of our goats are registered with the American Dairy Goat Association.  They are all of the breed LaMancha.  We have been caretakers for these magnificent animals for about 8-9 years now (meaning in the big scheme of goat breeders, we are neophytes).  Every so often I look on the ADGA website and see what stats might be out there on them.  I know in a day to day, week to week, and year to year basis that they are great girls, giving 110% every day of their life, but sometimes I stop to reflect on how they “measure up” to others in the registry.  Now in no way do I mean to imply they are super, above all others, or anything remotely near that.  I have some awesome mentors out there who have forgotten way more than I will ever know.  What I do find, is the girls hold their own.  I am proud of them every day.  When I look them up, I feel a few words of recognition are earned.

Working Moms

Samson

Today is one of those days.

We have 4 does on the Elite Doe list:  Zia, Opal, Topaz, & Victoria.  Elite doe status is awarded to does in the top 5% of their breed category.

Opal & Her Quints

We have 13 (of our 20 milkers) with their Superior Genetics ratings: Joe Zell, Zia, Pearl, Wynona, Ditto, Opal, Zanna, Eliza, Naomi, Topaz, Yasmin, Zuppa, & Victoria.  Superior Genetics is awarded to does in the top 15% of their breed category.

And one of our bucks: Samson has his +*B-also an excellent rating. Samson is not our breeding, so thank you Just As I  Am for him!

This does not just happen.  We participate in DHIA milk test annually and have linear appraisal done on our animals every 2 years.  We are as committed to the quality of our animals as we are to the quality of our cheeses.  It all goes hand in hand.