In 2003, I took the leap from fast paced city living (in Miami) to a more wholesome rural lifestyle. I quit my job, sold my house, packed up my dogs and my pampered stabled horses and moved to Loxahatchee, Florida. Little did I know what would come next. Within a year, a macaw, an african grey, 2 more dogs, a pot belly pig, and 2 goats came to live here. And that is how my addiction to goats started. We are now up to 35 animals. chickens, ducks, turkeys, turtles, and cat round out the menagerie.
The goats became an integral part of my life, changed my life, and that's that.
Goodness Gracious ! Acres is the name I just fell in love with. We needed to "name" the farm in some way. And Goodness Gracious just seemed like the perfect fit. For me and my personality. When registering your goats with American Dairy Goat Association, you need a "herd" name. And what better way to start their names off with?
Goodness Gracious ! Acres
So, each doeling born starts off with Goodness Gracious __________.
Although we are in the suburbs of West Palm Beach, and only on an acre and a half, we are a working farm. We make goats milk soap, breed and sell goats, as well as chickens and eggs, hopefully soon cheeses and raw milk. Though raw milk sales are for pet food consumption only at this time. (The state of Florida does prohibit the sale for human consumption). And soon will combine my love of design with some items for sale with goats as the theme.
Originally, chosen for their looks. How could you not love those ears and that roman nose? But, as I gain experience realize what a good choice they are. Nubians are a hardy bunch. And perfect for Florida's hot weather. They are not seasonal breeders which is a good or bad thing depending... They are known for their HIGH butterfat content and high protein yields in their milk. Plus, they can average 6-10 lbs of milk per day. Perfect for making cheeses and soaps. They are a docile breed, though can be noisy. And the more I work with them The better it gets.
I just love my Nubey's.
Glades Ridge Noble Justice is my Herdsire. He is turning into a wonderful addition. Upon receiving him at 10 days old, one just doesn't know what he will produce. In 2009, he gave me 5 doelings under his parentage and we will be showing him and his daughters in the coming years. Wish us luck! I think we're going to do well. I just spoke with Noble's Breeder Joe Pietrangelo and he said, "Noble’s dam scored 88 with a mammary score of E. His sire scored 89. Those are 2009 scores. His dam is an excellent milker too, on an extended lactation. She last kidded in April, 2008 and is still milking about 5 pounds a day. Noble comes from a STRONG doe family. All of his dam’s sisters scored between 88 and 90 this year." Very exciting, as we are just getting his doelings at that age of breeding.
Delilah is my first goat (hence the "Delilah's Dairy moniker). Her milk is rich and creamy and most of my soaps come from her. She was my first goat. My favorite. My special little girl who got me started in my addiction to goating.
My goal is to produce structurally correct goats, with strong udders for solid milking year round. Hoping to add some tallness and a longer body for easier birthing. I am attracted to that kind of look. And so hope to breed along these lines. I want to bring them back to what some breeders call "the old style Nubians". Big nose. Long ears. Tall in stature. Overall, elegant by design.
All animals are raised free of vaccinations except what is forced by law. The herd is tested yearly for CAE (Caprine Arthritic Encephalitis) and Johnnes and we are negative. When they first come to my farm they are also tested for Brucellosis. All chickens are tested for Mareck's and psitticosis. I feed timothy & Alfalfa mixes. Or pure alfalfa to the goats. They get a daily ration of beet pulp, alfalfa pellets, black oil sunflower seeds, goat chow as well as free choice minerals and baking soda. They are wormed based on FAMACHA and fecal tests.
If you are interested in a future breeding, please give me a call.
Welcome!
JoJo Milano
Goodness Gracious ! Acres
ranchgal@comcast.net
