The Goats at Dream Catcher Ranchito

Boer Goats
Just Love Those Goats!

Come on now, how often have you even thought about goats? Why should you? Most of you have been city slickers, like me, all of your life!

Maybe you have seen or eaten goat cheese? Perhaps, there are some health conscious, daring souls who have even tried raw goat's milk. And then, everyone's heard the rumor that goats will eat anything and everything in sight (by the way, it's true!). That's all a good start!

A Few Fun Goat Facts
Did You Know?

More than 70% of the world's population eats goat meat. The U.S. and Canada are just beginning to join the rest of the world. All across this continent people are accepting the fact that goat meat (chevon) is a lean, healthy and delicious alternative to beef, lamb or pork.

There are more than two million registered goats in the U.S.? Most reside in rural or semi-rural communities. Children love goats so there are large numbers of them in 4-H and other show arenas. Once you become more aware of goats, you will begin to see them in fields, pastures and backyards as you travel around.

Dairy goats produce millions of gallons of milk every year? Goat milk is loaded with essential proteins, fatty acids and digestive enzymes not present in processed milk of any kind. It is one of the healthiest foods one can put into their body! (There's nothing, and I mean nothing, like fresh, unprocessed goat's milk!)

Boer goats come from South Africa. The earliest recording of Boer goats dates back as early as 1200 A.D. when first brought to western Uganda by the Black Nations. Researchers have had little luck pinning down an exact line of decent for the modern Boer goat. Early breeders include such varied and inexact groups as the "Southern Bantu" people, the Namaqua Hoteentots, the Indians (from India) and Europeans. Boer means "farm" in Dutch.

Why the Goats?
The Goats at Dream Catcher Ranchito

If you were to ask me why I am raising goats, it would be for several reasons. First of all, it is because they are very intelligent and prolific. If you are in a stare-down with a goat, the horizontal slits in their eyes will hypnotize you if you're not careful! They also have a crafty knack for escaping, and returning to, their pen as if it's all in a day's work. In addition, they are such great fun to watch, be around, and interact with that one can easily be captivated by this fascinating animal. With their compelling behavior, you can be entertained for hours! No kidding!

Right now, you will find Boer goats, and a mix between Boer and Dairy on the ranch. While other goats will hide in the barn and the first sign of a snowflake, the Boers are eating, running and playing in it! After all, if you're living on a ranch in New Mexico, you have to be tough. Most Boers put on an incredible undercoat (similar to down) just like a Great Pyrenees dog.

Researchers have had little luck pinning down an exact line of decent for the modern Boer goat. Early breeders include such varied and inexact groups as the "Southern Bantu" people, the Namaqua Hoteentots, the Indians (from India) and Europeans. Boer means "farm" in Dutch.