Keeping Dairy Goats on the Farm: A Delightful Adventure

There’s a certain magic to mornings on the farm. The first rays of sunlight paint the Karoo landscape in soft gold, the air is cool and crisp, and the quiet is only broken by the gentle bleating of the goats. If you’ve ever dreamt of keeping dairy goats, let me tell you – it’s every bit as wonderful as it sounds. Well, mostly. It also involves a fair bit of chasing, cajoling, and occasionally getting nibbled on by curious little mouths.

Why Keep Dairy Goats?

For us, the decision to start keeping dairy goats was born out of a love for simple, wholesome living. Fresh milk, creamy yogurt, homemade cheese – it all sounded idyllic. Plus, goats are absolute characters. They each have unique personalities, from the cheeky escape artist to the sweet, gentle doe who nuzzles your hand for scratches.

Dairy goats are surprisingly low-maintenance once you get into the rhythm of things. They don’t need vast pastures, they’re natural browsers (meaning they love nibbling on shrubs and weeds), and they provide a steady supply of rich, delicious milk. What’s not to love?

Setting Up Your Dairy Goat Haven

Before you rush out to bring home your new caprine companions, there are a few things you’ll need:

• Shelter: Goats aren’t fans of rain or wind. A sturdy, well-ventilated shelter gives them a cozy place to rest and stay dry.
• Fencing: Trust me on this one – good fencing is essential. Goats are escape artists of the highest order.
• Feeding Stations: Fresh hay, a little grain, and plenty of clean water keep your goats happy and healthy.
• Milking Stand: This makes the milking process a whole lot easier on both you and your goats.

Milking Time: A Gentle Routine

Milking goats is a peaceful, almost meditative process once you get the hang of it. Each morning, I slip on my apron (you can grab one from my online shop) and head to the coral, where the girls are waiting. They know the routine by now, hopping up onto the milking stand with little more than a soft nudge.

There’s something grounding about the rhythm of hand-milking. The steady swish of milk into the pail, the quiet munching of grain, and the occasional contented sigh from your goat – it’s a moment of calm in an otherwise busy day.

Fresh Milk and Endless Possibilities

Once you have fresh milk, the possibilities are endless. From creamy cheeses to tangy yogurt, and even the occasional experiment with goat milk soap, every drop feels like liquid gold. If you’re into sourdough baking (and if you aren’t yet, check out my sourdough starter to get started), fresh goat milk adds a beautiful richness to your loaves.

The Goaty Side of Life

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and cheese wheels. Goats can be a handful. They’ll test your fences, rearrange your garden, and stare into your soul with eyes that seem to say, “What chaos can I cause today?” But even when they’re being little troublemakers, you can’t help but love them.

Should You Keep Dairy Goats?

If you have a bit of land, a sense of humor, and a taste for fresh milk, keeping dairy goats is one of the most rewarding adventures you can embark on. They teach you patience, fill your days with laughter, and provide nourishment in the most direct, meaningful way.

Whether you’re considering your first goats or you’re a seasoned pro, there’s always something new to learn. And if you need a sturdy apron for those morning milkings, you know where to find one.

Happy farming, friends!