I have enjoyed milking and showing dairy goats for some years now. Back in the 70's I was lucky enough to live with a herd of Registered LaManchas. In the 90's we moved to 120 acres outside of Wasilla Alaska and I started up my goat dairy. Since cheese and daily house milk were most important, I started with the high-butterfat Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goats and went on DHIR milk test. Our ND herd has a rolling herd average of over 7% BF. Great for making cheese. A few years ago I decided I wanted some of the large breed goats for milk volume - for many reasons - so began researching herds that tested for CAE and Johne's, kept clean of CL and other contagious diseases, then researching pedigrees, milk production, and show quality. I acquired some lovely Nubians, and have added the ever-elegant Saanen breed to our farm. I test whole-herd annually for CAE and Johne's and each year have remained negative, also no CL on the goats or ever on our property. I do not offer live breedings to any of our bucks. My Saanens are from the Des-Ruhigestelle herd of Lauren and Fern Acton, Portland, Oregon. I will be line breeding on their tried and true bloodlines. Lauren won the ADGA Nationals in 2008 with Winseeker, what a wonderful accolade to her hard work. This blog will be occasionally updated as the mood arrises - when the girls and boys gt into trouble, get dressed up to go to shows, or milk their way into my heart. Thanks for visiting our herd!
I have been owned by Shetlands and Shetland crosses since 1997. The first 4 arrived to assist my AKC Australian Cattle Dogs with learning herding maneuvers. I bred to registered Shetland rams to improve them and kept good ewe lambs back each year. I slowly built up my flock and now keep 40 or so year 'round. Recently we had the flock tested for OPP and Johne's diseases also and I'm happy to say all tested negative! WOOHOO!!
My interest in registered Shetlands was always there. I bought a few each year. As my registered numbers grow, my unregistered sheep numbers will dwindle except for a few old favorites who will stay. I grew up around sheep in Michigan and have been around the big wool breeds for years, but the Shetland is a far superior breed with fantastic wool and small size as well as big personalities. They do very well in Alaska! In 2007 I flew up 8 spotted Shetland lambs for my breeding plans and new genetics in Alaska, and 2 more lambs in 2008. I really look forward to the future lambs to arrive here at Silveraurora!
I'm also busy with a wonderful dairy goat herd as well, so occasionally you'll see some of my beauties on this blog too!