Jim and Dixie Robinson purchased nine goats in September 2008, and found themselves in a learning process. During the first week, they lost three. Dixie said that it was quite the education at the beginning and still is.
In order to help protect the goat herd, George, a large sheep dog, was added to the pasture. Jim explained that this really cut down predators to the goats, especially coyotes.
Currently, their Kiko-cross herd consists of nine nannies, two bucks, and a few kids; in addition to a small cattle herd. The Robinsons are in the process of expanding their herd to 30 nannies in the future.
One of the biggest problems with goats is the high cost of processing, Jim explained. Compared to cows, the expense of goat processing is much higher per pound, according to Dixie. “There are no United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) processors near, so we have to find buyers who will ship those to processors. We have local butchers, but we only use those if we are keeping the meat. If we are going to resell the meat, it has to be USDA processed.”
Jim and Dixie are members of the North Arkansas Meat Association and Dixie believes the organization has been truly beneficial. “It has been most helpful with education, as well as connecting with other herders. There is a Yahoo group, that allows questions to be posted and answered by other local herders, and the responses are usually quick, with recommendations for solving problems.”
Another challenge the Robinsons have faced is finding a local vet with extensive goat knowledge. Therefore, to help Dixie researches the problem on the Internet and then relays the information to the vet. “He is willing to try,” explained Dixie. “But, since we are learning as well, it makes it a challenge for us.”
Through trial and error the couple have experimented with proper nutritional diets for the herd. “Goats are similar to sheep, in a lot of ways,” she said. “One way is the diet- sheep can have very limited amounts of copper, while goats need more copper.”
Jim said proper upkeep in the herd is essential. “Hooves grow, it’s important to cut them back to ensure proper walking, and to prevent the goat’s leg going lame.”
To properly maintain hooves Dixie explained, “It isn’t that difficult, but it is a two person job. I hold the goat, he holds the leg to trim the hooves.” Dixie warned, “The larger the herd, the more equipment required to maintain the herd.”
When asked to explain the core of their goat herd, Jim said, “It is just a steady process.”
