At just 15, Logan Fife has begun to develop his own Boer breeding program
GREERS FERRY, ARK. – When first observing 15-year-old Logan Fife tending his Boer goat herd and talking about helping on his grandparent’s cattle farm, it is hard to imagine Logan has been on the farm for only two years.
Logan has been raising goats for four years, starting with marketing goats then transitioning into breeding with Boers.
Living in a subdivision was not conducive to raising goats, so the Fifes decided to move out in the country next to Logan’s grandparents. That was a win-win situation as Logan not only manages his goat herd but takes care of the feeding and helping with his grandparents’ cattle operation. The current goat herd consists of six does, two bucks and a new kid with more on the way.
“I started out with market goats, but I didn’t find that very satisfying, so I moved into building a breeding stock herd,” Logan said. “I like it a lot better. It is really neat to watch the herd grow.”
According to the American Boer Goat Association, Boer goats have a high twin kidding rate so chances are good Logan’s herd will grow quickly. Boer goats are also known for their high-quality meat and milk production.
The Boer breed was developed by Dutch Farmers in South African in the early 1900s. They were brought to the United States in 1993 the same year the American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) was established. The Boer goat breed is also docile and highly fertile. Logan has taken advantage of the marketing and education opportunities offered by the ABGA. The ABGA is the largest Boer goat association in the world with over 7,000 members and they register more than 45,000 head annually.
“The association has been a big help for me getting started,” said Logan. “Then I’ve had the Cleburne County extension service and Greers Ferry 4-H to draw all. It has been a great experience for me and I’m looking forward to my herd growing”.
“Logan has pretty much done this on his own. Of Course, we have always been there when he has needed us, but he is a very focused 15-year-old and works through things independently. He is very good with animals.”
— Jennifer Fife
Logan also receives support from his family. His parents, Toby and Jennifer Fife, along with older brother Tanner. They enjoy going to the shows and providing support and encouragement whenever needed.
“Logan has pretty much done this on his own,” Jennifer said. “Of course, we have always been there when he has needed us, but he is a very focused 15-year-old and works through things independently. He is very good with animals.”
In addition to his farm responsibilities, Logan is also spearheading a project to start an FFA program at Greers Ferry Westside High School. Logan has done extensive research on the project and has solicited support from fellow students, parents and the Greers Ferry community. He has pitched the idea to the school board which has taken the idea under consideration.
“There has been a lot of support for starting the FFA program,” according to Logan. “It would be a tremendous addition to the curriculum. We are hoping it can be started next school year. It would be nice to start my 10th-grade year with an FFA chapter.”
Like any other business, marketing is an important part of the business. Logan has found social media to be a good tool where he markets his breeding stock through his LTF6 Boer Goat Facebook page. The family also travels to regional livestock shows in Northern Arkansas and Missouri. Those shows are good exposure for Logan. Last year Logan’s Boer goat won the Supreme Breeding Goat award at the Cleburne County Fair.
Logan has definitive long-range plans beyond high school which include attending veterinarian school and getting a business degree. College of the Ozarks is a primary consideration at this point.
“I definitely want to be a veterinarian, but I also want a business degree so I can be successful in running my own vet clinic.” Logan said.
