Donna and Norman Corkle encouraged their two daughters to join 4-H in 1995, never knowing it would mean a continuing devotion to dairy goats for the family. Donna explained, “When the girls were little bitty, they decided they needed animals, preferably horses. But our property wasn’t conducive to horses – it’s very hilly and rocky, with lots of brush and shrubs. So after talking with some friends who suggested goats would be ideal, we did some checking around. At the time, my husband worked with a person who raised dairy goats. We took our two daughters to look at her stock, and she told the girls she’d sell them each a goat at a reduced price for their 4-H projects. So we took home an Oberhasli and a pygmy goat.”
Fast forward from 4-H to FFA, to 2004, when Donna’s daughter, Leslea, won the prized American FFA degree, thanks to her goats. She was just the second person and first female from Joplin High School to win the national FFA award. Donna and Norman accompanied Leslea to Louisville to receive her award. But it wasn’t until Leslea married Phillip Coggin in 2004 that Norman and Donna realized they couldn’t let the goats go.
Today, Phillip and Leslea live on the Coggins’ 15 acres, aptly named Saginaw Valley Farm, in Jasper County, Mo., just outside of Carthage, with Donna and Norman and about 26 goats. All four – now share the work and fun involved in the herd, including the breeding plan, the chores and the finances.
“Over the years we’ve tried different breeds – the LaManchas with the tiny ears, Nubians, a little bit of everything. When we decided to continue with the goats, among the four of us we couldn’t agree on one breed, so we compromised on the Oberhasli and French Alpine,” Donna said. “They are so good tempered and milk well.”
The goats are raised for milk and seed stock. Donna explained, “We sell some and we show some. All our milk is DHIR tested. You have to be a verified American Dairy Goat breeder to have it tested. The milk is weighed out over time and checked to universal standards for high butter fat and protein content and quantity. You get points based on the quality, quantity and content of your milk. It’s tested through goat generations, and you earn stars for each generation. We have earned five stars. Our milk is sold for 4-H hogs, for puppies and also goes back into our young stock.”
Part of the family’s approach to caprine quality is Lineal Appraisal, also sanctioned by the American Dairy Goat Association. Donna explained the process. “A trained caprine judge will come to your farm, examine your animals extensively and explain to you what’s good regarding the body structure and other elements of raising champions. It’s expensive, but worth it. You also earn points towards champions.”
Donna advised other breeders, “It takes months and years to build a good herd, but it’s worth it.”
