Hello and thank you for the welcomes I have already received!
I am Kim Miller, married 22 years to Ken. We're in southeast Ohio and have a micro-mini farm of 5 acres. We've had goats for about 7 years. We started with a few Boer goats to raise for 4H but quickly found out that they should have a little more than a couple acres. When I saw my first Nigerian Dwarf, I was hooked! I visited some farms and met a few breeders. I met Sue Rucker at Buttin'Heads and made my first purchases from her. Over the next couple years we became close friends and she taught me how to show and disbud and what to look for in a quality goat. Unfortunately as most of you know, that friendship was cut all too short by Sue's passing late December. I'm so very grateful and feel I'm a better person for knowing her.
My foundation stock is mainly Buttin'Heads and I am trying to learn more about how to breed to improve specific traits. I have a LOT to learn yet!
As of now, we have 6 senior does, 7 junior does, 1 senior buck, and 2 wethers. Our kidding season has started and we had a set of quads (3b,1d), and one set of twin bucklings. Not my preferred numbers to start the year off!
We show in ADGA shows, so far I've barely gotten my feet wet but I'm determined to get more practice this year and try a one-day milk test.
I have an interest in using my goat milk in as many ways as possible and have made soft cheese, ice cream, fudge, butter, goat cream soap and of course I love the milk for drinking and cooking!
I have made some very close and treasured friendships through NDs and hope I can be helpful to others as they have been to me.
Thank you for having me!
Kim
Replies
LOL! Too funny - nanno-mini farm!
"Buttin'Heads" is the herd name for Sue and Tom Rucker's goats. Tom had Oberhasli and Sue had the Nigerians. Now Tom has both since Sue's passing. He has thinned down the herd to a number he can manage by himself. They both worked very hard and improving the breed and showing. Buttin'Heads lines have indeed positively influenced many lines, IMHO! I hope I can make equally positive contributions in the breed.
Kim
Adrienne said:
I live two states away in Illinois, but three of our foundation animals are/were Buttin'Heads, and their offspring are among my best milkers. My herd wouldn't be what it is without their influence. Sue will certainly be missed. Our BH goats all go back to Mink Stole.
It's great to have you in the group! Hope you'll post some photos soon!