The Boer goat has been selectively bred for meat for many generations. Today it is the animal of choice for the large commercial meat flocks which exist in America, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and of course, South Africa.

Crossed with our Scottish Cashmere goats it gives a fast growing, lean, hardy animal which thrives on the traditional, non-intensive farming methods we use here.

The does (females) are mated in the autumn and then spend the period up until Christmas outside. When the weather deteriorates and the ground becomes saturated with rain, we move them to a large airy barn where they spend the time until kidding bedded on barley and wheat straw. This move is to protect our land from poaching by their hooves but just as importantly, to protect the goats from the wet. All goats hate rain with a passion!

During the run up to mating in the autumn and from the time of housing onwards, all our does are fed extra rations to ensure they have enough food to support their growing kids. This consists of a home mixed “muesli” containing oats, sugar beet, maize and some plant protein pellets. In addition they are fed hay and silage from our own ground or from our neighbours. All food is sourced locally from trusted farmers or mills and contains no GM ingredients. This ensures the minimum number of “food miles” and maximum peace of mind for us that the food we give our animals is safe.

Kidding takes place in April. A single or twins is the norm although there is the occasional set of triplets. As soon as all the animals have given birth they are allowed out to graze each day before coming in at night for a while until the weather improves.

All our goats have the very highest health status. We belong to two official Health Schemes which place heavy restrictions on mixing with other livestock of lesser status. None of our meat animals are vaccinated. We believe correct husbandry and not overcrowding serves us and our animals just as well. All other veterinary treatments including worming are given on an “as required” basis. No animal is routinely given any medication. Thankfully treatment of any kind is rarely required. Goats are very hardy, healthy animals when kept correctly.

Whatever the reason for them being on our farm, our philosophy is to treat all our animals with CARE and KINDNESS.

CARE involves always striving to do the best for each individual even if it means extra work for us and KINDNESS means treating all animals with gentleness and compassion. The goats respond well to our aims and seem to thrive and positively enjoy life here with us.