Dear Friends,
Kidding season is drawing near. Our first mama is due on February 13, and it’s a time we approach with both anticipation and excitement.
Breeding here is always thoughtful and intentional. We study genetics closely, pairing does and sires with the goal of improving each generation.
Conformation, fleece coverage, micron, hardiness, and disposition are all carefully considered when selecting breeding pairs.
Even with careful planning, life on the ranch doesn’t always unfold as hoped.
That is part of the reality of caring for animals. Last Thursday, Ekko went into labor earlier than expected.
Two thoughts crossed my mind: either something was terribly wrong, or one of the young buck kids had matured earlier than we realized last fall.
I held onto the hope that it was the latter, even if it meant genetic testing to identify an unexpected young sire.
Ekko’s babies were born too soon and did not survive.
Angora goats are deeply devoted mothers, and Ekko wanted so badly to care for her babies.
We stayed close to make sure she was alright while giving her time and space to process what happened.
Ekko stayed with her babies through the night, tenderly caring for them, protecting them, and waiting.
We know when a mother is ready to let go. She gently covers her baby with straw and rejoins her herd.
Even now, Ekko still calls out from time to time, hoping they will answer.
It is a tender thing to witness, and a reminder of how deeply these animals feel.
Goats feel loss. Goats grieve.
Compassion, empathy, and deep respect for our goats are at the very core of our shepherding.
Thank you for allowing me to share not just the joyful moments of life on the ranch, but the tender and difficult ones too.
Your support and encouragement make it possible for us to raise our goats with dignity and purpose.
I’m grateful you’re here with us, walking through the seasons of life together.
With love,
Angela
Angela
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