The time has come to share why we quit goats. We have not quit them just yet, but are in the process of doing so.

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1

Why We Quit Goats

I started this year’s kidding season off with full intentions of milking my goats again (and I did milk two of them for a couple of weeks in April), but the time has come for us to quit raising dairy goats. Recent work changes for my husband mean our time, energy, and focus are needed elsewhere.

I am at complete peace with this decision for a few reasons. Milking is a big commitment, and our life with a terminally ill/fully disabled child is not optimal for it (though I was determined to make it work).

Besides the recent work/life changes, my health was affected by milking goats last year. This may be TMI, but I chose (ignorantly) to squat without any support to milk my goats. “Doing squats” can be helpful, but in my case, I spent 40 minutes in a squatting position daily for 7 months! Long story short, that was not good for my body. I will spare you the details, but I am trying to heal from the (mostly just annoying) issues it caused, so milking (even with good support this time) is not a good choice right now.

Other than the long-term (though mild) health issues it caused (near the end of the milking season last year), it was a good experience – I enjoyed going outside to milk, making raw dairy products, and the health benefits of consuming them, but it is not what is best for our family. So, we are selling most of our goats.

Can you believe we had 12 goats after 3 of the does had kids in April? (If you know “goat math”, then you can believe it, lol) We still have two pregnant does that we are selling this week.

Once they are gone to a new home, we will have one doe left – the very first goat we got in 2022 – and her single kid/wether for now. We may keep them to keep the pasture under control (as pets).

So, our little BorderLine Farm is down to just raising chickens for food (eggs, mainly). We still have rabbits and our dogs.

Our farm will focus on vegetables, fruits, and nuts—especially permaculture. Since we have just one acre, this is probably best for our property.

We are also adding to and expanding our “Abigail Rose Garden” in our front yard yearly, with roses, mostly. I want an overflowing Old English Cottage type of feeling to it.

I’m still so thankful for this little cottage in the country. God is good!