Organic husbandry is based on the harmonious relationship between land, water, plants and animals. Respect for the physiological and behavioural needs of animals and the feeding of good quality, organically grown feed.* Sound like our farm? That quote is from an early version of the NASAA (National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia Ltd) Organic StandardsContinue reading “Why Organic?”
Category Archives: In the Paddock
Heat and Goats
Keeping our herd of 100 milking goats cool, calm and collected – not to mention our two-legged milkers – is our focus as we head into this week’s heatwave. Central Victorian summers are always harsh, but consecutive days of 40 degrees plus can take their toll on a dairy farm. Goats don’t sweat. They pantContinue reading “Heat and Goats”
Happy Christmas and New Year from Holy Goat
Well 2013 has been another year of growth and change for Holy Goat, a year where the seasons were (mostly) kind, the goats thrived and our cheeses continued to find new appreciation around the nation. We look forward to a brief spell, some time to reflect and celebrate the festive season, before embarking on anotherContinue reading “Happy Christmas and New Year from Holy Goat”
Who do you think you are?
Ivy was born on the 9th August this year, the last of the kids born to the maiden does (first time kidding). She comes from a long line of goats. Her mother is Hoya, borne by Jasmine, who came from Lilac, out of Buddelia. Muse is her great great great grand dame. Ivy’s father’s isContinue reading “Who do you think you are?”
Who’s Kidding?
We are coming up to our most intense time on the farm – kidding. Our pregnant does are due to start birthing on 9 August and it’s an expectant time for us all on the farm. The natural breeding season for goats is March to September; young females reach puberty at around five months andContinue reading “Who’s Kidding?”
Insiders
At Holy Goat, as much as we farm the land and the goats, we are also aiming to cultivate farmers. In Australia, the average age of farmers is around 53 years of age (compared with 39 years for all other occupations – the latest ABS stats make sobering reading). Agriculture is faced with an agingContinue reading “Insiders”
Feeding the Foragers
We’re well into autumn now but still no sign of a real break yet. We need good rain so our perennial pastures will provide fresh pick into winter, especially for the pregnant does. We also need rain so the pasture cropping seeds will germinate and grow, giving us extra spring feed. Not to mentionContinue reading “Feeding the Foragers”
Born Today
Temperatures in Central Victoria soared recently, reaching the low to mid 40s, but today there was some relief from the heat – a perfect day for this gorgeous baby goat to be born! As we write, this little treasure is just a couple of hours old and is resting in the nursery with mum.