Fall 2013 Update

There's not much to report on the goats right now. They are all healthy, except for Poppy who had a rough week. We think when she got out of her pen she ate something slightly poisonous. She seems to be getting back to her normal self- though I want to get a fecal sample just to make sure that parasites aren't the problem.

I'm currently trying to sell a few extra does (juniors and seniors!) and my buck, Maddy. I'm sad to have to say goodbye to him, but he's done a fantastic job these past few years. It's time for him to improve someone else's herd!

I'm still in the process of transferring all my goats from AGS to ADGA. It's not easy, but I'm getting closer to being finished with the whole business.

We said goodbye to these sweethearts, the only wethers for this year. They now reside in New York!

Catch Up

Goat registration paperwork is no joke. It's nearly as full of red-tape as the DMV. And that's saying a lot! It's taken numerous calls and many unanswered emails before my paperwork is even half completed, not to mention how much it costs to register each goat. And these are the trials and tribulations of a milkmaid. 

 I find ADGA very difficult to deal with. Every employee I've talked to has been downright surly. I miss AGS. Sniff. But I'm really trying to keep the ball rolling because I've got buyers who are waiting for paperwork. They've been incredibly patient and I would really love to send them their paperwork. 

Speaking of which, Roly and the Twins have been sold. Roly was sold back in March to a lovely couple who appear to be spoiling her as I would. The Twins went to a great family who will give them more than enough attention. I really love this part of selling goats! The downside is that I miss each and every goat terribly. 

Ps. green smoothies are delicious. Thanks to my friends Cate and MaryKathryn, I was finally brave enough to try one and now I'm hooked! 

Maddy and Me

I'm back with my goats and all is right with the world. (I wish.)

I'm back and ready to get this breeding season on the road. Now if only the goats would go into heat....my Mom keeps reminding me that a watched pot never boils, but by gum! I want baby goats in the spring. And there is only one way for that to happen. *wink, wink*

Anyways.

Here are pictures of me and my buck, Madden. He's a doll. He has the best temperament, which I really hope gets passed down to his daughters because some of my does are such divas. I would love to have a mild-mannered doe. I'm planning to show Maddy in a show next June, but I need to get him registered with ADGA (which is going to be a major pain. Good thing I'm taking next semester off from college!)  first.

Ready for Christmas?!

Editorial with Goat

via

In my mind, this is what I look like while caring for my goats. 

Visit my Pinterest goat board for even more adorable pictures. 

Della went home...

Es and Pumpkin 

Poppy and I

Chamomile 

Champagne 

Roly

Clover

Hair in mouth, most unpleasant. 

Roly thinks I'm her jungle gym.

Right where I want to be: amidst my tribe. 

Frank enjoying the sun.

...And took way too many pictures. But seriously, I want millions and millions of pictures of my goats everywhere. They make me so very happy. I cannot wait to be home with them for Christmas break. Only three more weeks! I shall survive (somehow) until then.

Thanks to Es for taking the pictures of me and the kids.

In the News

Area youths, leaders gain all-star notice
Twelve 4-H members and leaders from across Fredericksburg are named Virginia 4-H All Stars 
Date published: 5/23/2010

By CATHY DYSON

Eight 4-H members and four leaders from the Fredericksburg region have earned the highest recognition Virginia 4-Hers can achieve.

The 12 have been named Virginia 4-H All Stars, a group whose motto is "Service," according to the Virginia Tech website.

All Stars are asked to support 4-H activities throughout the state; do public speaking on the local, regional and state levels; and attend district and state conferences.

The local All Stars represent six different counties in the Fredericksburg area. They're among more than 90 inductees from across the state who will be recognized during the 4-H State Congress at Virginia Tech next month.

....

FAUQUIER COUNTY

Della Hethcox, 17, has been a member of Nuttin' But Kids 4-H Club for more than six years, and has held several officer positions.

She raises dairy goats and regularly competes at local, regional and state shows.

*I was cleaning out my bookmarks and found this article from 2010 when I became an All Star. For the full story, click here.*

Thelma

Here are pictures of my first doe, Thelma, who passed away earlier this summer at age 8. She is missed greatly everyday. 

Oh Hay There

The 19th of August marked a milestone for our family. Della left for American University, and I am left to be the care keeper of all our precious goaties. No pressure. 

All goats have been acting great (only a few temper tantrums so far!) and are enjoying the last remaining days of summer. Della's oldest doe Poppy and I are having issues- she wants her owner instead of me! She hasn't caused any trouble but the past couple days she's been coming and leaning against me. I've been paying extra attention to her so she won't get depressed! 

Today a local farmer came and delivered our 50 bales of Timothy Alfalfa hay for the goat's winter supply. They are all eyeing it greedily but they will have to wait till last years batch is all eaten....a task they will accept too gladly. Della has wanted me to post pictures but every time I find something worthy of a picture, I find that my phone is inside. For instance, I was about to close goats up when I saw something weird. It was our three month old doeling Champagne, standing on top of my eight year old doe, Victoria. I think Victoria thought it was just a massage, but I pulled Champagne off...Victoria is known for trying to steal kids from their mothers. I went and took a few pictures of the goats- it's almost milking time so they were all impatient and weren't feeling photogenic. But I got a few of the goats I mentioned in the post. 

-Esther

Victoria:  My eight year old baby!

Champagne

Della's favorite goat Poppy nursing her daughter Champagne

Madison County Fair, 2011

GOAT SHOW

* Exhibitors -- Dawson Apple, Halee Apple, Ester Hethcox, Della Hethcox, Annsley Rider, Dusty Rider,Kendall Rider, Taylor Rider, Emily Smith, Mason Smith, Allison Trummer, Erik Trummer and Luke Trummer.

* Dairy Goat Division (Showmanship classes) -- Champion Senior Showman, Della Hethcox; Champion Junior Showman, Erik Trummer; Champion Junior Novice Showman, Annsley Rider; PeeWee Showman, Dusty Rider, Emily Smith and Mason Smith; Champion Junior Doe, Trummer Family (Dry Yearling); Reserve Champion Junior Doe, Annsley Rider (Dry Yearling); Champion Senior Doe, Trummer Family (Aged Doe); Reserve Champion Senior Dow, Della Hethcox (Aged Doe); Supreme Champion Doe, Trummer Family (Aged Doe); Reserve Supreme Champion Doe, Della Hethcox (Aged Doe); and Best Udder, Trummer Family (Aged Doe).

* Meat Goat Division (Showmanship classes) -- Champion Novice Showman, Taylor Rider; and Champion Market Goat, Halee Apple.

-- Source: Kelly Mallory

Full story here: http://www2.madison-news.com/news/2011/jul/21/2011-madison-county-fair-results-ar-1187903/