Another Market, More Goats, and DHI Results

My next door neighbor let me know about a new farmers' market being held by the Methodist Church just down the street from my home. It is from 9-noon on Saturdays and just started last Saturday.

I've made lots of goodies and I will still head down the the other market in the afternoon. 

Star and Deuce are coming home today! It worked out that hubby was working in Live Oak, FL this week and will be able to meet the breeder to get them. It saved me an 8 hour round trip! Star and Deuce will actually be joined by a third goat (her name is Monochrome but I think I'll call her Maddy). I promise I'm not too bad a goat addict; I did manage to sell 2 does this year.

I got the results of my DHI testing. I'm glad I did it, it's really interesting to know all this information. My somatic cell counts were well within the "safe" limits. As a herd, I averaged 28% of that limit. I am pleased with that.

Alice took the creamy prize with 4.7% butterfat and 3.4% protein. Trixie took the protein prize with 3.9% protein and 3.6% butterfat. As a herd, they averaged 3.6% fat and 3.1% protein. It would be higher but for Scilla (my Alpine). She makes a lot of milk, but only 2.6% protein, 1.9% butterfat. Pretty typical for Swiss breeds and why I am focusing on Lamanchas. Scilla is just too pretty and sweet to sell.

I've been making a lot of cheese and am excited to have more milk when Star gets here. Kat's production is also picking up slowly. She's 2 weeks fresh now. I saw one of these on Facebook. Hubby is going to make me one.