Muilti-purpose goat breeds??

[sbrandewie]

My husband and I have a lot of underbrush in our woods that we want to get cleared. We know goats are great for this purpose, but we want a breed that is also good for milk. Any suggestions?

 

[chiques chicks]

Not a goatt expert, but I would think any of the dairy breeds would fill the bill.

I personally got two Nigerian dwarf wethers this fall for the purpose of brush clearing, but haven't turned them out yet. If goat raising goes well for me I may add more at a later date.

 

[goatgurl]

i raise lamancha dairy goats and they work hard cleaning up my 60 acres and give good sweet milk too. the difference they have made in the underbrush is amazing.

 

[Latestarter]

Greetings @sbrandewie from the front range in Colorado Welcome to BYH!
Asking a bunch of goaties for suggestions is like opening Pandora's box! They will each try to "sell you" their preferred breed There are actually some other threads already discussing various pros and cons of different breeds. Actually, covering a WEALTH of info in general! Get comfy & Glad you joined us!

BTW, how many acres of woods are we talking? Has it already been fenced? When you get your goats, please consider sharing some pics. we all love pics

 

[Pearce Pastures]

Greetings @sbrandewie from the front range in Colorado
Asking a bunch of goaties for suggestions is like opening Pandora's box! They will each try to "sell you" their preferred breed

Well that is just NOT true. By the way, Nigerian Dwarf goats are the best breed ever and is what she should get.

 

[Latestarter]

 

[Mini Horses]

NO MATTER the breed they will make the woods look like you hired a clean-up crew! By the way, they will stand on their hind legs to reach leaves, vines, branches, etc. Unless you are short, you may want to get taller goats.

Really, they will make it look like you measured everything "that" high up. Also, they seem to love & tolerate the darned thorny stuff, too. A group will clean off ditch banks beautifully -- providing the water is gone, as the dairy breeds feel they will surely MELT if rain/water hits them.

 

[Goatgirl47]

Well that is just NOT true. By the way, Nigerian Dwarf goats are the best breed ever and is what she should get.

Nigerian Dwarves are not the best breed ever! Although I do think they would be a good choice for you, @sbrandewie. Or, like @goatgurl said, Lamancha wethers would be great too. I have two Mini-Lamancha's and they clear the brush really well, better then my two Myotonic goats do.

 

[sbrandewie]

i raise lamancha dairy goats and they work hard cleaning up my 60 acres and give good sweet milk too. the difference they have made in the underbrush is amazing.

Lamanchas were actually on the top of my list of breeds to consider. I have heard they are calm and friendly. Thanks for the recommendation.

 

[sbrandewie]

Greetings @sbrandewie from the front range in Colorado Welcome to BYH!
Asking a bunch of goaties for suggestions is like opening Pandora's box! They will each try to "sell you" their preferred breed There are actually some other threads already discussing various pros and cons of different breeds. Actually, covering a WEALTH of info in general! Get comfy & Glad you joined us!

BTW, how many acres of woods are we talking? Has it already been fenced? When you get your goats, please consider sharing some pics. we all love pics

Ha! Thanks for the warm and informative welcome I will definitely look into the comparison threads you suggested. That's a great idea. We have about an acre fenced in right now, but will be expanding the area to cover a total of 3 acres eventually. I will absolutely share photos!
@Mini Horses thats exactly what we are hoping for! We have lots of shrub rose and wild blackberries that have taken over. I can't wait to see what we can get accomplished with these goats.
Thanks to everyone for your suggestions! They are much appreciated