eMy Own Private Idaho Farmf
Selectively Breeding Quality Nigerian Dwarfs
We proudly feed RAW!
No Marks on My Beasts!
Site last updated 5/9/08
Life is good here!!
Welcome to our little home on the information highway.
My name is Beth and I am the proud owner of a small herd of Nigerian dwarf dairy goats and a flock of various poultry. Heritage Bronze turkeys, Fawn running ducks, African grey geese and Polish chickens make up my free ranging flock. Michael is my partner in crime . The honey do lists here are huge and I fear what the place would look like if it relied on my budding carpentry skills. Private "Radar" O'Reilly is our beloved German shepherd in charge of all security matters, real or imaginary and four Maine coon wannabes help with inventory control. Our newest addition is two hives that are starting out with over 26,000 bees!
My Own Private Idaho is a natural, organic, green place. A place where all living things are cherished and encouraged to thrive. I believe that God knew what he was doing. You won't find any chemicals, pesticides, inorganic fertilizers or many drugs used here. It's not that I'm against modern methods and medicine. They certainly have their place. I just believe in quality nutrition and holistic care that fosters a strong immune system first. We have found natural solutions to almost all dilemmas a small farm might encounter. We reduce, recycle and reuse. Nothing here is wasted. We try to work with nature, not against it. Our six acre farm is located in Harvard, Illinois pretty much smack dab in the middle of the Wisconsin/Illinois border . Not in Idaho yet...
You are what you eat! Living in the country has allowed us the opportunity to know our food and "Eat Real" The health benefits are obvious. The food is pure, the workout has a purpose and I just dare you to try and feel stressed while in a pen of four legged little kids. Along with our turkeys and eggs, I have large organic vegetable and herb gardens that nourish both Michael and I and our animals. I am eagerly awaiting the addition of fresh milk and all the products it will bring.
I met my first Nigerian, "Little Dude," a neighbors pet wether, when he knocked on my door and promptly introduced himself while I was doing dishes one day. He was very friendly, small enough not be a threat to anybody, including small children, and frankly just too cute :) What a great personality this little goat had. To "Little Dude" I will be forever grateful. I also learned how to milk the neighbors doe so they could go on vacation and found the experience inspirational. The feel of a warm udder on a cold morning, a peaceful quiet time, in a busy world, to reflect upon one's day. To me it was almost like meditation. I was hooked. I had to get myself some of these "little goats".
All of my goats are purebred and registered with both the American Goat Society (AGS) and the American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA).
I am also a member of the Nigerian Dwarf Goat Association (NDGA) and
have my herd name registered there.
My foundation stock carry some of
the best bloodlines in the industry. I only purchase my animals
from caring, thoughtful breeders that frequently test their herds. I myself plan on testing
regularly for Johne's & CAE. The results will be
available to all prospective buyers. If you are unfamiliar with these diseases,
I urge you to research them. Without them buying a new goat can be much like playing
Russian roulette with your entire herd.
I am also part of the national voluntary scrapie program. My goal is to
naturally raise healthy, beautiful, friendly "little goats" that can prove their
worth in the milk pail. Although currently it will be difficult for me
to show, I plan on having my whole herd appraised as soon as the does
have reached their second freshening.
GREAT NEWS !!!!!
Entire herd tests negative for CAE and Johnes 10/31/07
That covered all nine goats here, including my beloved wether "Little Joe"
Results available.
We tested through Washington State University using the more accurate and sensitive ELISA method of testing. Several types of CAE tests exist and have varying degrees of accuracy. The ELISA test is generally recognized as the most reliable, displaying a sensitivity to CAE of up to 95.2%; the AGID test has produced results as low as 56%
I just adore these "little goats" and I hope you will too. My goats are generally pictured in their natural state with full coats. I feel that they need their coats for warmth, insect and sun protection. I also find their coats to be an excellent indicator of their current health. Although unconventional I hope you can see, as I do, that their caliber still shows through.
Please feel free to contact me anytime. I just love to talk goats!
"Will you teach your children what we have taught our children? That the earth is our mother? What befalls the earth befalls all the sons of the earth. "This we know: the earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood that unites us all. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself. "One thing we know: our god is also your god. The earth is precious to him and to harm the earth is to heap contempt on its creator."
Chief Seattle
eMy Own Private Idaho Farmf
Michael Redmond & Elizabeth Keene
Harvard, Illinois
(815)943-3821