We need to apologize for being MIA from blog land for a while. This fall and summer has gotten so incredibly bust that there has not been one minute to write. We had a wonderful time at the MN State Fair - meeting new friends and catching up with old friends. We were happy with the consistency of placings for our Saanens. Tilly was the first place 3 yr old. Prius was the first place dry yearling and Gazette was the first place aged doe. Our Nubians placed in the middle of the pack. Our biggest highlight from State Fair was placing 2nd in herdsmanship in the entire goat barn. Every year we have gone to the state fair we have moved up one placing in herdsmanship. Let's see if we can get that first place spot next year!

The fall has brought its trials an tribulations. Our senior Nubian buck, Tempo, got sick this fall and we ended up having to take him to the U of MN vet hospital. I never thought that we would be that type of people - but when it's an animal that you care for deeply, and an animal that has done as much for your herd as Tempo has - you do everything you can. After spending 2 days at the University, receiveing a blood transfusion and getting some IV antibiotics - Tempo came back home to us. We have been treating him at home, and he continues to improve. Let's hope that trend continues!

In October I headed out to NY for hte ADGA National Convention. I tried to make the most of the trip by combining a few things. I went for the conference, visited my family and picked up a buck and brought him home - all in one trip. It was a great trip, and our new buckling, Merlin, is a wonderful addition to our herd. We can't wait to see what our kids look like in the spring.

We have been breeding goats as they come in heat. From October 1 until now, we think that all 14 eligible does have been bred. This means that next March and April we could expect to see approximately 28 babies! That's a lot of babies!

Just this past weekend we attended and helped to coordinate the MN Dairy Gota Associations's 32nd Annual conference. It turned out to be a great event! Lots of people attended and heard great topics from wonderful speakers. We also donated a Nubian doe kid for the auction. Congratulations to the Dunham's from Pelican Rapids, MN! They purchased FSF Wild Malibu Breeze for $285.

Tempo Wins at Little Falls Goat Show!

After our babies were born last week, we made a last minute decision to go to the Little Falls Goat Show on Saturday. We took 4 yearlings, 6 kids, and our Nubian buck - Tempo. Tempo had been shown before. As a yearling (2006) he earned Reserve Champion, as 2 Year Old (2007) he earned Grand Champion twice. So, all he needed was 1 more Grand Champion win to be named a permanent champion.

We did okay with our kids and yearlings in the Junior doe show. One first place, a few second places and a few bottom of the line placings. Then came the buck show. We had high hopes for Tempo, but weren't really sure how it would all turn out. Well, it went well! He was named Grand Champion Nubian Buck in both rings! This makes him officially a permanent champion! We are so proud! And then, to top it off - he won Best in Show in 1 ring! This has never happened to us before! I think we are both still flying in the clouds!

We have 2 buck kids left this year, sired by Tempo, and we are hopeful to find them wonderful homes.