Livestock - the Full Time Workers of the farm
Upper Left - Does enjoying the acreage at the TN Hidden Hills Farm location in 2013. Upper Right - Does trimming the trees in VA. Lower Left - 12 week old pullets at work on the grass
Managing the land without using chemicals requires using what nature has already provided - a mix of animals that both take away and add to the composition of the soil and environment. Mass destruction of weeds and insects through the use of herbicides and pesticides depletes the soil and "good" vegetation of necessary nutrients and destroys the symbiotic relationship between land and animal. By rotating grazing and browsing animals fields, and using poultry to "sanitize" behind them, the pastures are able to maintain a high level of nutritious forage.
Dairy Goats
Goats were the first livestock to be introduced to the farm. The original intent was to have a couple of dairy goats to provide milk and cheese for personal consumption. Goat milk is easier to digest and has replaced cows' milk on the farm. It is also used to make cheese, and the chevre and feta on the farm are used daily.
Goats are addictive and you can never really have enough. This proved the case, as after the does freshened and the demand for goat milk products beyond personal use increased, the search was on for more! Mini Nubians were added to the farm in fall of 2012.
Our goats are provided access to shelter as they wish and free access to fresh forage as much as the seasons and weather permit. They are on a pasture rotation, which ensures the forage is at it's highest nutrition level and reduces parasites. In addition to the fresh forage, they have free choice access to alfalfa hay and the pregnant and lactating goats are given a ration of coarse grain feed to supplement their mineral and energy requirements as needed.
Our herd is CAE, CL & JD free, and CAE tested annually to ensure it remain so.
G6-S, a genetic anomaly found in Nubians and Nubian influenced animals. Our goal is to achieve a G6-S normal herd. All animals have been tested - only offspring of normal parents will be made available unless prior discussion with a potential buyer assures me that they understand this genetic deficiency and the importance of not breeding 2 carriers.
Our herd name, HHF LGE, is registered with ADGA, MDGA and TMGR.
Goats are addictive and you can never really have enough. This proved the case, as after the does freshened and the demand for goat milk products beyond personal use increased, the search was on for more! Mini Nubians were added to the farm in fall of 2012.
Our goats are provided access to shelter as they wish and free access to fresh forage as much as the seasons and weather permit. They are on a pasture rotation, which ensures the forage is at it's highest nutrition level and reduces parasites. In addition to the fresh forage, they have free choice access to alfalfa hay and the pregnant and lactating goats are given a ration of coarse grain feed to supplement their mineral and energy requirements as needed.
Our herd is CAE, CL & JD free, and CAE tested annually to ensure it remain so.
G6-S, a genetic anomaly found in Nubians and Nubian influenced animals. Our goal is to achieve a G6-S normal herd. All animals have been tested - only offspring of normal parents will be made available unless prior discussion with a potential buyer assures me that they understand this genetic deficiency and the importance of not breeding 2 carriers.
Our herd name, HHF LGE, is registered with ADGA, MDGA and TMGR.