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Goats are the golden animals of agriculture. Versatile and valuable, they are bred and raised both for fun and for profit. Their independent, spirited nature is often a challenge for beginners to contend with, but their affectionate tendencies make raising them a reward. Whether raised for milk, meat, wool or as pets, goats require quality care, a genuine affinity toward them, and a detailed understanding of their ideal environment. Various Breeds for Various Needs The goat species is not limited to a few simple breeds. Larger, heftier goats such as Boers or Kikos are bred for meat, while mild-tempered goats,...

To most individuals passing through rural areas, hay seems simple. Its dry, tough, and it feeds livestock. However there’s more to hay than meets the eye. Hay is one of those grasses where it is particularly hard to see the quality and composition. The best way to truly know the quality of hay you are using is to test it. Essentially, hay quality is affected by five major factors; stages of maturity, leafiness, color, foreign matter, and odor and condition. Out of all of these factors, the stages of maturity are the most important. The growth stage of the hay...

If you had pulled me aside when I was younger and asked if I knew the difference between store bought and fresh farm eggs, my response would most likely be, ‘eggs are eggs.’ Basically, I didn’t think there was a difference and all eggs were just delicious.  However, there is a difference between the two. I first learned this difference when I went to college in Central New York. Central New York is where I developed a passion for farmer’s markets, the concept of farm to table, and the importance of supporting your local community. So what is the real...