What a year 2024 has been! This was our first year with pygmy goats, and while it’s been a steep learning curve, it’s also been an incredibly rewarding experience. With a background in sheep and cattle, the transition to caring for goats felt more like an adventure than a challenge, and we’ve learned so much along the way.
Building Our Foundation Herd
We started the year with our five lovely weanling does: Dusty, Gretel, Phoenix, Beauty, and Bella. These girls, ranging from 42.97% to 68.75% pygmy genetics quickly became the heart of our farm. In April, we welcomed Presley, our Purebred buck, who has already made an impression with his friendly personality and beautiful conformation and strong Pygmy characteristics. Presley at 95.31% joined us as one of very limited number of Purebred bucks in Australia, a true milestone for our growing herd and the future of our stud.
By October, our herd had grown again with the addition of five adult does: Abbey (43.75%), Mia (75%), Rose (79.69%), Dixie (83.59%) and Maisie (83.6%). These new arrivals complete our foundation herd and have have set our breeding program up for a very exciting future.
Creating a Home for Our Herd
Goats need safe, functional and comfortable spaces, so much time this year was spent building pens, paddocks, shelters and sheds. While our young goats spent their early days in our predator proof kid pen and paddock, they’re now big enough to safely explore the big paddock and will get that freedom early in the new year after new fencing is completed. There’s always more to do for the goats and the farm and and couldn’t do it without the daily help from Mr B.
Celebrating New Life
One of the most exciting moments this year was the birth of our first kid a couple of weeks ago, a beautiful black agouti doeling we have named Amira, who is 71.8% pygmy. Amira has been an absolute delight, growing quickly and showing off her adventurous and strong-willed personality. She’s living proof that dam-raised kids can be just as friendly as bottle-fed ones when given the right socialization. Spending time with her has been a joy for our whole family.
Expanding Knowledge and Connections
This year has been about more than just caring for our goats; it’s been about learning and connecting. In 2024, I achieved a major personal milestone by earning my NPGAA Judges Accreditation under the guidance of esteemed USA breeders and Judge trainers Carol Hepner and Kelly Culp. This experience deepened our understanding of the Pygmy Goat breed, the Breed Standard, what we need to aim for in our breeding program and reinforced our commitment to the future of the Pygmy Goat breed in Australia.
We’ve also made fantastic connections with like-minded breeders who share our vision for Pygmy Goats. Their mentorship and friendship have been invaluable as we navigate this incredible journey.
Diving Into Goat Genetics
A surprising and fascinating new hobby emerged for me this year: exploring the genetic inheritance of colour in goats. It’s incredible how much there is to learn and I’m excited to continue this journey of discovery into 2025.
Launching the Pygmy Goats Australia Podcast
Another highlight of 2024 was launching the Pygmy Goats Australia Podcast, which not only involved learning all the tech involved in creating, editing and publishing a podcast but also meant really putting myself out there for public scrutiny with trying something so different. This ongoing project has been both fun and educational, creating connections and friendships with breeders and industry experts from Australia and around the world.
I’m looking forward forward to sharing their stories and insights with our listeners in upcoming episodes in the new year and look forward to meeting new guests in future episodes.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we head into 2025, we have big plans for our herd. DNA parent verification and comprehensive health testing for CAE and Johne’s Disease are at the top of our list. Unfortunately these tests are not something most breeders do as its not required by the associations we’re part of due to the cost involved, however we believe these steps are essential for the breed’s future and for ensuring the health and wellbeing of our goats, their offspring and also for the people who will welcome Eagleburra kids into their families and Pygmy Goat breeding programs.
Next year also promises to be filled with the pitter-patter of little hooves! With our does’ ages in mind, we’ve planned kidding across three groups, spreading the excitement throughout the year. We can’t wait to meet these new additions and share the joy with our growing waitlist of eager families.
A Heartfelt Thank You
To everyone who’s supported us this year—from mentors and fellow breeders to our podcast listeners, website visitors and social media followers —thank you. Your encouragement and shared passion for Pygmy Goats mean the world to us.
Here’s to an even bigger and better 2025. We’re excited for what’s ahead and wish you all a happy and safe New Year!
