GOATS

HIGH QUALITY

MINIMAL MANAGEMENT

Goats thrive on the brushy pastures of the Edwards Plateau. We don't manage our goats as intensively as the sheep but they are still an integral part of the operation. Having goats allows us to help manage brush in a natural and sustainable way. Our goats are a Spanish Boer cross. This is cross makes for a very hardy yet fast growing, nicely muscled animal. We are extremely proud of the fact that we now have such a high quality animal with minimal management. We take pride in being a source for hardy, high quality goats. Billies and nannies will be available throught the year.

about

The Spanish Goat in the United States is considered tried-and-true because of their ability to handle scorching climates and rugged terrain. This is the reason for the popularity of the Spanish goat in the South & Southwest. Strong, fertile, and parasite-resistant, this is the kind of goat that big ranchers dream about.

The first of this breed-type were placed in Texas by Spanish explorers in the early 1540's. The Spanish goat has advanced through natural selection and survival of the fittest, this breed-type has proved to be substantial, excellent foragers and good mothers.

Spanish goats can be any color or pattern and are moderate in size and growth rate. The does are plentiful and produce ample milk for steady growth rates of the kids.

white-and-brown-goat-on-brown-wooden-fen

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Although we do not raise Angoras, we could not leave out this part of the HF4 Ranch. This breed has been a part of the HF4 Ranch because of our daughter, Madalyn. These goats have been a loved, demanding & rewarding project for her throughout the years. She has spent so much time with this breed and we are fond of the memories however this chapter will come to a close when she graduates in 2021.

angoras

MOHAIR

The most valuable characteristic of the Angora as compared to other goats is the value of the mohair that is clipped. The average goat in the U.S. shears approximately 5.3 pounds of mohair per shearing and are usually sheared twice a year. They produce a fiber with a staple length of between 12 and 15cm.

The mohair is very similar to wool in chemical composition but differs from wool in that it is has a much smoother surface and very thin, smooth scale. Consequently, mohair lacks the felting properties of wool. Mohair is very similar to coarse wool in the size of fiber. It is a strong fiber that is elastic, has considerable luster, and takes dye very well. Mohair has been considered very valuable as an upholstering material for the making of plushes and other covering materials where strength, beauty, and durability are desired.