No, our goats didn't get frostbite. No, we do not crop our goats' ears. We raise Lamancha goats here at Wind River Farm. Though they hear just fine, lamanchas are known for having very tiny outer ears. They are similar to Alpine goats when it comes to milk quality. Lamanchas are loving and cooperative as a whole, and fairly quiet. We didn't think we'd like their tiny ears, but when we saw our first one in person we fell head over heals in love.

It is standard practice to remove the horns of dairy goats when they are newborns. However, we allow our lamanchas to keep their horns. Poppy, pictured on the right, does not have horns because she wasn't born on our farm. Horns are one way goats regulate their body temperature in hot weather, and we feel removing their horns puts them at greater risk for heat related illnesses in our extreme Kansas summers. They have plenty of food, water, and space, so they rarely fight, reducing the risks of udder damage. We don't like to use horns, but in a pinch they are also nice handles. The good Lord made horns for a reason, so we are grateful that we've been able to manage a horned herd in a way that's safe for both goats and people alike.

It is also standard dairy goat practice to remove kids from their mothers at birth. Not at Wind River Farm! When you visit you'll see goat kids in the field or pen with their moms. Our low stress management practices allow us to share milk with the baby goats so our does can raise their kids naturally and work for us.