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Foxden Farm - Trever & Lahna Fox
June 2018
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1. How did you get started in the Boer goat industry?
A neighbor suggested goats might be an excellent choice for our small 17 acre place. We did a bit of research and thought, yes, this was something for us. We visited Joyce Peterson of Oregon Boer Goats and brought home 2 pregnant Does in November of 2013. After delivering our first kids in January of 2014, we were hooked. Goat Addiction, it's real folks.
2. What does your operation look like today?
Today we run a herd of 12 to 15 Fullblood Does with a Fullblood Buck we acquired from Terry Brown of Capriole's.
We produce quality breeding as well as a few show stock. Meat, as with any operation like ours, is also produced. We have built separate Doe and Buck barns and have fenced in approximately 5 acres of rotating pasture, which includes a heck of a hot wire. So far we are very happy with the set up in our barns and pasture, which make chore time more efficient for us.
3. What do you enjoy the most about the Boer goat industry?
We thoroughly enjoy raising these intelligent, curious and loveable animals. Coming home to a barn full of kids and sitting in the creep pen watching them explore and play surely makes a rotten day disappear. Goat therapy - it works!
Showing at the ABGA sanctioned events has been extremely educational in breed standards and helps us evaluate what's in our barns. The people we have met while showing have been kind and helpful in sharing their knowledge and love of the breed. It's fun to meet people who enjoy goats like we do.
4. Who was an inspiration to you or assisted you in improving your herd and how did they help you.
Hands down, Joyce Peterson has been our greatest encouragement, inspiration and mentor. Her honesty and integrity are greatly appreciated here on our farm. She continues to share her extensive knowledge on goat husbandry and is always willing to come help or instruct when the need arises. She truly cares and takes the time to listen, reassure or set us straight if we miss the mark. Without Joyce, we would not be the goat keepers we are today.
5. What has been your biggest challenge as a producer?
The biggest challenge, or should I say the time we worry the most is during kidding season. Since we run a small herd, any loss is sorely felt. It is indeed the most dangerous time during a Does life. We are always greatful when a delivery goes smoothly and the kids are up quick to nurse and bond with their mother.
6. What are you most excited about in the coming year?
We are extremely excited to see what this coming breeding season brings to our barn. We have recently acquired an outstanding buckling from Maddie Fenton and are eager to put him to work when he is ready.
A neighbor suggested goats might be an excellent choice for our small 17 acre place. We did a bit of research and thought, yes, this was something for us. We visited Joyce Peterson of Oregon Boer Goats and brought home 2 pregnant Does in November of 2013. After delivering our first kids in January of 2014, we were hooked. Goat Addiction, it's real folks.
2. What does your operation look like today?
Today we run a herd of 12 to 15 Fullblood Does with a Fullblood Buck we acquired from Terry Brown of Capriole's.
We produce quality breeding as well as a few show stock. Meat, as with any operation like ours, is also produced. We have built separate Doe and Buck barns and have fenced in approximately 5 acres of rotating pasture, which includes a heck of a hot wire. So far we are very happy with the set up in our barns and pasture, which make chore time more efficient for us.
3. What do you enjoy the most about the Boer goat industry?
We thoroughly enjoy raising these intelligent, curious and loveable animals. Coming home to a barn full of kids and sitting in the creep pen watching them explore and play surely makes a rotten day disappear. Goat therapy - it works!
Showing at the ABGA sanctioned events has been extremely educational in breed standards and helps us evaluate what's in our barns. The people we have met while showing have been kind and helpful in sharing their knowledge and love of the breed. It's fun to meet people who enjoy goats like we do.
4. Who was an inspiration to you or assisted you in improving your herd and how did they help you.
Hands down, Joyce Peterson has been our greatest encouragement, inspiration and mentor. Her honesty and integrity are greatly appreciated here on our farm. She continues to share her extensive knowledge on goat husbandry and is always willing to come help or instruct when the need arises. She truly cares and takes the time to listen, reassure or set us straight if we miss the mark. Without Joyce, we would not be the goat keepers we are today.
5. What has been your biggest challenge as a producer?
The biggest challenge, or should I say the time we worry the most is during kidding season. Since we run a small herd, any loss is sorely felt. It is indeed the most dangerous time during a Does life. We are always greatful when a delivery goes smoothly and the kids are up quick to nurse and bond with their mother.
6. What are you most excited about in the coming year?
We are extremely excited to see what this coming breeding season brings to our barn. We have recently acquired an outstanding buckling from Maddie Fenton and are eager to put him to work when he is ready.
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