Sooner or later, the population explosion of our goat herds begins to resemble an exponential progression. There are several advantages to having a large herd. And there are an equal number of advantages to having a small herd. This month's topic will compare the advantages of each.

Big herd
• Buyers have larger selection of kids from which to choose. You can sell a buyer a buck that will not be too closely related to the does you've sold him.
• Goats are herd animals and like the presence of lots of herdmates.
• Its surely much easier to find suitably comely entries for all of the classes at the shows.
• Its easier to "prove a buck. You breed Sir Handsome to many more does and get more progeny from him. This gives you a better handle on what he's doing for you.
• Lots of munching mouths will really keep that pasture grazed down.
• You become well known by your local extension agent and Co-op. You begin to get referrals.
• You have lots of milk to devour and lots of wholesome meat that isn't tainted with additives.
• Your whole family now has an enterprise to share, as one person sure can't do it alone.
• This is now a business, so you can start taking expenses off your income tax.

Small Herd

• You spend less time on routine care.
• Your expenses are less - less feed, less hay, less medicine, less everything.
• Your management concerns are easier, as diseases are more easily managed.
• The barn stays drier and, there is less maure to remove.
• You can give each animal more individual attention. You get to hug and smooch each one and still have some semblance of a life.
• You need less land, a smaller barn, less fencing, etc.
• You have plenty of fresh milk for your family - just not enough for your entire state.
• You only need a small pickup truck with a camper - not a semi or a big trailer. You can transport your animals by yourself.
• One person can handle the whole enterprise himself - your family no longer despises you and your goats.
• If you have less than 4 does you probably don't need to keep a buck. You can transport the does to Sir Handsome and let someone else take care of Sir Stinky.

So now we've covered the advantages of both a large and small herd. Next month we'll discuss the disadvantages of both. Yak at you next month.

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