Artificial Inseminating our goats
Artificial insemination (AI) Transferring semen to the reproductive tract of the doe.
AI is an excellent way to bring in superior genetics and proven bucks that can improve a herd quickly. It does require an initial investment of equipment but the genetic improvement is well worth the cost. We have utilized AI for several years with good results (66% success rate). This year (2020) we’ve been forced to use it for most of our does since we only have one buck and most of our does are closely related to him. This is the first year using NO hormones but instead allowing the goats to cycle naturally. Practice makes perfect and we are learning more and more but no where near perfect yet. Timing is everything! Knowing how long each doe’s estrus cycle is very important for success.
English Lavender Orpingtons!
We’ve had Orpington chickens for eight years and really like this breed. They make a very good dual purpose (eggs & meat), have docile personalities, and are beautiful birds.
We purchased newly hatched (@ July 10th) Lavender English Orpington chicks! They were straight-run so we are not sure how many hens/roosters we have just yet.
2020 Successful Honey Harvest!
We harvested (3 supers) 84 pounds of spring honey! A good amount that will allow us to offer some for sale this year. We have two sizes of glass jars so far but will be adding a few more types soon. We sell it for around .75 cents/ounce.
- 1/2 pint glass jar – 10 ounces of honey ($8)
- 1 pound/16 ounces of honey ($12)
- Pint glass jar – 1.5 pounds/24 ounces of honey ($18)
New Honey Extractor – Vivo Bee-V004E
We purchased a Vivo BEE-V004E – four frame electric stainless steel extractor! No more borrowing one from our bee club! We can schedule the extractions at our leisure now!
There were a lot of extractors to choose from and it was a bit overwhelming trying to decide. We’ve actually been looking to buy one for a few years and finally decided on this one. Its reviews were pretty good and it was in our price range. We usually only keep between 6-10 hives so this extractor will work well for us.
The basket can fit 8 shallow or medium frames (radially), or 4 deep size frames at once (tangentially). Radial extraction empties both sides of the frames at the same time; Tangential only extracts one side at a time so the frame must be turned and spun a second time.
