The Rural Voice, 1982-10, Page 29FARM ADVICE
Pity the poor goat
For centuries it has been accused of
everything from eating old rubber boots
and tin cans to being in collusion with the
devil.
All this mythology and superstition,
along with a lot of straight -forward
ignorance, has given the goat little chance
in North America to prove just how
productive, economical, lovable and easy
to manage it really is.
But times are changing and the goat's
potential, in full- or part-time farming, is
being recognized by more people — not
just its rich and creamy milk but also its
meat and wool.
Agriculture Canada experts say that
before you buy goats, ask yourself if they
are to be pets for you and your family,
milk or meat producers, or self -motivated
lawn -mowers.
If you hope your goats will graze off
the lawn for you on those hot summer
days, think twice. You'll find out fast that
goats cannot tell the difference between
grass, your vegetable patch or your rose
bushes.
Without proper fencing, a lot of
trouble could be brewing in the neighbor-
hood. Goats are well known for their
belief that the grass is greener on the other
side of the fence. And they will make it a
personal challenge to find ways to get out
of an enclosure.
Nevertheless, goats are friendly and
affectionate animals with superior intelli-
gence.
If you do decide to buy goats, always
look for healthy animals.
There are seven breeds, five of them
dairy goats — Toggenburg, Saanen,
Nubian, French Alpine and a relatively
new breed, the American LaMancha. The
other two breeds, the Angora and
Cashmere, are raised primarily for their
meat and mohair wool.
There are no significant differences
between any goats in their temperament
and behavior. Nubians do have a reputa-
tion for being the noisiest of the breeds,
but their greatest crime really seems to be
a tendency to snore when they sleep.
Climate is not a consideration for goat
owners. With the possible exception of
the Nubian, all breeds are well adapted to
our climate. The Nubian's long ears need
extra protection from the wind during
cold weather.
A good milking goat will provide a
family of four with more than enough
fluid milk. The remainder can easily be
made into butter or cheese.
Goat meat is considered a delicacy. It is
a lean, high -protein meat with a distinc-
tive taste.
CENTRALIA COLLEGE OF
AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY
FALL CONTINUING
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
A. LONGER TRAINING PROGRAMS [NO charge to registrants]
[i] ON CAMPUS COURSES
• FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT FOR FARMERS - Huron Hall
November 16 - December 14 Tuesdays 9:30 - 3:30
[ii] OFF -CAMPUS COURSES
• FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT FOR FARMERS
1. O.M.A.F. Perth, 413 Hibernia, Stratford
November 18 - December 16 Thursdays 9:30 - 3:30
2. Small Banquet Room, Elma Memorial Community Centre,
Atwood November 17 - December 15 Wednesdays 9:30 - 3:30
• DAIRY GOAT MANAGEMENT
OMAF Perth, 413 Hibernia, Stratford
October 18 - November 22 Monday evenings from 7:30.
plus 2 Saturday tour sessions
• SHEEP MANAGEMENT
Library, Belmore Community Centre, Belmore
October 20 - December 8 Wednesday evenings from 7:30
plus 2 Saturday tour sessions
B. OTHER PROGRAMS [fee to registrants indicated]
ALL ON -CAMPUS COURSES
• UNDERSTANDING YOUR FARM WEATHER
With Jay Campbell [CFPL Channel 10 Meteorologist]
Cost $20.00 Two-day course November 29 & December 6
Mondays 9:30 - 3:30
• FOOD FOR LIVING
With Elaine Gottschall Cost $25.00
8 evenings, October 20 - December 8
Wednesdays from 7:30 p.m.
• FOOD PROCESSOR COOKERY
With Deb Laskin -Rich and Deb Campbell Cost $10.00
1 day November 6 Saturday 9:30 - 3:30
• MICROWAVE COOKING
With Deb Laskin -Rich and Deb Campbell ('ost ',111.011
1 day November 13 Saturday 9:30 - 3:30
TO REGISTER FOR THESE COURSES:
On -Campus Courses - phone Continuing Education,
Centralia College [228-6691]
Oft -Campus ('ourses - phone ('entralia College or your area OMAF
Office
Ministry of
Agriculture
and Food
_J
THE RURAL VOICE / OCTOBER 1982 PG. 29