American Cashmere Goats Catching On

American Cashmere Goats Catching On Harley Farm located in Middletown Md sells American Cashmere goats at prices starting at $300 A recognized line of goats since the 1980s American Cashmeres are known for being easy-going and sturdy and for producing an undercoat of luxurious cashmere fiber each year The Murray family fell into farm life inadvertently  “After 9/11 our family moved 60 miles west of our suburban D C home ” says founder  Elaine Murray We bought a small farm in Middletown Md just west of Frederick ” The next step was determining how to put their property to use “When I did research for our 40 acres of organic pasture and woods I settled on Crabbet Arabian horses and American Cashmere Goats ” she says “We liked that the goats would eat the weeds in our pastures and produce cashmere fiber ” As a relatively new type  the goats proved hard to find “We were lucky to meet the Bells a local family who had some white cashmere stock ” she says “They’d started to breed for white and badger-colored goats with good fiber coverage Both produced cream-colored cashmere that’s easy to dye ” The family initially drove to Ohio to pick up the first of their herd “Now 20 years later we have 45 goats and sell about 15 per year ” says Murray  “My favorite thing is to sell ‘mamma-baby combos’ that keep does and their kids together Their family bonds are strong even over multiple generations and it makes them much happier ”  Murray finds the goats’ best features to be their intelligence and friendly temperament as they get along with horses and don’t butt people “We also like their utility as weed wackers and fiber producers ” she says “Our fields and woods were infested with wild rose honeysuckle poison ivy and brambles all of which are now gone ” She also notes that the goats are exceptionally sturdy and good parents “That’s important because some fiber animals are highly inbred and not particularly hardy ” she says   Harley Farm uses woven wire fencing that’s safe for horses and goats ensuring it doesn’t ensnare their hooves and horns “We have 2 1/2 miles of fencing but it’s starting to get tired My goats are excellent at escaping when they see something tasty on the other side ” she says “But they don’t go far and generally put themselves back in or stand at the barn door waiting for us to open it That’s why good fencing and not having pasture near busy roads works best ”  Murray has a suggestion for those unsure what to do with the fiber “The organization Clean Cashmere will purchase raw combed fiber so goat owners don’t need to produce roving or yarn to sell their cashmere  So the owners can either send their fiber to a mill for processing or sell it “as is” for $70 per ounce ” She recommends that interested goat owners start small so the management process doesn’t get overwhelming “I’d start with eight goats at most so there aren’t as many hooves to trim ” she says “And find a local vet before you need one Please make sure they’re knowledgeable about goats A good animal husbandry book will help you out as will learning what plants are toxic ” Those interested in learning more or purchasing cashmere goats can contact Harley Farm Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Harley Farm Middleton Md ph 240-367-4932; Ezfarmwriter@gmail com; www harleyfarm com

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