Goats
Goats at Grey Barn Farm are managed with an emphasis on stability, function, and animal welfare. Our herd includes Nigerian Dwarf, Nubian, Alpine, Mini-Alpine, and Nubian-Myotonic crosses, each selected for traits that support small-scale dairy production, sound temperament, and long-term sustainability.
Animals are maintained in stable social groups to reduce stress and support natural herd behavior. This approach allows close observation of health, reproduction, and milk production while minimizing unnecessary movement or disruption. Goats are integrated into pasture-based systems where browsing behavior contributes to land management without over-reliance on mechanical or chemical inputs.
Milk production is intentionally small-batch and seasonal. Rather than prioritizing volume, the focus is on consistency, animal condition, and milk quality suitable for fresh use and artisan cheese making. Breeding decisions emphasize structural soundness, calm disposition, and maternal reliability across generations.
Crosses between Nubian and Myotonic lines are maintained for their balanced combination of milk traits, feed efficiency, and resilience. Miniature dairy breeds allow flexibility in management while retaining the functional characteristics of standard dairy goats. Together, these breeds form a diverse but coherent herd suited to long-term, low-intensity farming.