08/04/2026
Growing up, I had a passion for performance programs with my horses and my goats. I didn’t have anything fancy but I sure loved it. My goat endeavor began with a tiny Nigerian dwarf Doeling from a sale barn that was probably purchased for $20 or less. Her name was Isabelle. As an adult, I’ve been blessed and given the opportunity to do some things I always dreamed of with my own family.
One of the things we’ve embarked upon is milk testing with our herd of Nigerians. Once I discovered it existed and awards were associated with it, I was all in. We have pushed and pushed and been in some form of DHI since 2020 I believe. In that time, we have had 46 does on test with the majority earning their milk stars, one doe achieving Elite list and also a buck making the Elite list. Several bucks have earned a +(one of which is on his way to his second + after this year) and countless bucklings have subsequently inherited their *B. During this time the ADGAs software has obviously not been capable of awarding these things but last week we finally were able to witness the fruits of our labor and I have to say….it was an exciting thing. I thank the Lord that I am able to do these things in life with my family that I dreamed of as a kid. I’m thankful that Matt, although he only lays claim to “funding and logistics”, allows the kids and I to participate in these shenanigans. I’m super thankful for my kids and the hard work and dedication they pour into it with me although a vacation sounds a heck of a lot better on those rough days. I’m grateful for the friends that rally beside me-from my milk testers, Jennifer Boyer and Kayla Andrews, to my friends who have been here to milk when we needed to be away for a bit(Dixie West and Anna Smith). I also have so many friends who have either allowed their goats into my herd to help it to become what it is now (Danielle Bagozzi) or who have just supported us and encouraged us this whole time. There are so many meaningful and lasting friendships we’ve picked up along the way that if I even attempted to list everyone, I’d really mess up. I’m also so incredibly thankful for those who have taken the time to embark on DHI as well with our goats(Leigh Brandon, Tasha Jones, Amy Shaver, De’Linda Cockerham, Marissa Sullivan, Jenn Eddings, Nancy Jones). It’s been such a rewarding experience.
As with everything, there is a time for it all. Next year we will be temporarily halting our participation in DHI. My priorities need to lie elsewhere for a bit and my family would love a nice vacation-something where we can stay more than a night or two without having to worry about does in milk or does freshening. I have a senior this year so I’m confident that will be pulling much of our time as well. We will likely freshen some does but certainly not the 20+ we typically freshen. I will be selling quite a few as well that need to be bred and will be this fall before going to their new homes.
The below photos are of a couple of my favorites: Stratton Creek T Gypsy 2*M VVEV87 & Stratton Creek T DayzHead Mayz *M EEEE91-both sired by (Elite) Cedar View Tommaso +*B VVE89.
I’m including a list of the majority of goats we’ve milk tested who have earned awards as well because I absolutely think they’re worth mentioning!
Earned Milk *
Does
- []Stratton Creek T Chevy 3*M VEVV88
- []Stratton Creek G Clarice 2*M EVVV87
- [] Stratton Creek C Serenity 2*M VEEE89
- [] Stratton Creek T Mayday 2*M GEEG84
- [] Stratton Creek G Jenga 2*M GGVG83
- [] Stratton Creek T Ditto *M VEEV89
- [] Stratton Creek T DayzeHeadMayze *M EEEE91
- [] OBFCNY SK Siren *M VEEV89
- [] Stratton Creek T Royal Anne *M EVEV88
- [] Way Past Sweet Cherry Pie *M V+VV88
- [] (Elite) Suitors T TakeAMoment *M GEVE85
- [] Suitors BA Miss Muffet *M VEVV89
- [] Goats n Gunz O Flora *M VEEV88
- [] Suitors BB Hippie Juice *M AVEV83
- [] Stratton Creek T Gypsy 2*M VVEV87
- [] Goats n Guns O Fauna *M VEEE90
- [] Goats n Gunz DS Ellie Mae *M
- [] Dills ROD Elsa 6*M ++Vv86
- [] GCH Dills SM Cabriolet 3*M VVVV88
BUCKS
- [ ] (Elite) Cedar View Tommaso +*B VVE89
- [ ] Dills DD Party Animal +*B GVE81
- [ ] Celtic Pride S Coppertone +*B VVE87
- [ ] Stratton Creek C Hot Box *B
- [ ] Suitors LOR Desert Storm +B
Retired/In other Herds/Deceased
- [] Stratton Creek PA Bella 3*M GGAV82
- [ ] GCH LAROYS GR8 ILG Sterling Knight +B
- [ ] Flat Rocks SK GlorFindel +B VV+86
- [ ] Stratton Creek C Sonny *B
- [ ] Stratton Creek T Smoke Signal *B VVV87(+)
- [] Stratton Creek G WrinkleInTime 2*M GGG81
- [] Goats N Gunz DS Pretty Pistol 2*M +VV+83
- [] Stratton Creek T Stella 2*M VVEV86
- [] Dills PD 80s Mercedes 2*M +VV+85
- [] Stratton Creek T Sonora 2*M VVVV86
- [] Stratton Creek Sweet Cicely 2*M GVVA80
- [] OBFCNY SK SunnysPhoenix Goldie *M Veev87
- [] OBFCNY SK Vosges HautChocolat *M GEEV86
- [] OBFCNY SK Serenade *M VEEV87
Not yet Showing up IN ADGA
- [ ] Stratton Creek G Hobo VVE87
- [ ] AGS Bull Mtn Lizzybelle GVVV86
- [ ] AGS Bull Mtn Barley VVE+87
- [ ] AGS Bull Mtn Elsie VEE+86
