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(castrated
male) along with several does (females), billy goats (young males) and
doelings (young females). Cutest were the little goats – one set of
triplets, a set of twins and several other babies. After a few minutes
of photographs, they retreated to the wooded area from where they came.
They immediately resumed their snacking, technically known as foraging.
Some even attempted to climb the trees to reach the new, bright green
leaves just beginning to uncurl!
Before
the walking tour continued, a pair of donkeys sauntered their way into
view.
"These
are our attack donkeys," said Jones in a serious voice. "While
they may not look like it, those two can get quite vicious when
predators come to bother the goats. We keep them in with the herd to
protect them. The donkeys and the goats get along just fine."
For
just over two years, Jones has worked as the unit manager at the
experimental research station. He gets along easily with others while
his farm skills and knowledge serve the facility well. He keeps the
pastures planted and the tractors operating. Jones understands goat
farming and realizes the animals’ nutritional needs. He is also
familiar with the area and knows where to buy the best products for the
Experimental Station.
One
of his favorite places to shop is Taleecon Farmers Co-op in Notasulga.
Whether it is for the solar powered Gallagher electric fence, goat feed
or the seed and fertilizer for the fields, Jones finds the products and
service he needs and wants at the local Co-op.
"I
have been very satisfied with the Co-op," said Jones. "I
believe in their products and in the good folks who work there."
Taleecon’s
Manager Scott Hartley is pleased to have Jones and the Tuskegee
University Ag Experimental Station as customers. Whatever the size of
your goat herd, be sure to stop by your local Co-op store for all of
your small ruminant shopping needs. From feed to seed, the Co-op has you
covered.
By
the close of the guided tour, more vendors have arrived on the scene for
the 2008 Tuskegee University Goat Day. People mingled and visited,
awaiting the afternoon activities. With the number of individuals
involved, goat production must certainly be on the increase. According
to Dr. Sandra Solaiman, director of the Tuskegee University Small
Ruminant Research Program, the goat industry is one of the
fastest-growing animal industries in the United States. For decades, TU
has had a small ruminant research program. Over the years, interest has
grown from only a few farmers attending the annual Goat Day to well over
200 individuals. The workshop is beneficial to both goat enthusiasts as
well as beginners. If you are interested in attending, be sure to mark
your 2009 calendar for the third Saturday in April for Tuskegee
University’s annual Goat Day.
Ashley
Smith is a freelance writer from Russell County. |