October on the Farm: Breeding Season Begins
By October, the rhythm of the farm begins to shift.
For many people, spring feels like the start of a new year. Here on our farm, it starts in the fall.
While breeding season happens toward the end of the calendar year, it marks the beginning of next year's life cycle. Long before the first kids arrive in the spring, we're already planning. By August and September, we're evaluating herd goals, reviewing pedigrees, deciding which goats to pair together, and building out the breeding schedule for the year ahead.
By October, the planning phase gives way to action.
Goats have a five-month gestation period, and because we aim for March births (called kiddings), October is when the girls start going on their “dates.” Around here, breeding season can feel a little like the farm version of The Bachelor.
Beyond the barnyard drama, breeding season plays an important role in the future of the farm. Each pairing represents an opportunity to improve the herd's genetics and continue building toward the goals we've set for our dairy program.
For dairy goats, breeding is also essential for next year's milk production. The milk our goats produce is what eventually becomes the goat milk used in the soaps and skincare products we create right here on the farm. What happens during breeding season today directly influences the products we'll be making many months from now.
One of the things I love most about farming is how interconnected everything is. The decisions we make in October affect the kids that may be born in March, the milk we'll harvest next spring and summer, and even the products that eventually make their way into customers' homes.
It's a reminder that farming is always a long game.
While we're busy planning for future generations of goats, we're also preparing for a busy holiday season.
Holiday Soap Production Is Underway
The soap workshop has been especially busy lately as we prepare inventory for holiday markets and gifting season.
Fresh batches of goat milk soap made with milk from our own herd are filling the curing racks. Some of my favorite seasonal fragrances are making an appearance this year, including cranberry, aspen, clove, and fig. This time of year the workshop smells incredible.
We're also putting the finishing touches on several new skincare products that will be launching soon. It's always exciting to move from the testing and development phase into production, and I'm looking forward to sharing more details in the coming weeks.
New Developments in Pet Treats
On the pet treat side of the business, we've officially moved into our dedicated production space.
This has been an exciting milestone because it gives us room to scale production while maintaining the standards we believe are important. The additional space and capacity allow us to produce more of the freeze-dried treats that dogs and cats have come to love while continuing to focus on quality and consistency.
One of my favorite parts of operating a small farm business is hearing how customers use our products.
Recently, we've heard from several cat parents whose cats have gone wild for our Beef Bites and Lamb Medallions. Many are shredding the treats by hand to use as enrichment rewards or meal toppers. It's always fun seeing customers find creative ways to incorporate treats into their pets' routines.
Looking Ahead
The coming months are some of the most exciting of the year.
As breeding season progresses, we'll soon find out whether the bucks have been successful in their matchmaking efforts and which spring kids may be joining us in 2027.
Until then, we'll be busy caring for the herd, making soap, creating treats, and preparing for the holiday season.
Life on the farm is rarely quiet, and honestly, we wouldn't have it any other way.
Until next time…
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