About Guernseys
Guernsey goats are a rare breed in the United States, with few numbers and even fewer breeders. Actually, there are only 30 farms registered with the Guernsey Goat Breeders of America in the United States, and we are one of them, and the ONLY breeders in Alabama. The Guernsey dairy goat was developed using genetics from the rare Golden Guernsey Goats, an official dairy breed registered with the British Goat Society. The Guernsey dairy goat is medium in size. The ears are erect and often set slightly lower than Swiss breeds and carried horizontally, or forward in what is termed the “bonnet” position when viewed in profile. Ear tips can be slightly upturned. The ears must not be pendulous. The nose should be either straight or dished. See more about the breed at Guernsey Goat Breeders of America.
The reason we chose Guernseys for our homestead is because of their natural hardiness, and their tendencies to be parasite resistant and feed efficient, productive milkers, as well as extremely docile and quiet. The bucks are even less smelly than other standard breeds, if you can imagine that! That beautiful, long, golden coat is a bonus.
The reason we chose Guernseys for our homestead is because of their natural hardiness, and their tendencies to be parasite resistant and feed efficient, productive milkers, as well as extremely docile and quiet. The bucks are even less smelly than other standard breeds, if you can imagine that! That beautiful, long, golden coat is a bonus.
Our Standards
Just like the rest of our animals, our goats are raised holistically healthy feed as a supplement to forage and hay. And just as nature intended, the babies born here always keep their amazing horns to help with temperature regulation, among other things. Because of their docile nature, not ONE of them has ever used their horns against a person. We have bred these goats up from scratch with solid Swiss foundation does and Guernsey bucks in accordance with the British Goat Society standards and we are proud of the offspring every single year. Our focus is first and foremost on hardiness and parasite resistance as well as feed efficiency. Quality milk along with correct udder structure and production (while still being feed efficient) is also top priority. Breeding animals should be strong and capable. Most of our goats give us twins every year and are still able to share milk with us humans. We do not separate the babies from the mamas like most dairy goat farmers, as we feel it is important to provide a stress free environment for the animals to aide in avoiding health issues.
Our Foundations
Lilly and Peaches
This is where it all began. From these lovely animals, our Guernsey program was created!
Lilly was our very first goat on the Homestead. She gave gallons and gallons of milk and started our Saanen-line of the Guernsey breed-up program when she met her loving mate, Peaches.
Peaches was our very first Guernsey goat. He gave us so many lovely daughters and we actually kept him around for a few years after he was no longer needed for breeding.
The pair moved to TX together in 2020 to start a new Guernsey breed up program. They will all be greatly missed here at Higher Ground.
Lilly was our very first goat on the Homestead. She gave gallons and gallons of milk and started our Saanen-line of the Guernsey breed-up program when she met her loving mate, Peaches.
Peaches was our very first Guernsey goat. He gave us so many lovely daughters and we actually kept him around for a few years after he was no longer needed for breeding.
The pair moved to TX together in 2020 to start a new Guernsey breed up program. They will all be greatly missed here at Higher Ground.
2021 BGS Registered Guernsey Herd Sire
Verandas Jacaranda (AKA Jac) - BG1
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Welcome Jacaranda (AKA: Jac) to Higher Ground! He is our Fall 2020 herd sire all the way from MO, and we look forward to seeing babies from him in Spring 2021! Jac's father is a real deal GOLDEN Guernsey. He sports luxurious long locks of golden hair and a massive set of horns on a correct and strong body. Spring 2021 babies will be HB2 level in our Guernsey breed up program. This is the first level recognized by the British Goat Society that will contribute to a Guernsey breed up program. If you'd like to get on our waiting list for Spring 2021 BUCKLINGS to advance your program, please contact us.
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BGS Registered Guernsey Does
HigherGround Buttercup - FB (75%)
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Twin daughter of Goldie, Buttercup is a one-year-old, FB Level first freshener this year. Buttercup is a light gold colored, well put together girl. Buttercup gave birth to a beautiful doeling - Daffodil!
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HigherGround Marigold - FB (75%)
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Twin daughter of Goldie, Marigold is a one-year-old, FB Level first freshener this year. Marigold is a medium gold colored, well put together girl. I'm hoping to see her mother's udder upon kidding, making her an absolutely fabulous doe. Gave birth to a beautiful buckling, but unfortunately, he was born sleeping.
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HigherGround Sunshine - FB (75%)
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Daughter of Willow, Sunshine is a dark golden, long haired, fringed beauty. She's a one-year-old, FB Level first freshener this year as well. Her stature, color, personality and over all body conformation make this girl my favorite! Sunshine gave birth to a beautiful doeling - Rhea!
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HigherGround Queen Bea - HB1 (88%)
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A Spring 2020 doeling out of Honey and Percival, Bea is a small-framed, pale gold, long-haired love bug.
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HigherGround Rhea- HB1 (88%)
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A Spring 2020 doeling out of Sunshine and Boudin, Rhea is absolute perfection, just like her mama! Dark gold, moderate framed, and just beautiful. She has the makings of herd queen one day, for sure!
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HigherGround Daffodil - HB1 (88%)
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A Spring 2020 doeling out of Buttercup and Boudin, Daffodil is another specimen of perfection, just a lighter shade of gold (she's mid-range). Daffy will likely not be long-haired, but she is still absolutely beautiful and correct.
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HigherGround Chanterelle- HB1 (88%)
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A Spring 2021 doeling out of Marigold and Jacaranda, Chanterelle is a stunning, mid-gold beauty. I think she will also be long-haired! Yay!
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HigherGround Sunflower- HB1 (88%)
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Sweet & sassy!! A Spring 2021 doeling out of Sunshine and Jacaranda, Sunflower is definitely in the "pretty girls club" along with her mother and half-sister, Rhea. She is a long-haired, nicely structured, dark golden herd queen in the making.
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HigherGround YellowBelle- HB2 (94%)
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The last Spring 2021 kid! A doeling out of Daffodil and Jacaranda, Belle is a dainty and delightful, mid-gold (maybe long-haired?) girl with a super quiet, laid back disposition.
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