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 and fed non-GMO, soy/corn free 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 of great importance. Next is feet/pasterns, which Guernseys often lack strength in. After all, these animals need strong feet to support them for the long term and for breeding and carrying babies (and heavy udders). Speaking of babies, we've had 3 sets of triplets born on the farm! 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, Lulu 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.
Lulu was our long haired, lovable hippie. She was always so super chill, with a gentle soul. She was our foundation for our Toggenburg line of Guernsey breed ups and gave us daughters from two different Guernsey bucks - Peaches and Percival.
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 trio recently moved to TX together 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.
Lulu was our long haired, lovable hippie. She was always so super chill, with a gentle soul. She was our foundation for our Toggenburg line of Guernsey breed ups and gave us daughters from two different Guernsey bucks - Peaches and Percival.
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 trio recently moved to TX together to start a new Guernsey breed up program. They will all be greatly missed here at Higher Ground.
BGS Registered Guernsey Does
HigherGround Goldie - SR (50%)
A two-year-old, SR Level, second freshener this year, Goldie is from Saanen foundation and the best doe on the farm. She is the triplet sister to Limerick & Clover and also has fantastic (perfect, dare I say) udder conformation and capacity as well as excellent feet and legs. The picture is of her FF udder last year. If that isn't enough, she's a super hardy, parasite resistant, feed efficient, calm, easy milking girl. Kidded twins and triplets, unassisted.
HigherGround Wish - SR (50%)
A one-year-old, SR Level, first freshener this year, Wish (pictured on the right) is from Toggenburg foundation. She is a petite girl who has the most adorable wattles and a pale golden color on a thick, long, wavy Guernsey coat. Has kidded a single buckling, unassisted, with wattles - Hiccup.
HigherGround Buttercup - FB (75%)
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!
HigherGround Marigold - FB (75%)
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.
HigherGround Sunshine - FB (75%)
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!
HigherGround Rose - FB (75%)
A one-year-old, FB Level, first freshener this year, Rose is from Toggenburg foundation. She is a petite girl who is very reserved with a pale golden, thick, long, wavy Guernsey coat. Her mother had great instincts and was a fabulous, protective, independent first-time mother.
HigherGround Queen Bea - HB1 (88%)
A Spring 2020 doeling out of Honey and Percival, Bea is a small-framed, pale gold, long-haired love bug. Dainty and delightful!
HigherGround Rhea- HB1 (88%)
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!
HigherGround Daffodil - HB1 (88%)
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.
BGS Registered Guernsey Buck
Verandas Jacaranda (AKA Jac) - BG1
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.