Raising Kids in Florida...Goats
- Jamie Bateman
- Jul 28
- 2 min read
Look across the Sunshine State and you’ll find goats grazing pastures, clearing brush, and making themselves right at home on farms and homesteads of all sizes. Whether they’re working to provide milk or meat—or simply keeping the weeds in check—goats have become a beloved part of Florida homesteading.
Before diving into the joys (and challenges) of raising goats, let’s take a quick look at some common breeds and how they might benefit your homestead.
Boer Goats
Boer goats are known for their hardiness and meat production. Well-suited to Florida’s hot and humid climate, Boers a
re a popular choice for families raising livestock for fairs or freezer camp. Bonus: they often breed out of season, giving you more flexibility.
Nubian Goats
Nubians are dairy champions, producing rich milk with a high butterfat content—perfect for making cheese, yogurt, and soap. Their long ears and outgoing personalities make them a favorite among Florida homesteaders.
Nigerian Dwarf Goats
These pint-sized milk producers have taken social media by storm with their cute antics and surprisingly big personalities. Don’t let their size fool you—Nigerians are prolific milkers and are ideal for small-scale homesteads looking to dabble in dairy.
Alpine Goats
Originally from the Alps, Alpine goats are docile, productive, and heat-tolerant—great traits for Florida’s climate. Their adaptability and friendly demeanor make them a solid choice for those wanting to explore dairy goat farming.
For our family, the Boer goat is our breed of choice—though we have a bit of a love-hate relationship with them. Our passion for raising these smart, stubborn creatures is rooted in helping local kids learn about agriculture through hands-on experience. Over the years, we’ve welcomed new kids (baby goats) on our farm and watched them grow into some of the finest goats around—though we may be a little biased.
There’s something truly special about experiencing new life on the homestead. Each birth connects us more deeply to the animals we raise and the land we steward. I can tell you the date and time of every goat born on our property—it’s a bond that can’t quite be explained, only felt.
That said, goats are no pushovers.
They’re headstrong, vocal, and not afraid to let you know when they disagree with your plans. Ever try moving a goat that doesn’t want to be moved? Picture a full-on tug-of-war: me pulling on their horns, them digging in and refusing to budge. More than once, I’ve ended up sitting in the dirt, eye-to-eye with these stubborn jokers. Sometimes, a cookie is the only way to strike a deal. Despite the antics, our admiration for them is unwavering—and so is our commitment to keeping them healthy and happy.
Coming Soon: Goat Tips for Your Homestead
In the weeks ahead, we’ll be sharing practical tips and stories from our own journey, including:
Birthing goats on your homestead
Daily feed and nutrition basics
My goat is sick... now what?
Raising kids (the goat kind!)
Helping you and your goat reach your potential
Stay connected—and be sure to follow along as we continue to share the highs, lows, and laughs of homesteading life in Florida.
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