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It’s dinnertime for the goats on Amber Sullivan’s farm. They hungrily crowd to the fences as they see the hay and grain brought out. She motions at a large red goat — Liberty is 13 …
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It’s dinnertime for the goats on Amber Sullivan’s farm. They hungrily crowd to the fences as they see the hay and grain brought out. She motions at a large red goat — Liberty is 13 years old and was Sullivans’ first goat.
When Amber moved out of town in 2013, she had the opportunity to raise pigs and goats for 4-H. She naturally gravitated towards goats, and in January of 2022, after graduating high school, she started her goat business, Amber Brook Show Goats.
It’s grown into a successful business, as two of her boer goats have competed especially well this year. Jeannine Losing, of Baker, Montana, won Grand Champion Market Goat at Fallon County Fair in Baker. Abigail Visocky, Sullivan’s sister, won Reserve Champion Market Goat at the Park County Fair in Powell.
“The most rewarding part [of breeding goats] would be seeing the success and passion of the kids showing my goats,” Sullivan said. “Seeing their success, along with others who have shown my goats, is truly rewarding.”
Sullivan said she looks for big legs and a wide ribcage when choosing. This ensures the goats carry their babies well. Bad temperaments are passed down, so she also looks for friendly goats that have a good disposition.
This time of year, the does are bred, and the primary focus is keeping them in good shape and maintaining a healthy weight. They receive a first-cutting of a grass and alfalfa mix, and a small amount of supplemental grain. Too much alfalfa would upset their stomachs, so grass is essential to balance the diet. The younger goats receive more grain to encourage growth.
Sullivan started her business with two does. Now approaching her fifth kidding season, her herd has grown to 26, but she has always focused on quality over quantity. Although she may have fewer goats than most breeders, she prefers a manageable herd size over expanding too quickly.
The goats are a labor of love for both Sullivan and the county youth who raise them each year.
“It is exciting to see that the hard work I put in during the year and the work the kids put in during their show season pays off in the end,” she said.
