LED Motion Activated Light (Plug-In Style)

  We have electricity in and near the barn but often find ourselves needing additional light.  This light is a perfect solution.  It turns on with motion and is bright enough for the Vet to perform surgery!  The photo below is an actual photograph from our barn during the middle of darkness. I have not enhanced the brightness of the photo, it is really that good.

Foaming Teat Dipper

I love this teat dipper.  It foams the teat dip solution so that you don't have a drippy mess.  In my unscientific experiment I have found that I use 75% less dip when I foam it before applying.  I have a separate cup for pre and post dip.  I will link below to some small quantity pre and post dip products that are reasonably priced and appropriately sized for a small herd.

Post Milking Teat Dip

This is the post dip that I used before I started milking enough does that it made sense to purchase in 5 gallon buckets.  I had good luck with this dip and the glycerin that is in the dip keeps teats soft.

Pre Milking Udder Wash

I used this udder wash for 2 years and still had concentrate left over.  It makes a ridiculous amount of udder wash, which is a good thing if you are as crazy about a clean udder as I am!  This wash foamed well for me and I would definitely use the foaming cup to apply.

(CMT) California Mastitis Test Kit

You think you might have a milk or udder problem? The first thing your goat friends will ask is do you have a positive CMT?  You can bet they aren't talking about country music.  This is a simple test kit that can indicate if there is reason for further investigation with milk quality.  Every milking herd should have one of these kits and learn how to use it.

Copper Bolus

It is amazing what this little capsule can do for your herd if you are in a copper deficient area.  There are numerous US Geological surveys that will give you a hint but how your goat looks is a good indicator also.  Rough coats, fish tails, and losing the war against barber-pole worms are all good indicators that you have a copper deficiency.  These are pretty easy to give hidden in a marshmallow or with a bolus gun.   This link is to the 4 gram size.  In my area I give 4 grams to kids and 8 grams to adults up to 3x a year.  Your herd will most likely may vary.

Gianaclis Caldwell Books

Gianaclis writes some of the most interesting cheesemaking books.  I have most of them and some are very advanced while others are great for a beginner.  As I make more and more cheese I find the advanced books are becoming easier to understand and use.  Highly recommend!

Fecal Float Solution

Perfect solution for performing the Modified McMaster Method for parasite egg counts.
Click link here for method>>>> McMaster Method