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Our Founder’s Story
History
Both Dave and Kathy are animal people from way back. Kathy has been a small animal veterinarian since 1982. Dave started as a veterinary technician but now is a maintenance specialist for 7 veterinary hospitals in the Twin Cities and Wisconsin. . In 2013 as empty nesters, the couple followed their dream to move to the country. They purchased an old dairy farm and moved their dogs, cats, birds and fish to the country. Before long more animals came to the farm. First it was chickens, later several rescued cats and finally three beautiful Angora goats.
Kathy and Dave- the farmers
Angora goats were a good fit for Dave and Kathy. Since Angora are not dairy goats, there is no twice daily milking. They are not meat goats either which means they would not be sent off to market. Angora goats are simply sheared every spring and fall to provide a product (mohair) to sell.
Where We’ve Come
Acorn Hill Angora Farm has grown since 2013. The angora herd has grown from 3 goats to 24 goats. There are also chickens, cats, dogs and horses as well. It is a lot to keep up with. Dave stays busy with farm maintenance, mowing, and bailing hay, as well as his real job. Kathy gets to do all the vet stuff. They shear the goats together twice yearly and process the fleece for sale to spinners, doll makers, and other crafty people
Quality Standards
For the Love of Animals
Low Stress Shearing
Acorn Hill Angora Farms is constantly trying to improve the breed. Breeding goats are selected based on the quality of the mohair and the sturdiness of the body. Each goat in the herd is true to the breed standards.
The goats are checked regularly for intestinal parasites. Wormers are used based on those results. The herd is also screened periodically for infectious diseases such Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL), Johne's disease, Q Fever, and CAE. The goats are vaccinated yearly, and their feet are trimmed every quarter.
Low Stress Shearing
For the Love of Animals
Low Stress Shearing
Angora goats have a fleece that grows about one inch per month. Shearing is usually done every spring and fall.
Dave and Kathy prefer to shear their own goats. Each goat is lifted onto a shearing stand and together the farmers use clippers to trim away the 5-6 inches of fleece each goat has grown. Shearing is no more stressful than a haircut for a human. Without shearing the goat might overheat in the summer and the fiber can get matted against the skin causing irritation.
For the Love of Animals
For the Love of Animals
For the Love of Animals
All of the animals are special to the farmers at Acorn Hill Farm plus they often have a purpose. The guardian dog, Frost, patrols the property and keeps the livestock safe from predators.
There is a Border Collie named Steve who is learning to help with herding the goats. The chicken coop is filled with wonderful egg producers. The horses and cats provide beauty and joy. The dachshunds alert the farmers when someone is coming up the driveway..
