Late Summer and Fall Herd Updates at Bootsy Garden
If July was all about settling into routines and experiencing a lot of firsts, late summer and fall were about building something lasting. These months were quieter on the surface, but underneath they were full of big decisions, long term investments, and moments that completely shaped the future of our herd.
This was the season where things started to feel real.
August Building the Barn and Taking a Leap
August was simple in the best way. We focused heavily on building the barn and slowly turning it into a space that truly worked for our goats and for our day to day routines. Progress was steady, not flashy, but every improvement made the vision for the farm feel more solid.
August was also when Penny entered the picture. There was a cryptic post from Winning Streak, and at the exact same time, a trusted transport friend of mine happened to be in Florida and heading back to Oregon within days. It was one of those rare moments where timing lined up so perfectly that it felt impossible to ignore.
Penny was already confirmed bred and due November 13. At the time, it felt like a once in a lifetime opportunity, and after a lot of thought, I decided to go for it. It was a big decision financially, emotionally, and logistically. Looking back now, I would make the same choice again without hesitation. Penny is absolutely the kind of doe you build a herd around.
September Penny Comes Home and Stepping Into AI
September was when Penny officially arrived at Bootsy Garden. From the moment she settled in, it was clear she was something special. She carried herself with confidence and ease, and it felt like she had always belonged here.
This month also marked a major turning point for me as a breeder. I purchased an MVE XC20 semen tank from SemenTanks.com. This tank is considered the best on the market, and when you are investing in genetics, storage is not the place to cut corners. Straws are expensive, and protecting that investment matters.
I had the tank filled at Norco, and the fill cost was about $85. I will need to refill it approximately every three months, which is a predictable and manageable part of herd maintenance. Having a filled semen tank on site felt like a huge milestone and a clear step from learning into doing.
October A Near Miss and a Full Barn
October brought Nyala home, and this addition almost did not happen.
I had originally placed a deposit on Nyala before Penny ever entered the picture. At the time, Nyala was not going to be ready to come home until after fair in September. Once Penny became a reality, I seriously questioned whether keeping Nyala in the plan made sense. I actually backed out.
The breeder was incredibly kind and accommodating and encouraged me to pause and really think before letting this doe go. She reminded me why I had committed to Nyala in the first place and what she brought to the table.
I am so glad I listened.
Nyala is everything. She is striking, powerful, and absolutely stunning, but she is also incredibly sweet and easy to work with. She has that rare combination of presence and kindness that makes her a joy to have in the barn. Every single day she reminds me how close I came to letting something truly special slip away.
Around the same time, we finished the second side of the barn and moved the entire herd in. That moment felt huge. The barn finally shifted from being a project to being a functional system, and chores became smoother and more efficient almost immediately.
November Kidding Season and AI Success
November absolutely delivered.
Penny kidded triplets, two bucklings and a doeling, and they are beautiful. Watching her step into motherhood with such confidence confirmed everything I hoped she would be. Penny is a cornerstone doe for this herd. She will retire here and will never be for sale. She and her kids have been worth every ounce of stress and uncertainty leading up to her arrival.
At the very beginning of November, I attended an Artificial Insemination course with Karen Lewis of Frozen Assets. I came home with my AI kit and immediately started putting what I learned into practice.
One of the biggest wins came when I AI’d Nyala on November 11, 2025.
She took on the first attempt.
Nyala is due April 6 and is bred to BetterWayz Champ Carebear. Between her genetics, her temperament, and how effortlessly she handled that first AI, this doe has proven herself to be something truly exceptional. Some goats are nice additions to a herd. Others shape the entire direction of a program. Nyala is the latter.
Looking Ahead
Late summer and fall were about trust, preparation, and committing fully to the vision for this herd. From building the barn to investing in genetics, to welcoming foundation does like Penny and Nyala, this season marked a turning point for Bootsy Garden.
As we move toward spring kidding season, I feel grounded, excited, and confident in the direction we are heading. There is so much more to come, and I cannot wait to share what the next season brings.
Thank you for reading! Please let me know if you enjoy these updates. :)
