Today is my cake day. This is what I do when I'm not fixing computers.

My fiance and I raise a small herd of nationally competitive diary goats. This year the ADGA (American Dairy Goat Association) National Show was held in the same facility as the World Dairy Expo in Madison, WI.

Of the 8 registered dairy breeds recognized by ADGA, we currently own and breed 3; Oberhasli, Recorded Grade, and Nubians with Oberhasli's being our primary breed. We pride ourselves on having super competitive animals and this year we proved it by having a good cross section of our animals in the final lineups as well as taking home a Recorded Grade Reserve Junior National Champion award for one of our kids.

Here's some of the Oberhasli babies dried off and sleeping after being bottle fed. Goats-in-totes for the first few days of their lives in the spring.

My buddy Paul has been coming over more to see the kids and to help with chores. He's a heck of a pal, and I'm super glad he came with us to Madison. When I got stressed out or didn't want to be super social, Paul and I would retreat to our tack pens to play guitar and uke. He taught me how to play Hallelujah.

Here's the Recorded Grade Reserve Junior National Champion, Riff-Raff!

Riff-Raff again, with her nationals pen-mates; Eevee (yes we have a pokemon line of goats), and Oasis

At the end of the show week there is a selective and prestigious animal auction. We nominated one of our permanent champions, Boulevard, who was accepted. Here she is with one of our handlers, Levi.

We had to put together a poster and favors to drum up interest in her pedigree and performance. We decorated beer bottles to attract the eyes of potential bidders.

Goats need good doggos as well. Meet Amara, our old lady black lab that we adopted last year.

And here's the ever faithful Naga. Her and her brother, Star-Lord (not pictured) guard the goats 24/7. In the last two years they've killed countless rodents and a few opossums. They love treats, pets, and hanging with their goats. Great Pyrenees are super loyal and great working dogs.

Thanks for reading, and If you have any questions about dairy goats I'll be happy to answer what I can. If you happen to live in the Minneapolis / St. Paul area, come by and see us during the State Fair over Labor Day weekend.