Breed of the Week – English Goat

The English Goat has been a multiple winner in the Goat competition at the Festival for owner Sophie Agrell.

The English Goat is a beautifully marked, deer-like goat bred to be a hardy multipurpose contributor to the smallholding. They produce enough milk to fulfil normal household needs on a minimum volume of concentrated feed. They thrive in the British climate and are not easily put off by rain or snow.

The English Goat has multiple uses that mean it should be considered a worthy addition to any smallholding. The naturally high level of solids in English Goat milk means this milk makes lovely cheeses, and it can also be made into soap. They grow quickly meaning that stock can be ready to butcher at just over a year old. The attractive and individual markings on their coats make beautifully patterned goat skin rugs. Finally they are experts at Conservation and wildflower meadow grazing; they nibble their way through long grass picking out their favourite bits whilst stepping daintily without flattening anything.

Breed Information from the English Goat Society and the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.