FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About EB Ranch Farmstead And San Clemente Island Goats

San Clemente Island Goat Frequently Asked Questions And Answers

Question: Are San Clemente Island goats "feral"?
Answer: Absolutely not. SCI goats were once feral, but as soon as they were being cared for in a domestic setting, they became a domesticated breed. Referring to them as actively feral is a disservice to the breed and breeder community. I would question and voice my concerns to any people deciding to refer to this breed as feral.
Question: How many San Clemente Island goats are left?
Answer: As of 2023 there are about 1,700 goats in the United States and Canada.
Question: How can we move the San Clement Island goats off the Livestock Conservancy's critically endangered list?
Answer: You must register your San Clemente Island goats with the San Clemente Island Goat Breeders Association And Registry. The Livestock Conservancy takes a yearly census, and if there are over 200 animals registered for at least three years in a row. The San Clemente Island goat breed may move "up" on the endangered list.
Question: Do you register your San Clemente Island goats?
Answer: Yes, I do, and so should you. I use the San Clemente Island Goat Breeder's Association And Registry. This is the only legitimately functioning and member owned registry available for these goats. The SCIGBA is not associated with any other registry. Beware any outdated or confusing websites around the San Clemente Island goat breed.
Question: Tell me about DNA parentage testing.
Answer: DNA parentage testing, or some just refer to it as "DNA testing" is a method to confirm parents of a certain goat. Because San Clemente Island goats are so closely related, it's important to test hair samples from both the dam and sire. You can do your own testing through UC Davis. You can create your own account, and mark the San Clemente Island Goat Breeders Association as an affiliate. Furthermore, you will remain owner of your own DNA sample and test results, but sharing it with the SCIGBA as an affiliate helps create another place to keep your DNA test results safe. Please beware any other registry that does not allow you to keep ownership of your DNA and demands you run tests directly through their business.
Question: Does "DNA testing" confirm breed?
Answer: No. And if anyone tells you differently, they are not being honest. There is currently no breed purity analysis test for the San Clemente Island goat breed. You can test against other created purity tests if you desire. I believe some people are using the term "DNA tested" in the wrong context. Remember, there is only parentage DNA testing available.
Question: Can you milk San Clemente Island goats?
Answer: You sure can. Here is a more detailed answer. San Clemente Island goats are considered to be an unimproved goat breed. They were brought to the mainland off the San Clemente Island in the early 80's. People may have slightly improved some traits of this breed. But changing the breed too much to appease our production desires may actually change the breed's phenotype. Ultimately changing the breed from its original state on the island. San Clemente Island goats have teats that can vary from extra teats, fishtail teats, to just one teat per side. None of these traits are reasons to cull a San Clemente Island goat.
Question: How much milk do San Clemente Island goats give?
Answer: The amount can vary a lot since they are an unimproved breed. I may bet as much as four pounds a day with twice a day milking. Or just one pound a day with twice a day milking.
Question: Do you sell goat milk?
Answer: No. It is illegal for me to sell raw milk in the state of Wisconsin. Becoming a licensed dairy and micro creamery is far too expensive to invest in. Please do not ask me to sell milk to you, even for pets. It puts me in an awkward position. If you would like to see changes in how milk is handled. Please consider becoming an advocate for farmers in changing laws and regulations around our food system. You can start by visiting Wisconsin Farmers Union and Farm To Consumer Legal Dense Fund.
Question: What is the temperament of a San Clemente Island goat?
Answer: Temperaments can vary in any goat or livestock breed. San Clemente Island goats can tend to be more wary and observant of their surroundings. This may lead them to be a tad less friendly toward humans, but that doesn't mean aggressive or feral. I hand milk many of my San Clemente Island goats, as well as preform regular health checks. I cannot keep aggressive animals as it would be unsafe for me and the rest of my herd. Likewise, I have found that positive reinforcement and routine benefit this breed. If you want to use your goats for more hands-on projects, like milking or 4-H, consider buying from breeders that raise goats they are more hands-on with.
Question: How much do San Clement Island goats cost?
Answer: The cost can vary, depending on location of your purchase. Every seller needs to ask the price they think is necessary to cover expenses. Keep in mind that there may be added transport costs depending on where you decide to purchase from. There are nor should there be a set price on San Clemente Island goats. You can find my price listings HERE.
Question: What kind of care do San Clemente Island goats need?
Answer: They need the same kind of care as any other goat. Do your research before deciding to raise these goats, or any other livestock. There are a lot of resources available in your local library or online. Remember, San Clemente Island goats are still just goats.
Question: Are there any special considerations to be taken before raising the San Clemente Island goat breed?
Answer: Yes. At one point not very long ago, there were less than 400 San Clemente Island goats left. These goats have a unique history, and are still considered to be critically endangered. Being open to working with the breeder community for best breeding practices, taking on extra financial burdens for the collection of valuable genetic material, being open and transparent with the breeder community, and thinking about what is the best for the breed and breeders in the future. While you certainly don't have to take on any extra "stuff" with this breed. There are a lot of opportunities to work on important projects together.

EB Ranch Farmstead Frequently Asked Questions And Answers

Question: Do you allow visitors on the farm?
Answer: I do occasionally, but only when asked prior and a date and time are set. Or if I offer events on the farm. This is a working farm, and I work multiple other off farm jobs as well. I am often pressed for time to host visitors.
Question: Why do you no longer sell goat milk soap?
Answer: I had been selling goat milk soap since 2015. In early 2024 I decided to sell the soap portion of the EB Ranch Farmstead business. The decision was complicated, but I was happy that Sunrise Wild Have Farm took it over. They will be using San Clemente Island goat milk in their soap, and are using my recipes.
Question: Is EB Ranch Farmstead a non-profit?
Answer: No, EB Ranch is an LLC. Though, I can legally take donations for help with the San Clemente Island goats. Although, I am considering changing EB Ranch Farmstead to a non-profit, possibly in late 2024 or early 2025.
Question: Does EB Ranch Farmstead sell San Clement Island Goats for breeding stock?
Answer: Yes, I do sell San Clemente Island goat kids almost yearly. And may offer adult goats and proven bucks on occasion.
Question: Do you offer goat meat, even though it's from the critically endangered San Clemente Island goat breed?
Answer: Yes. The population has grown since I started raising these goats in 2013. Being able to offer different products from these goats are one important aspect to helping them get off the critically endangered list. Finding purpose and uses for these goats helps to garner more interest in the breed. That demand means more people can and want to raise these goats for a multitude of different reasons. Offering goat meat is just one product example.
Question: Do you offer pastured chicken meat?
Answer: Yes. I currently whole chicken meat shares available in October for on farm pickup only. I process my own chickens the day of pickup. Likewise, I promise, this a fully processed chicken, in a shrink wrap bag. Just like how you would buy from a grocery store. There are no feathers, feet, or head attached.