Farming & Family: The Fitzpatrick's

Welcome to day 28 of 31....actually we are a few days behind...but you get the idea.  Today's farm family hails from my home state of Georgia.  Both are big fans of the Dawgs but better yet I have know both of these folks since high school...OK maybe before then....they were a  bit younger than I am.  I have been able to watch each of them grow up and become amazing leaders in the community. 

Honestly I remember Regina back when she was just getting her feet wet in one of the greatest youth organizations.  She was just as sweet then as she is now.  And let's not forget Raymond...recently found a picture of him at a FFA conference (Greenhand Jamboree, I think) from when I was a SO.   This couple together is a powerhouse for agriculture with their feet and faith planted firmly in the Lord.  I am blessed to call them friends!

Oh some of you FFA buffs might remember Regina...she use to wear this a LOT 

as a National FFA Officer back in the day!  Your welcome Regina :) 

Let's learn more about their farm and family :) 

1. Who are you and where are you located?
We are Genesis 1:24 Boer Goats and we are located near the GA/SC line in Lavonia, GA. 




2. How did your farm begin? 
We began back in 2010 with 4 boer goats. That has now transformed into a whole lot more! We run quality breeding does and have recently added 3 donor does to the program. We have met many people who have helped us along the way. The friendships are priceless! 


3. What does your farm produce?
We produce meat goats that are Boer influenced. They are suitable for show goats for 4-H and FFA projects, but are also high quality producers of goat meat. We like to focus on quality instead of quantity and only like to produce and sell things for students to show that we would be proud to show or keep ourselves. 
   
4. What is the busiest time of year for your farm?
We have several busy seasons. Our busiest season is our kidding season. That can start Mid January until the first of March. When kidding season begins, we have to watch our does and make sure they are accepting babies and all is well. If a doe rejects a kid, we have to either bottle feed it or graft it on to another doe within 24 hours. Does can have anywhere from single births to quadruplets. So, do the math, it can be pretty busy! Another busy season is fall breeding season and show season.  We have recently started utilizing embryo transfer in our program to maximize our genetics. 


5. How do younger generations help on the farm?
Our only younger generation help is our 4 year old Border Collie, "Tater." She's the hardest working family member of us all! 

6. With all there is to do on a farm, are you involved off the farm?
Yes, we both work jobs that keep us busy during the day, so we can farm in the evenings. 

7. What's your favorite activity to do together as a family on the farm?
I would say our favorite farm activity is really feeding and doe checking in the evenings. We will walk pastures and check goats while catching up on each other's day. .

8. Why is family important to your farm?
Family is what our farm was built on. It was a way to relax and enjoy each others company, while combining our interest and love for agriculture and God's land. 

9. What's one thing you want non-farm families to know?
I think all non farm families should know that no matter how big or small, our farms matter. We are producers and stewards of the land. We farm so you can eat and enjoy things. We don't do it because we have to, we do it because we want to. Farm families are some of the kindest and gentlest people you will meet. 

10. Do you have a blog, a farm Facebook page, twitter, etc where people can find out more about you and your farm?  
We currently don't have official farm social media pages, but we are always welcome to receive your emails at genesis124goats@gmail.com. We will hold a sale this spring with some friends, and we hope to see you there!  

Thanks to Regina & Raymond for sharing about their farm & family today.  I hope you caught a glimpse of farm life many might miss.  This young farm couple is working hard to help educate not only the next generation but others as well about the importance of agriculture.  If you have questions or comments from them please feel free to leave them in the comments section below or email them.  

Until we meet again may God bless you and keep you!

Caci  

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