Farm family trades their hogs for goats

摘要

JOHN Emmert once stood in the midst of more than 1,000 pigs. Now he walks along pastures surrounded by red Boer goats. Emmert isn't alone in the livestock switch. He knows of three other former hog operators now raising goats. Over the years the Emmerts gained a long string of awards and titles for dedication to and involvement in the swine industry. Now the family is making a name in the meat goat industry. In 2007 Emmert sold his hogs and moved 12 miles to Darlington, Ind. The new farm didn't havefacilities for hogs, and with woods and pasture, it was better suited for cattle and goats. Emmert made a decision to concentrate on red Boer goats. Boers produce more muscle in less time than other breeds and have gained popularity in the U.S. Though in the show ring some judges still prefer the traditional white and brownish-red Boer goats, Emmert's opinion is that the red coloring on a supreme goat just makes it more appealing.