A day in the life of local goat farmers

Posted: Mar 9, 2010 9:13 AM by Jessica Michaels
Updated: Mar 9, 2010 9:13 AM

It is a continual circle of life at Mini Moos and Kids Too Dairy in Canon City. As the only Grade-A goat dairy in Colorado, the owners Amy and Robert Anderson keep busy. More than 80 kids were born last month, with two dozen added this week. Between feeding the new kids, milking the mothers, and keeping everything clean, days are long and nights are late.

"To do a job, and to do it right, to take care of the kids, have a good quality product, and have good healthy goats, you have to put the time in," says Rob.

Amy agrees, the work is sometimes challenging, but wouldn't want it any other way. Going into their third season, Mini Moos produces goat milk and cheese. They sell the product at farmers markets and stores throughout Southern Colorado. A source of pride for the co-owners is their comitment to consistency and high quality products.

"Making cheese is not hard," exclaims Rob. "Making cheese consistently in a high quantity is where you get tricky." But Rob seems to have it down to a science. Selling everything they produce, the Andersons are working at max capacity. At peak production they are gathering about 100 gallons of milk per day.

While they don't dismiss the idea of expanding, the Anderson's say they are taking it all day by day and enjoying themselves.

"I get to do my job," Rob says. "when I come home, I feel extra special because I come home to this."

Here is a complete list of the stores that carry Mini Moo's products in Southern Colorado.

Canon City:

Hilltop Markett. on S. 9th Street

Mother Natures on Main St.

Colon Orchards Markett on southeast side

Pueblo West:

D' Light Bakery on McCulloch

Avondale:

Mauro's Bakery and Market

Colorado Springs: