I began keeping goats in 1986. My first were Alpine-Pygmy crosses as I sought a small dairy animal to provide the household with milk. I then moved on to ADGA registered Nubians, whom I decided were too big and pushy around my young children. On my quest to find the perfect small, family/homestead goat, I thought was looking for Kinders, but happened upon Nigerian Dwarfs and it was love at first sight! I acquired my first Nigerian, AGS Goodwood Geranium , in 1991 and have never looked back. Since that fateful decision, my four children, Margiana, Robin, Linden, and Eleanor have also become involved in managing, raising and showing of our goats.
Rosasharn goats are currently registered the American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA). I have been a Board member of the American Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Association, President of the New England Nigerian Dwarf Association, and a member of AGS and ADGA. I was the leader of a 4-H group specializing in goats (many Nigerians included) for more than 10 years.
We attended our first AGS show in 1995 and the majority of our senior animals have earned their permanent champion status. Our greatest successes were at the AGS National shows in New York State in the summer of 1997, and in North Carolina in 2000 where our buck ARMCH Goodwood Tom Thumb ++B was chosen best of breed! Also, in North Carolina 2000, our doe (now ARMCH) Rosasharn’s Sandalwood 4*D was chosen Grand Champion Senior Doe and was beat in the Champion Challenge class by our ARMCH Goodwood Water Lilly 1*M and followed in the Champion Challenge line up by our own ARMCH AGS Rosasharn's Baby Bella at 9 years old! In 2005 ARMCH SG Rosasharn's Eclipse 2*M won National Champion Senior Doe followed by ARMCH Rosasharn Tom's Bit-A-Lilly 2*M as her Reserve Champion and AGS Rosasharn's UK Witch-Hazel as National Best Udder. In 2007 we did well again; ARMCH SG Rosasharn's Buckwheat Honey 3*M, third generation National Champion and many does topping their classes and group classes as well. Margiana won the senior fitting and showmanship. In 2010 we went to Louisville KY for the first ADGA National Show that included Nigerians. Many of our does topped their classes and we were very proud to come home with the first ADGA National Champion, ARMCH SG Rosasharn P Haiku 4*M and the Reserve Champion, ARMCH SG Rosasharn's Buckwheat Honey 3*M, as well! In 2011 Rosasharn MRC B-Coming 5*M won her age class and Linden won Junior Fitting and Showmanship.
Our breeding program favors line-breeding on the outstanding genetics of ARMCH Goodwood Tom Thumb ++B and ARMCH Rosasharn's Tiger L ++B. The Rosasharn herd has a unique and distinctive style; looking and milking just like the standard dairy goats, only in miniature. We have had our herd evaluated, classified, and linear appraised many times and all of our animals do well with many earning an Excellent (E) score. We breed our does once per year. Our goats are wormed as needed, following the FAMACHA system, and receive CDT and BoSe injections annually. Our herd has always tested negative for CAE, Johnes, CL, TB, and Brucellosis and receive regular veterinary care. We have maintained a closed herd for many years, only leash breeding, using new bucks (who never live or run with our does) occasionally and very carefully.
The does are milked primarily to provide milk for the household, though we share some of the surplus, and feed the rest to hogs. We make delicious cheese and yogurt as well as our own soap. We have been participating on official milk test, or DHIR, since 1998. All our senior does have earned their dairy stars on their first lactation, and our first-fresheners are in the process. I am happy to discuss my records and milking routine–just ask. I strive to have does freshen throughout the year to maintain a constant milk supply. Therefore, we usually have kids available or due. The herd has reached optimum size now which means that often mature breeding stock is offered for sale to make space available for youngsters we want to keep. We will give a discount on the price of a wether as a companion to any goat purchased.
I ship animals out of TF Green airport in Providence, RI, but you are encouraged to come visit the farm if you are able, and choose and transport your own goat. We also have relationships with several ground shippers and would be happy to provide their contact information.
On the following pages you will find pedigrees, descriptions, show records (only grand and reserve wins are noted), milk records, and photos of the Rosasharn breeding stock. We have tried to mention their weaknesses as well as their strengths and we are eager to discuss any individuals or breedings in further detail. Please see our planned breedings, our for sale page, and our sale terms for full details.
Thank you for your interest. We look forward to sharing our Rosasharn genetics with you.
Sincerely,
Anne Petersen