Although the majority of the pasture still needs to grow more before the goats are out full time, one paddock was growing faster than the others, and another had several large weeds that needed to be removed. Therefore, the goats got to start eating the fresh green grass a few weeks early! Here are some pictures of them enjoying themselves, and a video of the same. (you can hear them crunching on the grass in the video)

The average dairy goat produces 20 times her body weight or more milk in a 305 day lactation (about 1 gallon per day), compared to the average dairy cow who produces about 11 times her body weight in the same amount of time. Because of this, dairy goats cannot maintain production on grass alone, they need to be supplemented with a more nutrient-dense feed as well. I supplement my herd with a non-GMO feed made by Barrier Farms.

Although it may not be their only choice, the goats definitely prefer the grass when it is available!