Hi, my name is James (J.C.) Ferebee. I am 18 years old and have 5 siblings; I’m a homeschool graduate and I enjoy working with livestock, gardening, carpentry, camping, and reading books among other things. Most importantly, I am a believer in Jesus Christ and seek to glorify Him in all of my endeavors!

I am a member of York County 4-H and the American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA). I have been raising dairy goats for over 4 years ever since I got my first two Nigerian Dwarves in the spring of 2011 when I was 12. Since then, I have learned a lot, and expanded to not only Nigerians, but also Oberhaslis, a standard-sized breed, and a livestock guardian dog named Dixie. Both Nigerians and Oberhaslis are heritage breeds. Due to it’s popularity, the Nigerian Dwarf breed of goat graduated from the Livestock Conservancy’s conservation priority list in of 2013. Oberhaslis are listed as recovering on the conservation list. In the spring of 2015, I acquired my first 3 Gulf Coast Native lambs, two ewes and a ram. Gulf Coast sheep are a critically endangered heritage breed of sheep for meat and wool.

I have learned a great deal about goats and their proper care. I try to care for my goats as naturally as possible, using drugs and chemical wormers only when necessary with the FAMACHA® method. As I have learned, I have stepped out and have started showing some of my goats. During spring, summer and early fall, I milk my goats daily for their deliciously fresh milk. I have learned that goats, sheep, and other animals can be very rewarding and fun to raise.