In 2000 Thorps began researching the addition of Boer Goats to the farming operation. Ten bred Full Blood does were purchased from Rollie Rosenboom, Clifton, Illinios in 2002. The does were Ennobled Concho granddaughters bred to NK 8 Cylinders, a NK CEO son. These does and their progeny have been the foundation for the Windrush herd. Windrush Valentino, an NK 8 Cylinder's son, was Windrush's first sire. He was sold to Don Moothart in 2006. Windrush Valentino wethers were Grand Champion wethers at the 2004, 2005 and 2006 Iowa State Fairs. A second NK 8 Cylinders' son, Ennobled Rose Beau Geste Beau, was added in April, 2005 and is senior herd sire. MK8Cylinders' influence continues to strongly affect Windrush genetics.
Windrush Boers strives to raise top quality Boer Goats and continues to upgrade their herd. In 2006 several new bucks were added: S2 Spinning Rhomubus (Ennobled S2 Jacks or Better x Ennobled S2 Disco Doll) and S2 V630 (TH The Big Cat x S2 Dixie Trick) from Sisters II and ANR 10V (TLB Jack **Ennobled** x DSM 4B49), ANR Waylan (PBL Willie Nelson x DSM 4B36) and ANR 42V (DSM 5B313 x PBL 4B492) from Ashley Reeves. ANR Waylan and ANR 42V are now owned by Tim Pansegrau. Windrush Windfall, a Waylan son, has been retained as have ANR 42V daughters. Semen is available from Windrush Valentino, Ennobled Rose Beau Geste Beau, ANR Waylan, ANR 10V, S2 Spinning Rhombus and Windrush Windfall, Reserve Grand Champion at the 2007 Iowa State Fair.
Healthy goats are extremely important to us. A close working relationship with our veterinarians is an important component of herd health. All new herd additions are tested for CAE and CL and isolated for seven weeks. Prior to kidding does are tested for CAE. Vaccinations are current and fecals are regularly checked. Goats are only wormed when needed in order to avoid anthelmenthic resistance. Milking ability in the doe herd is also important; consequently any doe retained must be strong in this trait.
In 2005 Thorps became interested in pursuing the wether market. Vern is President of the Tall Corn Meat Goat Wether Jackpot Association, Inc. Wethers will continue to be an integral part of Windrush and for sale at the Tall Corn Wether Sale in April and also off the farm.
Vern believes that wethers are an exciting youth project adaptable to small acrages permitting more people to become involved in livestock. 4H and FFA have shows at many counties for meat goat wethers as does the Iowa State Fair. A meat goat project involves lower costs than cattle, pigs or sheep.
Thorps enjoy good livestock and choose to breed a smaller number of goats. In order to continually upgrade, new animals such as those listed above are purchased from select breeders. There will always be quality goats for sale. Please feel free to inspect our herd and contact us for information or help.