Rare & wonderful
Cashmere Goats
Friendly, hardy and full of personality — the soft-fiber goats that also help keep our pastures clear.
Friendly, hardy and full of personality — the soft-fiber goats that also help keep our pastures clear.
Cashmere goats are intelligent, gentle, and remarkably personable animals. In addition to their friendly nature, they produce the exceptionally soft fiber known around the world as cashmere.
Many people are surprised to learn that cashmere does not come from a special breed of sheep. It is actually the fine undercoat produced by certain goats. For centuries, much of the world's cashmere came from goats living in the cold regions of Central Asia. American Cashmere Goats were later developed to combine high-quality fiber with hardiness and suitability for the North American climate.
A fine undercoat combed each spring — soft cream, light brown and rich chocolate tones.
They devour rose, honeysuckle, bramble and poison ivy — weed whackers with personality.
Curious, social and easygoing — comfortable around people and other farm animals.
Beginning in the 1970s, breeders worked to develop goats that could produce fine cashmere while thriving in a wide range of climates. Hardy Australian feral goats were crossed with Spanish meat goats found in the American Southwest. Through years of selective breeding, the American Cashmere Goat developed into a sturdy, productive, and friendly animal.
Today, they remain relatively uncommon in the United States.
Our goats live comfortably alongside the horses and other animals on the farm — a true reflection of the easygoing Harley Farm way of life.
Our Cashmere goats turn every spool, rock, and fence rail into a playground.
Cashmere goats begin growing their soft undercoat during the warmer months. By winter, their coats become especially full and fluffy. In early spring, the fine cashmere fibers naturally begin to loosen. At Harley Farm, the goats are gently combed so the soft undercoat can be collected.
Our goats come in several colors, including white, badger, and black. Their cashmere can range from soft cream and light brown to rich chocolate tones.
Cashmere goats are known for being curious, social, and easygoing. They generally enjoy being around people and can live comfortably alongside other farm animals. Their kids — born as singles, twins, or occasionally triplets — are especially playful and affectionate. With proper care, Cashmere Goats can live for around 15 years.
Cashmere goats are ruminants, digesting their food in several stages. They naturally enjoy a diet of pasture plants, brush, weeds, and hay. Grain-based goat feed is generally only needed during certain stages, such as pregnancy, nursing, or while young goats are growing. Their manure has relatively little odor and also makes an excellent natural fertilizer.
One of the most useful qualities of Cashmere Goats is their appetite for plants that many other animals tend to avoid. They enjoy eating wild rose, honeysuckle, bramble, poison ivy, and many other types of weeds and brush. Because their grazing habits differ from those of horses and cattle, they can be especially helpful in naturally maintaining pastures.
"Weed whackers with personality."
From time to time, Harley Farm has Cashmere Goats available for sale, including kids, does, bucks, and wethers. Availability changes throughout the year, particularly during kidding season, so anyone interested in purchasing or reserving goats is encouraged to contact us for current information. We are always happy to share more about the goats, their care, and what it is like to have these wonderful animals.
Whether you are looking for horse boarding, a Crabbet Arabian, a Cashmere goat, or simply want to learn more about the farm, we are always happy to hear from you.
Contact Harley Farm