So you want to get goats…or maybe a cow? But you’re not sure. You wish your best friend could tell you all about each one so you can make an informed decision. No worries! I can help!

Cream line on Jersey cow milk — *One big win for cows is the CREAM! Morning coffee and hot buttered bread just isn’t the same with goats.*

Because, let’s be honest. The reason you are considering the crazy idea of getting a cow or goat is mainly the milk, cream, and… meat? Although many people are familiar with beef, goat is less commonly available in the states. You'll want to make sure you like goat. Personally, this was another check mark on the con side for me.…but which one do you like better? Goat milk, or cow milk? Beef, or goat (chevon)? Try them BEFORE you decide! (comment below!)

But wait! Maybe you just want a pet, and nothing matters more to you than personality.

Here's where I am going to make some people mad….another con for goats in my opinion. After growing up with goats, and having cows the last 8ish years (as of 2023)…if I had to use one word to describe a cow & one word for a goat it would be, cow/calm; goat/goofy.

Throw pillow on rocking chair on the porch. — *I like a more relaxed vibe.*

Cow: Serenity…..Goat: Capricious

I mean the adjective comes from the Latin caprine…and Latin for goat is caprae….see the root of it? Basically, goats are a PITA. And don't get me started on how they waste hay… & hey Austin, (HomeSteady reference) you know what I’m talking about! Lol

*Calf NOT jumping all over you. Have you seen goat yoga?!*

Aside from the great taste debate (most people say they prefer the taste of cow milk), you can’t get cream from goats milk without a cream separator. A cream separator is costly, time consuming to use, and no fun to clean. With out cream there is no butter, whipping cream, cream for my coffee…so for me, goats are also a no on milk & meat.

But that doesn't mean we don't still love goats. We even have some! Here in the PNW we have blackberries, aka thorny vines that creep over everything. (Don’t get me started on the knotweed. That’s another article). If you like to turn lemons into lemonade, then you use goats! Nine months out of the year we feed ZERO hay, feed, ANYTHING to our goats (OK, loose minerals, and salt…and water…FRESH water (as goats are also VERY picky about their water unlike a cow for example) The blackberries, knotweed, and crab apples keep them fat….and my fence line clear. It’s a win win for us both! Now you just have to decide. Goat or cow?

Goats vs. Cows

Who is The Contrary Farm Girl Anyways?

Family Milk Cows: Get a Goat FIRST! Here’s why.