Southwest Missouri Boer Goats

Harmony Hill is the home of Jennifer and Duane Keys. Their farm was named by a visiting friend who commented on the horse, the chickens, the goats, the dogs, and the owners dwelling the hill top farm in harmony.

Jennifer keeps the farm running day to day as the self-proclaimed “goat lady” and the brains of the operation. Her husband, Duane, gets drafted quite frequently into supporting roles to build structures and pens, feed, or hold a goat that needs care.

They Keys purchased their home three years ago but it is “a lifetime in the planning.” They selected what is now Harmony Hill due to it’s proximity to a public use arena. That was when horses were the main priority, little did they know how hard “goat fever” would hit! The farm is now a fully operating goat ranch with the best goat fence available and a growing number of goat specific hutches, barns, and feeding mechanisms.

Jennifer of Huchteman Farms has to take most of the credit (or blame) for the Keys’ involvement with Boer goats. The first three does to call Harmony Hill home were purchased from Huchteman Farms. Originally purchased for brush control Jennifer (Keys) “had no idea then that I would absolutely love goats!”

Harmony Hill currently has thirty-eight goat residents, though that number might change at any time… not something Jennifer likes to mention in front of her husband!

Jennifer knew, however, that she had sold her husband on the idea of being a goat rancher when he offered to buy Lilly from her. Lilly is their most affectionate goat, sometimes annoyingly so as she can be very “in your pocket.” Duane offered to buy her rather than see her potentially sold off the farm. Jennifer warned Duane not to get too attached until they learned what kind of kids she would have.
Jennifer and Duane are looking forward to their first show season in 2010 with their own kids. Jennifer’s goals are to raise Boer and Boer-percentage goats of exceptional quality to that do well both in the show ring and in the breeding program. “I have a fairly small herd so I don’t keep anything that I don’t really like. I hope that through education and exposure we can introduce more people to these incredible animals.”

Jennifer says that Boer goats make great 4-H or FFA projects and that the profit margin can be much higher than with cattle. Jennifer and Duane also believe strongly in living sustainably and think that other farmers would do well to consider goats. “it’s the perfect way to live the farm life without all of the acreage.”

The Keys’ thank you for your interest in their goats and their farm and urge you to contact them with questions or to set an appointment to view their herd.

Harmony Hill, Jennifer and Duane Keys
5687 Hwy 123
Walnut Grove, MO 65770
417.788.2072
email i...@swmoboer.com

Member AMERICAN BOER GOAT ASSOCIATION