Named after Ann Wood, Ohio Ann Wood started raising goats for cashmere. Wood chose her herd for cashmere abilities. Wood has always preferred a goat that could survive well without too much human intervention. She liked Spanish, and chose her herd from Spanish goats that could also provide good cashmere. The Wood goats came from two lines in Indiana. Wood goats from Northwest Indiana goats originated in the Southwest USA. That started herd provided some does and ‘Merlin,’ who became the main herd sire, and who became a cashmere prize-winning goat (this is a little more challenging for intact males than for wethers or does). From southeast Indiana, Wood acquired goats from the Hotko family, whose herd were mainly from Texas, and one from New England. Among Ann Wood’s herd was a Texas doe called ‘Snooks’ who was kept for her good temperament and intelligence. Snooks carried an unusual black-and-white spotted pattern, which made her a little exceptional in the cashmere league, but her cashmere was certainly good enough to make her worth keeping. The Woods kept her despite the common shun of spotted goats by cashmere breeders. She was a good goat worth keeping, even if that ran contrary to the norm. Ann Wood has always chosen her goats for cashmere, but always chose Spanish as her herd base because she liked the hardiness of the breed. Wood goats are chosen for cashmere and for good temperament. Mean goats are not tolerated in the herd. Does are expected to have twins by their second year, or they are culled. The Woods pay close attention to their pasture make-up. The Wood goats have been raised to flat-land pasture supplemented as needed with hay, and a little grain to ensure that the goats come to call. They are also given goat minerals. As the Indiana herds have disappeared, the Wood bloodline holds valuable and unique genetics, and are Spanish goats with gentle temperaments. Posted February 2013