About Us

GCH Rancho-Snowfall Sams Flashett circa 1992

Herd History
     James´ involvement in dairy goats began with the need to feed the extra beef calves on his familys ranch in Southern Colorado. Shortly after purchasing his first goat, Wings, he was completely hooked! James continued to improve the herd, as his interest evolved from commercial animals to a 4-H project and eventually competitive ADGA open-show animals.
     In 2005, after a 25-year endeavor Rose Snow, founder of the Rancho-Snowfall Herd entrusted James with their herd name. Over the years the Snow family was involved with goats on many different levels, from operating a commercial dairy to competing at local and national shows. They bred several highly influential animals including: GCH Rancho-Snowfall Sams Flashett, GCH Rancho-Snowfall Clear Crystal, and GCH Rancho-Snowfall Amanda Awrsome. We continue to strive to produce the high quality of animals that are synonymous with Rancho-Snowfall.
     The Rancho-Snowfall Herd is currently located in NorthEast Colorado, near the town of Fort Collins, where both James and Lora attend the College of Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University. Rancho-Snowfalls goal is to maintain a small and manageable herd of animals that is exceptionally healthy, highly productive and of extreme genetic quality.

 

Dr. James H.E. Haught, DVM

     James grew up on a working cattle ranch in Del Norte, Colorado as the fouth generation cattlemen. He was very active in the 4-H youth program raising rabbit, sheep, and beef projects. But it was his diary goat projects that he enjoyed the most. Through James´s hard work and dedication, what started as a creative solution to feeding bottle calves on the ranch, eventually grew into the Rancho-Snowfal Dairy Goat herd of today.
     As a Senior in High School, James was awarded guaranteed admission into Colorado State Universitys College of Veterinary Medicine, upon his completion of the undergraduate degree of his choosing. Later that Fall, James moved to Fort Collins and began his Bachelors in Animal Science. While in Fort Collins, James was active in CSUs Dairy Judging Team, Alpha Gamma Rho, American Association of Small Ruminate Practitioners, Bovine Practitioners, and worked as a Food Animal Veterinary Technician at the Vet School. Initially during this time, the goat herd was on lease to a commercial dairy from James hometown, but eventually the animals were also moved up to Fort Collins.
      Although his schedule is often packed with school and farm responsibilities, James enjoys offering free help and mentorship to local dairy goat youth and their families. He is very grateful for the assistance he received when starting out in the goat world and aspires to pass on this kindness. In the Spring of 2012, James graduated with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State. Currently he is working as a mixed animal veterinarian at Living Springs Veterinary in Bennett Colorado
James also is a member of the All-American and Awards Committees in the American LaMancha Club and serves on the Board of Directors for the Alpines International Breed Club and National Saanen Breeders Association.

 

Lora E. Wittenberg

      Lora grew up in North Central Illinois, near the town of Elburn. Pior to College, Loras background was primarily an equine one. Although she enjoyed the goats she met at petting zoos and the Fair, it never occurred to her that she would soon be owning them.

     Lora came to Colorado in the Fall of 2005 to attend Colorado State University majoring in Animal Science. She also competed nationally on CSUs Dairy Cattle Judging Team and was named an All-American Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judge at World Dairy Expo. Later she would received the prestigious Kildee scholarship from National Dairy Shrine. While in school, she worked as a Technician with Bovine Reproductive Services, honing her artificial insemination and ultrasound skills.

      During her Senior year in the Animals Science program, Lora was accepted into CSU College of Veterinary Medicine. While in vet school, she works as the CSU Student Representative for Merk Animal Health and is the President of CSU's Chapter of the American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners.

     She will graduate with her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in the Spring of 2013 and hopes to find work in a rural mixed animal practice.

     Lora continues to employ her judging talents, as she is often asked to officiate dairy goat and dairy cattle shows at fairs throughout the region. In addition to her school related activities, Lora is currently serving as the President of the Alpines International Breed Club.

 

 

 

 

Thank You
     We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Rose and Leon Snow for their contribution to the dairy goat industry. The lovely animals that came from their breeding program and their willingness to share knowledge has been very influential to our herd.
     We also owe a debt of gratitude to the amazing group of people we have known in the goat community. Keeping our herd while in school has not always been easy; many times it's a downright challenge. Yet our commitment to these beautiful creatures and the support we have received from our goat friends has always seen us through. We greatly appreciate everyone who has helped us along the way!