Goat Milk

Owner says dogs killed a third of his herd. He may pause production until November after losing 30% of his herd.

BUCKEYE, Arizona – Wendell Crow, who runs Crow’s Dairy in Buckeye, said an overnight attack killed more than 35 goats. The animals were kept in a pen, where a newly dug opening was found along the farm’s fence. Crow said he believed dogs were responsible, although he said he had no proof identifying the animal involved.

The herd consists of goat milk. Crow’s Dairy supplies goat milk and cheese to restaurants, hotels and households across the Valley. Crow said the deaths amounted to roughly 30% of the farm’s animals, leaving about one-third of the herd buried after the incident.

“It’s so disheartening to have something like this happen when you put your life into it,” Crow said. He added that the loss had affected the operation because the surviving goats would produce far less milk.

Crow said production might have to shut down until around November. He said the business would not be rebuilt from the beginning, however, because it still had products in stock. Those supplies would continue to be sold to restaurants, he said.

The farm owner attributed the suspected attack to loose dogs in the Rainbow Valley area. Arizona law allows livestock owners to protect their herds from dogs that chase or attack them. Dog owners may face charges and penalties when their pets are responsible for such attacks.

Crow has moved the remaining goats to the front of the barn so they could be monitored more closely. He was also considering an electric fence to deter animals from digging beneath the boundary. The farm has operated since the early 1900s and was featured on Jamie’s Local Love in 2020 and on the programme’s podcast in 2024.

In the 250 years since the founding of the United States, no agricultural sector has undergone a more profound structural transformation than dairy processing and production. From 1776 homesteads to 2026 data hubs, 250 years of innovation transformed US dairy into a global leader in nutrient density.

The dairy industry has undergone a significant transformation over the past 250 years, evolving from small family farms to large-scale, high-tech operations. Modern mega-dairies are now equipped with advanced technologies, enhancing efficiency and sustainability.

The US dairy industry has experienced a profound transformation since the country’s founding in 1776. Initially, dairy production was a local, survival-driven necessity, with families keeping cows to provide essential nutrition. Over the next two and a half centuries, the industry evolved into a sophisticated network of high-tech, corporate mega-dairies.

By 2026, the traditional homestead model had been replaced by advanced commercial operations, with facilities milking over 1,000 cows. These modern production sites are equipped with real-time sensor platforms that allow herd managers to monitor animal health and nutrition with precision, a significant leap from the manual labor of the past.

Technological advancements have led to the development of crossbred animals designed to meet specific cheese production needs in international markets. The integration of large-scale anaerobic methane digesters and nutrient-recovery systems has transformed dairy operations into potential net-positive energy producers for local communities.

Despite these changes, the industry’s core remains tied to multi-generational family farming legacies. Daily routines on farms continue to reflect the silent, practiced choreography of livestock management that has defined the sector for generations.

By the turn of the 21st century, the industry had hit a staggering milestone of efficiency. As Dennis Rodenbaugh, chair of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, recently noted, the modern U.S. dairy cow is a biological marvel. Compared to her midcentury predecessors, she produces five times more nutrition while using 65% less water and requiring 90% less land. We have spent 250 years perfecting the “how” of production. Now, we are entering the “why” of the digital era.

The industry’s progress is marked by the construction of modern manufacturing facilities, which serve as symbols of the new era. These developments have positioned American dairy producers as leaders in global nutrient supply, demonstrating a commitment to innovation while maintaining traditional roots.

Global milk production growth continues to be exceptionally strong has led to a decrease in dairy prices, affecting profitability in the dairy industry.

The global dairy market is currently experiencing a downturn as an oversupply of milk has led to a significant drop in dairy prices. This phenomenon is largely attributed to increased milk production across several key regions worldwide.

As of April 2026, the surplus in milk supply has caused a noticeable decline in the prices of dairy products such as butter and cheese. The European market has been particularly affected, where producers are facing shrinking profit margins due to the falling prices.

Producer economics continue to support high milk output despite declining farmgate prices. Industry experts have noted that the current situation is driven by various factors, including enhanced production capabilities and favorable climatic conditions that have boosted milk yields. The oversupply situation has been further exacerbated by lower consumer demand in some regions, resulting in excess stock.

The impact on the dairy sector is profound, with many producers struggling to maintain profitability. The price drop has led to calls for regulatory interventions to stabilize the market and support producers during this challenging period.

Overall, the global dairy market is navigating a complex landscape shaped by fluctuating demand and supply dynamics, necessitating strategic adjustments by industry players to manage the current economic pressures, and only the most adaptable players are likely to emerge stronger.