Wildflower Acres Farm is proud to have been named 2024 Top Consignor in the University of Florida IFAS Buck Test, one of the most respected performance evaluations for meat goats in the Southeastern United States. This recognition highlights our commitment to breeding Florida-raised Kiko goats with superior parasite resistance, efficient growth, and real-world pasture performance. 

The UF Buck Test provides independent, university-collected data by evaluating bucks from multiple farms under identical conditions. This level playing field allows producers to identify genetics that truly excel in growth, parasite resistance, and overall productivity in the challenging environment of the Southeast.

The University of Florida IFAS Buck Test is a performance evaluation program where young bucks from many different farms are brought together and tested under identical conditions. Instead of each buck being raised on its home farm with different feed, pasture, and management, all bucks are placed in the same environment and managed exactly the same way. This allows researchers and producers to compare genetics fairly and objectively. The test was designed specifically to identify goats that can perform in the challenging environment of the Southeastern United States, including:

• Heat and humidity
• Forage-based production systems
• Heavy parasite pressure
   

These are the exact conditions commercial goat producers face every day.

During the test period, detailed performance data is collected on each buck.

One of the most important measurements is Average Daily Gain (ADG).

This shows how efficiently a goat converts feed and forage into body weight. Faster growth means:

• Heavier kids at market
• Shorter time to finishing weight
• Better profitability for producers
   

Internal parasites, especially Barber Pole Worm (Haemonchus contortus), are one of the biggest challenges for goat producers in the Southeast.

The UF Buck Test evaluates parasite resistance using:

• FAMACHA scoring
• Fecal Egg Counts
   

Bucks that maintain lower parasite loads without excessive treatment demonstrate genetic parasite resistance, which can be passed on to their offspring.

Researchers also evaluate:

• Body condition
• Overall health
• Structural correctness
   

This helps identify bucks that maintain condition and thrive on pasture rather than relying heavily on grain feeding.

A buck contributes 50% of the genetics to every kid born in a herd. Choosing the right herd sire is one of the most important decisions a producer can make. Performance testing provides objective, third-party data about a buck’s genetic potential rather than relying only on appearance or pedigree. Bucks that excel in the UF Buck Test demonstrate that their genetics can:

• Grow efficiently
• Maintain health under parasite pressure
• Perform in hot, humid climates
• Produce hardy, productive offspring
   

Wildflower Acres Farm is proud to have been recognized as the 2024 Top Consignor in the University of Florida Buck Test.

This distinction means that goats from our breeding program ranked among the highest performing animals in the entire test.

Being named Top Consignor reflects the core goals of our breeding program:

• Strong parasite resistance
• Efficient growth on forage
• Practical, productive genetics
• Goats that thrive in Southeastern conditions

This recognition confirms that the genetics we are producing are not only visually impressive—but proven performers under real-world conditions.

When you purchase breeding stock from Wildflower Acres Farm, you are investing in genetics that have been validated through independent university performance testing.

Our goal is simple:

To produce goats that help other farms build stronger, more profitable, and more resilient herds.