THE GOATS SMILED AT ME

INTRODUCTION

Greetings Esteemed Steemians, did you know that agriculture is one of the most effective strategies in fighting against hunger, unemployment, tiredness, laziness, carelessness etc.?. It sounds strange I know. However my experience with "The Boys" will definitely make the message clearer.

My name is Marvelous Sunday Udofia, a Nigerian who lost his mom at a very tender age of seven (7). I thought life hates me so well until I met a woman (step-mother) who showed me love, guidance and caring. One of the exciting part of my journey with her centers on her love for domestic animals which makes her to rare animals such as (Pigs, cats, rabbits, fish and goat aka the Boys). I will be presenting one of my experiences with "The boys''.

THE ROUGH MORNING

It was about 5:30am, a moment people should be having their devotion, getting set for the day or variably just relaxing at their comfort while pondering on what the day would offer. On this faithful day, my own case was different. My step mom's goat woke me up even before my alarm did. Their loud bleating sounds continuously hit on my head that I was forced to check What really happened to them in such an early hour of the day. After my inspection, I discovered that there was no visible monster but, an invisible one "Hunger". I smiled as I set out into the forest just to appease the boys.

THE FOREST ENCOUNTER

The Forest is a little distance from the house so I had to use my stepmom's bike which I tagged "My Benz" Yes! It's a Benz in my mind as I derive total satisfaction and pleasure especially when been driven by my junior brother "Uduak Obong".

However, on this faithful day, I happened to be my driver as I expected to be going back with a passenger "Goat feed" upon returning home. While in the forest, grasses and bushes were as though a mighty rain fell overnight. Meanwhile, neither did the coldness of the weather nor the wetness of the forest stopped me from getting the best feed for the boys. I ensured that the feeds harvested were enough to satisfy the boys and I as well ensured not to keep them waiting for too long.

I was about leaving the forest when I heard a sound I could not really understand. Could it be a grass cutter, bush rabbit or wild animal (snake in mind)? Anyway, I wasn't a good hunter so I quickly rushed back home with my goat feeds to avoid stories that touch the heart.

YES! THE GOATS SMILED AT ME

I know that this sounds crazy to believe. However, upon reaching the house, I discovered that the goats were still ranting even more that before. I hurriedly handed their food to them while I stood aside for some minutes viewing my boys enjoy. I noticed a moment of silence and thereafter, when they noticed my presence,they started bleating again. Should a goat rant while eating? Could it be that there are tasty? Or possibly just happy? It was at this point that I concluded that my stepmom's goat smiled at me.

If you are wondering why on earth anyone should rare goat, below are some benefits of rearing goats

BENEFITS OF REARING GOATS

Provision of Meat:
Just like my mom would always say "I will kill that goat for us to eat" Even when she hardly does it. Goat meat are reliable source of protein which could be used to prepare Goat meat pepper soup, white soup, Suya etc. This meat could be both for domestic and commercial purposes.

A source of Income:

Do you know that even a baby goat (kid) cost as much more that you would ever imagine? Here, in Ukpom (Nigeria) many family ensures that their goats are being converted to cash on an annual basis. This is always achieved through the sales of their goats.

A means to Eradicate Unemployment:

In a situation where there's no or limited work, one could venture into this sector of agriculture and grow massively. He/she would grow massively through the sales of the animals and animal droppings which is used as manure.

It minimizes laziness, carelessness and tiredness:

This can be explained using my early morning routine of waking up early to get feed for the boys. With this, I eradicate laziness and tiredness while promoting carefulness. You, too, can see the smile of a goat provided you care for them unconditionally.

I invite the following Steemians to opt in to goat farming and thank me later.

@bossj23	@basil20

@nsijoro	@dwings