Who we are and what we do:
Hankes Livestock is operated by John, Deanna, Rachel and Cody Hankes on a small farm near Cropsey, IL.  We raise Boer meat goats and Border Collie dogs.  In the summer we add some show pigs and cattle for our kids.

Why goats?
Goats were not a natural first choice for our primary livestock.  Deanna grew up raising Angus cattle and later had a few Spot sows.  John grew up raising hogs and Angus cattle.  We thought we would find our niche with a few cows to occupy our few acres of pasture.  Both of us have off farm jobs that keep us busy, and managing the cows was more pain than pleasure.  In the fall of 2008 we attended a goat sale and bought our first bred doe.  Although not love at first site we found the relative ease of care, and unique personalities of the goats, more enjoyable than the cows.  In addition our kids are able to help with the care and management of the goats with less safety concerns.  As time has moved on and we have been around the goats longer, we find them a very rewarding and satisfying. 

Why Border Collies?
The Border Collies are the natural first and last choice for us in dogs.  We find their intelligence and loyalty unmatched by other stock dog breeds.