Rachel Hoff

Definitely get the California Mastitis Test, Hoegger should have it (I think it's like $16 but will last a really long time), and test once a month at the very least. It won't necessarily catch all bad bacteria, but it will let you know if you're dealing with an infection in the udder. It's the best, and most accurate mastitis test available. With goat milk, it can sometimes get a little gelled and not necessarily be an indicator of mastitis, but I have yet to see that with my girls.

Josh, you might want to check out San Francisco's ordinance. They allow the growing and selling of produce from just about any zoning district. Another one you might want to look into is the Sustainable Economies Law Center's Cottage Food Act, which just went into effect here in California on Jan. 1st and also the Homegrown Food Act, which they are currently trying to find sponsorship for. The HFA allows people to grow food regardless of where they live and whether they own the land. In most cases they can also sell it. So even if you live in a HOA you can still grow food in your front yard without they having any legal recourse to stop you. Same goes for cities. They can't stop you either. I hope that helps.

Hi Blaine!
Vallejo urban farmer here. I'd offer to help out but I've got my hands full with our own property at the moment.

Have you thought about (or even know about?) checking out the East Bay Urban Agriculture Alliance? You might be able to find a lot more resources and people there to join you in your quest. We're actually meeting tomorrow evening at the Ecology Center on San Pablo Ave in Berkeley at 6pm. There is also the Bay Area Homestead Hookup listserv to find other local urban farmers. Lots of info on there as well (the current thread is actually about permaculture courses). Good luck in your quest!

We have:
2 old-style Pygmy does (mother & daughter)
2 Nigerian Dwarf does
1 Nigerian Dwarf wether

We are raising them for the 3 M's - milk, meat and manure. The two pygmies we've had for 4 years now (wow, time flies!) and the oldest Nigi doe we've had for a year and the other two are her kids. The wether we're planning on using to pull a cart and for hiking. He's still pretty young though, so he's not quite used to the whole idea of going for walks.