The journey of Six Shooter Kiko farm commenced in 2019 when Cody and Brittany Santel (Smith) decided to turn their childhood dreams of living on a farm into reality. Drawing inspiration from fond memories of their grandparents' diverse farm animals, Cody and Brittany were determined to create their own haven filled with a variety of animals. Before long, the sights and sounds of chickens, turkeys, cows, and goats brought life to their small farm.
With a specific interest in goats, the couple chose the Kiko breed due to its renowned parasite resistance, strong mothering instincts, and desirable meat production, making it a sought-after breed nationwide. The endeavor soon gained the involvement of Cody's parents, Tim and Gina, and together, they acquired a small herd of commercial Kiko goats for the fledgling farm. As with any new farm, there was a learning curve, but the family embraced the challenges.
As the Santel family gained knowledge and experience in raising Kiko goats, the farm expanded its horizons by adding numerous registered New Zealand and Purebred Kikos from reputable breeders across the U.S. The emphasis was placed on acquiring genetics and bloodlines known for proven performance, especially those producing large goats with distinctive colors. Concurrent with the herd's growth, the need for more acreage became evident.
In March 2021, Six Shooter Kiko farm underwent a significant expansion with the acquisition of 56 picturesque acres in Marshall County, Kentucky. The rolling hills of the new farm offered lush green pastures, a pond, a creek, and wooded timber featuring red oaks, white oaks, cherry, pine, cedar, and more—providing the goats with abundant forage. The introduction of several large paddocks facilitated rotational grazing, leading to improved parasite management, with worming implemented only when necessary.
Dedicated to maintaining the health of their goats, Six Shooter Kiko farm follows a bioscreen testing protocol for all new arrivals and conducts random testing throughout the year. Regular and annual vaccinations, including protection against Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL), are administered to ensure the well-being of the goats on the farm. The Santel family's commitment to responsible and informed goat farming is reflected in the continuous growth and success of Six Shooter Kiko farm.