De Soto’s Caprine Supply

Walking past the curious-named shop in downtown De Soto, one would not know that caprine denotes the species of goat. Caprine Supply was founded by Jim Vandergriff in 1978 and may be the largest supplier in the world to goat owners. Their 68-page catalog is produced each year by Joan Vandergriff. Approximately 1,000 items are featured, with products mailed to the four corners of the earth.

“Caprine Supply: Everything for Raising Goats” was the original intention to meet the needs of goat owners and breeders, with quality products within the four states adjoining Kansas. That intent was soon satisfied and then met the needs of goat owners in all fifty states. Eventually, they would meet the needs of goat families around the world! Such success required an expanded workforce. Greg Freeman, company manager, and Angie Valenzuela, assistant manager, are in charge of all aspects of running Caprine Supply and shipping supplies to all corners of the world.

Jim invented their first portable milking machine in 1988. An advanced version of this machine continues to be locally manufacturered, along with other manufacturers’ milking machines. Additional items available for the care of one’s goats include: health kits, veterinary supplies, worm medications, vaccines, nutritional aids, cheese making equipment, clipping and trimming supplies and more. The shop’s back room is filled with many items that can be purchased for goats. Prior to beginning Caprine Supply, Jim began his adulthood in the arts, after receiving a bachelor’s teaching degree followed by a master’s degree in art. He taught art in Shawnee Mission North High School for nine years in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Along with teaching, he was a highly skilled potter. Living at that time in a stone house in Shawnee, goats would eventually fully occupy the yard.

Jim and his wife, Joan, were brought together because of their mutual love of goats and motorcycles. They met fifty miles north of Chicago in Grayslake, Illinois. Joan owned Toggenburgs, and Jim had LaManchas. They traveled the nation many times on motorcycles.

Jim and Joan bought so many bikes over the years that his counting revealed over forty. They loved animals in general, but goats are so unique, they gravitated to them more than horses and cattle. Jim passed away in May 2022. Joan is still the store owner, along with faithful anchors Greg and Angie. The company’s goal remains to provide the very best products along with superior service. The local office is open Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm for retail purchases. The website is available 24/7 with an online store. In addition to a wide array of products, you’ll find much helpful informatin on raising and caring for goats. caprinesupply.com

–written by Dick Stine, contributing writer