Letter from the Editor Spring is the perfect time to slow down and take some time to smell the flowers - enjoy nature’s beautiful scenes. It is amazing how time flies. It is been almost one year since taking over as editor of your ABGA magazine. I hope you all find that it brings some value to your operation. From gestation calendars to vaccination schedules and from postmortem DNA and semen collection to birthing tips, The Boer Goat should be your go-to source for information. But, since we can’t cover everything, the ABGA directors are also working on a great educational piece that will be added to the website. Keep your eyes out for that information. There is so much to cover and so little time. If there is one email that I can request from you, the readership, it’s that you send me a suggestion or a request. For example, one reader recently noted that it would be easier to follow the events if we included the state. It seems simple, but each of you is full of great ideas that can improve the magazine one step at a time. My operation recently went through some difficult times. I’ve spent hours talking to my mentors and some pretty awesome breeders who just wanted to help. In that time, I learned a couple of things. One, there is a great wealth of knowledge and as the old saying goes, “there is more than one way to skin a cat.” From inducing a doe to saving kids, there are tips and tricks that long-time breeders have that can help young or new breeders. Two, there are so many things that go wrong on farms and ranches - especially with goats. So, if something odd comes up on your place, drop me a line. It just might be something I’ll write about in the future. As I spoke with one breeder, she mentioned that she had recently had a couple of goats bitten by snakes. Look for that topic to come up in the future! This is your magazine. I am just the editor. Please send me your pictures, your research and your story ideas. So, when you stop to smell the wildflowers this spring, drop me a line. I’d love to hear from you!
Karla Blackstock
ANNOUNCEMENTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING The next board of directors meeting will be held July 29-30 in Indianapolis. ONLINE LIVE AI/ET registrations can now be done on ABGA Online Live. The ABGA office is working on a process to start sending information electronically (i.e. statements, requests for information, work order details, etc.). Members will need to have their email addresses updated within the database.
Need to market and sell your animals, but don’t know where to start?
Look for the New ABGA Member Onine Auction. Harvey Plus and the ABGA are making it easier for you to sell animals through an online auction. To consign an animal, go to abga.org/member-auction to link over to Harvey Plus. Animals do not need to be registered. Trucking and payments are at the discretion of the seller/buyer. Consignments are $15/head with an additional $5/video and $5/”Buy it Now” option. No commission-based fees. HarveyPlus is a Ringside Sponsor at the National Show. Stop by to visit with Jill about logistics. Consignments must be submitted by June 17. June auction closes June 30.
Jill Harvey 937-244-1448 harveyplus.com The Boer Goat - 1
