Breeder’s Spotlight

Advanced Boer Genetics is owned by Aaron and Denise Crabtree of Chillicothe, Ohio. Their mission is to breed, raise and sell high quality fullblood Boer goats without sacrificing their dedication to being good, ethical people – good to buy from, good to sell to and good to be associated with. You can visit www.advancedboergenetics.com to get a sneak peek at their herd. The Crabtrees have a live virtual feed that allows visitors to view their herd for up to 30 seconds – now that’s advanced!

How did you get started in the Boer goat industry?

Like many of our fellow breeders, our children were involved in 4-H, and goats were their favorite project. As our children grew, so did our love for Boer goats. When our children graduated, we realized that we also enjoyed working with livestock. So about eight years ago, we start-

ed purchasing foundation stock. Our glamorous operation consisted of three goats and a dog box, and we were darn proud of it.

I would have never thought that we would be so interested in goats. If someone would have told me 7-8 years ago that I would be in the Boer goat industry, I would have laughed.

What does you operation look like today?

Our herd has grown from 3 to 150+. In 2014, we purchased a small farm of about 40 acres and built a new 10,000 square-foot facility equipped with living quarters and in-house accommodations for embryo transfer. The barn has 24 custom pens with individual exterior runs and indoor arena for the babies to play that serves as an overflow during kidding season. The building has twin hay mounds that handle approximately 2,000 bales of hay, which was a big issue for us in the past. The barn is surrounded by five separate pastures, which allows our herd to exercise and works for pasture rotation to help us avoid issues related to over grazing.

What do you enjoy the most about the Boer goat industry?

There are so many things we love about this industry and lifestyle, but a few things stand out in our mind. First, we are not exactly what you would call socialites, but we have made so many genuinely true friends all over the United States, and believe it or not, we spend a considerable

amount of time socializing with them in a non-goat environment. We have actually been known to go out to dinner,

Having kids almost year round is great. There are always babies to raise. They give us a chuckle when we need it, and they lighten the atmosphere when we need it most.

go to a ball game or plan a concert with some of our goat friends when there is not even a goat show, sale or flush going on (I know, crazy right?). Secondly, although I am sure you won’t hear this on Dr. Phil, we honestly believe that our daily activities in the industry such as herd management, competing in ABGA sanctioned shows and simply working together daily with a common interest has been good for our marriage.

Who was an inspiration to you or assisted you in improving you herd? And, how did they help you?

There is a long list. But in terms of inspiration, it’s pretty hard not to admire and respect the Duncan’s. They have always found a way to put glamour in what is quite possibly the least glamorous business we know. Our non-goat friends just don’t get it. Of course, they have never been to the ABGA National Show or to a sale when Lary is standing on the auction block with a cigarette in one hand and the most beautiful doe you have ever seen in the other and the bidding is almost electrifying. If you have ever experienced either of these, I am sure you will agree that they are both inspiring in their own special way. There are a few folks that have made a profound difference in our progress. First, Mark and Sherri Watkins taught us the value of making good sound investments when it comes to breeding stock. Back in the beginning, we really had no idea what we were doing. We trusted them and spent a little extra money for high quality animals, and the investment turned out to be a home run that we still benefit from today.

At 1-2 years into showing and raising goats. “You need to be honest with yourself. The days are long and the rewards are simple. The next step goes from being a hobby to a burden. If you don’t truly love it, you need to decide if it is something that is really for you long term.

Also, our goat operation would not be what it is today without Embryo Transfer. Westfall Boer Goats has been extremely kind and helpful in teaching us all of the details that add up to big numbers when it comes to flushing success. In terms of assisting us with all aspects including show ftting, breeding techniques, genetic trends, Brant Knotts at Newton Farms has always been willing to teach us and share information that has proven to be extremely helpful.

Photos submitted by Advanced Boer Genetics

What has been your biggest challenge as a producer?

Even an easy day on a goat ranch is long and hard, but our biggest weakness is that we have always struggled with culling animals that have undesirable traits. We are making progress. As our herd has grown, it has gotten a little easier. We will always have some attachment to the animals, but we have come to accept that the quality of our entire operation is dependent on good sound culling decisions.

What are you most excited about in the future?

God willing, Denise is going to retire this year after a long career as an accountant and is trading in her briefcase for a pitch fork. I am so excited that she is going to get to do what she loves most on a full-time basis without the pressures of the corporate world. We are truly blessed!