Help-ND Advocates (Long)

[bcadybug]

While reviewing the agenda for my daughter's monthly 4H meeting, I read that the new Livestock Board for our County Fair made a decision on where Nigerians will be placed in the goat show this year...... It's IN THE MEAT GOAT CATEGORY!

I was FURIOUS when I read that and I've placed a call in (starting point I figure) to the 4H Extension Office. My question is, does anyone have any recommendations on how to go about getting a decision like this changed? Has anyone out there had to be a Nigerian goat advocate at a show somewhere? The Extension Office hasn't call me back yet, so I don't know what they are going to say about the situation.

I know this may seem like very small fries (only a county fair), but we have worked very hard to purchase/raise well bred girls (and my buck) so that we can show off these little goat's milking potential!

My daughter is especially bummed since I've decided we won't show them if this decision isn't changed. There are a couple other local shows we can attend that list them as DAIRY GOATS.

What part of "American Dairy Goat Association" on the paperwork don't they understand? They're going to be judged on the meat characteristics? UGH! *sigh* Sorry for the rant.....

*Side Note* We are the only ones that show up with NDs in our area... So I think I'll be the only one fighting this decision.

Thanks in advance,
Valerie

[KimM]

Oh ugh, I'd be furious too!! Yes, the registration papers say it all, they can't read? I have no advice to offer except maybe to write ADGA and ask them to write a letter on your behalf. Darn! I'm really sorry they're being so stupid about it.

[julieq]

Either 1) they don't understand that a ND is a dairy goat (which is sort of silly since they're registered with ADGA), or 2) someone on the dairy goat side of things decided they don't want to show against the ND's. I would find out who's in charge and make an appointment to speak in person. I've never heard of ND's showing in a meat goat category. You might want to contact ADGA and ask for some advice also.

[Cannon_Farms]

First, nigerians where imported along with other smaller meaty goats such as pygmies as food for zoo animals, because they are small and grow quick, plus are year around breeders they where ideal.
ADGA I dont believe will get involved however you may try NDGA as they are more about promoting the breed since its a breed specific parent club. Im not going to make a statement I cant back up but my feelings is that NDs are still the red headed step children in most old timer ADGA folks.
Does the fair exhibit dairy goats? If so talk with the coordinator as they may not even have a clue of what the goats are, remember every one has a boss.