Watched my first LA today

[Creamers]

And wow, was it a learning session and a half!
I didn't bring goats, but the breeder I purchased my Saanen doelings
from had his herd done, and I asked if I could come watch.
He paid the full stop fee just for 7 does and a few bucks, so Eric Jermain
took a lot of pains to really explain everything SOOO WELL.
He was VERY fair and very nice! My friend had heard he was
very tough, but we found him very fair. . .

If you have never went to an appraisal, even if you don't have your herd LA'ed, you simply must go watch!

[coso]

LA is a useful tool, I've learned a lot from the sessions I have had.

[Rechellef]

Excuse this newbie - but what is LA?

[DownHome]

Linear Appraisal. hope I spelled that right

downhome

[coso]

This link will explain more. http://208.53.2.19/index.php?option=...=45&Itemid=199

[mpete]

In the small farmers view, what is the difference between LA (minus the cost to have it done), and showing at the local fair?

[Creamers]

According to the appraiser, which I agree with and felt prior to even going, - you get an honest, unbiased (ideally) score that will follow the animal and her/his progeny forever based on the ideal animal of the breed - not based on what animals come out to a show, not based on a lot of bias between judges, knowing people personally, etc - basically. . .
you find out how your goats stack up against the perfect, ideal standard verses how they stand up against other goats from other breeders - and you have a lot less bias, in theory.

[Cannon_Farms]

Honestly I have never showed and not came home with a bug, the cost seems low until you leave and you some how are bringing more goats home than you left with, or you seen a new thingy you just have to have, not to mention the food and so on.
Showing can get highly political as well. LA, goats stay on farm, limit exposure to yuckies and your wallet isnt near as damaged.

I love to show, however I dont believe that its going to be something we do a great deal of anymore and do plan on breeding based on appraisal from now on.

[Cannon_Farms]

btw creamers, the nubian buckling is balancing out nicely, his butt has leveled out nicely

[Creamers]

Great to hear - I thought he was a nice little buck - if he wasn't so closely related to everyone on the farm but one doe - I'd have kept that little fellow.