Goat Breed Stock Workshop Success

May 29, 2008

Recently, more than 100 participants attended the Goat Breed Stock Workshop at Alabama A&M University's Agribition Center in Huntsville.

"I like it when a plan comes together," said Dr. Maria Leite-Browning, an Extension animal scientist at Alabama A&M University. Her sentiments were echoed by members of the Goat and Sheep Producers of Alabama.

Dr. Frank Pinkerton, columnist for Goat Rancher magazine and retired Extension specialist, gave a presentation on selecting and marketing breeding stock for commercial meat goat herders. He discussed how supply and demand affect the import industry, as well as the trends, costs and opportunities goat producers have to curtail imports and seize profits that are now available to Alabama farmers.

Louisiana State University animal scientist Dr. Ken McMillin explained the meat goat grading standards on live animals and carcasses and how to apply these standards to goat herds. Dr. McMillan, along with Dr. Pinkerton, went on to demonstrate the different cuts of meat on a goat carcass.

An anonymous meat goat show was a highlight of the afternoon. Kay Garrett, a certified judge with the American Meat Goat Association judged the show. Garrett took time to explain the judging process and how she made her selections.

Browning called it an excellent learning experience for participants who had never witnessed a live goat show.

Participating in the show was Anthony Jake and Karen Hale of HH Boer Goats from Parrottsville, Tenn.; Mark Lucas of JML Farm from Florence, Ala.; Lane Hay of Hey Goat! Farm in Sylacauga, Ala.; Dr. Richard Browning of Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tenn.; Tommy Burton from Childersburg, Ala.; and Richard Ramsey from Gadsden, Ala.

Mark Lucas was the grand champion, while the reserve champion award went to Jake and Karen Hale.

An auction immediately followed the show and many participants left smiling. The producers were confident they had purchased quality animals and obtained excellent information from the experts they heard throughout the day.

Posted by lawremc on May 29, 2008 01:39 PM
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