A Walk Through the 33rd American Dairy Goat Competition in Roseburg Oregon

I was surprised to see them again, I had just told some one that I thought dairy goats in Douglas County were pretty much extinct, replaced by the meat breeds that now bring a good price at market. Now here they were gathered like all the years past.

I recognized a few old faces but most were new ones that have joined the ranks of goat growers and dairymen since the last time I attended a dairy goat show. I was surprised to see veteran breeders Norma Smith of Glide, Gerta Links of Roseburg, and Donna Brewster of Drain still right in the middle of things, still involved in promoting and facilitating this local show.

Roseburg Dairy Goat Association held it's 33rd American Dairy Goat Sanctioned Show at the Roseburg Fairgrounds, on June 14. Tessa Maggiulli, Lelia Berry, Aaron Carter & Hearther Arts, all qualified and licensed ADG judges were checking the goats to see whether or not they lived up to breed expectations and standards. Goat Judging currently employs only about 150 registered judges nationwide.

The eight breeds recognized by the American Dairy Goat Association for its official shows are Alpines, LaManchas, Nigerian Dwarfs, Nubians, Oberhaslis, Saanens, Sables and Toggenburgs. Not all breeds may be present at all shows. Another breed division found at many shows is Recorded Grade - does (female milking goats) whose ancestry makes them ineligible to compete in the purebred classes. Within each breed, animals are further divided by sex and then into age classes. Thus, each animal competes against others of its own breed, sex and approximate age in the first rounds of competition.

As I walked through the pens of goats, I was amazed at how true to the standards I had once known these goats still are. The American Dairy Goats Association has encouraged breeders to stick to preserving both the functionality and age old breed traits that have made this mini milk machine a staple resident of many farms and families world wide.

A note on my saying the dairy goats are almost extinct in this area: Only three local goats competed in this major event.

Any one wanting further info on the Roseburg Dairy Goat Association is invited to contact Norma Smith (541) 496-3888