The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Wildlife Services program and the USDA-APHIS Sheep and Goat Sector are pleased to invite you to a virtual event on Wednesday, July 12, from 6:00-7:30pm MT titled “Livestock Protection Dogs: Research and Use” (See attached flyer). In addition to brief presentations by experts regarding advances in the use of livestock protection dogs (LPD), this webinar includes a panel discussion to answer your specific questions. To join, please use the link or phone number listed on the flyer. You do not need to have the MS Teams app on your computer to join. Wildlife Services supports innovative and effective approaches for managing conflicts between humans and wildlife. One potentially valuable strategy is the use of LPDs. LPD breeds originated in Europe and Asia, where they have been used for centuries to protect livestock from wolves and bears. LPDs have been used in the United States since the mid-1970s. To view recent publications on Wildlife Services’ LPD research, please see: Search Results - WS Digital Collections (oclc.org). Click the link below to download the flyer to your device.

Learn how to assesses cashmere goats for both fleece and animal conformation. Two virtual sessions: May 25th & June 29th 7-9 PM EST This two session webinar program will provide participants with the training necessary on both fleece and animal conformation assessments and is intended for anyone presently raising cashmere goats or planning to do so in the future. Participants may partake in the two virtual sessions. Those who wish to pursue the goal of becoming a recognized judge by CGA are required to attend the 3rd in person session at Springtide Farm in Bremen, Maine, on August 5th, at which time they will be assigned to an existing CGA judge for a year of mentorship. Upon registrations a participant link will be provided. A download video link of the program will be sent to all participants to be viewed if you are not able to attend the live event. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TODAY!

What: The Arkansas Small Ruminant Field Day & Expo aims to increase producer knowledge and understanding of sheep and goat husbandry/health, production, and marketing. The attendees will have the opportunity to participate in practical demonstrations and discussions of relevant factors that affect economic, social, and environmental sustainability of sheep and goat industries in Arkansas. Lunch will be provided. When: April 29, 2023 8:30 AM - 4 PM Where: USDA-ARS Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center 6883 South State Highway 23 Booneville, AR 72927 Cost: Free Seats are limited! Deadline to register is April 24th. For more information and to register, click here.

Providing a Unified Voice for All Elements of the Goat Industry The American Goat Federation promotes the goat industry, advocates for sound policy, encourages research, and is a resource for all stakeholders Donate Join the American Goat Federation Sign Up for the AGF Newsletter! Industry News & Updates Jun 27, 2023 Livestock Protection Dogs: Research and Use The USDA Wildlife Services program and the USDA-APHIS Sheep and Goat Sector are pleased to invite you to a virtual event. May 4, 2023 Cashmere Goat Fiber & Conformation Evaluation Workshop Series 2023 Learn how to assesses cashmere goats for both fleece and animal conformation. Two virtual sessions: May 25th & June 29th 7-9 PM EST This... Apr 3, 2023 Arkansas Small Ruminants Field Day The Arkansas Small Ruminant Field Day & Expo aims to increase producer knowledge and understanding of sheep and goat husbandry/health... View All American Goat Federation Representing the interests of more than 150,000 producers engaged in the sustainable production and marketing of goat milk, meat, fiber, breeding stock, pack goat and grazing services across the United States. Infectious Disease Knowledge is power. And goat producers need to know all they can about infectious disease that could potentially devastate their flock or hurt the entire industry. Scrapie is a fatal, degenerative disease affecting the central nervous system of sheep and goats. It is among a number of diseases classified as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE). Infected flocks can experience significant production losses. Use the links below to find out how you can help fight to eradicate scrapie and prepare for a potential outbreak of foot and mouth disease. Visit EradicateScrapie.org Visit SecureGoat.org National Scrapie Eradication Program Monthly Report Read More The Scrapie Eradication Program and Goats Read More Designated Scrapie Epidemiologists & Local Points of Contact Read More Designated Scrapie Epidemiologists & Local Points of Contact Open in New Window

Goat Breeds The Alpine dairy goat is a medium to large size animal, alertly graceful, with erect ears, offering all colors and combinations of colors. Alpine Goats Angora goats originated in the district of Angora in Asia Minor. The Angora dates back prior to early biblical history. Angora Goats The development of the Boer goat in the early 1900s can be traced to the Dutch farmers of South Africa. Boer is a Dutch word meaning farmer. Boer Goats Any goat can grow cashmere, but those we call “cashmere goats” have been selectively bred to produce it in significant amounts. Cashmere Goats The Guernsey dairy goat is medium in size. The Guernsey dairy goat was developed using genetics from the rare Golden Guernsey Goats. Guernsey Goats The Kiko breed was slow to catch on in the United States, but has gained popularity in recent years due to good parasite resistance. Kiko Goats The LaMancha goat was developed in the US, has excellent dairy temperament, and is an all-around sturdy animal. LaMancha Goats Myotonic goats (often called fainting goats) are a landrace breed. They are self-sufficient, sure-footed and adaptable. Myotonic Goats The Nigerian Dwarf is a miniature breed of dairy goat originating in West Africa and developed in the United States. Nigerian Dwarf Goats The Nubian is a relatively large, graceful dairy goat of mixed Asian, African, and European origin, known for high quality milk production. Nubian Goats The Oberhasli is a Swiss dairy goat. This breed is a medium size, vigorous and alert in appearance. Its color is chamoisee. Oberhasli Goats Pygoras are fleece-producing goats, derived from Angora and Pygmy heritage. Raw fleece yields are between 0.5-3 pounds per shearing. Pygora Goats The Saanen dairy goat originated in Switzerland. It is medium to large in size with rugged bone and plenty of vigor. Saanen Goats The Sable dairy goat is medium to large in size with rugged bone and plenty of vigor. Sable Goats The white Savanna goat breed was developed from indigenous goats of South Africa. Savanna Goats When the Spanish explorers came to North America, they brought goats as a meat source. Spanish Goats The TexMasters™ breed is significantly Myotonic, with just enough Boer to add a bit of faster growth. They are hardy and parasite resistant. Texmaster Goats The Toggenburg is a Swiss dairy goat from Toggenburg Valley of Switzerland. This breed is of medium size, sturdy, and alert in appearance. Toggenburg Goats

Join AGF $ 30 Annually Plan Benefits Participate in national surveys that affect the Industry. Free Excel performance recordkeeping program. Attend annual meetings. Access to the Board to address issues or concerns. Information & news from Organization members. Access to members only forums & groups. Individual ​ $ 20 Annually Plan Benefits Participate in national surveys that affect the Industry. Attend annual meetings. Access to the Board to address issues or concerns. Information & news from Organization members. Access to members only forums & groups. Individual Discount for members of AGF Member Organizations. Join AGF Select Your Membership Individual Membership - $30.00 Discounted Individual Membership - $20.00 First Name Last Name Business/Ranch Name Website Address Address 2 City State Zip/Postal Code Country Email Phone Types of goats in your operation Dairy Meat Fiber Eco-Services Recreational Select associations you are a member of Alabama Meat Goat & Sheep Producers Association American Boer Goat Association American Dairy Goat Association American Kiko Goat Association Cashmere Goat Association Nebraska Goat Raisers North American Pack Goat Association Pygora Breeders Association Texas Sheep & Goat Raisers Association Association Member # I want to subscribe to the newsletter. I accept terms & conditions View terms of use Join AGF