TO: ALL

FROM: MICK DOAK

RE: GOAT NEWS

DATE:30TH MAY 02

EXTRA INFORMATION ON GOATS

If you are seeking more information on Goats wether it be Angoras, Cashmere, Boers or Meat production there are several regular publications put out by breed groups or independent people to help you. Besides the publications there is a wealth of information available on the Internet if you are connected and have the time to search through heaps of rubbish to find what you want.

We have been asked on several occasions where one can subscribe to Industry publications, following are a few which have been around for a while and are packed with information to help either on a speciality or general basis.

·‘Boer Briefs’… is the official communication for the Boer Goat Breeders Association of Australia and therefore concentrates on promoting the Boer Meat Goat. Besides giving readers an insight into the political side of the Association it has articles on Goat meat, animal health etc. in an easy and well presented format. Advertising of Studs, merchandise gives handy information. The BGBAA have a web sight which can be found at: http://boergoat.une.au

·‘Mohair Newsletter’ is the official publication of Mohair Australia Limited and is a must for anyone in the Mohair Industry. It covers general membership information as well as articles on Mohair, Breeding, Shows and management. There are always the latest Mohair sale results both here in Australia and in South Africa featured. MA Ltd has an excellent website available which covers anything you would like to know about Mohair and Angora Goats: www.mohair.org.au

·‘The Australian Goat Report’ is a privately owned and run. It is a fortnightly publication compiled by Denise Cunningham from NSW. It is full of all the latest things that are going on in the Goat Industry all around Australia and overseas, if they concern us. A free ‘classified’ section covers mainly Eastern States things For Sale and Wanted. A comprehensive Meat Schedule covers all states and gives growers a guide to what the markets are doing in their and other states. This publication is a must for anyone in the Goat Industry.

·‘Goat Farmer’ has been around for a number of years with the editor Geoff Minchin from New Zealand trying to keep it going with fresh articles covering a wide range of topics. Regular writers from around the world impart their knowledge in a professional and clinical fashion. This magazine gives an excellent insight to its readers from around the world and shows us all how the other half lives.

ALPACAS IN DEMAND AS GUARDS

We continue to get a strong enquiry for Wether Alpacas to be used as predator guards in flocks of Goats and Sheep. Priced between $300 and $500 they make an alternative to Anatolian or Maremmas Dogs, which can be purchased from $750. Reports coming in from several Goat and Sheep breeders indicates that in most cases the Alpacas are doing a great job in controlling the deaths of lambs and kids from foxes. Unfortunately you will get some duds as you do with guard dogs. Anyone who has Alpacas for sale or would like to purchase one please contact us.

FOR SALE

·1000 Cross Bred Does, mixed age, running with Boer Bucks Price negotiated.

·150 Cross Bred Does, mainly brown, r/w Brown Bucks: Price & Inspection neg.

·220 Does, running with Boer Bucks, produced good Capretto last year: $40ea.

For further details contact Mick Doak on Mb 0428439978 or Ah Ph/Fax 08 93093225Email: doakmick@bigpond.com.au