Goat conference, Kiko sale in Ind. this weekend

The meat goat industry continues to grow each year but many producers still have difficulty making a profit with their goat operations. The fourth annual Corn Country Commercial Meat Goat Conference will tackle that problem this year with a focus on issues that can turn farmers’ red ink into black.

The conference, sponsored by the National Kiko Registry and the Purdue University Harrison County Extension Service, returns to the fairgrounds in Corydon, Ind., October 5-6 and features some of the top small ruminant professionals in the country, as well as a panel discussion with a group of experienced goat breeders.   

This year the whole conference will be devoted to helping producers make their goat operations, large or small, more profitable. The conference is open to all who are interested in meat goats and there is no registration fee. 

No matter if you are new to meat goats, an old hand, or a meat goat wannabe, this team of educators has the experience and the knowledge to help you take your meat goat production to the next level. At the conclusion of the conference,  all those present will be treated to a free goat meat lunch. 

If you are not familiar with the area, Corydon, Ind., is located across the river from Louisville Ky.  Located in beautiful and historic Harrison County, attractions include wooded scenery, natural caverns, a civil war battlefield and a picturesque fairgrounds. To help get the most out of your trip, visit the county website at www.thisisindiana.org.  

For more information on the conference contact Dave Sparks, DVM, at 918-686-7800 or dave.sparks@okstate.edu or visit www.creamofcropkikos.com.

After the conference on Saturday afternoon, a group of 14 Kiko goat breeders from across the country will be holding the Cream of the Crop Production sale, offering approximately 125 head of New Zealand, purebred and percentage Kikos.

           

2012 Corn Country Commercial Goat Conference

October 5 & 6

Making Money With Meat Goats

Friday

8:00 – 9:00      Registration

9:00 – 11:30    Maximize Production and Minimize Expenses with Parasite Management. Includes FAMACHA certification with live goats – Kraig Stemme DVM

11:30 – 12:00  Goat Meat Recipe Cook-off and Tasting

12:00 – 1:00    Break and Visit Sale Consignments

1: 00 – 1:45     Better Profits with Healthy Goats – Fred Brown DVM

1:45 – 2:30      Reproductive Efficiency and the Bottom Line – Dave Sparks DVM

2:30 – 3:00      Break

3:00 – 3:30      Take Advantage of Grants and Low Interest Loans - Ronald McGill

3:30 – 4:00      Myth Busting on Marketing - Kent  Perkins

4:00 – 5:00      Panel of Experienced Producers Answers Questions on Profitable Production

6:00 - ???         “Come and Go” Informal Social at the Hampton Inn (refreshments provided)

Saturday

8:00 – 9:00      Registration

9:00 – 10:00    Make Advertising Pay – Terry Hankins

10:00 – 11:30  Breeding Stock Selection – Dave Sparks DVM. The tools to make success happen. (Includes free record keeping software.)

11:30 – 12:30  Goat Meat Lunch - Courtesy of National Kiko Registry

1:00         5^th Annual Cream of the Crop Kiko Sale