To Show Or Not To Show

To show or not to show, that is the question. When we first jumped into the goat business we were a little curious as to why most of the groups, associations, and producers we sought out seemed to be all about showing. Coming from a cattle background, I was much more interested in co-ops and marketing groups to support and promote the commercial breeder. I still think that the commercial producers are the most important segment of the meat goat industry and developing the infrastructure to support this burgeoning industry is the most significant task we face. Yet I digress.

After having extrapolated the numbers, it became apparent that the carrying capacity of our little place was not going to support the kind of numbers we would need to run in order to have a profitable, purely commercial herd. Thusly, the seedstock end of the industry is where we have placed our emphasis. In my mind, it is the job of the registered seedstock producer to offer a highly superior genetic product to the commercial market, wether producers, and other seedstock producers. Assuming that we have put our best efforts and resources to good use, how do we tap into that market? How do I let people know that I have good goats and how do I create a demand for them? Advertise!

To Show: We consider the show ring a major advertising tool for our little operation. You can show percentage, purebred, and fullblood breeding animals among their peers in classification and age group. You can look at your goats with a critical eye while they are in the pen/pasture at home all you want, but there is no substitute for seeing them alongside other breeders and programs. If you have a vision for where you are going, the show ring can give you a good barometer for where you are. Take your best and see how they stack up to the best that others have to offer. Be objective while the judge is evaluating the animals. Listen to what he has to say, you just might learn something. His selection criteria may not always match yours, but that doesn't neccesarily mean that your program is headed south. He is judging against a standard, not trying to match breed your herd, that's your job.

"Goin' showin'" is hands-on advertising. You are getting your product viewed by your demographic target audience. Not just by those showing, but by those who attend the show. Many times other local/regional producers will attend the show to "walk the barn", watch the show, and see if there are animals there that fit what they are doing at home. Remember that every successful breeder is always trying to build a better widget. Talk to them, give out a card or two, discuss what your animals have to offer. MARKET. Promote what you produce, and promote yourself. Johnny Q. may have some of the best goats in the barn, but if I think he's a flake, chances are pretty good that he is not going to earn my business. Not to prostitute anybody, but you are selling yourself every bit as much as you are selling your program. One will not stand without the other.

Networking is another big part of why we show. We have, and continue to meet and develop relationships with other breeders from all parts of the country. Every hand you shake and hat you tip is a potential market for you, both now and in the future; direct or indirect. It is a small world.

The learning opportunities that present themselves to you are abundant and lend great value to the whole show experience. Most 'goat people' are more than happy to take some time and talk to you, answer a question or two, or do a little brainstorming. Learn from your personal failures and the success of others. Take home those pieces that fit and integrate them into your program.

Or Not To Show: There is no doubt that going to a show or two or ten represents some significant spending opportunities in cash and time resources. If your resident financial consultant is anything like mine, there are "doable" and "don't ask" options out there. To date, going to "Nationals" falls into the latter, but not off the radar screen for me. There are also risk factors such as accident, injury, or exposure to disease that can have far reaching ramifications. Good management practices can help mitigate some of these concerns, but not all. As with everything in life, there exists the opportunity for failure, and by consequence, the opportunity to improve.

In Summary: The cost/benefit annalysis and risk assesment will lie squarely on your shoulders as a registerd seedstock producer. The investment of captital and time into your herd deserves consideration beyond the local sale barn.