Welcome to the DAKOTA GOAT ASSOCIATION (DGA).

     "The Goat Man," Frank Pinkerton, will keynote our conference December 18th in Bismarck, ND. He'll discuss how to figure out what type of goat operation is right for you, finding and evaluating breeding stock, and give tips on buying and transporting goats. We will have time for some

questions from those present.

      Chris Schauer, Director of the NDSU Research Extension Center at Hettinger will discuss using ultrasound technology for pregnancy testing and carcass traits. If you've wondered what you can actually learn using ultrasound and how to use that

Information to manage your herd, Chris will be there in person to answer questions.

     From Faribault, Minnesota, we're bringing in a speaker with extensive experience grazing goats for hire. Jake Langeslag and his wife operate Goat Dispatch. They've worked with municipalities, researchers, Department of Natural Resources, parks, and private landowners to improve land by managing invasive species with goats. Jake will share his experience with grazing management and explain how a goat for hire operation works.

     Last year you told us you wanted more time to share ideas between conference participants, so we've lengthened the Roundtable sessions and changed the format. For Meat Goat participants, you'll hear a short presentation on Estimated Breeding Values. Dairy Goat owners will have a brief presentation on DNA testing for casein and how it impacts cheesemaking. Then both groups will start a general discussion between those present based on questions you submit during pre-registration. If there's something in particular you would like to discuss, be sure to include that information when you sign up for the conference. This helps us plan the time to cover as many topics as possible.