The Minnesota Boer Goat Association has a unique opportunity for its members. The MNBGA has committed to awarding a breeding doe under the MNBGA Breeding Doe Program, which is a promotional program established to aid a youth in getting a start in raising their own meat goat herd. Therefore, we must procure a breeding doe and would like to source this animal from one of its MNBGA members.
Each member may put 2 does forward for consideration at what they deem a fair price. The MNBGA has a budget of up to $1,500. However, the selector will purchase what he deems the best value breeding doe for the MNBGA Breeding Doe Program based on the goals of the program against the breeding does offered. The selector’s choice is final.
Mary is in the ninth grade and from Marshall, MN. She has held multiple leadership positions and is currently the president for the Lake Marshall Eagles 4-H Club and the reporter for her FFA chapter. Mary is also involved in a variety of activities including swim team, marching band, and Faith Formation. Mary is familiar with livestock, growing up with a family beef operation and serving as a substitute animal caregiver at the Marshall Boarding Kennel. However, she has found interest in other livestock having shown market barrows at the MN state fair and has leased a doe at the county fair. Mary’s growing passion and interest in learning more about goats are why she was chosen to represent our MNBGA.
Letter of Appreciation from Mary:
Dear MNBGA sponsors, members, and all it may concern,
I would like to start out this letter by saying thank you. As a young entrepreneur who is just starting a commercial herd, this doe will be a key foundation for my herd. Of course I plan to show her this year and possibly the next, but what excites me even more is the chance to retain quality does from her in the future and to carry on the genetics that are ever so important at the starting of a herd. She is an absolute sweetheart and is such a blessing to have around.
On another note, the doe I received was Wild in Lyon (Sarabi) from the Frick Family Farms. Surprisingly enough, I was at the sale and saw her go through the ring. Even though I was not able to meet the Frick’s after the sale I got to know them through Sarabi. When she stepped off the trailer home it was obvious that she was worked with regularly, following us around the yard and being a gentle giant. With that being said, thank you Frick family for sharing such a magnificent animal with me.
Next, I would like to thank my mentors and all in MNBGA. The first people I should recognize are the Philips, not only introducing me to MNBGA and the breeding doe program but also there patience with me for the past 4 years as an assistant around the farm. It goes without a doubt that I would never have purchased my first doe if it were not for your kindness over the years. This brings me to Anna, my new mentor for MNBGA. Even though we have only known each other for a couple weeks now, you have helped me so much from care tips to feed plans. Finally, everyone else connected to MNBGA. Thank you for this opportunity to enter the Boer world. Me and Sarabi thank you all.
I was so grateful to be chosen by the MNBGA to receive a breeding doe and mentor. Wendy is my does name, and she is a sweet and beautiful doe. I have loved working with her and learning with her. The Maertens family, where Wendy came from, has been very helpful and have answered many questions and gave me suggestions for her care.
I was able to attend 2 open shows, the first was in Austin MN, this was a lot of fun, and incredibly educational. This is where I got to meet you in person Sam! Getting your guidance on clipping and fitting and everything else was so helpful and has given me much more confidence in grooming and showing. Plus, knowing that you’re basically a text away to answer any of my questions is so great. It really makes me feel like I can make all of this happen because I have met great mentors like you throughout this experience.
The next show I went to was in Appleton MN, it was a great show, I clipped her myself, it looked a little rough, but I did it! I placed 4th in my class.
Finally, we had our Douglas County 4H achievement days. I was first in my class and then Reserve Champion overall breeding doe! I was also named champion intermediate showman, which I was really proud of because I feel like it shows just how much I have learned this year. I have submitted my video for the state 4H showcase, and am looking forward to hear what the judge has to say about Wendy.
I am fortunate that my family is willing to help me get a goat herd going. We just bought 2 does from the Empire Showdown Sale that come with a breeding, so I will hopefully have kids this winter! We also plan on attending the Pride of MN auction as well. I plan on using my growing goat project as my Supervised Ag Experience for FFA as well.
I have learned so much throughout this entire experience. I really can’t even put into words just how grateful I am to have had this opportunity to not only receive Wendy, but to have made all of the connections with incredibly kind and helpful goat people. I want to thank you Sam, and everyone else that has helped me and everyone that made this program possible.