I noticed that oklahomashowgoats.com had a banner up for the Okie Coalition. I like it. There is an outstanding list of goat industry supporters that are working to make things possible. All of those contributors and buyers need to be thanked. It is often said that goats are “treated like 2nd class citizens at the big shows.” Texas has pretty well gotten goats to an equal playing field. Oklahoma has made big strides. Lecil Church, Johnny Haffner, Jim Daniels and others made strides to get the ball rolling. Now, others are carrying the torch.
On the same note, but different. Denver, Kansas City and Louisville are absolutely horrible in their regards to the goats. Basically their philosophies are “be happy that you even get to show here.” A person could hire a lawyer and easily win a segregation suit against those shows.
Now, back to Oklahoma. Both of Oklahoma’s big shows–Tulsa and OYE–have given goat groups a chance to expand premium sale #s and $s. Granted, most of the money has come from goat people to get it done, but at least these shows have given us the chance. And, as a whole, we have responded extremely well. Check that list out. There are lots of breeders that are listed on numerous $ amounts. There are even some that don’t raise goats that are listed. They just support the program. Now, go back and look at that list and see if the breeder that you buy goats from is listed on there. If they are not. Call them. Ask why? If they say, “Well, those dollars only go to the premium sale goats.” Then that automatically means that YOU’RE breeder isn’t planning on having any goats in the Tulsa or OYE premium sale. So, why buy from somebody that has punted on 2nd down.
CALLED OUT!–If you are breeder or seller of show goats in Oklahoma, then it should be a requirement to donate to the Okie Coalition. It’s kind of like the beef checkoff program–it adds value to your product. Even if you only sell 4 kids a year at a $300 average, that is better than sale barn price. If you think that more of the money ought to be put towards doe kids. FINE! But don’t you dare bitch until you have donated. Then work along with others to make a change. But don’t you dare complain until you have made a contribution. I don’t give a rat’s ass how much you give, but as a breeder of oklahoma show goats, you better give something. Support your own. Give money, give product, give a goat. I don’t care, just give. $50, $100, $200–it all adds up. Look at the list, study the list, make your next purchases according to this list because these are the one’s that truly support the goat program in Oklahoma. Now, go watch the OYE premium sale. I can tell you that even though Milligan, Pfeiffer, Helms, Mikey & Tammy Thompson, as well as myself and others( don’t mean to leave any names off) had already given at the office, we STILL buy kids at the premium sale. And as I look at the list, I begin to wonder to myself “Self, are the Breshears the ONLY goat breeders in the Eastern half of Oklahoma?” According to this list–the answer is YES. $100–RUSM? Not even a Benjamin from some breeders. And then you wonder why people don’t come buy goats. Hhmm?! Every Okie breeder should give at least $100. That is good. If you can’t give, then buy something of value on the Okie Coalition auction. Either way, you can write it off your taxes as a donation. WIN/WIN! People, you have to give in order to get. It’s simple.
Those breeders that routinely tag us on facebook, email, text us pics, but don’t donate. Stop it. Until you are paying “dues” like the rest of us, don’t ride coat tails.
If you are a breeder, donate. If you are a buyer, only buy from breeders that donate. It’s simple business. Have a nice day.
