Goat raisers organize education group

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

February 5, 2004 -- The newly-formed North East Texas Goat Raisers Association (NETGRA) was born from an idea of wanting to learn more about the goat industry, goat health, and goat management.

"It all started when a couple of local producers came to me and wanted answers," said Hopkins County Extension 4-H Agent Sotero Ramirez.

A goat seminar was held in May of 2003 and about 100 attended.

"Then about three months ago, those same producers came to me and said we need to do something else. So, the association, working under the Hopkins County Extension goat committee, began," Ramirez explained.

With core producers from Franklin, Delta, Hopkins, Hunt, and Fannin counties, a kickoff rally was held Jan. 10, and again, about 100 attended.

The goal of NETRGA is to promote the betterment of the meat goat industry in Northeast Texas with integrity and honor.

"The outline of the organization is 1) an educational organization on the goat industry with the intent to educate both producers and the public; 2) accept membership on all goat breeds ... Spanish, Boer, Nubian, Pigmy, etc.; and 3) the county agents of Texas Cooperative Extension Service in District IV will act as advisors for the association, if so willing. The advisors will not have voting privileges in organization," Ramirez said.

There are 22 counties in District IV, stretching from Tarrant County to Bowie County.

The $15 membership dues, which can be paid under the farm name or per individual, are for a 12-month period and are due Jan. 1 of each year. The dues entitle one vote per membership (unless more than one membership was purchased), an updated resource guide, quarterly newsletter, membership roster, and discounts to educational events and commission discounts during sells. Dues are not prorated.

Membership is not limited to the 22 counties in District IV.

"We have a tentative schedule for four events this year; two educational events and two sells to be announced later," the Extension agent added.

With the current NETGRA membership, there are over 2,122 goats, according to Ramirez and "this probably isn't even two percent of the goats in East Texas."

Ramirez said one obstacle to over is "we have to get out of the goats will eat anything sterotype.

"Did you know goat is the most eaten animal across the world?" he asked. "Goat raisers need to know that. Also it is a viable industry across Texas."

The next NETGRA meeting is Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m., Ag Workers Building, Sulphur Springs.

For more information about the association, contact Ramirez, 903-885-3443; or Aundrea Merrell, 903-945-3862.