The CMGA is such a diverse association with producers across the country. Periodically we are going to spotlight producers willing to give us a peek into their operations.
Producer Name: Tracy Juraske and Tim Case
Location: Palgrave, ON
Breed: Boer
Production Type: High health seedstock
Describe your operation:
We raise breeding stock. We run a closed dam herd, which was initially geared toward export sales. We register the top 15% of our kid crop yearly.
What is your biggest pain point when it comes to farming goats?
Meeting high standards in raising meat goats can be very time consuming. It can be very labour intensive.
What do you like most about farming goats?
Goats are the most valuable livestock for a self sufficient lifestyle. They have endearing personalities which helps to offset their mischievous antics.
Is there anything that you’re particularly proud of about your operation?
We started breeding goats sixteen years ago with a business plan and very little capital. Fast forward to 2023 we have customers from both meat and dairy operations who choose our animals to accomplish specific goals within their own herds. Their repeat business has been humbling. Our focus has always been to perpetuate bloodlines that foster performance. Our ideal is a moderate sized, feed efficient animal with mothering ability, milk, and muscle. We were participants in the inaugural type classification program in 2008. We are proud that our herd achieved an average of EX in 2022.
Is there anything else that you would like to share about your operation?
Our hope is that more producers will educate themselves on goat health in order to prevent production limiting diseases. We have always championed this cause. Perpetuation and sales of unhealthy goats, especially to entry level farmers, does the goat industry a lot of harm. We want people to succeed and stay in the goat industry.
Are you interested in telling us about your farm? Email info@canadianmeatgoat.com
