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The Australian Miniature Goat Association Inc (AMGA) is the official breed Association for the Australian Miniature Goat and has a grading system and breed standards in place which accepts animals up to 63.5cm, or 25", in the lowest grade. As the grades go up the maximum height allowed decreases and in 2005 the AMGA adjusted maximum heights for the grades so that a Purebred Australian Miniature Goat should not exceed 50.8cm, or 20", although ideally the animal should be smaller than this, measuring between 17" and 19". This adjustment was made as the concensus from the general public was that a 23 inch goat (the accepted maximum height for other registries), which occurs naturally in breeds such as Angora, Cashmere and Australian Feral, should not be promoted as a miniature bred goat and sold as such.
Even after a decade of breeding there are no registered Purebred animals and breeders are still many years off yet. The AMGA sets the highest standards in the industry and therefore animals registered with the AMGA are of a better quality. Click here for a link to the AMGA website
When I first became involved with the Australian Miniature Goat breed, in early 2003, I never would have thought that I would be helping to establish an Association for this fledgling breed and I never would have thought I would end up as President of this Association. I had only ever intended to breed these miniature goats as a way to keep the foliage growth down on our property and to have a hobby apart from our other businesses, that may or may not make enough money to sustain itself, and to be honest there have been times when I wish I had kept it as just a hobby. My involvement has been one of the biggest learning curves in my life to date (both personally and professionally) and throughout the establishment process and during the first 12 months I often considered cutting ties altogether so as not to be involved with some of the unprofessional and unethical practices that were being undertaken by a small number of breeders.
The road has been frustrating and tedious on occasions but I am so glad that I stuck with it as the current members involved with the AMGA are a fantastic group, happy to offer input and 'constructive' criticisms when they feel it is required and working together to see the AMGA and the Australian Miniature Goat breed succeed. I am very proud to advertise that I am a founding breeder member, as well as the President, of a very professionally run organisation.
The AMGA is run by members for its members. The progress that the AMGA has made since it's incorporation in April 2004 in the quality of the registration data being used and the contacts that have been made for the benefit of members has helped take the breed forward, which is what the organisation is all about. The Association now has:
- A website to be proud of, that is packed full of valuable information for the person just researching the breed or the breeder with many years experience, click here to go to the AMGA website;
- A leading edge database in place that is second to none available as well as a Registrar who knows the detailed workings of this database and is able to extract any submitted information on a particular animal including how much inbreeding is in its lineage;
- Online access to this database so that members can conduct searches on their own animals and other animals that may be looking to add to their herd;
- A Registrar who is a friendly and helpful person willing to assist you in your registry related enquiries. The registrar can be contacted via email at Registrar@australianminiaturegoat.com.au;
- Sponsorship support from other relevant businesses in the pet industry (see the AMGA Sponsors Page);
- A solid network in place for breeder members to help distribute these fantastic little mini goat pets; and
- An ever increasing group of breeders all working towards breeding high quality animals, whether for pets or breeding animals, as well a growing group of owner members (for a full list visit the AMGA Members page).
Who could ask for more???
At the AGM held 10 December 2005, held at Just Kiddin Mini Goats, I renominated for a position on the Board of Management and was successful reinstated so at this point in time I will be involved for another 3 year stint. I feel the current board, including Terry and Debbie Watson (Just Kiddin Mini Goats) and Narelle Green (Aberfoyle Miniatures) are all working on the same page and agree where the AMGA and the development of the breed should be headed. All parties involved are business orientated people as well so understand the need for professionalism and the processes and procedures that have been put in place for and by the AMGA.
I look forward to the future of the Australian Miniature Goat breed and feel that with the right approach and quality marketing the breed has a bright future as an ecologically sound family pet.
HAPPY MINI GOATING TO ALL!!!!
