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Regional Goat Producer's NetworksAs many farmers are discovering, the rapid growth of the dairy goat industry in Wisconsin has outpaced the body of research available to provide timely information to farmers and help them manage and problem-solve on their farms. In order to fill this gap, Dairy Goat Networks, modeled after the successful Grazing Networks, are being established. What is a Dairy Goat Network?Dairy goat networks draw upon the collective knowledge and experience of the area's goat farmers to provide each with a more diverse pool of people to consult when faced with issues of production, herd health, milk quality, facility changes, fencing, expansion, or any of the other critical questions facing the industry today. Networks provide a way for farmers to quickly share information and solve problems together. Networks put farmers in touch with resources they can draw upon to improve and grow their businesses. Sounds like just what I need--How do I join?We've already accoplished a lot this year. Tthere are a number of networks around the state that have already been established or are in the process of organizing. First, check the list below to see if there's already a netowrk in your area. If there isn't, contact us and we'll be happy to help you get a new one started in your area. South Central Goat Producer's NetworkThe first dairy goat network in Wisconsin, the South Central Wisconsin Goat Producers Network, was established in April, 2007 under the leadership of Gary Phillips, a producer from Juda, Wisconsin, in Green County and Brad Harrison (now retired), Blackhawk Technical College. Randy Thompson, Rock County UW-Extension, and Mark Mayer, Green County UW-Extension, also assist. Members come from Green, Lafayette, Rock, and Dane counties and Northern Illinois. A copy of the group's Mission Statement, contact information, and activities can be found at South Central Goat Producer's Network. For more information, contact:
Grant County Goat Producer's NetworkThe Grant County Network has been convened by UW-Extension's Grant County Ag agent, Dave Wachter. An organizational meeting was held in early September. A second meeting will be held in October 2007. For more information, contact:
Northwest WI Producer's NetworkFollowing a successful field day in early September at Robin Trott's farm in Ladysmith, a group of producers from the northwestern part of the state are working to establish a northwestern network. For more information, contact:
Northeast WI Producer's NetworkHeaded up by Larry Hedrich of Chilton, WI, this is WI's newest network. For more information, contact:
Don't see a network listed for your area? Start a new one!Anyone interested in starting a network can contact one of the following:
Network Meeting IdeasInterested in starting a network but not sure where to start? Perhaps your network has been up and running for a while and the group needs some new ideas for meeting topics. Following is a list of ideas brainstormed by producers around the state. Please let us know if you have other ideas we can add to our list.
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