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A few
years ago, in my infinite wisdom, I decided to learn the difference in
value of these goats, which is code for "trying to buy goats I
cannot afford." While having my learning experience, I became
curious why one person’s goats may be worth more than someone else’s
goats. It was then I began to learn about meat goats, breeding stock,
show goats, and how they differ in value. Let me illustrate it this way:
Lay out a fifty-dollar bill (what it takes to fill-up your car’s gas
tank), a two hundred dollar bill (I know they don’t exist, this is
hypothetical (pretend)), and a five hundred dollar bill (never seen one
but I know they exist). The fifty-dollar bill would represent the value
of a meat goat, the two hundred dollar bill (made on a computer) would
represent a breed-stock goat, and the five hundred dollars would be the
worth of a show goat. That is the best way I know to easily illustrate
the differing value of goats.
My luck
being what it is, when trying to buy goats I never met someone that sold
good goats at meat goat prices (range of $40 - $75). I could hardly
afford a goat of breed-stock value ($150 - $400) and could only buy one
at a time; and they already had to be bred. Buying bred does is another
value-added story.
As my
adventures continued I finally began to meet farmers that had show
quality goats, and they were way out of my price range ($500 - several
thousand dollars). Those of us in the goat business have heard the
stories about bucks selling for fifteen thousand dollars and much, much
more; and they are true. However, if I were ever fortunate enough (in my
dreams) to buy a buck worth that much, with my luck he would die within
sixty days of being on my farm.
Over the
years I have developed an appreciation for the difference in quality of
goats and the difference in the value of goats. Sometimes I see it and
sometimes I don’t. However, I continue to urge people to consider
showing their goats in competitive shows. Your animal does not have to
win, nor even place, it just allows you to say you have show goats, and
that seems to automatically justify an increase in the value of a goat
or goatherd.
Participating
in show events with your goats and children can be fun. Encourage your
children to show your/their goats; it is a good way to get them involved
in agriculture. Just remember, it is the competitive spirit and
camaraderie that makes showing goats fun. Don’t get concerned with the
fact a judge may be biased in favor of established producers, choose
goats based upon the registry they are associated with, or choose
over-fed/obese goats over healthy/quality stock.
And by
the way, if the Treasury Department ever decides to make a two hundred
dollar bill I hope they do put my picture on it. After all, in a few
years, at the rate gas prices have been increasing, it may take a two
hundred dollar bill to fill the gas tank on your car. Then you can say,
"It took Robert Spencer to fill my tank."
Robert
Spencer is Agribition Center Facilities Manager at Alabama A&M
University. |
