Why goats?
Vancouver Island is suitable for small, diverse farms or homesteads, and goats fit into this picture very well. Manageable on small acreages, from them we obtain milk, meat, and fibre. Goats are also great for 4-H projects, pack animals, and can make excellent companions for ourselves and other animals.
Goats have personality plus! To learn more about goats and the Vancouver Island Goat Association, click on the links at the top of the page.
Vancouver Island is suitable for small, diverse farms or homesteads, and goats fit into this picture very well. Manageable on small acreages, from them we obtain milk, meat, and fibre. Goats are also great for 4-H projects, pack animals, and can make excellent companions for ourselves and other animals.
Goats have personality plus! To learn more about goats and the Vancouver Island Goat Association, click on the links at the top of the page.
Who we are:
VIGA has members from all over Vancouver Island as well as some of the Gulf Islands. We are a diverse lot, and represent a cross section of the dairy, fibre, meat, and companion goat population.
In the past we have met several times a year at the homes of members up and down the Island. Our regular meetings provide us with the opportunity to network with other goat owners, and we welcome everyone from the experienced breeders to newcomers who are looking to connect with others to learn more about goat care. Mentoring new goat owners is one of our priorities. We usually cover a specific topic at the meeting, often with a presentation and discussion on such topics as kidding, nutrition, etc.
*This has now changed to monthly "Zoom" meetings, because of the Covid-19 pandemic. We will get back to in-person meetings as soon as we are able!
The Vancouver Island Goat Association is incorporated under
the Society Act of British Columbia.
VIGA’s Mandate:
~ To increase public awareness of the value of goats and goat products in society;
~ To circulate information about breeds of goats and their care;
~ To encourage young people with their involvement in youth goat clubs (such as 4-H etc);
~ To promote and facilitate goat breed improvements.
In the past we have met several times a year at the homes of members up and down the Island. Our regular meetings provide us with the opportunity to network with other goat owners, and we welcome everyone from the experienced breeders to newcomers who are looking to connect with others to learn more about goat care. Mentoring new goat owners is one of our priorities. We usually cover a specific topic at the meeting, often with a presentation and discussion on such topics as kidding, nutrition, etc.
*This has now changed to monthly "Zoom" meetings, because of the Covid-19 pandemic. We will get back to in-person meetings as soon as we are able!
The Vancouver Island Goat Association is incorporated under
the Society Act of British Columbia.
VIGA’s Mandate:
~ To increase public awareness of the value of goats and goat products in society;
~ To circulate information about breeds of goats and their care;
~ To encourage young people with their involvement in youth goat clubs (such as 4-H etc);
~ To promote and facilitate goat breed improvements.
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**NEW!!** Goat Gab - a time to just chat goats 2022 Sessions: Sunday evenings at 7:30 pm January 23rd February 27th April 24th May 22nd June 26th none in July none in August September 18th October 23rd none in November or December Show Committee Meetings: Monday 31 January 2022 at 6 pm Tuesday April 19th at 12 noon |
2022 MEETINGS All meetings are on a Sunday and start at 11 a.m. via DialPad meeting room and now also in person! February 20th: Monthly Meeting online March 20th: Monthly Meeting hosted at Jaki's in Fanny Bay Educational Topic; milking and milk handling April 24th: Monthly Meeting hosted in North Saanich Educational Topic; weaning and the transition to hay and grain, vaccinations May 15th: Monthly Meeting hosted in Duncan Topic: What to look for when buying a goat; health/breed/set-up June 18th (Saturday): Monthly Meeting in Cedar Topic: Show Prep! Shaving and hoof trimming, and beat the heat no meeting in July SHOWS: 2022 West National Goat Show, Saanich Fair no meeting in August September 18th: Monthly Meeting: Gabriola Island Topic: breeding, A.I., doe/buck nutrition and selection, animal welfare and genes October 16th: Monthly Meeting; Duncan Topic: Invasive plant species management, and safe and unsafe plants hosted by VI Goatscaping November 27th: Monthly Meeting at Angela's in Merville Topic: butchering and carcass evaluation no December meeting VIGA AGM: Sunday 22 January, Nanoose Bay |
