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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. |
Up coming hands on workshop May 25th in Nanoose Bay:
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Who we are:
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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. We meet 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. 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. Follow VIGA on Facebook |
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Vancouver Island Goat Association Bylaws
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President
Diana Owens Vice President Andrea Walker & Sandy Howell Secretary Rayman Vella Treasurer Brin Jackson Directors at Large Rebecca Dault, Angela Forster, Amanda Kaufmann |
2025 MEETINGS Meetings start at 11 a.m unless other wise posted. January 19 : Thorcrest Farm - Nanoose Bay Educational Topic: Nutrition/Body condition scoring/Prepping doe for kidding February 16 : Omisi Valley Farm - Shawnigan Lake Educational Topic; Kidding/Feed management by Dr. Melodie Ares Monast from Agwest Vet clinic March 16: Old Bones Creak Farm - Mervile Educational Topic; Blood draws for disease testing, Clean milking practices April 27 : Yellow Point Farm - Cedar Educational Topic: Marketing your goats/starting a business/Farm tour: May 25: Thorcrest Farm Nanoose Bay Educational Topic: FAMACHA workshop June 15: Yellow Point Farm - Cedar Educational Topic: Showmanship No meetings in July -Sept due to Show season October 19 : Cresta Roca Farm- Gabriola Island Educational Topic: Buck (all ages) buck care November TBA : VIGA AGM Education topic: TBA No December meeting |
Vancouver Island Goat Association (VIGA) statement regarding RAW MILK
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The Vancouver Island Goat Association (VIGA) does not condone the illegal sale of raw milk or raw milk products as Federal legislation prohibits the sale of raw milk in Canada. It is illegal for fluid milk or milk products to be sold in Canada unless they are supplied and sold by a licensed BC Dairy processor with a license to sell at farm gate and have been pasteurized. VIGA offers education on clean milking practices to support our members who milk their goats for their own consumption. This does not imply, in any way, that VIGA is encouraging the selling of raw milk to the public. Our organization cannot respond to questions from the public about where to purchase raw milk. Please refer to the Government of Canada website for more information. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-safety/information-product/statement-about-drinking-milk.html
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