"A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal..." - Proverbs 12:10

THE GOATCAMP CLASS of 2005 - THE FIRST TO ATTEND CLASSES IN THE IG EVRIDGE EDUCATION BUILDING

A year of dedicated planning by GoatCamp™ staff  came together the week of October 24 - 28, 2005,  with the arrival of The GoatCamp Class of 2005.  Annually hosted by Suzanne Gasparotto at Onion Creek Ranch™ near Lohn, Texas, the fourth annual "Ultimate Caprine Learning Experience" found 'Campers arriving before the sun was up.  Everyday 'Campers were greeted with gourmet-style breakfasts, juice, coffee and tea to enjoy prior to classes.  Each day was  filled with the excitement of learning from class instructors, through group discussions, via multiple hands-on demonstrations in the working pens,  by solving  nutrition problems in the 'Camper Workbooks, and through walking tours of Onion Creek Ranch.  'Campers went on field trips into the pastures to see what and why goats eat what they do, attended the popular goat meat-cooking class and the optional humane slaughter class, enjoyed the  outstanding cuisine served daily,  and checked out items and information in the always popular 'Camper Bag. 'Campers also checked out The 'Camp Store's line of apparel and other great items.

NEW DISCUSSION FORMAT A BIG HIT...

Featured for the first time was a new format at 'Camp05.  Detailed learning sessions with Pat Cotten, renowned Arkansas based goat producer and Director of the OCR Satellite Ranch Program, and Suzanne Gasparotto, owner of Onion Creek Ranch™, proved to be among the most popular classes of the week.  Pat and SWG held classes in the Education Building and moved to the chute area for hands-on demonstrations and then into the pastures for more working with goats. Below are just a few  of the topics Pat and SWG covered over a period of several days.

Tumbleweed Smith's Master of Ceremony duties for the annual GoatCamp™  Banquet  included  presenting  'Camper Awards, with all 'Campers receiving "Certificates of Achievement."  The evening ended with Tumbleweed and his unique brand of storytelling.  As always he held his audience spellbound with humorous tales of the many colorful citizens of The Lone Star State and their experiences.  GoatCamp™ is extremely proud to be associated with Tumbleweed Smith - a true Texas legend. 

• Jim Miller, PhD, renowned parasitologist, Louisiana State University, held two class  sessions concerning every goat breeder's nemesis - parasites. Jim's classes are extremely informative and made easy to understand through his use of visual aids, literature and his great teaching manner.  The subject of parasites is one of the most anticipated classes.  Dr. Miller taught some of his classes in the chute area by having  'Campers involved in checking goats for parasites using the FAMACHA Worm Identification Charts.                    

• Dan Byfield,  Property Rights expert from Texas based American Land Foundation explained the very real threats to all farmers and ranchers in various areas of property rights.  Dan brought home the current national issues in chilling detail.

• OCR Ranch Foreman Joe Medrano's humane slaughter class drew many 'Campers to the annual optional class demonstration.  Those not wanting to attend Joe's class had the option of a Question and Answer Session in the Education Building with Pat Cotten and SWG.

• Kent Mills, animal nutritionist with Texas-based HiPro Feeds, spoke using visual  graphics and then had 'Campers open their GoatCamp™ WorkBooks to work feed calculation problems based  on  goat weights and nutritional requirements.  This interesting approach to teaching caprine nutrition was popular and will be expanded for future 'Camps.  Kent took his afternoon class on a walking field trip into the pastures of OCR for a detailed study of plants and forages.  

• Ed Lehigh, VP, Marketing, Colorado Serum, explained  the importance of the development of  vaccines for goats.  Ed related what is now experimental in the laboratory will have tremendous impacts on the commercial meat goat industry in just a few years.  Extremely important break throughs are just on the horizon in goat health.

• Kavelina Torres, meat goat producer from North Pole, Alaska, had 'Campers riveted during her class "Raising Healthy Goats in Cold Weather."  Kavelina, who is part Eskimo, and  her family and goat herd survive and THRIVE in winter temperatures that range well below 0 from September to April  (-40 degrees below 0 is not uncommon).  Kavelina's topics ranged from nutrition in sub-zero weather, kidding, dealing with major amounts of snow, and appropriate clothing for frigid  temperatures.  Kavelina's Question and Answer Session was extremely popular.

• Neville Beckford, Research Technician from Prairie View A&M International Goat Research Center, again held his always popular goat-meat cooking class.  Neville explained the various goat-meat recipes and ingredients as he prepared several entrees for the annual Banquet Buffet.  The cooking class is held in the OCR Barbecue Pavillion.  Onion  Creek Ranch's Foreman Joe Medrano also prepared his eagerly-looked-forward-to "Goat Cooked in the Ground" recipe for the Banquet Buffet.

• Mark Swening, DVM, Coleman Veterinary Clinic, Coleman, Texas, is  always a big hit at 'Camp.  No matter what the discussion, demonstration, topic or issues, Dr. Swening's classes are enjoyable and filled with valuable information.  His approach to teaching makes 'Campers want to know more - the sign of a great teacher.  Dr. Swening's Question and Answer sessions are always lively and informational.   

• Bob Glass,  Pan American Veterinary Laboratory, explained the importance of using lab diagnostic services.  Bob detailed drawing blood, how to package samples for mailing,  how to understand test results.  Bob also identified some of the major goat health issues that his diagnostic services can help identify.

•Terry Hankins, Editor/Publisher of Goat Rancher Magazine, always has good advice on how to market your goats through advertising.   Terry explained the various methods of writing ads, using business card advertising, how to convey what you have to sell into words, and much more.  Terry remarked that you can't sell your goats if nobody knows they're for sale.

TALK ABOUT GREAT FOOD...

GoatCamp™05 Week Culinary Director Becky Green and her kitchen staff simply out-did themselves with gourmet  meals for the entire week.  From the outstanding breakfasts to the daily themed luncheons - Mexican, Tex-Mex,  traditional American, Salad and Light - the food was beyond great!  With Becky at the helm of her dedicated and creative staff, the annual GoatCamp™ Banquet Buffet is being moved back to the ranch in 2006.  Becky and company are already in the planning stages for the "Evening at Ranch" event with all the flavor of West Texas.

AN EXCITING NEW CONCEPT for GOATCAMP™ WEEK...

Suzanne Gasparotto is pleased to announce the appointment of seven highly qualified and respected experts as Faculty Advisors to the Board of Directors of GoatCamp™.  "This is an outstanding group of Advisors and their contributions to GoatCamp™ will be innovative and ground-breaking - just as the very concept of GoatCamp™ has been.  There is nothing else like it available to meat goat producers," stated Candy Dolin, Marketing/Special Events Director for Onion Creek Ranch and GoatCamp™.  "We are pleased with the positive impact that these seven Advisors have already made upon GoatCamp™ and are excited that each has also agreed to accept permanent instructor status creating tremendous learning opportunities for GoatCamp™ students." remarked Mrs. Dolin.

UPCOMING GOATCAMPER NEWSLETTERS...

Be sure and bookmark The GoatCamper Newsletter and check back frequently.  Every few weeks we will be updating the page with "need to know" information, news on what's happening for 'Camp06, photos and profiles on 'Camp staff members and speakers.  GoatCamp™ Floor Operations Director Brenda Shirley, her husband David and their 100 Oaks Farm in Georgia will be one of the subjects of the upcoming profile segments.

We've got some pretty neat and interesting people on staff and you will enjoy getting to know them.

[GoatCamp™] [Tennessee Meat Goats™] [Myotonic Goats] [TexMaster™ Goats] [Which Breed is Right for You?]
[Ranch History] [The Present & Future] [Registry of Myotonics, Tennessee Meat Goats™ and TexMasters™]
[News & Events] [Articles] [Links] [ChevonTalk Discussion List] [E-Mail] [Home]

All information and photos copyright © Onion Creek Ranch and may not be used without express written permission of Onion Creek Ranch. TENNESSEE MEAT GOAT ™ and TEXMASTER™ are Trademarks of Onion Creek Ranch . All artwork and graphics © DTP, Ink and Onion Creek Ranch.

Site Hosted by Khimaira Web Hosting