About

About
The Southern Virginia Meat Goat Association (SVMGA) was established to improve the economic viability of the meat goat industry in Southside Virginia through the development of cooperative marketing strategies, consumer and producer education and overall herd improvement.
Read or download a copy of the SVMGA bylaws here.
The Southern Virginia Meat Goat Association meets at the Halifax County Agricultural Marketing Center, 1001 Farmway Lane (Route 922), Halifax, VA 24558.  (434)-476-3300

.
Click here for a map to the Ag Center.
Benefits of Membership:
SVMGA works to develop markets for goats that will bring the highest prices with a minimum of marketing expenses.
SVMGA sponsors educational speakers and Field Day events focusing on principles of animal health management.
SVMGA schedules consignment sales and opportunities for purchase of local breeding stock.
SVMGA members exchange helpful advice with other producers.
SVMGA benefits from its association with the Halifax County Agricultural Marketing Center:
Ag Development Director Kimley Blanks (434-476-3300

) works to develop markets for cattle and goat producers.
The center was awarded a grant from the Virginia Tobacco Commission to provide training and expand goat marketing opportunities.
SVMGA members have access to on-site scales, pens modified for goats and convenient loading areas for consignment sales and member exchanges.  A small charge per head is the only cost to members.
A comfortable meeting room, kitchen and bathroom facilities, audio/video and on-line access are also available.
As a result of the center’s contacts with buyers, SVMGA members had a successful consignment sale within months of developing its bylaws and the election of officers.  Other consignment sales are planned.
Educational Programs:
Speakers and member interaction at meetings give opportunities to learn about feeds, forages and supplements, internal and external parasites, breeding schedules, research and valuable marketing strategies.
Field Days and Tours:
Field days with outstanding speakers and hands-on activities are planned to give members and the public a good view of how meat goat production can be a viable source of farm income.
Tours are also planned to give those interested in raising goats a chance to visit a farm and observe first-hand how a successful goat producer manages his/her livestock.
You may also sample well-prepared goat dishes as SVMGA members show off their culinary talents.  Dates and times will be widely advertised for these Field Day events.
Starting a Herd:
Become a SVMGA member or attend a monthly meeting to meet growers who can answer your questions or who may have breeding stock – does and bucks – for sale.
SVMGA Officers for 2017:
President – Pam Alderson

1st vice president – Fontaine Tally

Second vice president – Bill Crews

Treasurer – Ed McKinney

Secretary – Kim Grossman

For membership information, contact:
Ed McKinney, treasurer:
Membership dues are $20 to join and $10 annual renewal.
Download a membership application here.