Below are the results of the recent chat group /
member survey. I hope you will find
them useful. I'm certain that the IKGA Board will find them helpful in planning
the work
of the association.
On behalf of the Board and other interested parties, I would like to thank those
that took
the time to send in a completed survey. The responses were thoughtful, creative,
interesting, and constructive. The vast majority were positive in one sense or
another but
be aware that this is NOT a scientific survey (it's just like one of those
television news
online surveys except that I believe the input will be more analyzed and acted
upon).
A few points about the survey summarization process. A few people asked to be
completely anonymous and I have tried to honor those requests thoroughly. Even
those
respondees indicated it was OK to use their input in some form. Therefore, I
have
edited comments of those respondees to ensure that they cannot be identified
(for
example, I eliminated personal anecdotes but left the main point intact ... I
corrected
spelling ... I "cleaned up" the grammar or writing styles so individuals could
not be
identified). I have made every effort to keep the intent accurate and include as
many
quotes as humanly possible. I apologize in advance if my efforts are not fully
acceptable
to those respondees who requested anonymity.
Now, let's get to talking and working to use these inputs to make our
association more
useful to its members .... What do you think the comments mean overall? ... Are
particular suggestions urgent? ... Would you like to help implement any
suggestions
made in the survey responses? ... What was surprising to you? ... Did you learn
anything?
(I sure did!) ... What is your favorite color of goat? (just kidding!) ...
International Kiko Goat Association
Chat Group / Member Survey
1. What is the biggest problem facing IKGA members (or potential members)
today?
Start-up. Time is valuable but members must learn to be patient with any new
start-ups.
Members must refrain from making any negative comment about AKGA. The
AKGA negative campaign against IKGA will have some impact on all new
members or potential members.
The recognition of IKGA as a REAL and viable association.
Bad press and chat group postings that indicate disagreement between IKGA and
AKGA -- those should NEVER be associated with our organization -- there
should NEVER be an ax to grind publicly. We should continuously promote
our position as a progressive organization in the face of criticism. The casual
reader will see where the integrity is. That's what attracts new members faster
than anything else.
Most entrepreneurs are strong personalities, so were our countries "Founding
Fathers". I hope the founding members can compromise on some areas so the
IKGA can succeed. To compromise means to (not) lose. I hope we can reach for a
common goal.
Figuring out a good/workable solution to registering Kiko goats.
Being able to use the registry numbers and info with goats that were
previously
registered with the AKGA.
Maybe the biggest problem would be to get the IKGA registry accepted by Kiko
owners in general since, previously, the AKGA was the only game in town. But
acceptance, I believe, will come, especially since, from reading the recent
KikoGoat postings, they are still intent on alienating people and digging their
own
graves.
Breeders being honest with prospective buyers on breeding records and on
diseases
If I were to get a Kiko goat, whether for commercial or breeding stock
purposes,
I'd want a lot of data. Not necessarily epd's. But info on, for example, growth
rates, and prolificacy of sire and dam. When I've written to inquire about a
Kiko,
only two people so far, I get a price, quote of around $500 for a buck, with not
a
lot of quantitative info. More rah-rah, than anything. Or because someone bought
a buck for $700, they think they can sell the offspring for $500. Without an
established reputation and long term breeding record, livestock sales don't
usually
work that way
Probably keeping the politics to a minimum. Focus on the product, not on
personal agendas
Buying quality stock at reasonable prices
Marketing goats
Personally, building fences
2. What is the biggest opportunity that is available to IKGA members (or
potential members) today?
Software (for registration and other services)
Marketing
Leadership of the Board
Over all openness of the organization
The kiko breed is just now being recognized for it's superior production
qualities
and the impact it can have on the US goat meat industry. This creates demand for
more kiko breeders
To create a progressive association that has the ability to shape the future
with all
members truly benefiting. --- As it is now, the average person can sit home on
their farm every day for a year and likely not find a specific instance where an
organization has helped them be more successful selling goats in their area.
Producing stock for an established market.
The opportunity to have an organization that really listens to the members
without
caving in to every little special interest request. In other words, objective,
knowledgeable but open minded leadership
Simplifying the registration process. Why can't you register a kid as long as
one
of the parents is registered? Why does the buck have to be fullblood to
register?
Can you import new genetics?
How bout having a public sale? You'd find out what the market is for breeding
stock.
Since its a new association, take all the things that DIDNT really work well
for
the AKGA and improve on them.
Let all members be heard, and all opinions be considered, BUT stress the fact
that
this association is to improve the breed, and promote meat goat production, and
promote Kikos so that they are a well-known breed.
This survey was a great idea to find out what other folks are thinking, and to
implement those ideas
A great breed and possibly a great assoc. to promote it
High demand for meat goats
A new and better Kiko association that listens to its members
3. What is the biggest problem that faces the IKGA (as an association) today?
AKGA
Drawing new members. Many people like to wait and see the success of others
before they join. They are afraid of change.
To present itself as a professional organization. A challenge which is being
met
very well
Getting full acceptance from Kiko breeders
Being in its infancy brings growing pains. Getting everyone to agree is hard
Same as for AKGA, image of big fish in a little pond.
People acting out like they wouldn't in their 'real life.' I've seen this in
every
volunteer organization I've belonged to
People not accepting constructive criticism, with the comment, "Oh, well,
we're
all volunteers." Becoming a martyr to the organization doesn't serve the
organization.
Registration confusion. The difference between Purebred and Fullblood. I am
only saying this as a newcomer. Folks who have been in the Kiko business for
some time already understand the differences.
I think there may be some confusion on how to handle the AKGA registration
papers, not on the new boards part, but on some of the breeders part
Attracting members, especially ones loyal to other assoc
Getting new registration system / definitions working well
4. What is the biggest opportunity that is available to the IKGA (as an
association) today?
1000s of potential goat breeders without KIKO influences
To show an unprecedented, nonbiased, leading role in the meat goat industry.
Focus on marketing and make our presence, and our product, known to the
millions of customers in the U.S.
It can be an excellent referral service for breeders of Kiko goats.
To be pioneers and to recognize that genes are genes and to be the first to
permit
the offspring of EITHER a registered buck or a registered doe to qualify for
registration. (just can't let that one be, can I? I still think it is more fair)
Hopefully it will not go back to the old mindset of other associations of its
always
been done that way
Keep your eye on the prize, the goats, and service to your members.
All this bickering has definitely made me very, very leery of buying a Kiko
buck.
So you and AKGA have an image problem
I think the skys the limit. Going by statistics, the market is there for goat
meat;
IKGA could heavily promote Kikos as THE goat to raise because of its hardiness,
resistance, and resilience.
Form a committee and have specific people contacting ethnic groups about the
fine quality of Kiko meat, really sell the groups on Kiko meat in the same
manner that black angus beef is promoted
Certified Performance Recognition Program
It could be the best of the kiko associations
5. What are the top 3 items you would like the IKGA to focus on right now?
Management of its membership base
Marketing and Leadership
The breed
Members
The goat meat industry
Develop a senior level plan to make the IKGA a leading,
groundbreaking organization at the hub of the meat goat industry.
Become totally nonpolitical in our organizational postings on the Internet
Learn what 'good business practices" are, and implement them in our daily
culture
as an organization
Hosting stock sales
Breed advertising
Computer software with Internet access
Education for breeders such as how to evaluate goats to pick out the best
potential
breeders and how to pick a pair that will offset each others weak points and
strengthen the good points.
All other topics of interest to goat breeders, especially marketing. (I
believe you
already have a start on the education aspect)
Does a newsletter go along with membership? It would be nice to have one.
Doesn't have to be big or fancy and could be bi-monthly or even quarterly, just
to
bring people up to speed with what's going on, especially if they don't have a
computer or lots of time to sit in front of one. You could help fund it with
advertisements for sale goats, equipment, buck service, etc. (cheaper rates for
members, of course). Also could have upcoming events, shows, meetings etc, of
interest.
Get the Kiko recognized as a breed, as it says in the group home page. Although
I'm not sure who has to do the recognizing. Is there some kind of American Goat
Association that rules over all the breed specific organizations?
Clarifying breeding records, using the cross breed the percentages have IE:
nubian, boer, alpine, fainters and so forth, have a class for proven breeding
stock
not just bucks but also does
Conduct a public breeding stock sale.
Import new genetics
Anything for newcomers to learn to avoid making too many mistakes. You started
off on the right foot with that article for new goat farmers. It was
informational,
and up-to-date. Some websites I have seen havent been updated in 2 years.
Publish articles that describe good culling practices, and a good breeding
program. These would be good for new-to-the business folks. I dont have any
hands-on experience yet so I cant say what someone else who has been doing this
for a while would like to see
Registration System
Educational Event
Recruiting members
Getting the bylaws in order to somewhat satisfy everyone.
Promotion (the IKGA and the kiko goat)
Getting the board members. Letting them be known.
Start business
6. What do you like most about the IKGA so far?
The People and their talents
open, friendly
not afraid of change
The people in it!!!!
The ideals we are saying we have!
We will be successful!
I like the fact they are willing to maintain records for breeders of high %
stock,
but promote lower %, i.e. Boki & American Meat Goat.
not participating in the "fight" that AKGA has started.
helpful, informative
The ability of the members to engage in friendly debates without deteriorating
to
fighting
the idea of member ownership
the progressive attitudes
The fact that it is a new organization so won't necessarily be hampered by
outdated ideas (like maybe requiring the buck to be registered in order to
register
the kids....:0))
Non-members have a voice. I know we will not have a vote but hopefully it will
not get to the point where when we ask questions told to shut up if not a member
You're too new an organization to form any opinion. So far my reactions to
both
kiko assoc's are very negative
That the people who are in the process of setting it all in place are all
folks who I
have read about in the highest regards, and are being honest and helpful to
folks
who are just beginning. They have seen what works and what doesnt and include
everyone in the process. These folks KNOW goats
Attitude
Participative style
The Website is remarkable. I think it draws new members. Very informative.
The 800 #.
The office is open at a certain time
7. What do you like least about the IKGA so far?
From my point of view, too much paper work (Board member response)
Not enough members, YET!
We haven't yet stepped-up out of the past, kicked the dust off our feet, and
decided how to focus on the future
No negative comments
Some folks don't "trim" their posts. Makes it really long and hard to follow.
Truthfully, I haven't found anything I don't like........except resistance to
the
registration idea for the does
The only negative is it is still in its infancy and growing pains can be
painful
Nothing
8. What are the top 5 items you would like to see discussed / presented at an
IKGA Symposium or educational event?
Marketing (4)
Goat Health
Value added products and its marketing
Value added goat meat products
Production/performance testing
Goat diseases
Parasites
General goat management
How to make $$$ raising goats
How to market your farm product
How to upgrade a Boer operation to the Kiko advantage
Breeding-up program guidelines
Parasite management, how to use wormers responsibly
Judging production qualities in meat goats for the beginner (hands-on
presentation)
Herd Management
Information on the original Kiko stock imported
Pasture/farm management
You're too new an organization to form any opinion. So far my reactions to
both
kiko assoc's are very negative
That the people who are in the process of setting it all in place are all
folks who I
have read about in the highest regards, and are being honest and helpful to
folks
who are just beginning. They have seen what works and what doesnt and include
everyone in the process. These folks KNOW goats
Attitude
Participative style
The Website is remarkable. I think it draws new members. Very informative.
The 800 #.
The office is open at a certain time
9. What are the top 3 items you would like to see discussed in the next IKGA
Business Meeting?
Process (Registration requirements and how we handle problems with members
and issues)
Membership
Symposium planning
Future needs/plans
Letting go of the past---what do members believe will help them the most to
sell their product?
Organizational structure and accountability
Funding/expenditure disclosure and plan for the future
National & International Marketing
Schedule regular seasonal sales & Herd management seminars
Internet access database for breeders.
How and for what the IKGA's funds are used, (like a quarterly report I guess)
Maybe forming local or regional chapters
Cooperative marketing
Cooperative supplies
Information sources
10. Do you have any other suggestions for the IKGA currently?
Let's make IKGA the most successful and
powerful goat organization in the
world.
Broaden our outreach to universities/groups.
Be involved in more research efforts to produce "good, properly controlled"
scientific data
Policy & Procedures are important, but please don't make it a bureaucratic
"beast".
I think this survey is premature
What about an open meeting, at a central location, when all the setting up for
the
associational board is done?
Get the word out, magazines, farm papers...
Stay focused on highest priority items
11. Do you think you would consider joining the IKGA during 2004?
NO. (Just Kidding, I already did)
Most definitely!
Already have
YES, I am a beginner so I don't even have all the information for the
application. I
guess I will have to say n/a or "not yet" in some of the answer blocks
Doubtful. $$$ are a major consideration. And we just don't have an extra penny
at
the moment
Yes, I do. But I won't until I actually have some Kikos and I hope that will
be this
year.
Not this year but probably in the future
Can't answer that without more info. Need to see how goats are registered,
what
prices are for membership and registry
Yes, I think it is really going to be successful
Yes (2)
Already did (Lifetime Membership)
Respectfully yours,
Barry and Virginia Arnett
P. O. Box 389
Williamsburg, KY 40769
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