WELCOME TO THE TENNESSEE GOAT PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION!

WHY TGPA?

         AN EYE TO THE FUTURE.

The TGPA is on the cutting edge of the goat industry. TGPA Board members serve in leadership positions in the goat community from the local level to the international level – leaders working together to advance the Goat Industry.

         FOCUS ON MEMBERS.

The Board of Directors listens to the members, and lets the members tell them what they need.

         AN ATTENTIVE, RESPONSIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. 

They know their job is to make things happen for the members - plain and simple.

          PRODUCTION SALES.

TGPA Spring and Fall production sales provide an outlet for breeders and a source of breeding stock and replacement does for commercial producers.

          SHOWS. 

TGPA assists members in producing goat shows sanctioned by breed associations  and other goat associations of which they might be members.

          EDUCATION.

TGPA produces educational and instructive materials for goat keepers of all levels of experience. Frequent FREE seminars bring information to producers at the local level.

          MARKETING.

The TGPA is working toward establishing fair markets for your products - whether they be meat goats, dairy products, meats, health care products, goat gifts and crafts or any other goat- or goat-related product.

         INFORMATION.

TGPA keeps members informed via a free subscription to The Goat Magazine, one of the most widely circulated goat magazines in the United States. In it you will find the TGPA Times  newsletter .

         NATIONWIDE EXPOSURE.

The TGPA provides free nationwide advertising via our website ads and links to members’ websites. Also available: very inexpensive advertising in The Goat Magazine.

          REPRESENTATION.

The TGPA provides the voice of the goat industry in Tennessee, so that producers may enjoy the benefits that come with the strength of numbers.

         RESEARCH.

The TGPA has a unique working relationship with goat researchers at Tennessee State University that provides a flow of up-to-the minute informative data for goat producers.

          SERVICE.

The TGPA provides its members with an opportunity to make a difference in this brand-new industry.  Anyone that wants to help can find a place - whether it be making phone calls, stuffing envelopes, tending gates at a sale or show, or writing articles for publication.

         NETWORKING.

Be connected with hundreds of goat breeders and producers in Tennessee.

          RECOGNITION.

In the TGPA, any little contribution to the advancement of the Goat Industry in Tennessee will be appreciated and PUBLICLY RECOGNIZED.

What We Do

The TGPA is now working to advance the goat industry in Tennessee. Our programs and committees reflect the needs and interests of our members, including: marketing breeding stock and meat goats, marketing goat meat products and goat dairy products, all aspects of herd health management, breeding and genetics, and publicity and public awareness of goats in general. We want to publicize the growth of the goat industry as an important part of our state’s economy.

If you are a long time goat producer we offer an excellent opportunity for exchanging ideas and working with other goat producers. If you are unfamiliar with goats, considering raising goats or just getting started with goats, we offer help, information and encouragement. Goats are friendly, even ‘charming’ animals. Their size makes them easy to handle - usually! Why, they even come equipped with built-in handles! They can thrive under conditions that would not support cattle or sheep well.

Goat Meat

Goats have the highest reproductive rate of any of the domestic ruminants, contributing to the phenomenon that goat meat production is the fastest growing sector of agriculture in the U.S. and Tennessee ranks second in production.   Approximately 63% of the red meat consumed worldwide is Goat! Goat meat, or chevon as it is more properly known,  is already eaten by 70% of the world population. One focus of the TGPA is educating consumers about the palatability and health benefits of this fantastic product. Goat meat, often called chevon or cabrito, is easier on the digestive system and lower in fat and calories than most meats.

Goat Milk

Approximately 82% of the milk consumed in the world is goat's milk, and the dairy goat industry is on the rise in Tennessee. While a number of goat dairies produce cheese and other products, most Tennessee goat dairies sell goat milk for animal use and for use in making soaps, lotions and other personal care items. The TGPA Dairy Committee is working toward advancement of the dairy goat industry in the Volunteer State.

Pet Goats

A growing number of people have goats as pets, many of whom have little experience with livestock and therefore need the member support system of the TGPA. The TGPA Pet Goat Committee provides instructional material for owners of caprine pets as well as assistance in establishing markets for breeders of pets.

Working Goats

Out West, there is a growing demand for pack goats for use in desert and mountainous areas. Here in Tennessee, cart and draft goats are increasing in popularity, and we must not forget the work-horse of the working goats: the brush-eating land clearers. The TGPA is working to find outlets for producers of work goats in Tennessee.

Getting Involved

There is power in numbers and the knowledge gained and the opportunities presented for growth and advertising are tremendous. We encourage all goat producers to join and participate. Choose the area about which you are most passionate, and help make things happen. Whether you are interested in being on the board or a committee, in advertising or just being a greeter at an event, you can be involved and help. We hope that each member will try to work with the association, at least in some small way. 

Why join an association?

To quote Marvin Shurley of the American Meat Goat Association: “Producers who ask what an association can do for them lack foresight in and that the majority of them don’t understand how they can be represented through an association. A larger voice is heard in government. Another benefit is the ability to establish marketing channels for their own goats.”

You are invited to join in our efforts to advance the goat industry in Tennessee and across the nation.

Together we can do great things!