While we are members of both TMGR and MDGA, we do all of our registration with TMGR. There are a couple of reasons for this choice. First, we prefer the member driven aspect of TMGR. As a registry, TMGR does not change rules without providing opportunities for members to provide comments and feedback on proposed changes. MDGA does not do this, in fact, on almost every page MDGA website, it clearly states that MDGA can and will change rules without notice. We, in general, do not agree with this business practice.
Second, MDGA has their infamous 30:70 rule. We do not agree with this rule. We like that TMGR allows breeders to make breeding choices on their own volition and allows buyers and sellers to determine if the breeding is worthy or not. At the end of the day, what matters is breed character and whether the individual goat in front of you meets breed character or not. To deny entry into the American or Purebred Herd books because on paper a goat is 70.1% of a standard breed is just silly, in our book, and, more importantly, not biologically defendable. Amy plans on writing up a full page explaining why we really don't have any idea what percentage a given goat is once we are past the first standard-nigerian cross... it will be filled with math and statistics and genetics and will not be for the faint hearted, but it will need to wait until she can spare a free moment.
Third, TMGR honors milk stars from standard and Nigerian foundation animals. TMGR believe this encourages mini breeders to start with the absolute best foundation animal they can afford. Milk stars indicate an "unbroken" line of documented milk production. By forwarding milk starts in the mini's pedigree, TMGR acknowledges that those records do exist and are available for you to research. MDGA's policy results in that knowledge being forgotten or overlooked. Since our farm is focused on producing mini dairy goats that really put "the pounds in the pail", we believe the TMGR approach fosters better milk production... or at a minimum better documentation of milk production.
Because we prefer the TMGR business model, we have focused more of our activities with this registry over the other. And, our additional activity has lead the TMGR board to ask Amy to join the TMGR team, which she gladly accepted at the end of 2015. In July 2017, when TMGR's registrar needed to step down, Amy offered to take on that role. We continue to be members of both registries, but are firm believers that the foundations of the TMGR's mission, business plan, and dedication to being member-focused offers our farm the most in meeting our goals.
Second, MDGA has their infamous 30:70 rule. We do not agree with this rule. We like that TMGR allows breeders to make breeding choices on their own volition and allows buyers and sellers to determine if the breeding is worthy or not. At the end of the day, what matters is breed character and whether the individual goat in front of you meets breed character or not. To deny entry into the American or Purebred Herd books because on paper a goat is 70.1% of a standard breed is just silly, in our book, and, more importantly, not biologically defendable. Amy plans on writing up a full page explaining why we really don't have any idea what percentage a given goat is once we are past the first standard-nigerian cross... it will be filled with math and statistics and genetics and will not be for the faint hearted, but it will need to wait until she can spare a free moment.
Third, TMGR honors milk stars from standard and Nigerian foundation animals. TMGR believe this encourages mini breeders to start with the absolute best foundation animal they can afford. Milk stars indicate an "unbroken" line of documented milk production. By forwarding milk starts in the mini's pedigree, TMGR acknowledges that those records do exist and are available for you to research. MDGA's policy results in that knowledge being forgotten or overlooked. Since our farm is focused on producing mini dairy goats that really put "the pounds in the pail", we believe the TMGR approach fosters better milk production... or at a minimum better documentation of milk production.
Because we prefer the TMGR business model, we have focused more of our activities with this registry over the other. And, our additional activity has lead the TMGR board to ask Amy to join the TMGR team, which she gladly accepted at the end of 2015. In July 2017, when TMGR's registrar needed to step down, Amy offered to take on that role. We continue to be members of both registries, but are firm believers that the foundations of the TMGR's mission, business plan, and dedication to being member-focused offers our farm the most in meeting our goals.