Maris, pictured above, with British Guernsey Buckling, Morel, bred and offered by April at Higher Ground Herbs & Homestead. Meet Maris McCrory, The First Golden Opportunity Youth Participant“I am excited to be a part of the Golden Opportunity Program because the British Guernsey breed is unique and valuable and I want to preserve it to the best of my ability. I began raising goats when I was 12 and I quickly fell in love with caring for them. When Mrs. April offered to give me Morel, a Guernsey buckling, I was thrilled and honored. I’m so grateful that she has started the breed preservation program. It is my sincere hope that other young breeders will have the same chance that I have been given and that this beautiful breed will flourish and thrive for many years to come.” - Maris What Is The Golden Opportunity?This program is available to selected youth as a way to aide in the preservation of the great Guernsey goat breed as well as provide learning opportunities for interested youth across the country. The objective is to involve youth in conservation of the Guernsey goat breed according to British Goat Society (BGS) standards. How Does This Program Benefit the Guernsey Breed?As some breeders rush head first into Americanization of the breed, others still value the original greatness of British Guernseys, as defined by their country of origin, and see the importance of not forfeiting their heritage or compromising in breed standards. This program walks youth through the entire process of breeding and managing this rare, heritage breed, including registration of appropriate Swiss breed foundation does and all applicable offspring with the British Goat Society. Other aspects of the program include mentorship in how to preserve a rare heritage breed by encouraging utilization of the goats to their full potential. How Does This Program Benefit Youth Participants?Youth participants receive a complete, hands-on learning opportunity with endless possibilities. With the guidance and encouragement provided, youth breeders have the ability to be a part of conservation through utilization and not only help preserve a great breed, but also open up entrepreneurial opportunities, youth-to-youth mentorship programs, and so much more. Youth participants will receive, free-of-charge, their very own registered British Guernsey breeding quality buck(ling) to start breeding up. This program builds character, empathy, entrepreneurialism, and encourages youth not only to learn but to do and eventually teach others. How Does This Program Benefit Breeder Participants?As a breeder participant, you are eligible to receive advertisement for your farm on the USGGC website and Facebook page, as well as at any USGGC sponsored events. You will also receive a digital badge to proudly display on your own website and social media pages, which sets you apart as a breeder and also draws attention to the breed. Rest easy knowing you're doing your part to preserve Guernseys and provide a wonderful opportunity to young breeders! How Do I Become A Youth Participant?In order to become a Youth Participant, you must own at least one Swiss doe for breeding purposes and complete the Golden Opportunity application and short essay as to why you would like to participate. Your application and essay will be held until you are paired with a Breeder Participant/Sponsor. To get started, please just reach out by contacting USGGC on Facebook. How Do I Become A Breeder Participant?In order to become a Breeder Participant, you must have owned/raised BGS registered Guernsey goats for at least one year and be a current member of the British Goat Society. You must have participated in the breed-up program, including registration of the initial Swiss foundation doe(s) and at least one generation of offspring. You must be willing to be a mentor to a Youth Participant as well as provide, free-of-charge, one registered British Guernsey buck/ling to them. You will need to complete a Golden Opportunity application so that you can be paired with a Youth Participant. To get started, please just reach out by contacting USGGC on Facebook.
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