Welcome to the British Columbia Goat Association

News & Updates

BCGA Annual General Meeting and Edu Weekend

October 18/19, 2025
by Linda Carlson, President:

What a great weekend we had in Cowichan, where  VIGA  (Vancouver Island Goat Association) hosted BCGA for an educational weekend and AGM.
Our deepest thanks to all islanders who helped with arranging the meeting space, providing amazing lunches and great coffee aaaaaaaall day long! Special shoutout to Tom Thorbergson, who provided a projector for day 1.

We couldn't have done any of this without the hard work of Diana Owens (Pres VIGA, VP BCGA) who was instrumental in continuing to drive this event when I had to spend some time away, and obtaining a grant from the Ministry of Agriculture to pay for our FAMACHA program.   HUGE KUDOS!

Highlights:
  • FAMACHA Certification, delivered by Zoë   Thorburgson, MsC, Certified FAMACHA Instructor (Zoë   captured mid-demonstration on our website cover page!)
    This  was a full day program, chock full of useful information and hands-on  practical work. I highly recommend taking it when it comes to your area one day!
  • Evaluating Mammary Systems, Linda Carlson. I'll get this deck published to my site (and to the BCGA members group on FB).
  • Responsible Euthanasia, delivered by Dr. Melodie Ares Monast, AgWest Veterinary Group), with a practical application of bolt gun exercise (that hay bale never stood a chance!)
  • Roundtable on Traceability and Animal Education - see our new introductory overview, loaded with links to official information
  • I really enjoyed getting to sit in on the VIGA AGM,. They are  the most active local club in BC, and help put together a lot of shows.
  • Most of all, I loved getting to spend time just talking goat, renewing friendships and making new ones. I came home exhausted but exhilarated.   My thanks again to all who came.
Here is a copy of our   full agenda, including meetings. A few photos below, and I regret not taking more!

Elections were held and you can see our new Board of Directors at right.
​We are still awaiting a volunteer Director nomination from FVGBA (Fraser Valley Goat Breeders Association) and  someone in our Northern region (from Prince George to the Yukon Border).  We would also welcome  a Director at Large  to represent Meat Goats and also one for Fibre Goats - please email us at [email protected]

Now on to 2026!
My Action items completed:
At our November 12 meeting, we will decide on the location and date for our 2026 AGM and  Goat-Uni weekend - bring your suggestions!
NEW MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM!
I have  created a new form that will address some of the clunky issues of the old one, and will make recordkeeping easier.
It's time to renew for 2026 -  click on the image above to take it out for a spin!
Our rates remain the same, $45/single, $60/family. Even if you hate meetings, join us, skip the meetings and your money will go to a good cause - education and support of  goats and goat programs in BC.
~Linda

Meetings 

Monthly meetings will be announced on Facebook and are open to all current members and first time guests. Max ONE hour per meeting!
Normally held the second Tuesday of the month, 6:00 PM.
For November, that's a stat holiday, so for this month, we will meet on   Tuesday, Nov 18, 2025.
Join the call by clicking on   this link  at 6:00 PM on Nov 18!

2025/26 BCGA BOARD

​EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS:
President: Linda Carlson
Vice-President:  Diana Owens
Secretary/Treasurer: Rayman Vella
 
DIRECTORS AT LARGE:
Taylor McGugan

AFFILIATE REPS:
FVGA: TBD
VIGA: Diana Owens (or alternate, TBD)
TOGA: Linda Carlson

CGS Rep: Saundra Howell
CNGF Rep: Linda Carlson
Website/FB Editor: Linda Carlson

email: [email protected]
facebook: facebook.com/bcgoatassociation
members only discussion group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/605413298612370

BCGA Home Milking Best Practices Check list

Johne's, the slow killer
Milking your does for household milk? Below is a checklist of best practices for home milking to mitigate pathogen contamination. Safety first!
Check the information sheet on the Johne's disease below. 

Want to learn more about how to send in samples for testing? Read the article from the Jan 2021 BCGA Goatletter HERE

What is M. Ovi?  Click here to find out! 

August 2020- Due to the changes in policy in the Yukon, small ruminant producers may be looking to rehome M. ovi positive animals into BC. It is critical that known M. Ovi animals not be relocated into areas where wild sheep or goat reside. Click here to find out more.
The BCGA was founded over a hundred years ago, in  1917!
The BCGA Mission:
To increase public awareness of the value of goats and goat producers,  disseminate    information about breeds of goats and their care, bring together goat keepers around the province, and encourage young people with their involvement with goats and 4-H clubs.
British Columbia Goat Association (c) , BC Goat Association (c) ,  bcgoat (c),  BC-Goat (c), are copyright of the British Columbia Goat Association.