Check out the calendar for details of the In-Person & Virtual Events

THE FELICITY MIRACLES, 2024

Saving a Breed
Laparoscopic Artificial Insemination & Embryo Transfer Project

Felicity is the last known living 100% New Hampshire Line San Clemente Island Goat. For a nine-year-old goat, she is in good health, except she is unable to carry kids to full term due to a recently developed uterine problem. After the loss in 2022 of 2 genetically important NH line bucks, the San Clemente Island Goat Breeders Association (SCIGBA) decided to take extraordinary steps to ensure her unique genetic makeup was preserved. The SCIGBA’s Genetics Committee in conjunction with fertility expert veterinarians, has developed a plan to ensure her genetics remain available to the SCI Goat population.  

We are currently lining up the logistics and reproductive services to accomplish this. The plan is for Felicity to undergo laparoscopic artificial insemination (LAI) using genetically valuable SCI Goat semen donated by the Smithsonian Institute, from a renowned buck who is no longer living and is also a 100% New Hampshire line goat. The Smithsonian is so excited about this project that they are donating this frozen semen to our project!  

Then after a certain number of days which give the embryos time to grow, Felicity will have a procedure called an embryo flush, where all of the embryos are “flushed” from her system. Some of the embryos will be immediately transferred to at least 3 qualified surrogate does, with high hopes of them producing viable kids. Any remaining embryos are to be frozen and stored in the SCIGBA’s genetic bank at SMART Repro.

This miracle is being funded by Jennifer and Kyle Lopez, with high hopes of success resulting in one miracle kid going to them, as well as a kid going to Felicity’s current owners, Paisley & Kathy Ashland.

We are working to accomplish the LAI and Embryo transfers in October 2024. Stay tuned.

SCIGBA GENETICS COMMITTEE

USDA Registry Tattoo Approval

As of May 1, 2023, the SCIGBA Registry has obtained USDA recognition meaning SCIGBA registered goats can use tattoos as an official form of identification.

To be used as a form of official ID when transporting a goat, please adhere to the following guidelines (quoted directly from the USDA):

• A copy of the registration certificate or temporary registration certificate before its expiration date, and, if not in the name of the current owner, a copy of the completed application for transfer of ownership in the name of the current owner where the sale occurred within 60 days (or an extension thereof approved by the registry) where each document lists the tattoo number on the goat, or

• For animals under 60 days of age, a copy of a completed application for registration listing the tattoo number on the goat, or

• An interstate certificate of veterinary inspection that lists the flocks of origin and birth, the registry, and the registry tattoo.

If you have questions, please contact the SCIGBA Registry Committee at scigbassoc@gmail.com

First Annual San Clemente Island Goat Breeders Association Photo Contest

Calling all photographers!  Come participate in SCIGBA’s first photo contest during International Heritage Breeds Week from May 15-19.  Winners will be announced at the annual meeting on May 20 at 5 pm Eastern.  Winning photos will appear in the association’s 2024 calendar.

Rules:

• Participants may enter one photo per category. 

• Participants will be judged in the following age groups: 

  • Adult (18 and older)

  • Teen (13-18)

  • Youth (12 and under)

• Winners will be determined by three judges (2 individuals & the public).

• All photographs must be of purebred San Clemente Island Goats unless specified.

• Daily social media posts will be made on the SCIGBA’s feeds with the contest category for the day.  Post your entry in the comment section.  Entries may also be submitted via email to scigbassoc@gmail.com  Please use the contest category as your subject.  Please include a caption, herd name, location, photographer’s name, and age group with all entries.

• By submitting photos, you are acknowledging your permission for the San Clemente Island Goat Breeders Association to use the photograph in future promotions and marketing.

Contest Catagories:

• Monday - SCIs in Winter

  • Show us your goats in snow, pulling sleds, dressed for the holidays (Yule goat), or any other photo that speaks to the season.

• Tuesday - Spring kids

• Show us your bouncing, adorable, cuddly spring babies

• Wednesday - SCIs the All-American Goat 

• San Clementes are an American breed.  Show us your photos that epitomize the American Farms or Patriotism.

• Thursday - SCI Leading Couples

• Show us your breeding pairs

• Friday - SCIs celebrating International Heritage Breeds Week

• This week is International Heritage Breeds Week.  Many raise not just SCIs but a variety of heritage breeds.  Show us your goats with other breeds on your farm.

Notice of 2023 Annual Meeting & Elections

The San Clemente Island Goat Breeders Association (SCIGBA) Board of Directors welcomes all members and friends of the SCIGBA to join us at our Annual Meeting on May 20, 2023, at 5:00 pm ET.  https://join.freeconferencecall.com/scigbassoc or via phone at (425) 436-6317. Access code: 4241749

Show your commitment to the values of the San Clemente Island Goats Breeder’s Association and help shape its future by becoming a candidate for the board of directors.  We have three positions open this year.  

1. Director 1 - three-year term ending 2026

2. Director 2 - two-year term ending 2025

3. Treasurer - three-year term ending 2026

An abbreviated description of duties can be viewed here.

Call for nominations

You may nominate yourself or a committed SCIGBA member. All nominees must have been members of the association for an entire year. Nominations should be sent to Secretary John Carroll at john@willowvalleyfarms.org. 

All candidates should complete the candidate information form by 11:59 pm Eastern on  April 30, 2023, and submit it to Secretary John.  These forms will be sent to all eligible voters.  

Online voting for the three Board openings will be conducted via an electronic ballot from May 15 to May 19, 2023.  All eligible voters will receive ballot information on May 15.  Results will be announced at the Annual meeting held on May 20th. 

Note:  Annual members, please ensure you have renewed your membership for 2023 if you wish to be eligible for office &/or to vote.  Associated Registry must receive membership renewals by April 30, 2023.

To review the complete bylaws, including board descriptions and voting policies, please view them on our website.  

The SCIGBA Board of Directors looks forward to seeing our members at the Annual Meeting.  This is an excellent opportunity to meet the Board and help plan the future of our San Clemente Island Goats.

For additional information, please watch our social media feeds and website and read the newest edition of “The Island Goat,” due this week.