Trawling the world's Goat Society websites, so you don't have to:
The first thing to say is that there a lot of them. Just have a look here, if you don't believe me. This selection is therefore, inevitably, selective and subjective and apologies for that.
If you're pressed for time now, but free in July, you might want to register for the International conference on goats, taking place in Pretoria, South Africa, from July 4th to 9th. Pretoria is actually very pretty – lots of flowers.
If, however, you're hungry for more information:
The British Goat Society has among its aims, "To safeguard against cruelty from whatever source."
In the furtherance of the foregoing objects but not further or otherwise, the Society shall have the power to further the well being of the goat and fulfil its role as the focal point for all goatkeeping activities in the United Kingdom, including close liaison with relevant Government departments.
The site has a useful FAQ, from which we learn, inter alia, that:
Almost all goats grow beards, males usually having a longer and more luxuriant growth. Many people who show goats trim the beards off the females as they feel they look more feminine without them. At agricultural shows all goats exhibited will be females, males are rarely shown due to their smell.
The American Goat Society is clearly aimed at professional goat breeders. When you get down to state level, however, there’s a wealth of information for the uninitiated. Michigan Dairy Goat Society is a non-profit organisation offering "fun & educational goat-related programs for all."
Tennessee fainting goats have their own website.
The name "Fainting" goat is a bit misleading because they do not actually faint. They have a genetic problem with relaxing muscles. When they are startled or surprised their muscles lock up and the goat then sometimes falls over. Hence the name "Fainting"Goat. Older goats are more adept at leaning against a fence or barn and so they don't exhibit this trait as much as younger goats.
Rocky Mountain Nigerian Dwarf Goat Club has members from Montana, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, New Mexico & Nevada, though anyone from anywhere is welcome to join.
The Canadian Goat Society (CGS) has a useful revolving goat breed identification feature (click on ‘Breeds’). The annual membership fee for CGS is C$32.70, though junior membership is available for enthusiasts under 19 at a reduced rate of C$16.35.
The Dairy Goat Society of Australia (Victorian branch) confirms that, “Contrary to popular belief, goats do not eat tin cans.”
What looks the goat aristocracy (judging by appearances) is covered here.
Holding this whole crazy world together is the International Goat Association. From their homepage, we learn that, “Globally, the goat population has increased approximately forty percent in the past 20 years.”
As a reward for getting this far, a goats cheese and walnut soufflé recipe is available here.
Now what was it you were supposed to be doing again instead of reading the membership tariff of the Canadian Goat Society?
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