Ontario Goat (OG) is pleased to announce that registration for the 2010 International Goat Symposium (IGS) is officially open.
The agenda boasts an impressive speaker program with experts from both the North American and International goat industry. The IGS 2010 is set to take place Aug. 10 to 12 at the Rotary Complex in Stratford, Ontario. With the theme of Goat’s: Farming’s New Frontier, the symposium encompasses the potential opportunities for the Ontario goat industry.
New this year, Ontario Goat has taken the lead in the organization and management of the IGS. In addition to farm tours and speakers, there will be a Caribbean themed Ontario Goat Dinner Buffet on Wednesday evening, featuring the entertainment of comedian Dan Needles.
The Ontario goat industry will also have the opportunity to support 4-H Goat Clubs through a silent auction fundraiser aimed at raising funds for new 4-H Goat Club materials and resources. Also new this year, will be an exciting spouse’s tour during the day on Wednesday.
“Ontario Goat is excited to be taking the organizational lead for the IGS. Everyone involved in the IGS 2010 has all worked very hard to put together a comprehensive program that will have topics of interest for everyone involved in the goat sector,” stated OG President Tobin Schlegel. “We have taken the IGS to a whole new level in 2010,” he added.
A wide range of speakers have been confirmed to help inspire and educate the meat, milk, and fibre sectors. IGS 2010 is pleased to welcome Mr. Tony Dutra, President of Woolwich Dairy- Canada’s largest processor of goat cheese- as one of our keynote speakers. Mr. Dutra will be sharing his insights about the goat milk industry, the global trends for goat milk and the opportunities that exist for our Ontario industry.
Other keynote speakers include Dr. Mary Smith, an Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Sciences, New York State College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University; Dr. Lionel Dawson, faculty member with Oklahoma State University; and Terry Hutchens an Extension Specialist with the University of Kentucky. Jeannette van de Ven rounds out our keynote speakers. Jeannette, in addition to being a dairy goat farmer from the Netherlands, is also the Chair of the Goat Milk Committee for the Dutch Farmers Organization (LTO). She will share her personal story about the Q-Fever outbreak on her farm and how the industry responded.
In addition to the keynote speakers, there are ten additional breakout session speakers, farm tours, an extensive industry trade show, a rotating demonstration stage and much more.
“We have put together an impressive program that addresses relevant challenges and opportunities of the meat, milk and fibre goat producers of Ontario,” suggests IGS Committee Chair Bob Reid. “I would encourage all involved in the goat sector to participate in this premier event of the year,” he added.
It is an exciting time to be involved in the Ontario goat industry and the IGS is a good opportunity to take advantage of this emerging industry.
For more details on the full program, and for information on how to register, please visit www.goatsymposium.com or call Ontario Goat at 1-866-311-6422.
