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for Nigerians by Tom Rucker |
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Note: Even though the fight for recognition for the Nigerian Breeders is different in some aspects than our struggle, still I felt that this article would help show that with fortitude and determination...we can get what we want too!
It's hard to say when the desire to have the Nigerian Dwarf breed of dairy goat recognized by ADGA really began. For some of us, almost from the time we acquired the breed, the vision was there. As more and more people became active in the breed, more and more realized the benefit of ADGA recognition. As shows became more popular, and many Nigerian Dwarf exhibitors had the opportunity to exhibit under seasoned ADGA judges under AGS's one-day judges license program, the desire for ADGA inclusion grew. Many realized that utilizing the long-established programs of ADGA would be wonderful for the breed, and at the same time, the Nigerian Dwarf breed could bring additional memberships and registrations to an organization that has seen a consistent down-turn in those areas. In 1996, the American Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Association was formed with a primary goal of obtaining ADGA recognition for this unique breed of dairy goat. The early work towards this goal was mostly behind the scenes information gathering. The ADGA Bylaws gave very little direction on the process a new breed would need to go through in order to ultimately obtain recognition. It was known that some would be opposed to the inclusion of the Nigerian Dwarf breed, so the early work consisted of lots of education, much of it on an informal scale. Articles were written for national publications, breeders showcased their animals at events where questions could be asked and answered, and there was a general movement to get the breed out in front of the dairy goat public. Over the next few years, in addition to the educational phase, as much history on the breed as possible was collected. Milk records were gathered. Numbers of animals registered were followed. It was felt that in 1999, at the ADGA Annual Meeting held in Columbus, Ohio, a motion to accept the Nigerian Dwarf would be made. As the Annual Meeting approached, we realized the Registration Committee was coming to the meeting with New Breed Guidelines. Once those guidelines were adopted, we specifically requested that a motion NOT be made as we did not have all of the items called for in the guidelines readily available. The six-month period from October 1999 to April 2000 proved to be a very busy time as all of the required elements in the New Breeds Guidelines were gathered, sorted and put into a logical sequence. The result was a bound proposal of 100 pages of information on the Nigerian Dwarf breed that covered everything, and then some, as outlined in the recently adopted guidelines. This was sent to all of the required individuals (all members of the Registration and Breed Standard committees, plus the ADGA Board of Directors and the Secretary-Treasurer) in April, 2000, complying with the 180 day requirement to be considered at that year's Annual Meeting. (The proposal can be viewed online at: http://www.andda.org/Proposal.htm) Unfortunately, our understanding of the process and the ultimate reality were different. We were under the mistake impression that the Registration and Breed Standard committees would be working with ANDDA to finalize the details of inclusion, but there was minimal contact from either committee during this time. Several Directors requested more details than were included with the original proposal and an Update was mailed in August 2000. This included a summary/clarification of the original proposal as well as a response to the survey that was included in the News & Events. 
Nigerian Doe |
The "con" statements, unfortunately, were not entirely based on fact and we felt were quite misleading to the membership. At the 2000 Annual Meeting, the Registration Committee report, which was ultimately returned in its entirety to the committee, did not make mention of the Nigerian Dwarf issue. There was a motion from the floor to recognize the Nigerian Dwarf breed, but that was ultimately referred back to the Registration Committee, with several other committees identified as being impacted by Nigerian Dwarf recognition. In June 2001, again hearing little from the committees, ANDDA corresponding with members of each of the committees identified at the 2000 Annual Meeting, outlining the areas we felt needed addressed. Understandably, without direction from either the Board or the Executive Committee, very little work was done at the committee level. In October 2001, ANDDA corresponded with the ADGA Board of Directors requesting that the herd book be established. Establishing the herd book first would allow the committees to know their work was needed. At the 2001 Annual Meeting, a motion was made, and ultimately passed, that established a purebred only herd book for the Nigerian Dwarf breed, with full services to be offered no later than January 1, 2005. While ANDDA is elated with this decision, we also realize there are many details to finalize between now and 2005. However, we are quite relieved that ADGA President Charlotte Sankey has established a Task Force committee to work on this project. Of course, with most any action, there are those that don't agree. Unfortunately, the tactics utilized by the naysayers are based more on the spreading of fear than facts. Many of the "revelations" that are being brought forward were either addressed in the original proposal, or are simply inaccurate statements. While ANDDA will gladly answer any legitimate questions brought forward, when the purpose of the questions is only to instill doubt through misinformation, we have decided it is best to ignore them rather than get into a war of words. ANDDA looks forward to working with the established Task Force to finalize the details of inclusion. We feel that ADGA has a lot to offer the Nigerian Dwarf breed, and likewise, we feel Nigerian Dwarf breeders have a lot to offer ADGA. For those undertaking the process of getting a new breed recognized by ADGA, the first suggestion would be to have a very thick skin. The amount of negativity can be overwhelming, if you allow it to get to you. Next, approach this as a project worthy of nothing less than your most professional work. It costs more to do it up right, but in the long run, I think it shows thecommitment to the project. Next, have a solid foundation proposal that contains as much information as possible, but be prepared to be flexible. Know which areas are "must-haves" and in which areas there is room for compromise, and be sure your must-haves are based on strong factual information. Also, be prepared to spend some money. ANDDA has over $1000 invested in the project, and over $500 of copying and postage was donated. It isn't an inexpensive proposition. Be persistent, without being overbearing. Both the ADGA Board of Directors AND the membership need to be educated as to the benefits of your breed. Remember, most Board members will vote the voice of their constituents so getting members to contact their Directors in support of your efforts will be the best path to success. Tom of Tom, Sue & Eric Rucker Buttin'Heads Dairy Goats Oberhasli & Nigerian Dwarves Johnstown, Ohio goats@buttinheads.com http://www.buttinheads.com
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