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Wilton Boer Goat Ranch - Norman & Rosalinda Vizina
April 2018
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1. How did you get started in the Boer goat industry?
Our youngest daughter was involved in FFA and wanted to raise pygmies we did then her interest changed so mom and dad had to continue on with a larger goat. Then we got hooked with the personalities of these animals. We often reminisce of our 2008 trip to Texas where we visited several color breeders and saw a consistency throughout their herds and we realized hey…. we can do this ….just smaller.
2. What does your operation look like today?
It looks like a little chaos to us today! We remember way back when we had just a few goats. Our little herd quickly grew to approximately 225 breeding does. We are back down to around 100. Still working on that number as many of the does are over 10 yrs old and have done well by us. Can’t sell those does. We are now in Oregon looking forward to increasing opportunities via AI and continuing to work on combining color and classic. Many of these does will never leave us as we have three herds “HIS”, “HERS” and “OURS”. These forever does are in one of the three herds “HIS”.
3. What do you enjoy the most about the Boer goat industry?
Being able to contribute by volunteering or financially donating to the youth programs/associations.
The camaraderie of all of us even when we compete against each other. Being able to call someone and ask for help and getting help even though you are in the middle of nowhere. Continuing to learn and meet new folks.
4. Who was an inspiration to you or assisted you in improving your heard and how did they help you?
I saw this as a challenge versus inspiration. The color industry has taken off in every direction. The challenge is for us to continue to produce an animal with Correctness, Conformation, Character, then Color. In part our visit to Texas gave us a push in the direction we would like to maintain.
5. What has been your biggest challenge as a producer?
Introducing color……although we have been producing color since late 2001, the industry just wasn’t ready. Then in 2008 we introduce black Boers into the show ring. The judges would make comments that color should be culled or not shown.
Selling/Letting go of your goats that have literally pulled at your heart strings …is tough….as these goats, sometimes monsters, become a part of your household.
6. What are you most excited about in the coming year?
Looking forward to kidding season as we held off for approximately two years of breeding so we can transition to Oregon. Getting acclimated to all the rain. Getting back into the showring and kidding season. Seeing everyone!!!
Our youngest daughter was involved in FFA and wanted to raise pygmies we did then her interest changed so mom and dad had to continue on with a larger goat. Then we got hooked with the personalities of these animals. We often reminisce of our 2008 trip to Texas where we visited several color breeders and saw a consistency throughout their herds and we realized hey…. we can do this ….just smaller.
2. What does your operation look like today?
It looks like a little chaos to us today! We remember way back when we had just a few goats. Our little herd quickly grew to approximately 225 breeding does. We are back down to around 100. Still working on that number as many of the does are over 10 yrs old and have done well by us. Can’t sell those does. We are now in Oregon looking forward to increasing opportunities via AI and continuing to work on combining color and classic. Many of these does will never leave us as we have three herds “HIS”, “HERS” and “OURS”. These forever does are in one of the three herds “HIS”.
3. What do you enjoy the most about the Boer goat industry?
Being able to contribute by volunteering or financially donating to the youth programs/associations.
The camaraderie of all of us even when we compete against each other. Being able to call someone and ask for help and getting help even though you are in the middle of nowhere. Continuing to learn and meet new folks.
4. Who was an inspiration to you or assisted you in improving your heard and how did they help you?
I saw this as a challenge versus inspiration. The color industry has taken off in every direction. The challenge is for us to continue to produce an animal with Correctness, Conformation, Character, then Color. In part our visit to Texas gave us a push in the direction we would like to maintain.
5. What has been your biggest challenge as a producer?
Introducing color……although we have been producing color since late 2001, the industry just wasn’t ready. Then in 2008 we introduce black Boers into the show ring. The judges would make comments that color should be culled or not shown.
Selling/Letting go of your goats that have literally pulled at your heart strings …is tough….as these goats, sometimes monsters, become a part of your household.
6. What are you most excited about in the coming year?
Looking forward to kidding season as we held off for approximately two years of breeding so we can transition to Oregon. Getting acclimated to all the rain. Getting back into the showring and kidding season. Seeing everyone!!!
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