Since the other week, there have been some updates to the New Zealand registration numbers. This change has, unfortunately, been a decrease. As time passes, goats get older and leave the breeding programs, or people fall out of breeding for their own reasons - financials, space, medical expenses, the list is endless!
As of December 6th, 2024, the registry for the New Zealand Arapawa Goat Association dropped to 255 breeding animals: 190 does, 65 bucks. They are still following up with their members and assuring kids get registered, but this is about 100 less breeding animals for our low numbered breed. While this may seem bleak, this does not mean our breed is getting smaller. Many animals head out to pet homes, and these goats often don't get registered since it's not required. There are current discussions on ways to add them to the registry even as pets to keep track of their total numbers, and really who doesn't love to have a pedigree of their animals?
Encouraging new breeders is always helpful, and continuing to promote this breed will only boost interest. The Livestock Conservancy also continues to keep Arapawa Island Goats on their Priority List, and in the US we are happy to welcome new breeders. So while that number may have dropped, this breed is still alive and continuing to grow.
To our breeders: keep up the good work! Everything you do is for the good of our lovely Arapawas, and we are thankful for you everyday!
To our supporters: we are ever grateful and happy to have you in the Arapawa family - whether you own some or not!
Good luck with the current breeding season, and we are excited for kids in Spring!
Note: This information was gathered from the NZ Arapawa Goat Association Facebook page as of 12/13/2024.
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