~UPDATED 03-07-2010~

Rowdy River Ranch is hosting an Artificial Insemination clinic!

Please read ALL terms below carefully!

There is still room to attend!  As of above date, we have 6 empty slots (based on number of $50.00 deposits received).

Location - Stillwater Pavillion (fairgrounds), 328 E 5th Ave N, Columbus, MT (I-90 Exit 408)

We are hosting in Columbus and not Billings because Billings has no facilities besides Metra which wanted $3,000.00 for a 2-day event.  The facility in which the clinic will be held in Columbus has a full kitchen including a refrigerator, freezer, and oven and has nice bathrooms.  You can bring a lunch with you or you may go out to lunch, there are lots of nice restaurants including Subway.  There is parking for RV's and LQ horse trailers on the grounds which is a secure location and is located directly across the street from the police station.  The stalls outside the facility are sheep/goat stalls with fresh running water to each individual stall that runs through a drip system.  You will need a water bucket as well as something to put your hay and/or grain in.  Clean-up is required before you leave.

Lodging is also available at:

Super 8 Columbus - I-90 Exit 408 watch for the sign - ph 406-322-4101

Mountain Range RV Park - I-90 Exit 408 watch for the sign - ph 406-322-1140

Date - 2-day clinic will be Saturday and Sunday, May 22nd - 23rd, 2010.

Cost - The cost of the clinic will vary given the number of participants which will be determined on the day of the clinic.  Since we have booked a $750.00 clinic for up to 10 participants, the cost PER PARTICIPANT (not family) will be a minimum of $75.00 each.

You will be required to send in a $50.00 (non-refundable) deposit ASAP to insure your place in the class.  This will be applied to your total clinic cost with the remainder balance due the day of the clinic.  Please make check payable to Rowdy River Ranch, PO Box 6, Laurel, MT 59044.  We at Rowdy River DO NOT collect any extra money for organizing the clinic.  Our cost for everything is split equally with everyone else.  We will provide doughnuts and coffee each morning, along with juice, water, and soda during both days.

What you will need - You need to bring 2 does, in heat, to the clinic.  Please note that virgin does are not easy for the beginning AI technician to work with so you may consider using a doe that has kidded at least once if you have never taken an AI class before.  For help with advice on bringing does into heat, please contact Biogenics at www.biogenicsltd.com or phone them at 1-208-756-6500.  You will also need a grooming stand. 

You will need to purchase an AI kit directly from Biogenics IN ADVANCE and bring it with you to the clinic.  The costs of the kits run about $160.00 each.

You will need semen.   Biogenics will bring your semen with them and have it available for you to use the day of the clinic, eliminating shipping costs.  PLEASE INDICATE WHEN YOU PURCHASE SEMEN THAT IT IS FOR THE CLINIC.  Semen straws range from $45.00 - $105.00 and again available for purchase at www.biogenicsltd.com.  They also have many bucks available that are NOT yet listed on their website so please phone them for availability of semen.

There are no guarantees that your doe will end up successfully pregnant as a result of this clinic.  HOWEVER the experience and knowledge you will gain by attending is invaluable.  Don and Teresa Wade to an excellent job and provide in-depth education not only on AI itself but also on goat nutrition, reproductive technology, and buck management.  You will not regret for one second that you attended this clinic!!!!

Area Shows and Production Sales for 2010

There are many live goat auctions viewable online!  Go to www.dvauction.com for details.  Register to bid, or just watch!

Annual Boers De Mayo Show - Payette Co Fairgrounds, New Plymouth, ID - May 1st & 2nd - 2 ABGA sanctioned shows.  Entries due April 19, 2010.  For info visit www.srmga.com or email Janene Jones by phone at 208-871-6462 or by email at doubleheartgoats@bigskytel.com

Magic Valley Show - Jerome, ID - June 26th & 27th - 2 USBGA and 1 IBGA sanctioned shows.  For info visit www.srmga.com or email Judy Novak at novak2185@yahoo.com

Wyoming State Fair - Douglas, WY - August 14th & 15th - ABGA and IBGA sanctioned shows.  For info and entry forms visit www.wystatefair.com

Snake River Meat Goat Association Production Sale - New Plymouth, ID - September 18th - DVAuction broadcast!  For info visit www.srmga.com