In May 2004, the producers of meat goat and sheep in Talladega County held our first annual meeting at the home of Ernie and Lee Hay.  Only 30 people were expected to attend this meeting, but 130 people came from all over the state.  They came to hear the speakers and to help organize the group.  Officers were elected and the first board meeting was planned for June 3rd where the Articles of Incorporation were voted on, passed and signed.  In July, the first general meeting was held with 32 members in attendance.

It was at this meeting that the subject of having a goat and sheep festival was brought to the floor and yearly dues were set at $20 per family to fund the festival and to start a newsletter.

Planning soon began for the festival and in May 2005, the 1st Annual Goat Festival was held.  It was held at the MGH Equestrian Arena and was an all day event.  The arena was filled to capacity with vendors showing their wares and games for the kids to play.  There was a demonstration of working dogs, sheep shearing and speakers on a variety of subjects.  The day was packed full of events and the festival was a success.

The newsletter which was started by Lee Hay has become a very valuable tool in the communication of informaiton and education of the goat and sheep producers of the county.  The first newsletter contained aticles on herd management and medications that can be used as there is little information printed on the subject and almost no medication approved or marketed for small ruminant animals.

After many inquiries we realized a great need to reach out to all the goat and sheep producers of the state and provide them education and training.  On June 14, 2005 it was voted on and approved by the general membership to include all the counties of the state.  On June 25, 2005 we formally became known as the Goat and Sheep Producers of Alabama (GSPA).

At present, we currently have 209 member families and we are working with the Heifer Project to secure grants and knowledge for our limited resource farmers.

Call the Goat and Sheep Producers of Alabama at (256) 378-6242 today!