In 1993, Linda Campbell, President of the American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA) at the time, approached members of the American Meat Goat Association (AMGA) to discuss the creation of a new organization (U.S. Goat Council) that would represent all segments of the goat industry, including meat, dairy and fiber.  The idea was supported by the AMGA, who moved forward to help with initial implementation plans.  The concept had the support of many, but due to the dynamics of the time, including difficulty in communicating with the various segments of the industry, the idea slept for 10 years. (Go here for the original concept paper that was developed).

In August of 2003, the idea was revisited, upon mutual agreement and support of Marvin Shurley, President of the American Meat Goat Association.  The National Sheep Industry Improvement Center, chaired by Linda Campbell, hosted a meeting of interested representatives of the goat industry, in Chicago.  The group at the meeting unanimously agreed that the concept was a worthy one, and all were in agreement that the timing was finally right for the idea to begin to take shape.  Linda Campbell was elected acting President, and began researching possible funding sources and generating support for the new organization.

In November 2004, Marvin Shurley organized a follow-up organizational meeting in Austin, Texas.  Those in attendance made plans to pursue not-for-profit organizational efforts and setup an account to receive donations for startup funds.  Initial financial commitment was received from the American Meat Goat Association, the American Dairy Goat Association, the American Boer Goat Association, the U.S. Boer Goat Association and the International Boer Goat Association. Marvin Shurley agreed to serve as Acting President, and Linda Campbell as Vice President. 

For a number of reasons, the organization didn't get off the ground as hoped, but we haven't given up!  In January 2008, during the annual meeting of the American Sheep Industry, discussion once again moved forward.  Once again commitments were made by the group present, and plans were made to begin the process of regrouping.  A new name was selected by the group: American Goat Federation.

Please check back as we begin to add more information and documents to this website.