06/07/2026
The 2026 National ADGA show has been something I’ve been looking forward to since I heard it would be back in West Springfield. I can’t help but think about the 2011 Nationals which was the last time it was held local to New England, and how far my herd has come in those 15 years.
2011 was a very emotional time where I had lost my 1st dairy goat during kidding season. Crystal was the foundation of Fossil Farms, an Alpine that I started my herd with. In 2011 I was devastated to not bring her, but 2026 I was so please to bring her great granddaughter, Jade, although I didn’t have high expectations. I brought her for the nostalgia and to continue the story I started with Crystal. Jade has her own special story where her dam had 3 bucklings and I thought she was done kidding and that would be the end of my original line. As I said out loud “I wish she would have a 4th miracle kid”, Jade came out as a tiny 4lb doeling as soon as I spoke, and obviously she was staying.
In 2011 I went with my dad and a friend as a youth to have a good time end just enjoy being around other dairy goat lovers. The 2011 national show is when I brought home my first Toggenburg “Janbouree PP Harmony” In 2026 I had the same expectation to just have fun, but had the goal to make a cut in at least one class. To my surprise not only did I make the cut in all but one class, but Fossil Farms She’s The Man “Viola” got 1st place Toggenburg Intermediate Kid. I think back how that quick decision to add another breed to herd 15 years ago would lead to a 1st place in a very competitive class the next time the very same show rolled around.
Since then we have expanded the herd, added 2 more breeds, and started Fossil Farms Mico Dairy where we are able to sell our raw milk off of our farm. It’s been a real full circle moment where we have been able to expand our goat family not only locally but through it the region and nation. I so look forward to the next national show we are able to attend, and can’t wait to see where the next chapter leads us!
