Author Archives: National Pygmy Goat Association

National Champions Crowned During 2026 Pygmy Goat Convention, Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the NPGA

Champion Buck, Doe and Wether awarded highest honor during 50th anniversary celebration

SEATTLE, Wash., June 30, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The National Pygmy Goat Association (NPGA) is proud to announce the National Champion Buck, Doe and Wether for 2026. Hosted by the Ohio Pygmy Goat Association, the Golden Jubilee National Convention held in Owensville, Ohio June 19-21, not only celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the NPGA, it also brought together the best animals from across the country to compete in the Champion Challenge.

Image caption: (L-R) Platinum Wether Country Critters Dayne; PGCH Doe Morgan Crossing Sancy; Buck Hass’ Happy Herd Mr Bojangles.

In order to compete for National Champion in the Buck Class a buck must be a Permanent Grand Champion (having won Grand Champion Buck four times). In the Doe Class, a doe must also be a Permanent Grand Champion (having won Grand Champion three times). In the Wether Class, a wether (castrated male), must be a Bronze Certificate Wether or higher, (having won Best Wether three or more times).

The National Champion Buck is Hass’ Happy Herd Mr Bojangles owned by Deb and Carrie Graf and Heather and Michael Putman from Rensselaer, IN. Mr Bojangles was bred by Betsy Hasselbach. First runner up is Polk Springs Morgan owned and bred by Grant and Sally Rogers. Second runner up is Channel Acres Cantbelieveitsnotbutr owned and bred by George, Susan and Hannah Neal.

“First thing I felt was relief after many months of work to get to this stage. It was a very special moment to have this animal be chosen and be a part of the first national champion bred by Betsy,” said Michael Putman.

The National Champion Doe is Morgan Crossing Sancy, owned by Bryson and Donna Staley from Liberty, NC. Sancy was bred by Eva Morgan. First runner up is Burntwood Farms Love Child bred and owned by Doug and Lisa Bragg. Second runner up is Holy Goats Perisha bred and owned by Eva Lowe.

“It’s a real honor to raise a doe from another breeder and watch her grow. I love seeing her succeed at a high level,” said Bryson Staley.

The National Champion Wether is Platinum Wether Country Critters Dayne owned by Lauren Nelson from West Union, SC and bred by Karen Crawford. First runner up is Rocking 3W Atomic Bomb bred and owned by Taylor Whitney. Second runner up is American Heritage Olaf owned by Avery Linville and bred by Tina Anderson.

“I was caught off guard; I wasn’t expecting it. I love my Dayne, super proud of him,” said Lauren Nelson. “He’s only been to 2 National Challenges and both times he’s walked away with a title. In 2023 Red Bluff, California he was 1st runner up. Now on the East Coast, at almost 5yrs old he wins the National Championship Wether! South Carolina has been great for Dayne! He looks amazing! Thank you to my mom, who works hard for NPGA and keeps our herd looking amazing! Love you momma!”

“It was amazing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the NPGA with our members, breeders, exhibitors and friends during the National Convention,” said Darren Watkins, President of the National Pygmy Goat Association. “Congratulations to the winners, they’re all beautiful animals.”

About National Pygmy Goat Association

The National Pygmy Goat Association is the official breed association of the American Pygmy Goat. The organization was founded April 23, 1976 and promotes pygmy goats by setting official breed standards, provides animal registration, maintains a database of pedigrees, certifies judges, and sanctions pygmy goat shows around the United States. For more information visit https://npga-pygmy.com/

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Image caption: (L-R) Platinum Wether Country Critters Dayne; PGCH Doe Morgan Crossing Sancy; Buck Hass’ Happy Herd Mr Bojangles.

NEWS SOURCE: National Pygmy Goat Association

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National Pygmy Goat Association Celebrates 50th Anniversary with National Pygmy Goat Day on April 23rd

Events across the country will mark association's anniversary

SEATTLE, Wash., April 21, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The National Pygmy Goat Association (NPGA) is celebrating its 50th anniversary on April 23rd, National Pygmy Goat Day. Members and affiliated clubs are planning events throughout the country to celebrate the day and showcase their Pygmy Goats as useful livestock and multi-purpose miniature goats that are just plain fun!

Image caption: National Pygmy Goat Association Celebrates 50th Anniversary.

The National Pygmy Goat Association is the official breed registry for Pygmy Goats and the national organization serving Pygmy Goat owners and enthusiasts. Formed in 1976, the NPGA’s mission is to foster growth of the Pygmy Goat in the United States by promoting responsible breeding practices, supporting educational initiatives and cultivating a collaborative community dedicated to the advancement and sustainability of the breed.

Not all little goats are Pygmy Goats. Pygmy Goats are a specific breed derived from the Cameroon’s or West African Dwarf Goat. The first Pygmy Goats were brought to the United States in 1959 for use in research and petting zoos. According to the NPGA Breed Standard, the Pygmy Goat is hardy, alert and animated, good-natured and gregarious, a docile, responsive pet, a cooperative provider of milk, and an ecologically effective browser.

“We are so excited to mark this major milestone in our history,” said Darren Watkins, President of the National Pygmy Goat Association. “As the official registry for Pygmy Goats, we invite the public to visit a sanctioned show or fair and learn more about the breed from our wonderful and knowledgeable members.”

For more information or a list of shows, visit https://npga-pygmy.com/

ABOUT NATIONAL PYGMY GOAT ASSOCIATION

The National Pygmy Goat Association is the official breed association of the Pygmy Goat. The organization was founded April 23, 1976 and promotes pygmy goats by setting official breed standards, provides animal registration, maintains a database of pedigrees, certifies judges, and sanctions pygmy goat shows around the United States. For more information visit https://npga-pygmy.com/

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Image caption: National Pygmy Goat Association Celebrates 50th Anniversary

NEWS SOURCE: National Pygmy Goat Association

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National Pygmy Goat Association Celebrates 50th Anniversary with National Pygmy Goat Day on April 23rd

Events across the country will mark association's anniversary

Image caption: National Pygmy Goat Association Celebrates 50th Anniversary.

For more information or a list of shows, visit https://npga-pygmy.com/

ABOUT NATIONAL PYGMY GOAT ASSOCIATION

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NEWS SOURCE: National Pygmy Goat Association

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American Pygmy Goat Champions Crowned at National Convention

Champion Buck, Doe and Wether awarded highest honor during NPGA Convention in Porterville, CA

SEATTLE, Wash., June 30, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The National Pygmy Goat Association (NPGA) is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Champion Challenge held in Porterville, California June 20, 2025. Hosted by the Sequoia Pygmy Goat Association, How the West Was Won National Convention brought together the best animals from across the country for a chance to claim the top honor of national champion.

Photo Caption: (L-R) Elaine Kreig with Flying Turtle’s Thistle Tympany, Brayden Auge with #1 Moore Kidd Johnny Ringo, and April Seiler with Ahsum Pygmies Outta Bounds.

The National Champion Buck is Ahsum Pygmies Outta Bounds owned and bred by April & Susan Seiler from Peoria, AZ. First runner up is Flying Turtle’s Sweet Sertoli owned and bred by Elaine Krieg. Second runner up is Fox Haven’s Ridin Solo owned and bred by Karole and Gary Miller.

“We have strived to be good stewards of the pygmy goat breed and are honored to receive recognition of the 2025 National Champion Buck. We are truly blessed by the experiences and friendships that raising pygmy goats has afforded us,” said April and Susan Seiler.

The National Champion Doe is Flying Turtle’s Thistle Tympany, bred and owned by Elaine Krieg from Grass Valley, CA. First runner up is Twilight Ranch Alexa Bot bred and owned by Brittany Cunningham. Second runner up is Pygmy Goats by T.J. Kinzi bred and owned by Tammi Josephson and the Josephson Family.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” said Elaine Krieg. “I’m proud of my breeding program and all the support from my family and friends.”

The National Champion Wether is Platinum Wether #1 Moore Kidd Johnny Ringo owned by 13-year-old Brayden Auge from Bakersfield, CA. Bred by Rhonda S. Moore & Norman Russ. First runner up is Rosedale Pygmies Eclipse owned and bred by Nicole & Celeste Rickett. Second runner up is Twilight Ranch Iron Man owned by Jacob Farino and bred by Brittney Cunningham.

“I’ve never cried winning something before,” said Brayden Auge. “When they said #1 Moore Kidd I thought to myself – wait a minute is there another animal with the same herd name? I couldn’t believe it.”

“On behalf of the board and membership I want to congratulate all the winners,” said Darren Watkins, President of the National Pygmy Goat Association. “The classes were extremely competitive and the winning animals really reflect the best of the breed.”

ABOUT NATIONAL PYGMY GOAT ASSOCIATION

The National Pygmy Goat Association is the official breed registry for the American Pygmy Goat in the United States. Founded in 1976, the NPGA sets breed standards, provides animal registration, maintains a database of pedigrees, certifies judges, and sanctions pygmy goat shows.

For more information visit https://npga-pygmy.com/.

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Photo Caption: (L-R) Elaine Kreig with Flying Turtle’s Thistle Tympany, Brayden Auge with #1 Moore Kidd Johnny Ringo, and April Seiler with Ahsum Pygmies Outta Bounds.

NEWS SOURCE: National Pygmy Goat Association

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National Pygmy Goat Association Crowns Champions at 2024 Convention

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The National Pygmy Goat Association (NPGA) is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Champion Challenge held in Lewisburg, WV June 14, 2024. Sponsored by the North Carolina Pygmy Goat Club, the Wild Wonderful World of Pygmies National Convention brought together the best animals from all over the U.S. for a chance to claim the top honor of national champion.

Buck Class:

The National Champion Buck is "R" Wild West Pygmy's Hot Butter Rum owned and bred by Denise Aragon in Fort Davis, TX. First runner up is Lil' Champs Tales of Tonka owned by David and Traci Chillon. Bred by Michael and Heather Putman. Second runner up is Horns-N-Roses I'm Royal Too owned by Bryson Staley and Donna Staley. Bred by Bryson Staley.

"I felt really blessed," said Denise Aragon. "I am very blessed with all the people that have come into my life and helped me get where I'm at. I also want to thank Doug and Lisa Bragg and especially Inga Gonzalez who mentored me."

Doe Class:

The National Champion Doe is Burntwood Farms Lovee, bred and owned by Doug and Lisa Bragg in Chesapeake, OH. First runner up is B&B Pygmies Wanda Maximoff owned by Brittany Minter and Arianna Minter. Bred by Brittany Minter. Second runner up is Echo Springs Lucinda bred and owned by Sheryl Auel Howard.

"We were very excited and thankful for our animal to be chosen," said Doug and Lisa Bragg. "To be chosen as national champion doe is an honor. We would like to thank Linda Henwood of Whirlwind Farms for her influence of her herds genetics and Denise Aragon for allowing us to own her beautiful dam."

Wether Class:

The National Champion Wether is Twilight Valley White Legs Matter owned and bred by Rebecca Zimmerman in Sperry, OK. First runner up is Shasta View Sail On Sailor owned by Erin Kamysiak and bred by Diane Keith. Second runner up is Hanging Banners Paparazzi bred and owned by Michael Putman, Heather Putman, Deb Graff and C Graf.

"I really didn't expect him to win this year. It completely threw me for a loop," said Rebecca Zimmerman. "Winning National titles back-to-back is a dream come true. I just don't have words to express my feelings."

"Congratulations to all the winners," said Darren Watkins, President of the National Pygmy Goat Association. "Their hard work has paid off with beautiful animals deserving of this title."

About National Pygmy Goat Association:

The National Pygmy Goat Association is the official breed registry for Pygmy Goats in the United States. Founded in 1976, the NPGA sets breed standards, provides animal registration, maintains a database of pedigrees, certifies judges, and sanctions pygmy goat shows.

For more information visit: https://npga-pygmy.com/.

MULTIMEDIA:

Photo link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/24-0624-s2p-npga-wins-300dpi.jpg

Photo caption: (L-R) Doug Bragg holding Burntwood Farms Lovee, Rebecca Zimmerman holding Twilight Valley White Legs Matter, and Denise Aragon holding "R" Wild West Pygmy's Hot Butter Rum.

The National Pygmy Goat Association (NPGA) is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Champion Challenge held in Lewisburg, WV June 14, 2024. Sponsored by the North Carolina Pygmy Goat Club, the Wild Wonderful World of Pygmies National Convention brought together the best animals from all over the U.S. for a chance to claim the top honor of national champion.

Related link: https://www.npga-pygmy.com/

National Pygmy Goat Association Crowns 2023 National Champions

SEATTLE, Wash. /ScoopCloud/ -- The National Pygmy Goat Association (NPGA) is proud to announce the winners of the 2023 Champion Challenge held in Red Bluff, California, June 9, 2023.

Buck Class:

The National Champion Buck is Fair View OhMickeyYourSoFine owned by Laurie Zeise and Kaylee Hettinger. First runner up is Ridgeline Farms Premier Pursuit owned by Niccole Boies and second runner up is Goose Meadow Kayden owned by Niccole Boies and Jerrod Alcaida.

"Kaylee and I are so very grateful to have this piece of the legends before him," said Laurie Zeise. "My deepest appreciation to Diane Keith, Dr. Elaine Krieg, Michelle Fonda, for sharing in the true wealth of these lines. I'm still ridin' cloud nine. Oh Micky yoursofine, your so fine you blow my mind. Hey Mickey!"

Doe Class:

The National Champion Doe is Country Critters Design My Dream owned by Karen Crawford. First runner up is Twilight Valley Zabby owned by Rebecca Zimmerman and second runner up was a tie between "R" Wild West Pygmy's Butterscotch owned by Denise Aragon and Just About Believing Khalea owned by Gemma Kress and Emily Schiffman.

"I was in complete shock and then really emotional," said Karen Crawford. "This means so much to me because she is the daughter of the 2019 National Champion Doe. These wins are very emotional and personal to me because I lost my father at that time and family is so important to me."

Wether Class:

The National Champion Wether is Twilight Valley Zaire owned by Rebecca Zimmerman. First runner up is Country Critters Dayne owned by Lauren Nelson and second runner up is Park's Ark Pygmies Onyx owned by Ian and Shannon Parks.

"I was shocked and that's probably an understatement," said Rebecca Zimmerman. "I never would have thought he would have been chosen National Champion Wether. It was an amazing experience and I'm thrilled his sister was selected first runner up doe; super proud of my babies."

"Congratulations to all the winners," said Darren Watkins, President of the National Pygmy Goat Association. "It was clear, their hard work paid off with beautiful animals deserving of this title."

About National Pygmy Goat Association:

The National Pygmy Goat Association is the official breed registry for Pygmy Goats in the United States. Founded in 1976, the NPGA sets breed standards, provides animal registration, maintains a database of pedigrees, certifies judges, and sanctions pygmy goat shows.

For more information visit https://www.npga-pygmy.com/

The National Pygmy Goat Association (NPGA) is proud to announce the winners of the 2023 Champion Challenge held in Red Bluff, California, June 9, 2023. The National Champion Buck is Fair View OhMickeyYourSoFine owned by Laurie Zeise and Kaylee Hettinger. First runner up is Ridgeline Farms Premier Pursuit owned by Niccole Boies and second runner up is Goose Meadow Kayden owned by Niccole Boies and Jerrod Alcaida.

Related link: https://www.npga-pygmy.com/

National Pygmy Goat Association Declares April 23 as National Pygmy Goat Day

SEATTLE, Wash. /ScoopCloud/ -- The National Pygmy Goat Association (NPGA) has declared April 23 as National Pygmy Goat Day. Members and affiliated clubs are planning events throughout the country to celebrate the day and showcase their pygmy goats.

The National Pygmy Goat Association is the official registry for Pygmy Goats in the United States and the national organization serving Pygmy Goat owners and enthusiasts. Formed in 1976, it works to promote Pygmy Goats as useful livestock and multi-purpose miniature goats that are just plain fun!

"As the official registry for pygmy goats, it is our goal to educate the public about the breed," said Darren Watkins, President of the National Pygmy Goat Association. "What better way to celebrate these wonderful animals than by having a day specifically for them. We couldn't think of a better time than the anniversary of the birth of the NPGA."

Not all little goats are Pygmy Goats. Pygmy Goats are a specific breed derived from the Cameroon's or West African Dwarf Goat. The first Pygmy Goats were brought to the United States in 1959 for use in petting zoos. The Pygmy Goat is hardy, alert and animated, good-natured and gregarious, a docile, responsive pet, a cooperative provider of milk, and an ecologically effective browser.

For more information visit https://www.npga-pygmy.com/

About National Pygmy Goat Association:

The National Pygmy Goat Association is the official breed association of the pygmy goat. The organization was founded April 23, 1976 and promotes pygmy goats by setting official breed standards, provides animal registration, maintains a database of pedigrees, certifies judges, and sanctions pygmy goat shows around the United States. For more information visit https://www.npga-pygmy.com/about.

The National Pygmy Goat Association (NPGA) has declared April 23 as National Pygmy Goat Day. Members and affiliated clubs are planning events throughout the country to celebrate the day and showcase their pygmy goats.

Related link: https://www.npga-pygmy.com/