Goats to go from Kilraughts to Africa ... no kidding

The Ulster Farmers’ Union has generously donated 1,000 to the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) ‘80 goats for 80 years’ appeal. YFCU has teamed up with the charity Bthar to help raise enough funds to send 80 Irish dairy goats to Africa.

Eighty families will receive the eighty goats to begin with and through time many more families will receive the gift of livestock through the passing on celebrations where the first female kid born is passed on to another family.

Bthar was established in 1991 and raises funds to provide families in developing countries with the gift of a farm animal to establish micro-farming units.

It is hoped by providing families in Africa with Irish dairy goats, they will be able to generate income through milk and cheese production. Each family involved in receiving a goat undertakes Bthar’s comprehensive training.

YFCU would like to take this opportunity to thank the Ulster Farmers’ Union for their kind donation. The Association has now surpassed its target of raising 18,000 for the charity Bthar and it is hoped that the goats will be on their way to Africa by mid Autumn.