[Jacob-list] Comment on the American Jacob

[Thomas Simmons]

Mark wrote, 
 
"It does make one wonder if the associations are failing in some way.  Three thoughts come to mind:
1.  In this area prices are not better for registered sheep.
2.  Sheep can be registered any time as long as the registries are open.
3.  Why should anybody want to join either of the associations when all they can agree on is that they are better than the other?"

Mark, you raise good points.  Many people just like having some sheep, and the extra paper, paperwork, fees, etc. of membership is just not something they deem necessary to "add" to their lives.  And I would be the first to agree that their sheep are no less "Jacob" than any registered sheep....and in many ways, these types of flocks may preserve the genetic diversity of this animal more than the registered flocks.

I also know that, having been a member of both JSBA and JSC (currently VP of JSC), that there often appears to be no reason to join an organization, except to get your "registration paper," or to join in the "we're better than they are" game, and that's just not worth it for many people.  I can share a bit of the reason for the "perception problem" here.  I know that in JSC, board and committee members are in contact with each other daily to work out projects and goals and new ways to be of service to members.  However, none of this day-to-day stuff is broadcast publicly, so members may indeed wonder what's going on.

I take your question seriously: "Why should anybody want to join either of the associations..?", and I'd like to offer some reasons.  The following will apply to JSC, because that's the organization I represent, but I'm sure there are just as many reasons for joining JSBA as well, and some of these comments may well apply to both:

1.  Education & Information:  Personally, I think the JSC journal is worth the price of membership alone.  Publications have included articles on diseases, genetics, nutrition, fiber and micron counts, birth defects, you name it - every issue is full of educational material that would help any and every breeder.  Often, the latest available research in these fields is included; the most recent issue includes an article on otognathia (an extra rudimentary mouth), the first documented case of which (in a Jacob) was identified this past March.

2.  Marketing Assistance:  Many breeders can not travel all over the US to sell their products. The JSC will accept members products on consignment (for a 20% commission fee), and sell them at JSC booths at large fairs (such as Maryland).  Thus, a member with a unique product that can not travel can nonetheless sell their products.

3. "Jacob Stuff:" whether for personal use, or to "dress up" a farm or a booth, the JSC keeps a regular supply of products for members disocunted purchase:  coffee mugs, travel bags, brochures, t-shirts, notecards, and other products.  A whole new line of products is being developed at JSC for the forthcoming year (watch the mail for new announcements ;-)).

4.  Flockbooks (including the Corrected AMBC Flock Book), which, for a serious
breeder interested in certain lines and lineages, is indispensible.

5.  The "Network:"  Gee, it's a lot easier to buy and sell animals when you know who else has the same interests!

Of course, along the lines of what you "get," there is also the notion of what yo "give:"  a voice to the future of the breed (not just the organization), the contribution of YOUR flock to the flockbooks (thus expanding our knowledge of the lines and diversity of our animals), and the knowledge that you are participating in the conservation of a rare breed.

Perhaps these reasons aren't sufficient for some folks, and that's OK.  Of course, the involvement of new people is always welcome, so if you have ideas about what is "lacking" in the organizations, let us know...you might be surprised at how willing some of us are to respond ;-)     I'd be willing to guess that in both organizations, the number of really active folks is very small as a percentage of the whole membership - and extra hands and brains are always welcome!

thom
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