Representatives of both the Boer Goat Breeders and the Dairy Goat Breeders Associations were on hand to promote their respective breeds and, in the case of dairy goats, exhibit.
For Amberfield Boer goat breeders Philippa and Brian Loughhead, a few of their animals were on display, but their main purpose for being at the show was to promote the breed.
The Amberley couple have been present at the show for the past three years and were passionate about getting their message across. ''It's all about promoting the Boer as a meat breed and [aimed] at communicating with those already involved or interested in getting involved,'' Mr Loughhead, who is president of the national association, said.
''One of the difficulties we have is building up herd numbers, as demand absolutely outstrips supply. ''Obviously, it's essential to retain breeding does.
Likewise, we need to improve the gene pool, so the more Boer breeders we have on board, the better.''
The Loughheads were also looking for assistance from Australia, and had visited there the past two years to inspect farming operations, observe and, in Mrs Loughhead's case, act as a steward at competitions, plus look at means of improving the breed.
Mr Loughhead said there were about half a dozen studs in the Waimakariri and Hurunui districts, carrying possibly 250 breeding does. On top of this, there were people on lifestyle blocks with a couple of animals, all of whom the Loughheads would like to be involved.
Boer goats have their origins in Africa, in particular South Africa, where since 1959 the breed has developed into the most popular meat goat in the world.
They were first imported into New Zealand in embryo form by Landcorp in 1987-88. The goats born from those embryos created the base of the New Zealand herd farmed by Landcorp in Northland, followed by a second herd at Eyrewell Quarantine Station, near Rangiora.
Animals from these breeding programmes were released to the public in 1993. A few metres away from the Amberfield Boers display was the dairy goat section.
Featured were British Alpine, Saanen, Sable and Toggenburg breeds. All had their favoured breeds, although Saanen was predominant in New Zealand and known for its milking ability. Exhibitor Sharon Eastwood, of Saltwater Creek, said all breeds had their merits, although one suspects she leans towards Toggenburg.
Mrs Eastwood said dairy goats were an ideal animal for smaller blocks and were proving increasingly popular throughout North Canterbury. ''A good milking doe produces around four litres of milk a day. One of the major benefits is it can often be consumed by people intolerant [of] cow's milk,'' she said. ''It's great for making cheese and soap as well.''