5 Goals to Set for Your Herd

A new year is exciting for everyone. To achieve great things in this upcoming year, we all must set goals. 

1) Get out to more shows
Most of us wish that we got out to more shows this year. I found myself in that boat this fall. I wanted that I was able to get out to way more shows this year. I wish that I sat down with a calendar and scheduled out more weekends that I would commit to rabbit shows. Here are some ideas to try: 

• New Judges
• New Show Committees 
• Destination Show-cation (Show Vacation)
• Sit down right now and write down all the shows you're interested in on a calendar or in your planner

2) Grand more homegrown rabbits
As a member of a breeders association, I find a lot of value and pride in my ability to produce homegrown grand champions. As a personal decision, I don't show rabbits that aren't a result of my breedings. It can be challenging to grand rabbits with the few shows I attend. Part of this ties into my first goal (getting my rabbits on more tables), but I also plan to take the same rabbits out to shows. I have a horrible habit of taking a rabbit out to a show one weekend, and not take it out again. Action items to plan for: 

• Plan litters around shows for senior does
• Take show rabbits out to at least three shows 
• Enter in specialty shows 
• Fill the classes to maximize shows
• Ask the show secretary to have judges select best 4-class and best 6-class

3) Help a new breeder get started
Helping a new breeder is the most gratifying goal you can set. I haven't been around forever. In some ways, I believe that the most helpful comes from new breeders. This is because new breeders are the best people to advise new breeders sometimes. 

No matter what stage of breeding you're in, you can help someone else. You can help a new breeder find good breeding stock, navigate their first showroom, or even finding quality feed. Whether you have only been breeding for one year or 30 years, you can help someone else. Every year I try to help at least one new person. 

4) Try a new project
Sometimes breeding can get dull. It feels like your herd isn't advancing. It happens to the best of us. When I think that my Hollands aren't moving forward, I like to try something new. A new project can help shift focus to something fresh and exciting. Sometimes it's a new breed. It can be a different variety to work into your current herd. It can even be as simple as bringing in a new rabbit. It doesn't also have to be buying a new rabbit. One of the most engaging projects to venture into is co-breeding. Trading rabbits with friends can be fun and revive your interest in your herd.
5) Have more fun
Remember, at the end of the day, rabbit breeding is a fun hobby. If you aren't having fun, it might be time to re-assess your program. Make it a goal to make each show more fun. Laugh more and worry less. Go out to eat with your rabbit friends, make memories, and go on an adventure. Enjoy quality time with your friends and rabbits. 
If you don't have a plan on where you are going, it's impossible to get anywhere. Set big goals, write them down, and break them down to achievable check points that you can make along the way. 


Feel free to write your goals down in the comments! I would love to see what you guys are planning to do in your barns this year. Together, let's kick off the roaring '20s and do big things this decade.