SPRING MEET TO GO ON

Dear members,

The NGA board met on Tuesday, May 5 and we have decided to move forward with the spring meet on the dates announced previously. Schooling will be held on May 24, 25, 27 and 28 with races on June 1 and 4 and the auction on Friday, June 5. Please note that this decision is based on the State of Kansas and Dickinson County guidelines and could change based on new orders from either of the governmental entities. So, it is possible that if they change the allowed number of participants in gatherings or put another shelter in place order prior to the meet, it may be canceled altogether and we will not have another meet until the fall.

The auction has been tentatively scheduled for 9:30 AM on June 5 and, at this time, looks to be held at the Greyhound Hall of Fame. However, the time and place are subject to change.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions and for everyone safety, we have decided not to hold any evening events. The NGA board will have a very informal check in meeting at 9:30 AM Tuesday, June 2. We will have a formal board meeting a few weeks following the meet and take up any other matters as needed during the meet. There will not be a general meeting at this time for this meet.

Also we decided to lower the percentage for online buyers from 5% down to 3%. The 2% buyers fees will still be in place, which was voted and passed by the board for the 2020 spring meet. So instead of 7% being paid by the buyers to buy online it will be 5%. For the fall we are still scheduled to do 5% for online bidding and a 2% fee for all buyers.

And while we look forward to seeing everyone and encourage attendance, we also caution that there will be limited capacities to events and limited seating with social distancing guidelines in place, so please keep that in mind when you make your plans. Replays, information and the auction will be available on-line for everyone's benefit!

Unfortunately due to the circumstances of COVID-19 the board has truly struggled in making the decisions concerning the spring meet. We want what’s best for everyone the buyers and sellers, or whole industry! We understand the need for the farmers for this meet and we share the concerns of the buyers due to the situations with the race tracks. Obviously, not everyone is going to be happy, everyone has their own opinion on how things should be done. Please remember you are more than welcome to run in your district to be on the board. Please remember the board is here for you the members and our industry. We are all facing extreme challenges, the best thing we can do is be unified!

God bless!

Sincerely,

Julia Ward-NGA President