Raising Quality Kids — And I am Not Talking About Goats!

— Written By Laura Grier and last updated by Nancy Power
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ShowmanshipCloverbuds

by Laura Grier

Interest in meat goats has grown rapidly over the past several years. According to Ohio State University Extension, goat is the most frequently consumed meat in the world and, in the US, meat goat production is growing because of goats’ ability to convert low quality feed into high quality meat, milk and hide products. Another reason for the meat goats’ popularity is that a small part-time farmer can raise a small herd of goats efficiently and make a slight profit—enabling the farmer to become self-sufficient.

Today, 4-H youth are raising goats as 4-H projects and to show. The North Carolina 4-H Livestock Program empowers youth to . . .

  • Develop leadership abilities, build character, and empower youth to assume citizenship responsibilities.
  • Experience the pride of owning livestock and being responsible for its management.
  • Prepare for citizenship responsibilities by working in groups and supporting community livestock educational projects and activities
  • Learn skills in livestock production and gain an understanding of the business of breeding, raising, and promoting livestock and their end products.
  • Increase knowledge of safety precautions needed to prevent injury to oneself and others while working with livestock.
  • Promote greater love for animals and a humane attitude toward them.
  • Teach good sportsmanship through a friendly, competitive atmosphere.
  • Increase knowledge of animal agricultural by-products and how animal by-products touch our lives each day.

Showmanship is the one area of livestock showing over which the presenter has the most control — to bring out the best of the animal’s characteristics. Livestock showmanship classes are designed to gauge the 4-H’er’s knowledge, skill with the animal, and hard work. 4-H’ers answer questions about their animals and how they are cared for while presenting the animal to the judge. A quality showman has a sense of effectively presenting an animal. Matthew Claeys, former N.C. Cooperative Extension Livestock Specialist, stated that, “Meat Goat showmanship not only generates enthusiasm in the show ring, but also teaches many valuable lessons that can be used in day-to-day life. These lessons include responsibility, learning about work, determination to reach a goal, and winning graciously and losing with dignity.”

From their project experience, 4-H Showmen gain knowledge of animal husbandry, including selection, genetics, nutrition, health, and the economics and marketing of livestock. Extension Specialist Brent Jennings claims that, “showing livestock is simply the tool that we use in raising quality young people. These kids spend hours washing, feeding, grooming, walking, and setting up their animals in order to prepare for these few minutes. It’s truly a reward to me to watch kids develop in and out of the ring as good showmen and, even better, as well-rounded young people.”

For more information about 4-H Livestock, please contact Catherine Shelley, 4-H Extension Agent, or Anthony Growe, Livestock Extension Agent at 910-997-8255, or visit the Richmond County 4-H Facebook page at www.facebook.com/richmondcounty4h.

Updated on Jan 13, 2021
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