Special to the Times
On February 17, the Union County 4-H hosted a goat clinic with a practice show to help exhibitors prepare for their upcoming fair next month. There were 45 goats registered, with 40 members accompanying them. The goats arrived early on Saturday morning to be checked by a veterinarian.
Next, Mrs. Kayla Kadlec, leader of the Baas and Billies Goat Club, gave a demonstration to participants. She had assistance from 4-H member Kalli Kadlec. Mrs. Kayla gave showmanship tips while Kalli demonstrated. The demonstration showed how to set your goat up for judging. She emphasized how important it is to be respectful of other exhibitors. Then, they discussed how to work the ring with good eye contact and body language.
Former 4-H member Hunter Williams attended as the judge to teach participants how a real show is run. Hunter was patient with the members, explaining how each could improve before the Union County Livestock Association goat show. Hunter told members how he was an exhibitor in this show 12 years ago when it first began. Now, he can attend as a judge to help a new generation of exhibitors. He told 4-Hers that he truly felt completing their goat project enabled them to carry out the 4-H motto “To Make the Best Better.”
Benji Bennett volunteered as our announcer to keep everyone ready and informed. Participants were broken into showmanship classes based on their 4-H age division: Cloverbud (5-7 years old,) Junior (8-10 years old,) Intermediate (11-13 years old,) and Senior (14-18 years old.) Cloverbuds were all winners, receiving a personalized face brush. The Junior Showmanship Grand Champion was Grace Box, and the Reserve was Kassi Kadlec. Intermediate Showmanship Grand Champion was Kalli Kadlec, and Reserve: Weston Daniel. Senior Showmanship Grand Champion was Jolene Moore, and Reserve was Jacee Box.
Last, we divided participants based on what type of goat they had. Their goats were judged, and Hunter explained their placements so that members understood what the judge was looking for. The Dairy Goats’ Grand Champion was Weston Daniel and Reserve Kalli Kadlec. The Meat Goats’ Grand Champion was Grace Box, and the Reserve was Jolene Moore. The Wethers Grand Champion was Jolene Moore and Reserve Grace Box.
