Champion 4-H/FFA Meat Goats

This was the 5th year of the 4-H/FFA Meat Goat Show at the Maryland State Fair. Sixty-four market goats were exhibited. The breeding show included classes for commercial and registered does and buck kids. Dr. Frank Craddock, Sheep and Goat Specialist from Texas A&M University was the judge.

For the second year in a row, Konnar Miller from Frederick County exhibited the Grand Champion Market Goat. Julia King from Queen Anne's County had the Reserve Champion Market Goat. The Best Bred and Owned Market Goat was exhibited by Claire Bennett from Carroll County. To be a bred and owned animal, the exhibitor must own the dam at the time of breeding.

Another of Konnar's market goats had the highest rate of gain at 0.51. Only 0.001 lbs. separated her top gaining goat from the second highest gainer exhibited by Dean Bennett from Carroll County. The market goat show does not have a minimum requirement for rate-of-gain. Exhibitors receive blue, red, and white premiums based on their goat's performance.

Six market goats, including the Champion and Reserve Champion animals were sold at the 4-H Livestock Sale. The top selling goat was Julia King's reserve champion which brought $5 per lb. Konnar's Grand Champion Market Goat was purchased by Susan Schoenian (The Baalands), superintendent of the 4-H/FFA Meat Goat Show. Several of the goats were donated by their buyers to the Maryland 4-H Foundation.

Cooper Bounds from Carroll County exhibited the Grand Champion Doe in the commercial show. Grace Garst from Frederick County exhibited the Grand Champion Doe in the registered show. Her aged doe (> 2 years) was named Best Doe in Show. Another of Grace's aged does was selected as Best Bred and Owned Breeding Meat Goat. The Grand Champion Buck of the show was exhibited by Thomas MacDonald from Caroline County.

For information about the 4-H/FFA Meat Goat Show at the Maryland State Fair, contact Susan Schoenian at (301) 432-2767 x343 or sschoen@umd.edu.