Youth Goat Skillathon

The 1st Maryland Youth Goat Skillathon will be held Saturday, October 3, 2009, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center near Boonsboro, Maryland. It is being hosted by the Western Maryland Goat Field Day and Sale.

The Skillathon is open to any youth between the ages of 8 and 18. Individuals from any county or state may compete. Youth compete according to their 4-H ages (as of January 1); juniors, 8-10; intermediates, 11-13; and seniors, 14-18.

The goat skillathon will cover all aspects of the goat industry (meat, dairy, and fiber) and consist of the following learning stations: 1) breeds; 2) equipment; 3) feeds and forage; 4) health, diseases, and management; 5) written test; and 6) "potluck" (anything goes!).

Pre-registration is requested by September 26. For more information or to pre-register, contact Susan Schoenian at (301) 432-2767 x343 or sschoen@umd.edu.

Youth should being pencils and a clipboard to the skillathon. Prizes will be awarded.