I have been raising Boer Goats for fair though 4-H for about 4 years. Since I started, I have raised a Red Paint goat named Buttercup, along with Charlie, Hubert, Blaze, and Wethertop who all Traditional colored. Perhaps you are wondering what Red Paint and Traditional mean, they simply refer to the color of the goat. A Red Paint is all red and a Traditional has a red head and with white body.

One of the biggest challenges when raising a goat for fair is getting the animal to listen to you. This takes a lot of time and practicing, which is something I have not yet mastered. There are many enjoyable things too, like the companionship goats provide, or at least for the few months you have your goat before County Fair. Another enjoyable thing that comes with raising a market goat is the responsibility that comes with caring for an animal. This may sound more like a burden than a plus, but for me it is probably the thing I miss the most after my goat is sold at the County Fair Livestock Auction. I have had many fun years raising market goats and hope to have a few more.

4-H is what made all of this possible! Especially my goat leaders who have taught me how to raise and show goats. My 4-H leaders have been there for me when I was having troubles and they have given me tips on how I could do better. I would like to say, Thank you to all the 4-H volunteer leaders, especially my goat leaders.