Mid-Atlantic Youth Jackpot Goat Show Builds Strong Foundation
by Jennifer Showalter
HARRISONBURG VA - The small size and the tranquil nature of goats make them the ideal animal for youth exhibitors to raise and become involved with agriculture. With the increase in goat production in the Mid-Atlantic region, a group of goat enthusiasts are in the process of forming a Mid-Atlantic Youth Goat Association.
The First Mid-Atlantic Youth Jackpot Goat Show was recently headed up by Paige Redifer, who is only 14 years old. Redifer's love for and appreciation of goats was apparent in her dedication and enthusiasm toward the show.
The show attracted 28 goats and 18 youth exhibitors from Virginia to the Rockingham County Fairgrounds for a day full of educational events and stiff competition. "It was wonderful seeing how much my peers enjoyed showing. We plan to have another Mid-Atlantic Show in May," said Redifer.
Prior to the show several workshops were conducted to help educate those involved with the show and for those who simply were visiting about goats. The workshops were based on fecal counts, basic sheep and goat supplies, showmanship, and on things to look for when selecting goats for breeding.
Dr. Allen McElroy, from Virginia Tech, had his work cut out for him as he sorted through the showmanship, meat doe, and meat wether classes. Jennifer Good, of Harrisonburg, VA, was chosen to be the overall Grand Champion Showman and Chelsea Ellington, of Linville, VA, was selected as the Reserve Champion Showman. Jennifer Good exhibited the Grand Champion Wether, while Chelsea Ellington showed the Reserve Champion Wether. Good also exhibited the Grand Champion Doe, and Mackenzie Redifer, of Weyers Cave, VA, had the Reserve Champion Doe.
"I have many people to thank for their help with the show. All exhibitors and their parents for without their interest we would not have been able to have a show. Thanks to Allison Miller of Slate Hill Boer Goats, for announcing, Troy Grim for being our ringmaster, Ashlie Howell from Farm Credit for judging the costume contest. A thanks to all our financial sponsors! A huge thanks to my parents Amy and Lee Redifer for all their support along with help in organizing the show and sale. And also many thanks to Sheila and David Carter of Northview Farm for the idea of the youth goat show and sale. Without them I would have never dreamed of being the manager of an event of this sort as a teenager. With the help of the Carters and my parents we are beginning the formation of the Mid- Atlantic Youth Goat Organization.... We hope to have a VA officer team and board of directors from each state involved," said Redifer.
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