We are delighted to extend a warm welcome to you as valued partners in our Youth Dairy Goat Project! Your support and encouragement are invaluable to the success of this endeavor, and we are excited to have your child as a participant in this enriching experience.
The Youth Dairy Goat Project offers your child a unique opportunity to learn about animal husbandry, agriculture, and life skills that will serve them well beyond the project's duration. We understand the importance of nurturing responsible, confident, and capable individuals, and this project is designed to provide a platform for just that.
As your child embarks on this journey, they will:
- Acquire hands-on knowledge of dairy goat care, feeding, and health management.
- Develop essential life skills such as responsibility, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
- Experience the satisfaction of hard work, dedication, and the rewards of their efforts.
- Build connections with peers who share their interests and passions.
- Gain a deeper appreciation for the role of agriculture in our lives and communities.
We are committed to creating a safe, engaging, and educational environment for your child. We encourage you to engage with your child in their dairy goat project experience, whether it's through attending events, asking questions, or simply sharing in their excitement and achievements. Here are some ways you can actively support your child in their journey through the Youth Dairy Goat Project:
Project Planning and Support:
Help your child plan projects that are within their abilities and aligned with their interests. This ensures a positive and fulfilling experience.
Assist in obtaining the necessary resources such as animals, housing, feed, equipment, and transportation required for the project.
Encouragement and Recognition:
Your praise and acknowledgment of your child's accomplishments go a long way in boosting their confidence and motivation.
Sharing Expertise:
If you have a special interest or experience related to the goat project, consider sharing your knowledge and insights as a valuable resource person.
Transportation and Participation:
Provide transportation to project meetings, workshops, and special events. Your involvement in ensuring your child's attendance is greatly appreciated.
Active Involvement:
Attend 4-H events, shows, and exhibitions where your child's hard work and dedication are showcased. Your presence shows that you value and support their efforts.
Pay attention to the schedule, deadlines, and announcements. We have several venues for this including Remind, Google Groups, via email, and emails.
We believe that your engagement in the Youth Dairy Goat Project contributes not only to your child's success but also to the overall strength and vibrancy of our community. Together, we can create a positive and enriching experience that fosters skills, knowledge, and lasting memories.
Please know that we are here to address any questions or concerns you may have along the way. You can reach us at getgoating@goathousefarm.com or 850-666-4714, and we are more than happy to assist you.
Thank you for entrusting us with the opportunity to guide and inspire your child through the Youth Dairy Goat Project. Together, let's make this a memorable and transformative journey for all involved.
FAQ
Can we use our own goats?
Absolutely! If you are using your own goats they must be registered with the American Dairy Goat Association, properly tattooed, and hornless. Youth will also need an ADGA membership.
What if we don't have goats?
No problem! We are happy to lease one of our goats to your youth for the duration of the project. All leased goats stay on the premises of Goat House Farm or other partner farms. Leases must begin sixty days before show and be signed by our county 4H agent before submission to the fair.
How much time does my youth have to commit to the project?
That depends. If your youth is showing with us at the fair, they need to complete the one month camp (two-three hours per week) and then commit to working with their goat at least four hours each month over a minimum of two visits.
If youth are participating in the club only they will need to attend monthly meetings. They do not have to attend the camp to be part of the club!
Do we have to be members of ADGA to show?
You do not, but there are valuable resources for youth members!
What if we can't afford the camp?
We try to keep camp costs as low as possible just to cover equipment and supplies. We are happy to work with you to break of payments over the four week camp. We also offer scholarships and have discounts for siblings.
Do we have to show?
Not at all! Youth can be part of the club and part of the project without going in the ring! They can choose to help other youth who are showing if they still want to go to the fair! They can also still submit project books and exhibits.
Are there age restrictions for show?
Yes, youth must be at least eight years old to show in the youth show. This is a Florida 4-H rule. However, youth in our program between the ages of five and seven can certainly assist at the fair, do project books, and submit other fair entries such as posters, artwork, etc.
Youth over eighteen at the beginning of the 4H year (September 1) can no longer show in youth shows.
Show youth are classified in the following brackets:
CLASS 1 – JUNIOR DIVISION Any 4-H or FFA member who reaches his/her 8th birthday by September 1st of the current 4-H year and has not passed his/her 11th birthday by September 1st of the current 4-H year.
CLASS 2 – INTERMEDIATE DIVISION Any 4-H or FFA member who reaches his/her 11th birthday by September 1st of the current 4-H year and has not passed his/her 13th birthday by September 1st of the current 4-H year.
CLASS 3 – SENIOR DIVISION Any 4-H or FFA member who reaches his/her 13th birthday by September 1st of the current 4-H year and has not passed his/her 19th birthday or graduated from high school prior to September 1st of the current 4-H year.
What is the difference between the Youth Show and the Open Show?
For the youth show only youth in good standing with 4H or FFA are able to show. This is almost always before the open show. Showmanship is all about the youth - how well they exhibit their goat, present themselves, and know their goat anatomy and scorecard. Most fairs have other competitions for youth that are included in the youth show, such as herdsman, project book (always required), and fitting contests.
Open show usually follows the youth show and may be on the same day or the following day. This show is all about the goat and here is where the goat wins awards that will go on their registry record. Anyone can bring the goat in the ring, but knowing how to handle a goat properly in this show is very important and can make the difference between first place and no place! Goats who win first place in their class go on to compete for Grand Champion, Best in Breed, and other elite awards. Youth who want to show their goats in open must be prepared by spending time with their goat and practicing throughout the program.
What are the requirements for youth to show?
You can find that information under Show Info.
What are the awards youth can win?
Youth will receive ribbons, rosettes, plaques, and/or premiums (cash prizes) for each competition depending on how they place in all the youth categories. Youth who show with us in open show will receive the premium for open show, but all ribbons and rosettes stay with the goat.
Youth Show Awards for most shows:
-Showmanship: How they present themselves and their goat in the ring and how well they know the questions the judge may ask them regarding anatomy and scorecard.
-County Competition: Dairy Goat Project Leaders will choose three youth from the project to compete in the county competition.
-Record Book Contest (record books are required for all youth in show): How well youth have kept records of their goat throughout the program including medical, feed, financials, and what they have done during the project year with their goat.
-Herdsman: Awarded to youth who keep their areas, goats, and alleyways neat and clean while being courteous and informative to other exhibitors and the fair-going public. Exhibitors are encouraged to decorate their areas tastefully.
-Skill-A-Thons/Quiz Bowls: Quiz competitions and hands-on activities based on goat knowledge.
-Educational Posters: Youth created poster presentations that educate the general public about goats.
Some shows, such as the Florida State Fair, also have scholarships for youth to use toward college or the purchase of an animal. Often there are additional awards like belt buckles, mugs, chairs, etc that are donated by show sponsors.
What is the show schedule like?
This varies depending on the show. You can see the schedule here. Most shows require a checkin the day before the actual show. Some shows have a youth day and an open show day. Youth should plan on being there for the duration of the show from check-in to check-out. The barns usually close at 10pm on fair days. We will always send out emails to keep you updated on show schedules and deadlines. Note: all forms need to be signed by you and most also need to be signed by our extension agent, therefore it is up to you, not your youth, to keep track of these dates.
Do I have to stay for the entire show day/s?
If your child is under eight, yes. If your child is under twelve, you need to make sure you have arrangements with another club parent to supervise your child in the show barn. There must be at least one parent on site throughout fair operating hours while we are in the show barn. Youth whose parents are not with them are not allowed on the fairgrounds outside of the show barn without an adult with them. We know you have busy schedules and for fairs that are more than one day we will have a sign-up schedule for parents. At least two club leaders will be on site.
What do we need to bring to show?
You will need a show collar for your youth's goat. We provide all other tack and equipment. You will also need to ensure your youth have a plain white collared shirt (no logos/emblems) and white pants. It is dairy show tradition that exhibitors wear white in the ring and youth in our project who are not in "dairy whites" will not be allowed in the ring. The only exception are FFA youth because they have their own uniform.
Youth should also have snacks and drinks and/or a water bottle as well as money for fair food if they want. Other things that are suggested are a camp chair, Tide Pen/Stain Remover for dairy whites, a change of clothes for outside the ring, hand wipes,
Does it cost anything to enter the show?
Yes. Each fair is different but the average is $10 for youth show and $10 for open show. Each fair also has deadlines to get registration in and some allow late registration with late penalties that are double the entry fee. It is important to get those registration forms in on time!
Let's hear it from the parents and show kids:
The Stock Show “Prize” We Need to Talk More About - "I’ve realized when you combine courage, conviction, knowledge and hard work with people who care about you, you can’t help but walk around with your head held a little higher."
Why do Kids Show Farm Animals at the Fair? - "I learned the value of hard work, perseverance and the skill of not being a sore loser (or winner). It takes a lot of time and experience to refine many of the skills needed for success, but I believe livestock showing gives kids a leg up when they venture out into the real world. It did for me."