By Kiley Sons
Thursday was my last day showing dairy goats as a 4-H’er.
Many livestock will only allow me to show in open shows until I am 21, but dairy goat exhibitors can be any age. My mom and I have shown in open shows together. But Thursday was my last livestock show as a 4-H’er.
Mary Anne, my favorite goat, was perfect Thursday. She is officially retired. My intermediate doe, Cassie, was grand champion dry doe, which was a surprise.
I show Lamancha dairy goats, and these are the ones with the very small ears. Many people think we cut off their ears. Trust me, they are born this way, and they can hear just fine. They are very loving and almost like dogs except they like to eat your hair. And no, goats do not eat everything.
It was extremely hot Thursday. Along with the dairy goats, the beef cattle were showing. Kids and animals pushed through a lot of heat to do what they love. Congratulations to all winners in all species Thursday.
Friday is Battle of the Barns and supreme showmanship. Battle of the Barns is a competition between species barns. 4-H’ers compete in relays, games or weeklong challenges to gain points for their barn. I am on the goat barn team, and we hope to hang the winning banner in our barn.
Kiley Sons of Dudleytown is a 2023 Seymour High School graduate. The 10-year 4-H’er is this year’s Jackson County Fair Diary writer for The Tribune.