Show Goats

[PLKR]

OK, with the large and diverse group of people that visit Steer Planet, I'm sure some of you have some knowledge of the meat goat business. So, here are a few questions for you goat experts:  What can you expect to pay for a competitive whether?  Any breeder suggestions ( we're in Iowa)?  Can you successfully feed 1 of these critters, or do they feed considerably better in groups?  Any other thoughts would be appreciated!

 

[advocate]

Contact craig smith website is cedarcrest farms on clublamb page they won the iowa state fair goats I believe

 

[R1Livestock]

We're from Indiana, but have sold some goats to Iowa over the years, so take this for what it's worth.  Smith's have some pretty powerful bucks, but I haven't been able to make it through their stuff when we are out there. The pictures always look like they can get the job done, and look at their results.  There are quite a few good breeders in Iowa, and more in Illinois depending on where you're at and how far you want to drive, and some really stout breeding programs in Indiana. Obviously Texas has some great ones that run deep, but visit your banker first in most cases.  If you're looking for this show season, you have started a tad on the late side, but there are still some good ones out there.  As for price, you can spend as much as you like.  Right now there is a Breedersworld Online sale with Kedrick Miller's late ET wethers, so take a peek at those to see the quality and what they go for.

As for feeding, goats feed about about as well as hogs do alone.  That being said, you can buy one good show goat and a scrub goat from the sale barn to be his buddy.  You'll need to feed them separately anyway, but he will need a buddy.  Feed a good goat feed (we like Honor N-timidator), a good supplement (Grand Goat is good in our experience), and you MUST have a good exercise program.  From there it is mostly personal preference and choices.

 

[OhShOwEr]

We also are getting into the Goat business, well at least for 4-h.  This will be our first time with even a goat on the farm.  Is there anything special about bathing them?  I am sure it is not as necessary as a steer or heifer, but would like to keep them white?  Any thoughts?  Also anything you could add for the first time goat shower.  Thanks so much

 

[R1Livestock]

If you're showing wethers (think: steer), you actually don't want to wash them at all.  You'll show them slick sheared like lambs.  The cold water from washing them and blowing them out actually can hurt or ruin their hide (you want it to be tight and thin). If they get dirty spots, find a good waterless shampoo to use.  If you're showing breeding stock, then feel free to wash away.  We wash ours once a week and usually at the shows.  Duncan's (of Indiana hereford fame) are probably the premier fitter around with goats, they can make 'em pretty with the hair.  Always clip at least a couple of weeks before the show, goat hair doesn't seem to grow as quickly, and the lines in white show very easily.

As for beginners just use good animal husbandry and common sense and you'll be fine.  CLEAN water and a good GOAT mineral program (we like Vitaferm) are a necessity for achieving an animals optimum potential.  Like anything, find a good mentor that you trust, and listen and do what they say and that can get you far.