JUDGE ALONG AT THE KANSAS STATE FAIR
DAIRY GOATS
What the judge looks for in the female dairy goat:
A strong attached udder that is elastic and well balanced with adequate capacity to allow for heavy milk production over a long period of time.
A relatively large body in proportion to the animal's size, age, and stage of milk production. Prominent hips, thin thighs, straight top line and a long neck.
An angular (not round) and open body with a strong, yet refined, bone structure.
An attractive framework with femininity, strength, upstandingness, length and smoothness of blending throughout, that creates an impressive style and graceful walk.
What the judge looks for in the show ring:
A good exhibitor is polite and courteous to other exhibitors and pays attention to both the animal and to the judge at all times.
Showmanship includes general appearance, especially cleanliness of the animal and the exhibitors ability to lead and pose the animal in the ring.
Animals are turned and kept under control by responding to light pressure made by a small, loose fitting chain around the animal's neck. The goat should be kept between the exhibitor and the judges at all times.
When an animal is standing still, it's legs are positioned squarely under its body to show it to the best advantage. The exhibitor may stroke the goat's belly or rub its hips to keep the animal's top line straight.
The animals should be well-groomed, clipped and feet trimmed.
The animals head should be up and alert and show ease of movement.
Did you know ?...
A goat does not eat what you might think! Goats, like all domestic animals, need nutritious food, including grain and alfalfa to produce quality milk.
Nannies and Billies are only in fairy tales! The proper terms for adult goats are Does and Bucks.
Some terms you might hear concerning dairy goats:
Doe: a female adult goat
Buck: a male adult goat
Kid: a young, immature goat, male or female
Dairy goat breeds showing at the Kansas State Fair are:
Alpine
Lamancha
Nubian
Oberhasli
Saanen
Toggenburg
Recorded Grade
Test your knowledge:
What is the smallest breed of dairy goat?
What breed of goats originates in the United States?
Where on a goat are the withers?
You give it a try and see how your placings compare to the judges (fill in the exhibitors number):
Your Choice
1st place
2nd place
3rd place
4th place
Judges Decision
1st place
2nd place
3rd place
4th place