The theme at this year’s NC State Fair was “The October Original” and Richmond County 4-H’ers have great reason to celebrate after their strong showing at events this year! Youth exhibited in the Junior Meat Goat Show, Junior Meat Goat Showmanship, Junior Doe Goat Show, and Junior Doe Showmanship during the NC State Fair.
Extension @ Your Service
by Tiffanee Conrad
The 4-H Livestock Club was busy for several days at the fair. During the Junior Meat Goat Show, 15 Richmond County youth displayed their finished products. They have been working with their animals since June and sold their goats during the Fair. Youth competing in the Junior Meat Goat Show included Coleman Berry, Jordan Carroll, Madelyn Chappell, Savannah Chappell, Taylor Chappell, Abigail Hamilton, Brianna Hamilton, Garrett Hamilton, Tobey Lunceford, Eli Maske, Sarah Maske, DeLani Reep, Savannah Shepard, Payton Smith, and Faith Thompson.
Garrett Hamilton had one goat in the Reserve Champion drive. Those who placed in the top 5 of their class include: Garrett Hamilton 2nd and Tobey Lunceford 4th both in class 1, Faith Thompson 5th in class 4, Savannah Chappell 3rd in class 6, Coleman Berry 3rd in class 8, Payton Smith 5th in class 9, and Taylor Chappell 4th in class 10. Madelyn Chappell and Payton Smith received showmanship pins and were selected to return to the ring for the championship drive in the meat goat showmanship class. Coleman Berry not only won a showmanship pin, but also placed 3rd out of 78 other youth in his showmanship division.
An additional $18,500 funding was provided by sponsors Iron Horse and NC Farm Bureau for market wether supplementation. Because of their generous support, 148 youth from across the state, including those from Richmond County, received an additional $125 from the sponsors as well as the market price money from selling their goats. Iron Horse also sponsored the live streaming on the Internet for the sale of champion auction. It’s the first time the state fair was able to live stream thanks to Iron Horse’s generous support. NC Farm Bureau purchased the grand champion goat for $11,000 and Ironhorse purchased the reserve champion goat for $10,000. The reserve champion goat pictured below on the left was actually purchased originally from the John and Velma McInnis Farm in Ellerbe.
Congratulations to all of these young people and special thanks to all of the parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and community members who traveled to the fair to support these youth as they strive “To Make The Best Better” in Richmond County! Stay tuned for doe show and doe showmanship placings.
Tiffanee Conrad is Richmond County’s livestock agent at the North Carolina Cooperative Extension’s Richmond County Center.
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