Goat
Species-Chair:
Robin Gildner * [email protected] * 231-883-2002
Assistant Species-Chair:
Chad Gildner * [email protected] * 231-883-2001
Robin Gildner * [email protected] * 231-883-2002
Assistant Species-Chair:
Chad Gildner * [email protected] * 231-883-2001
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IMPORTANT DATES |
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IMPORTANT INFO |
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Registration |
March 4, 2024 |
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Birth Date (market projects) |
After November 1st, 2023 |
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Minimum Weight @ Fair (market projects) |
65 lbs |
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Age (show only projects) |
Minimum: 4 Months at Fair |
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Possession |
May 1st |
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Record Book Due |
September 9, 2024 |
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Tagging |
TBD |
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Thank You Note Due |
October 7, 2024 |
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Goat Registration is now closed.
Interested in joining the 4-H Goat program? Goats have a unique personality and are a great animal for youth of any age to raise! They are economical, fun to work with and train, and many families find that goat projects are a good fit for their lifestyle.
So where do you start?
First, it’s important to know what your options are so you can make the best decision – it needs to be interesting to you. The program invites youth ages 5 to 19 to participate in and raise a variety of different projects:
Youth have the opportunity to choose a goat project, raise it through spring/summer (market projects), and then exhibit the goat locally at the Northwestern Michigan County Fair in August.
So where do you start?
First, it’s important to know what your options are so you can make the best decision – it needs to be interesting to you. The program invites youth ages 5 to 19 to participate in and raise a variety of different projects:
- Market (“meat goats”); breeds may include (but not limited to); Boer, Kiko, Savanna, Spanish, Cross.es
- Dairy; breeds may include (but not limited to) Nubian, Saanen, Alpine, Toggenburg, Oberhasli
- Pack Obstacle & Draft; all breeds
- Pet, or show; breeds may include (but not limited to) Pygmy, Nigerian Dwarf
Youth have the opportunity to choose a goat project, raise it through spring/summer (market projects), and then exhibit the goat locally at the Northwestern Michigan County Fair in August.
Finding Your Project Animal…& What to Look For
You will need to locate your project animal based on the required dates for different project types. Some families choose to travel to find their project animal while others network locally to get what they need. The following sections include contact information for local and state breeders so you can get started!
You will need to locate your project animal based on the required dates for different project types. Some families choose to travel to find their project animal while others network locally to get what they need. The following sections include contact information for local and state breeders so you can get started!
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Meat Project
Did you know that goat meat is one of the most common types of meat eaten in the world today…? A meat project is a short term project that ends when you go to auction and sell your goat to the highest bidder. Kids (baby goats) are recommended to be reserved from breeders by the late fall, and purchased the following spring when the kid is old enough to be separated from its mother (weaned), usually between 8 – 12 weeks old. The goal of this project is to raise an animal through the spring/summer, until they have reached ideal weight and are finished for slaughter. Key requirements:
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American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) Breeder Directory
abri.une.edu.au/online/cgi-bin/i4.dll?1=212F292E06&2=2831&3=56&5=2B3C2B3C3A |
Jennifer & Lillian Wasson (Copemish)
(989) 464-6084 [email protected] Kurczak Farm (Fife Lake) (231) 258-7406 / (231) 357-1834 [email protected] |
Lucky Farms (Kingsley)
(231) 883-2002 [email protected] Wheeler Creek Boer Goats (Buckley) (231) 360-3840 [email protected] |
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Dairy Project
If your family likes dairy products, dairy goats may be the perfect project for you! Dairy goats are smaller than cows, more economical, easier to house, and they give family-sized amounts of milk every day. They are also very affectionate. They, like all goats, are fun to work with and they make excellent companions! This project will help you learn all aspects of care, judging, fitting and showing – and you may even want to set up a public presentation during fair week (contact your Specie Chair)! |
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Pack & Draft Projects – The “Working” Animals
What is a pack goat? What does draft mean? Excellent – and important – questions! A pack goat refers to a working goat that is used for packing, or hauling gear. These goats accompany their owners on trail trips or day hikes. If you choose to work with your goat for this purpose, you will be part of the Pack Obstacle course during fair week. This experience gives you a chance to walk your goat through an obstacle course to see how well the goat responds to your guidance and leadership. Goats should start being trained for pack work by 2-3 months of age; age and size dictate the kind of pack or saddle used. Packs can be purchased, or for new 4-hers who want to learn without investing a lot of money, soft packs (dog packs) are an inexpensive and great option! A draft goat refers to a working goat that is capable of pulling a cart. Draft driving is trained when the goat is still young, but strong enough to begin pulling weight. Training is usually done by two people, and as the goat gets used to being “driven”, harness equipment is added and the cart is attached. The process takes commitment, but the reward is well worth it! All pack and draft participants will be scored in the shows using specific scorecards designed for the event. |
North American Packgoat Association
www.napga.org 
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Pet Projects
Projects that do not go to market and are not specifically for dairy or working purposes can be classified as ‘pet projects’. Nigerian Dwarf and Pygmy breeds are the top choices for this type of project, as they are wonderful companion animals who like to be social and are easy to care for. They are often smaller than the family dog, and can often be found locally. You have the choice of purchasing registered or non-registered stock, just like with the meat and dairy goats. These animals are trained for the show ring based upon the type of class entered (breed classes, pet class, working class, etc.). Nigerian Dwarf and Pygmy breeds can be good working animals as well; try working with a soft pack and you can compete in the Pack Obstacle class too! |
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Choosing Your Shows
You will have different classes to choose from when you register for the fair. There are 4-H Youth shows available, as well as Open shows that are offered by the fair; all shows are based on participant age or the age of the goat (see Premium Book). Please read through the classes carefully before finalizing your registration paperwork; talk to your club leader or call the Specie Chair with any questions. Keep a copy of your registration paperwork - it will help you remember what you signed up for & make check-in easy. |
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What to Expect
We want to help you learn about feeding, caring for, selecting and managing your goat project while helping you prepare for shows. Check out the ‘Forms” page for helpful information, or go to the recommended sites below to learn more.
We’ll need you to be prepared to put in the time to research your animal breed, shop for the best project based on your budget, learn about nutrition needs and housing, and participate in a showmanship practice when offered. In addition to local learning opportunities, there will be regional and state events offered – keep an eye on the MSU Extension updates for details!
We want to help you learn about feeding, caring for, selecting and managing your goat project while helping you prepare for shows. Check out the ‘Forms” page for helpful information, or go to the recommended sites below to learn more.
We’ll need you to be prepared to put in the time to research your animal breed, shop for the best project based on your budget, learn about nutrition needs and housing, and participate in a showmanship practice when offered. In addition to local learning opportunities, there will be regional and state events offered – keep an eye on the MSU Extension updates for details!
Surf the Web to Learn More!
MSU Extension: 4-H Goats
American Dairy Goat Association
American Boer Goat Association
National Pygmy Goat Association
Nigerian and Nigerian Dairy Goat Association
Learning Goat Anatomy
MSU Extension: 4-H Goats
American Dairy Goat Association
American Boer Goat Association
National Pygmy Goat Association
Nigerian and Nigerian Dairy Goat Association
Learning Goat Anatomy
Other Resources
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