FRANKLIN - At the Delaware County Fair, the excitement isn’t just in the rides or the cotton candy; it’s also in the livestock barns, where young exhibitors like Ryan Groff, 8, of Franklin, are preparing to showcase market animals they have raised for the fair’s annual 4-H livestock auction. This year, Groff is entering the meat goat classes with her two Boer goats, Rob and Walter, who she says are more like dogs than goats.
Groff is no stranger to farm animals. She spends time on her grandparents’ farm where her brothers, Tyler and Carter, are readying their steers for the fair; and she is an accomplished horseback rider - for an 8-year old.
Raising goats is a new venture for the Groff family where the size of the animal is more manageable and a little less daunting than beef steers, said Ryan’s mother Amanda. “They can help build confidence,” she said. Ryan is new to 4-H and is a member of the This–n-That Country Crew 4-H club. This is her first year showing animals in 4-H, though she has previously exhibited in open cattle classes.
Preparing for the Big Day
Ryan has been preparing Rob and Walter, wethers - or neutered goats - who were born in January, for their moment in the spotlight - or show ring. Each day begins with Ryan providing fresh water and a healthy mix of grain and hay. She’s also discovered that goats, like many farm animals, have a penchant for variety.
“They have a salt block in there, too. But they love Froot Loops; it’s the only thing we’ve gotten them to eat as a treat,” Ryan said.
As the fair approaches, Ryan practices setting up her goats, a crucial skill in showing.
“You pick their front hooves up, set them down square, and make sure they’re standing just right,” she explains.
This preparation isn’t just about training the goats; it’s about building a bond of trust. Ryan even tries to simulate the fair environment at home, where someone acts as a judge, directing her on how to present her goats.
A New Venture in Livestock
For the Groff family, goats are a new venture. Despite being a novice, Ryan and her goats have already tasted some success, competing in the Cooperstown Junior Livestock Show. It’s also important to have fun, learn and enjoy the process, Amanda said.
The Personality of Goats
Goats are known for their quirky personalities, and Rob and Walter are no exception. Rob, the brown one, has a penchant for mischief.
“He just lays down when we try to walk him with a collar, but with a rope halter, he’s great,” Amanda said.
Goats, as it turns out, have quite the knack for getting into things — Amanda recalls a time when the goats managed to lock themselves inside the house, meeting the family at the door alongside their dog.
Fun Facts About Boer Goats
Boer goats, the breed of Rob and Walter, are known for their robust build and rapid growth, making them a popular choice for meat production. Originating from South Africa, these goats have distinctively white bodies with red or brown heads. They are ruminants, meaning they have a specialized digestive system similar to sheep, allowing them to efficiently process a variety of plant materials.
Boer goats are also known for their calm disposition and strong maternal instincts. Their horns, made of keratin—the same material as human fingernails—grow throughout their lives and are an indicator of the goat’s health and vigor.
The goats’ bodies are shaved for show ring competition, Ryan said, but they keep a little puff of hair at the tip of their tails.
Aside from raising livestock, Ryan participates in a variety of sports including soccer, basketball and softball. In the fall, Ryan will enter fourth grade.
Ryan has sent out invitations to would-be bidders for the 4-H livestock auction. Before that they will compete in goat and sheep Olympics and the 4-H costume contest on Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. , where Walter - or Rob - will be masked as a pinata, led by Ryan outfitted as a birthday girl. The events will take place in the livestock barn.
The 137th Delaware County Fair 4-H Livestock Auction will be Saturday, Aug. 17 at 2 p.m. at the Livestock Barn show ring.
