Richmond County Goat Show!

Most people will tell you that “office hours” do not include Saturdays, but members of the Richmond County Cooperative Extension Office were hard at work this past Saturday hosting the 2009 Richmond County Goat Show. The Richmond County 4-H Show attracted youth from 7 counties, including Anson, Columbus, Hoke, Moore, Montgomery, Richmond and Union Counties. A total of 41 4-H’ers brought more than 70 animals to the farm of Dale Dewitt in Ellerbe. Click here to see the pictures of everyone!

The Richmond County 4-H Livestock Club really showed their stuff on Saturday by competing strongly in every event. Richmond County 4-H’ers took home all the major awards of the show. The club members competing in the Sandhills Farm Credit 4-H Showmanship Circuit are: DeLani Reep, Abigail Hamilton, Eli Maske, Will Meacham, Jordan Carroll, Trey McInnis, Kristi Reep, Brianna Hamilton, Savannah Chappell, Taylor Chappell, Alana McQueen, Madelyn Chappell, Sarah Maske, Grayson McQueen, Michael Ezzell, Nathan Ezzell and Ryan McInnis. Everyone in the club did a fantastic job and is looking forward to the rest of the show season.

Grayson McQueen was awarded the Senior Showmanship award, while Alana McQueen was the Junior 11-13 Showmanship winner and Jordan Carroll won the Junior 9-10 Showmanship division. The Showmanship classes are designed to gauge the 4-H’ers knowledge, skill with the animal, and hard work. 4-H’ers can be asked questions about their animals and how they are cared for while presenting the animal to the best of their ability for the judge.

Jordan Carroll, a 4-H’er from Richmond County, showed the Grand Champion Doe. Ryan McInnis of Richmond County showed the Reserve Champion Doe. Does are females who will be bred and will continue production on the farm. Does are judged on their frame and structure based on how they would carry the extra weight of being pregnant and the stress of milking.

Wethers, castrated male goats, are judged on the total marketability of the animal. The Grand Champion Market Wether was shown by Madelyn Chappell of Richmond County. Jordan Carroll, also of Richmond County, showed the Reserve Champion Market Wether.

Cloverbuds and future 4-H'ers even got a chance to get in the ring at the show! The Cloverbuds (5 to 8 year old 4-H members) showed their goats in two non-competitive classes and future 4-H members and showmen got to work with an older member or adult and show their animal in the ring. These showmen did a great job and the judge stated that the future of the Farm Credit Showmanship Circuit was bright with these kids as future showmen!

We would like to again thank our Richmond County 4-H Goat Show Sponsors who have already contributed: Richmond County Farm Bureau, Inc., Richmond County Tourism Authority, Iron Horse Auction Co., E.E. Vuncannon, Inc., Wal-Mart, Jordan & Jordan Enterprises, Carolina Farm Credit, Daniel Simmons, Fidelity Bank, Medical Center Pharmacy, Rick & Al’s Carwash, Swink Quality Oil & Gas Co. Carroll Farms, The Brewer Group, Head to Toe, Flukie’s Vehicle Service & Hydraulics, Richmond County Home Builders Association, Gary Welch, Jack & Mary Webb, Anne & Richard Thrower, Dale & Melanie DeWitt, King’s Septic Tank Pumping & Port-A-John, Jerry’s Inc. Witherspoon Heating & Cooling, Maness Tire & Recapping Inc., BB&T, Convenience Corner, EZ Breeders, Danny & Glenda McInnis, Community Home Care & Hospice, Dr. Bruce Akers and Ellerbe Pharmacy. Several individuals and businesses donated funds that were used to purchase pens to be used at the show, including: John McInnis Farm, Danny & Glenda McInnis, Scotland Motors, Inc, Lee Howell & family, and Fidelity Bank. Special thanks to Edwin Richardson of Farm Bureau for awarding plaques and ribbons, Marv Powell, Cary Thompson, Brian Hamilton, Duke Goodwin and Dale DeWitt & crew for setting up the ring and facilities and to Dale & Melanie DeWitt for donating outstanding show facilities and serving as the ring steward and show announcer for the day.

For more information about 4-H Livestock, please contact Michelle Stumbo, 4-H Extension Agent, or Tiffanee Conrad-Acuña, Livestock Extension Agent at 997-8255. United Way of Richmond County also supports Richmond County 4-H Club activities.