On July 12th, we traveled to Gunnison, Colorado to see the 4H and FFA meat goat show at the Gunnison County Fair—which was part of the “Cattlemen’s Days” events.
We were looking forward to leaving the Grand Valley’s 98-99 degree temperatures behind in favor of Gunnison’s cool mountain air, but most of all we were eager to see how our 4-H customers had done with the wethers they purchased from us last spring.
Here are a couple pics of the kids picking out their goats back when they were babies. Look below to see how much they grew!
Sam and Tristen picking out baby goats.
Timber and Aspen picking out their goats.
When we arrived at the fairgrounds, we saw some of our 4-H kids hurrying around to ready themselves for the show. Their animals looked fantastic clipped and groomed just so, and had grown quite a bit since we’d seen them last.
After scouting them all out and saying “hi” to the kids, we went inside the arena and found a seat where we could watch the show. The organizers had printed up a nice program containing all the details about the classes, the kids showing, and the weight of each of their goats, which was really helpful as we followed along.
The first Market Goat Show was for 60-69 pound wethers. Tristen and her goat “Chev” took second place in that class.
Tristen showing Chev.
Tristen with Chev after their 2nd-place win.
The second Market Goat Show was for 70-79 pound wethers. Samantha and her goat “Ursel” took 1st place.
Samantha showing Ursel.
Sam with Ursel and their 1st-place ribbon.
Timber and his goat “John Wayne” took 2nd place in this same class. That was very exciting to watch our two goats place first and second!
Timber shows John Wayne for the judge to check.
Timber with John Wayne and their 2nd-place ribbon.
The third Market Goat Show was for 80-89 pound goats and Aspen took 3rd in this class with her wether “Hot Fudge Sundae.”
Aspen showing Sundae.
Aspen with Sundae and their 3rd-place ribbon.
Timber, Mom Ivy, and Aspen with their goats and ribbons.
Following all the Market Goat classes were the Showmanship classes. Senior Goat Showmanship Reserve Grand Champion went to Tristen and her wether “Chev.”
Tristen and Chev with their Reserve Grand Champion ribbon.
Intermediate Goat Showmanship Reserve Grand Champion went to Samantha with her goat “Ursel.”
Sam and Ursel with their Reserve Grand Champion ribbon.
Congratulations to all of these 4-H kids for their hard work, dedication, and excellent care they gave to their animals. Also a big thank you to their wonderful parents as it certainly wouldn’t be possible without their help and support.
This year’s trip to Gunnison was even more special as our daughter Colleen was here from Idaho to make the trip with us. After the goat show ended, we toured part of the gorgeous Western Colorado University as Colleen is an alumni. Seems that college gets even more beautiful every time we visit!
Western Colorado University.
We also spent some time downtown grabbing a bite at a cafe and checking out some of the shops. It was afternoon when we reluctantly left—knowing we’d soon be missing the lovely weather!—but we enjoyed surveying the nearly full Blue Mesa Reservoir on our way back. Wow, that water is such a rich shade of blue!
Blue Mesa Reservoir.
We’re looking forward to another great show next year. Many of our does are already bred, so we’ll have some big wethers come next spring!
This year (2019), Montrose held what I believe was the first ABGA and JABGA Sanctioned Boer Goat Show at the Montrose County Fairgrounds.
At least here on Swan View Ranch we can highlight the stars. (grin)