Can you show Pygmy goats in 4H?

[Picklestix7866]

Hi! I just got a new Pygmy doe and I'm wondering if there is a 4H project area for goats other then for just meat and milk. She is pregnant but I'm not sure how far along she is. (see my other thread for pictures

Maybe you can guess how far along she is) Is there anything I can do with her?

 

[hollyk]

That would depend on what your particular organization offered. In Van Zandt county,Texas where I live, there is only a meat goat project. Next door in Kaufman County, there is dairy goat projects. You can call your county extension agent and find out what there is to offer.

 

[FrizzleFreak]

Well, up here we show 'em. Pygmies are in their own class. It's apparently a lot like dog showing

But yeah, my only experience is with Master Showmanship. I usually do pretty well though.
There's only meat and milk down there? We have dairy, meat, fiber, and pygmies. And we're pretty small!

 

[bycharmco2]

1. well i have 2 pygmy goats that are does and i show them in 4-h. i am sure if your local 4-h advisory would be able to help you
   

 

[bock]

When I was younger, my sister and I showed 2 pygmy wethers for showmanship. Now we show dairy goat does. I think it just depends, so I would recommend you call your local 4-H office too. Good luck!

 

[DairyChickenGal]

You can show pygmys in 4-H, but make sure that you read up on the shows that you plan on going to. Some shows only allow meat and dairy, others are open for all goats.

 

[res]

Some 4-H clubs discourage kids from showing "non-traditional" breeds, even IF those breeds are allowed by the county and/or state office.

We ran into that issue with our Dexter cattle. State & county said "yes" but our local club leader said he would not support us. Why? Because the Dexters would be lumped in with all the other traditional beef breeds, and would be judged against them, and would always place last due to the smaller size. When judging a beef class, size does matter - all the animals are assumed to be of similar age, and the smallest one in the class simply cannot place first. We didn't care that we would place last, we just wanted the experience for our kids. So just be prepared to not be in the ribbons if your pygmy's don't have their own breed category.

In my current county in MD, breeding animals have their classes broken down by breed. Market classes have mixed breed and purebred cattle and goats. Market goats are classed by weight (i.e. 50-59lbs; 60-69lbs; etc.) Showmanship is anything goes; the size/breed of the animal is irrelevant. I've seen tiny 8 yr old kids win when showing old retired show does and/or cows in showmanship because they are generally calmer, easier to handle, and have been to so many shows that they remember the routine. My kids will likely show their pet fainter in 2015 showmanship classes because she is the one they handle/play with the most, and is the most likely to behave.