A32-Uncaster Farming, Saturday, August 5, 2000 MICHELLE RANCK Lancaster Farming Staff North Cornwall (Lebanon Co.) 4-H’ers learned a few tips about keeping kids in line during the Lebanon Fair’s second 4-H market goat show this week. Exhibitors participated in fit ting, showmanship, and market goat classes. In the fitting classes Dr. Robert Herr, who judged the event, checked the ears, under neath the hind flank, hooves, tail, and belly for trimming ac curacy and cleanliness of the animal. The showmanship classes tested the patience and skill of the exhibitors as many of the goats danced and fidgeted in the Members of the senior class (age 13-18) include, left to right: Amber Gemberling, Bradley Bachman, Jacob Rich ards, Brandon Gehman, and Howie Tran. WAREHOUSE CLEARANCE 3f J Lebanon Fair’s Goat Show Attracts Quality Kids show ring. However the skills of the handler, rather than the animal on the leash, decided class placings. “The showmanship class is one of the finest classes to win. You’re on your own, you can’t depend on the animal,” said Herr. Herr not only checked to see how well the owner had pre pared the animal but asked the young exhibitors several ques tions. “If you’ve spent a lot of time working with your animal you should have a name for it,” said Herr, who not only asked the name of the animal but nomenc lature for the goat. He also asked the participants the breed K 7000 G 2500 PSI 6.5 HP Briggs Factory Return $399.00 name of their goat, Weight class judging criteria included conformation, balance, thickness and finish of the animal. “Eighty percent of the value of a meat goat is from the last rib back,” said Herr, who looked for length in the winners. The future of the meat goat business is bright, says Herr, who commended the students for investing in such a promising The junior class (age 8-10) consisted of, left to right: Katie Eckert, Travis Dresch, Jesse Stump, Leon Stump and Tara Dice. enterprise. According to Herr the ethnic market, the primary outlet for goat meat, is growing every day. “Eight thousand people a month come into the U.S. that consider sheep and goat their primary source of meat,” said Herr. Color may have played a hand in the selection of goats to take into the ring. To grand champion winner Travis Dresch, the black coat of “Cyrus,” along with the sturdy build of the goat, helped the animal stand out from the fami ly’s 35 goats. To Katie Eckert, “Andy’s” copper red color plus his proven family background helped make the goat her choice out of her farm’s 20 goats. Led by Doug and Nancy Dresch, the 18-member North (Turn to P«fl« A 34)
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