Tag: goats

Youth Compete in the Round Robin Showmanship Invitational

After a long, yet exciting, two weeks of livestock shows, performances, fair food, rides, lights, fireworks, contests, and 977,256 people attending, the N.C. State Fair ended. For livestock show participants, there was definitely a sadness that the it was over, and also a bit of relief too. Perhaps now, they could relax a bit. It had been a long few days of competing for exhibitors, and even longer months preparing for the shows. However, for a select few youth, the competitions weren’t over. Even after the NC State Fair closes its gates, it still holds livestock judging and skillathon competitions…

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3 brothers and a goat named John

Meet the Henson brothers—Noah, Jesse, and Caleb. They live in the mountain town of Canton. Every year, they set goals for the season and do their best to achieve them. During last year’s fair season, they had a goal that revolved around a goat named John. They knew the goat was special, and they wanted to make sure he reached his full potential by the time he was shown at the N.C. State Fair. After hard work all season, it was time to walk in the ring with John. The only thing left was to hope that the judge thought…

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Nance family invests in youth at Meat Goat Leadership Institute

Mr. and Mrs. Billy Nance have a passion for both the meat goat industry and for youth. The result is a yearly 4-H meat goat leadership institute made possible by an endowment from the couple. The 8th Annual Billy Nance Family 4-H Meat Goat Leadership Institute was held on Feb. 10 at the N.C. State University Beef Education Unit in Raleigh. Youth learned about more than goats, though. They also gained skills to become an effective leader in their communities and beyond. The institute invites youth ages 10-19 to apply, and the top applicants are selected to attend the day-long…

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Sights, Sounds and Smells: Mtn. State Fair, Part II

“Squilling” Earnhardt Jr., “Piggy” Gordon, “Rutter” Martin and “Hoggy” Jarrett of the Circle C Racing Pigs (a company based out of Newton, N.C.) make their laps on the Hog Speedway for their final prizes–cheese puffs! Read a great review of the race from the Times-News. And don’t forget to visit these little fellas when they travel to the State Fair in just a few weeks! The Ferris wheel at the Mtn. State Fair had incredible views of the mountains and, if you timed it just right, airplanes taking off out of the Asheville Regional Airport across the road. A curious…

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