Learn about goat breeds, management, grooming and showmanship. And along the way, find out why their offspring are named "kids."
Resources for all levels
Dairy Goats
GA136 Dairy Goats 1
- Selecting your goat project animal
- Showing your project
- Goat dairy products
Curriculum
GA137 Dairy Goats 2
- Nutrition and feeds
- Reproduction and raising your kids
- Practice your judging skills
Curriculum
GA138 Dairy Goats 3
- Managing health and parasites
- Genetics and reproduction
- Global role of goats
Curriculum
Meat Goats
GA125 Meat Goats 1
- Meat goat breeds
- Caring for your kids
- Choosing the best feeds
Curriculum
GA126 Meat Goats 2
- Breeding and genetic selection
- Feed rations
- Showing your goat
Curriculum
GA127 Meat Goats 3
- Health management and parasites
- Marketing your animals
- Managing resources
Curriculum
To exhibit your livestock project at a fair, you must be a member in good standing in 4-H. To maintain your good standing, you must comply with the 4-H Food Quality Assurance Policy.
4-H Food Quality Assurance Policy
Objective: To increase the knowledge and awareness of Missouri youth about food quality issues related to animal production.
Who should take SMQA: All 4-H members enrolled in food animal projects (including beef, sheep, swine, dairy cattle, meats, meat and dairy goats, rabbits, and poultry) must complete the appropriate level of Missouri Show Me Quality Assurance (MSMQA) certification to be considered 4-H member in good standing in that project. Additionally, members must complete their MSMQA program by June 1 to participate in the Missouri State Fair. Other county good standing guidelines may also apply. Check with your local 4-H youth specialist for current local guidelines.
The Program: The Show Me Quality Assurance Program consists of two parts. The information presented is different in each part. Most counties alternate which part is presented each year; this is why it is required to take it two consecutive years in a row.
One part covers information on daily care and management; animal handling; farm/animal identification (Premise ID); reading feed labels; withdrawal times; and biosecurity (disease prevention).
The other part provides information on HACCP; animal health products; proper injection locations; carcass quality; and carcass value.
A refresher course is required when the 4-H member turns 14. After that is completed, the 4-H is certified through age 18.
Definitions of terms:
- "Qualified to Show" means the member has participated in Missouri Show Me quality Assurance training within the current 4-H program year.
- "SMQA Conditional Certified" for youth age 8 to 13 by January 1 of the program year certification is conditional. To obtain the conditional certification status a member age 8 to 13 by January 1 has participated in two consecutive years of training. Once they obtain a conditional status they do not have to take a refresher course until they are 14 by January 1 of the program year. Upon completion of the refresher course they would be SMQA Certified for the remainder of their youth exhibition career in 4-H.
- "SMQA Certified" Youth in 4-H who attend one training after they have turned 14 by January 1 of the program year will be considered SMQA Certified and no further training will be required for the remainder of their 4-H exhibition career.
For more information contact your local county Extension office or Dr. Marcia Shannon.
State Fair
4-H exhibits and competitions are part of the fun of the Missouri State Fair. You won't want to miss this special event; visit the 4-H building to see the projects of our 4-H youth or catch the judging competitions. Whatever your niche, there is something for everyone. Bring the family! The Missouri State Fair is located at the intersection of Highways 50 and 65, and less than 20 miles south of I-70, Sedalia is roughly an hour from Kansas City, Columbia and Jefferson City.