Goats growing in popularity at county fair
Staff reporter
Goats have become the most popular animal shown at the Marion County Fair.
According to Ricky Roberts, county extension agent, 60 goats were entered in this year's fair, outnumbering beef, swine, and sheep.
Contributing to the popularity is the Harold and Jennifer Stultz family of rural Hillsboro.
Boasting seven grand champions, the family has gone on to state and in 2003 got best in show at the Kansas State Fair.
Grady Stultz, 14, has been showing goats since he was four years old. His brother Cameron, 12, also shows the animals.
The boys showed 14 goats at the Marion County Fair this past week, taking home grand champion and reserve champion showmanship awards.
Led by a collar around their necks and leather leash, the animals are trainable.
Grady explained only female goats were shown at the Marion County Fair. No bucks or billy goats were allowed.
The goats were divided into age categories beginning under five months of age.
"There are six different breeds in four different classes by age," Grady said.
The Stultz showed a goat that was 11 years old.
"Judges look for good body structure," Grady said. The feet were to be in a specific position.
Preparation for a showing includes clipping the goat's hair and feet, and washing the animal. A tattoo was placed in the ear of each goat as an ownership identification mark.
The Stultz family raises goats for more than 4-H projects. The family, which also includes Keenan and Shelbi, has about 25 goats on the family farm that they use for meat and milk.
"The meat is really good," Grady said. "It is high in protein and low in fat."
Goat's milk is provided to families with babies who can't drink cow's milk because of allergies.
Goats don't eat tin cans, which is a common myth, Grady said.
"They like the glue on the cans," Grady said. "Actually goats love fruit. Prudence (his prize goat) even likes gum."
A goat's diet consists of alfalfa. Salt pieces are made available for the animals, much like salt block for cattle.
Even though the Stultz family does keep most of the goats following a show, some are sold.
In addition to goats, Cameron also showed a bucket calf.
The boys are members of Goessel Goal Getters 4-H Club.
