2 students from Lexington-Richland School District 5 took part in the State Fair’s goat showing competition October 20.

Rianna Jefferson and Sydney Quattlebaum are seniors at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies (The Center) enrolled in the Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering programs. As part of these programs, every student is expected to participate in a Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE). The 4H Meat Goat project has been an option for students to choose for the past 5 years.

Showing a goat takes a lot of work, but it is rewarding. Students learn to properly care, groom and present during competition.

Jefferson has been showing goats for 3 years, but this was her 1st time presenting at the State Fair.

“I thought it would be a fun experience to work with animals that I haven’t worked with before and it has been really fun. I have learned a lot about the meat goat industry,” Jefferson said.

Quattlebaum participated in the State Fair’s goat showing competition last year and finished in 1st place in the market class.

Students learn over the course of several months how to raise a young goat to market weight. Students must measure and record weight gain during the program and be able to explain to judges how the ratio of protein, fat, and carbohydrate in the food contributes to the best meat product. Students learn that production of animals for food requires careful attention to the health of the animal and the importance of not becoming attached to an animal that will be used for food.

Students receive their goats in the summer and then begin bonding and training their goats for competition.

Director of The Center Dr. Al Gates said, “We have been very fortunate that Mr. John Asbill is an expert in animal production. He has been able to show his students the development of embryonic goats using ultrasound, to provide students the opportunity to see and interact with newborn goats, and to observe the growth and development into mature adults. What a great opportunity for our students to learn by doing! We are very excited about our goats!”

The Agriculture and Biosystems programs at The Center are designed to teach essential concepts and understanding related to skills needed in pursuing a career in a biotechnology field. Emphasis is placed on scientific research and development and how it can be used to create future advancements in agriculture. In addition, the courses teach the basic principles of plant and animal science as well as the role of agriculture in our society and the importance of agriculture to the welfare of the world.