About 230 of the cute, fuzzy goats were getting acquainted in pens Friday afternoon, June 18, waiting their turn to strut their stuff before the judges.
The small breed that comes in a variety of colors has its origins in West Africa, where it is used for milking and meat. But Cheryl Rogers, who traveled with her five goats from southern Indiana, said with a laugh “of course, most people don’t use them for that here. They’re are pets.”
Rogers, a member of the board of directors for the group, said pygmy goats are the size of large dog when full grown, which is about 40 pounds for does and 60 pounds for a large buck.
“Of course, a lot of people here will tell you it all started with a 4-H project,” said Jean Sisco, convention chairman and judge. “I got a pygmy for my daughter, Jenny. Pretty soon momma had to have her goat, too.”
Outside Sisco’s vehicle that she drove from Michigan was a pen of young goats playing and enjoying the shade.
“They are my daughters,” Sisco said, noting her granddaughter, Naomi Sanderson, also is showing her own goats in the competition.
Daniel VanKley from Demotte, Ind., and his goat Magnum waited in the show barn preparing for their turn. The little buff-colored goat greeted everyone who walked by.
“They are really friendly. They are good pets because they are not like wild animals, but not like a dog or cat,” Daniel said.
Lisa VanKley said Magnum is better behaved than traditional family pets. Daniel’s father, John added, “He also eats grass and stays in the yard ... a little lawnmower.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2168 or lpack@coxohio.com.
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