Breeds of Goats Goats were first introduced to North America by some of the earliest European settlers. Since that time, they have been valued by many for their ability to convert low-quality forages to high-quality meat, milk, and fiber. Characteristics of some of the most popular goat breeds in the U.S. are listed below. They …
Sheep and goats have a unique physiology that makes them particularly well-suited for range conditions in arid climates, although most breeds have adapted well to all regions of the continental U.S. Because of their distinct qualities, sheep and goats can offer many advantages to landowners in the areas of hardiness, range management, and reproductive efficiency, …
Brayden Bryan, 14 years old from Stanton, TX, has been showing since she was in the third grade. “My mom grew up showing livestock and wanted me to try it. I got hooked! I have loved every minute of it.” she says “Goats were my first choice to show and then I thought it would …
Brayden Bryan – The Gift of Mentorship Brings Big Wins Read More »
Over 40 breeds of sheep can be found in the U.S. today. Each one has their own characteristic strengths and weaknesses meaning there is likely a breed (or breeds) best suited for your particular production system and goals. Listed below are several of the country’s most popular sheep breeds categorized into six breed types – …
A simple mention of the word “copper” is likely to strike fear among most sheep raisers. It is true that sheep have a unique process of metabolizing copper which puts them at higher risk for copper toxicity compared to other species. However, the role of copper in sheep diets is too complex to let this …
When you ask Colt Pittman, 13 of Canadian, TX what he loves most about raising a show animal, he says “Always having a friend, and the friends I make along the way. I love going to shows and hanging out with my friends from all over the country. We all like to chip in and …
Colt Pittman – Winning with Friends in the Show Ring Read More »
Lauren Rogers, 17 of Terrell, Texas, knew from a young age agriculture was her future. “My brother was involved in FFA before I was old enough to participate.” She says, “I would go to the barn with him every chance I could and loved every minute of it!” Lauren finally started showing on her own …
“I’ve basically been showing since I was born!” Ashton Floyd, 18 from Denver City, jokes. She is chatting with us on the phone from, where else, the show barn. “My dad raised cattle, and I was always in the barn ever since I was little.” She started showing her own animals with pigs, then moved …
Ashton Floyd: From Toddler to Record Breaker – A Life in the Show Barn Read More »
Dwayne Wieler, 17 of Loop, TX, is fairly new to showing livestock after two years, but his instinct with the animals gives him an edge. “I’ve shown steers both years, and they seem to react very differently one year to the next.” He says, “I’ve learned to adapt to each steer so that I can …
Dwayne Wieler – Connecting with Animals and Winning Big Read More »
Cold Snap on its way? Prepare your backyard flock with these simple, safe, and practical tips! Although most breeds of chickens are hardy creatures that can tolerate the cold, if not kept warm enough you will see a decrease in egg production and risk of increased sickness. If mother winter or a cold front is …
