Over 60 men, women, 4-H club members, and other children gathered at Northview Farm near Tappahannock on Saturday, Feb 18, to learn about getting ready to participate in Boer Goat shows. The event was hosted by Boer goat enthusiasts David and Sheila Carter, who will stage their second annual Old Dominion Open Boer Goat Show in Harrisonburg on May 20th

Seasoned goat-showing veterans, Ron Hughes (photo) of the North Carolina Extension Service, Frankie Beaman of B&W Goats in Snow Hill, NC, Brad Mackey of B-Mack Farms in Kinston, NC and Anton Ward, native South African Boer goat expert, educated the folks who came out to the Carters' Northview Farm on important topics such as selecting good goats for showing as well as how to care for, train and groom the animals for showing.

All the presenters made a strong impression on the 4-H youth by stressing the importance of good showmanship during their respective shows. Their message was "select a good goat, know your goat, work with your goat, and show your goat with pride." Their passion for raising and showing these South African meat goats became evident as they fielded questions from the curious group and helped youngsters learn how to handle a real live goat.

The visitors who came from nearby Warsaw, not so nearby Fredericksburg and even West Virginia, were treated to flame-kissed hamburgers and hot dogs to ward off the chill of the snow that was falling.

Just in case someone was ready to "go to the show", there were quality Boers for sale from the B-Mack and B&W Farms.

The second annual Old Dominion Open Boer Goat Show will be on May 20 at the Rocking hame County Fairgrounds in Harrisonburg and will feature a morning meat goat show for youth and a cash jackpot and an ABGA sanctioned show in the afternoon.

More information can be obtained by contacting the Carters at 804-445-5969 or 362 Mussel Swamp Road, Tappahannock, VA 22560 or northviewgoats@aol.com .