Day one of THE FAIR!

Today was DAY ONE of the Fair! Little J will be showing in Market classes today. Market class is where the judge is looking at the conformation, build, condition and market "value" of the animal. For pigs - they must weigh between 230 and 300 pounds to qualify for the Market class. Speedy weighed in at 230 (JUST BARELY) and Twister came in at a respectable 250. For goats, the judge looks at the same things and the minimum weight is 70 pounds. Lady Baabaa weighed in at 84lbs.. one of the smallest goats, but she is also the prettiest (in my opinion!)

Little J showing Speedy in the 230lb Market class. The judge was REALLY tough! Most of the class got Red ribbons :( But it was ok because he told the kids that these pigs were just not "market" ready - which is true because they were light weights. Speedy did a nice job, as did Little J.

Poor Mrs Hall!! She was thrown all out of her element the first day! She did, however figure out that because of her small size, she can stand in the feeder to see out!

Little J is showing Twister. Twister showed really well... thankfully, we have never had a pig that has been a fighter, or super agressive in the ring! Twister got a blue ribbon (for which Little J was really happy!)

Ahhhhh - the Market Goat class! This was Little J's very first time showing goats. He was very very nervous. Fortunately, Lady Baabaa behaved and he did ok. She qualified for the top 15. She came in 11th overall and was the only female in the class. Typically, they use males (wethers) because the bulk up faster.

Little J did an educational display and got a blue on that... so a pretty good day overall!

Did a little Mini-weigh in of the goatie-goats today!! Keeping our fingers crossed that they will make weight by Fair!

Goat preshow

This morning was the first Goat Preshow that the boys have had to attend. Since this was all new to them - it was more of just a go with the flow! The goats were a little freaked out at loading into the horsetrailer and then going to the fairgrounds so very early in the AM. All the goats got weighed and got some new ear bling (tags). Mrs. Hall weighed 30 pounds, Ocho weighed 38, and Lady Baba came in at a big ol 51 pounds! Our little goats were the smallest goats at the show. But, that is ok, since we are not planning on eating them after the Fair. The boys worked together to get their feet trimmed and clipped before they had to take them in the show ring. Since they could only show one goat each... poor mrs. Hall had to sit it out! She got the hang out with me outside the show ring in the audience - which I think that she really enjoyed! Both boys earned blue ribbons and learned quite a bit!

goats first outside walk

Today we took all three goats outside of their field for their first official outside walk. They did alright - took some time to get them used to being out, then they really enjoyed noshing on the weeds!

The incredible Mrs. Hall

I have to say that I have just totally enjoyed the goats so far! They have such neat little personalities! Since we are not planning on eating them - we have all become pretty attached to them! Today, we had a little challenge with the adorable Mrs. Hall. She got herself stuck between the barn exterior and interior walls... thankfully, it was only a matter of unscrewing a few of the metal panels to get her out... and thankfully, we were home when it happened, or else she might have perished :(.... oh the fun of living on the farm!!

The piggies have arrived!

Well... from one thing to another! The boys picked out their piggies! We are having them do three instead of four this year, since they are also doing goats! Big Al has the two pigs, names Cookie and Speedy. Little J named his Twister. The goats have been a fun change! They are trying to figure out the pigs!

We've got GOATS!

This year, the boys decided to raise goats for 4H (as well as pigs!). We got three Boer goat crosses this morning! And they are absolutely ADORABLE! Little J will be raising two - their names are Mrs. Hall and Lady Baba. Big Al will be raising one - his name is Ocho Cinco. This should be a fun ride!!!!