News Release Distributed 08/26/08
4–H and FFA goat exhibitors from across Louisiana took part in the second 4-H goat educational trip in Louisiana and Mississippi Aug. 3-8.
The youths earned the trip by placing in goat showmanship or the premier exhibitor competition at the 2008 LSU AgCenter 4-H and FFA Livestock Show Feb. 9-16.
The trip is designed to educate the youth on the goat industry as a whole and not just through the show ring, said Hubert Wilkerson, LSU AgCenter agent in Natchitoches Parish.
“The youth are introduced to different goat farms and operations and hopefully gain some knowledge that they will bring back and apply to their projects,” Wilkerson said.
The trip participants included Aaron Martin and Roxanne Paul of Rapides Parish; Hunter Huval, Chase Bijeaux and Morgan Thibodeaux of St. Martin Parish; Ian Guillote of Iberia Parish; Kurt Williams of Livingston Parish; Tanner Ardoin of Evangeline Parish; Cody Quebedeaux and Caitlyn Rogers of Lafourche Parish; Wyatt Joiner of St. Tammany Parish; Garet Berry and Shelby Miller of Calcasieu Parish; Ashley Johnson of Lafayette Parish; Leah Ewing of West Feliciana Parish; Kylee Beaubouef of Avoyelles Parish; Miranda Robinette of Bienville Parish; Colton Pilcher of Sabine Parish; and Madison Shove of Cameron Parish.
At the Ryal’s goat farm in Tylertown, Miss., the youths observed the Ryal’s meat goat herd and viewed an automated dairy in action, where they were able to sample goat milk.
The tour also visited goat farms in Tupelo, Soso, Winona, Kilmichael, Senatobia and Sara, Miss., and Kentwood and Greenwell Springs, La.
In addition, the youths toured the Mississippi State University veterinary school, agriculture department and campus in Starkville and the agriculture facilities and campus at Hinds Community College in Raymond, Miss.
They also visited the Natchez Trace Museum in Tupelo, Miss., and the Riverpark Museum near Tunica, Miss., and explored the history of the Mississippi Delta at the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum in Jackson, Miss.
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Writer: Mary Ann Van Osdell at (318) 741-7430, ext. 1104