Welcome to the 4S Goat Expo!
The 6th annual 4S Goat Expo will be held on October 4-5, 2008 at the Dawson County Fairgrounds in Lexington, NE. The event is expected to draw over 300 producers from a seven state area and has gained a positive reputation for being one of the most informative meat goat events for established operations and prospective producers.
On Saturday, October 4th various presentations will be held including topics on Quality
Assurance, Meat Goat Nutrition, and various seminars by Keynote Speaker, Marvin Shurley. Mr. Shurley resides in Sonora, Texas where he is an avid meat goat producer, as well as a well-respected meat goat judge and president of the American Meat Goat Association.
New events for this year include a producer panel and a special session for youth ages 8-18,
both held on Saturday. The panel will include producers with various backgrounds and experiences, from small farm owners to larger operations. With their wide range of knowledge, these individuals will be able to answer questions according to your situation. The special session for youth ages 8-18 will be focused on the 4-H meat goat project with topics such as grooming and showing.
On Sunday, October 5th the Meat Goat Show will be held at 9 am with a sale afterwards, starting at 1pm. In order for a goat to be sold through the auction, it must have been shown that morning. So, come early to see how your prospective purchases match up against others. Goats can also be purchased through private sales. Sunday’s events are open to the public, and this is a great opportunity for anyone with an interest in meat goats to attend.
The events on Saturday and Sunday offer a lot of opportunities to connect with other meat goat producers throughout numerous states and countless possibilities to learn more about meat goats. There will be various vendors in attendance as well, with booths open for viewing during breaks, after the seminar concludes on Saturday, and all day Sunday.
Pre-registration is due September 22, 2008. Fees are $25 for one person and $10 for each
additional family member. Pre-registration for 4-H and FFA youth members is $10. Registration after September 22nd or at the door is $35. The registration fee allows the 4S Goat Expo to provide you with the best experience and excellent programs. Lunch is included in the fees.
Registration forms will soon be available online. Until then, for more information or to pre-register for the 4S Goat Expo please call the Dawson County Extension Office at (308) 324-5501.
Friday, October 3
7:00 PM
All Show & Sale Goats on Grounds
6-9:00 PM
Entries & Weigh In Completed
Saturday, October 4
8:00 AM
Registration - Extension Meeting Room
9:00 AM
Welcome - Steve Gramlich
9:10 AM
MRLP Marketing Coop Update
9:25 AM
Meat Goat Industry Outlook - Marvin Shurley
10:00 AM
Break
10:15 AM
Reducing Feed Cost - Tom Drudik
11:00 AM
Meat Goat Health Issues
Animal ID/NAIS - Steve Martin
12:15 PM
Chevon Lunch
1:30 PM
Producing Meat Goats - Marvin Shurley
1:30 PM
Ages 8-18 Youth Program
Grooming & Showing Clinic - Scott Pruett
2:30 PM
Quality Assurance - Jo Bek
3:00 PM
Break
3:30 PM
Producer Panel
Steve Gramlich - Moderator
John & Jo Ellen Wiese
Jo Bek
Janice Scott
Roland Helberg
4:45 PM
Questions & Answers
5:00 PM
View Vendors
Sunday, October 5
9:00 AM
-Meat Goat Show-
Held in Stevens Arena
Grand & Reserve Champion Awards Sponsored by G Man Feed & Seed -
Judge Marvin Shurley
1:00 PM
-Meat Goat Sale-
Held in Stevens Arena
Auctioneer Wendell Brott