Meet Marley
Marley
Meet Marley. No, not the unruly dog in the movie, “Marley and Me.” I don’t know how well-behaved this Marley is, but he is my daughter’s show goat. Marley is a Boer goat. This breed is raised for its meat.
Did you know world-wide that goat is the most consumed meat? However, I have never tried any before. When raising market animals, it is always important to prepare the children what purpose the animal is serving. She understands what the term “market” means. Kyla knows not to get too attached to Marley.
Marley is a wether, which means a castrated goat. He likes to go on walks with Kyla around the yard and neighboring pasture. The focus on market animals is body confirmation. It directly affects the quality of the meat.
Good confirmation on a goat consists of many things. Its body, the trunk, should be as close to a box shape as possible. It needs length of body. The longer the hind end the better. When selecting a goat, you need to watch it walk and make sure that it is sound. Ideally the back hoof will step in the same track made by the front hoof.
While preparing to show an animal, you need to break it to lead. You train it to walk beside you on its left side. Kyla takes it to her grandpa’s cabin when she visits. Marley is doing much better now compared to when we first brought him home. She does not have to pull him around anymore. He goes really well when she jogs with him.
This will be Kyla’s first animal project for 4-H. In the past, she has always done other projects like photography, clothing and textiles, and food and nutrition. After watching most of the market animal shows last year at the Grimes County Fair, she decided that she would really like to show a goat.
For most of Kyla’s life, we have raised animals on our farm. We have chickens, rabbits, dairy goats, sheep, and ducks. Her grandfather runs a cattle ranch equipped with many horses. Raising animals is not new to Kyla. However, raising farm animals and raising show animals are two completely different ventures. Therefore, this is a new to all of us.
Being a homeschooling family puts us at a slight disadvantage from the public school kids. The Ag teachers are highly involved in his/her student’s projects. The teachers know where to buy the animal, when to buy it, what to feed it, etc. They help them get it ready for the show.
We are in 4-H, but the better part of this year we have been without a county agent in charge of animal projects. So, what to do? I sought out an experienced and helpful family in my county. I explained the situation to them and they understood. Thankfully, this family volunteered to take us under their wing. They helped us find a good goat. They are advising Kyla what to feed Marley, how to exercise him, etc. This family is truly teaching my daughter the market goat project.
Kyla would not have been able to bring a competitive market animal to the show ring without the knowledge and experience of this family. Our whole family is completely grateful for their help. Kyla shows Marley at the beginning to June at the Grimes County Fair. She has really enjoyed raising a market goat so far.
We cannot learn everything from books. Sometimes we have to seek out mentors. Do not be afraid to ask questions and/or ask for help. People usually want to help out and share their knowledge.
I hope that you enjoyed meeting Marley, a temporary addition to our modern homestead.
Hi Lara,
I love 4H. I remember how much it grew me as a young person. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get my children interested in it. You are right about the mentor thing. My oldest apprenticed to learn blacksmithing. That is something I did NOT want him experimenting with on his own! My second son apprentice to learn cabinet making. We are now praying for a niche for our third son.
I wish Kyla all the best with Marley. We have a dairy goat and have had more. We know the work involved in their care.
Blessings,
Carol
Marley looks like a fine specimen!
We just attended a 4-H show in San Patricio County where a friend and hunting buddy of the boys’ was showing lambs. I had No IDEA it was so complicated!
Best wishes, Kyla!
Carol,
Thank you for your comment. I am so glad that your two oldest have been apprenticed into trades that interest them. That is the best way to learn in my opinion. My son, Jake, is already looking into a similar program with Downunder Horsemanship since that is his passion. Although, Jake is only eight. He is planning for the future.
Lara
Good luck Kyla — your city aunt knows nothing about goats, but I guess he looks good. I know you will do a great job and be the most beautiful girl showing goats at this years Fair.