“My older brother started my family showing goats at the Dodge County Fair,” said Emily Batterman, Mayville, Lomira Clover Leaves 4-H Club. “I’m the youngest sibling to show them; I began when I was about nine or 10.”
Emily shows miniature silky fainting goats. “My family likes the breed, because they’re pet goats, so we can get more attached, verses if they were meat goats,” said Emily. “They also have a fun, unique personality; I like spending time with them, because it’s fun to get to know their personalities.”
Fair goers can watch the 2023 Dodge County Fair Goat Show on Saturday morning, Aug. 19, at 9 a.m. Emily has six goats in the show, this year. “The judges critique the body type and look at the coat to make sure it’s clean and well groomed,” added Emily. “When I show my goats, I walk them in the show ring, and I make sure the goat I’m showing stays between me and the judge. When everyone stops, we all set our goats up to present them for the judge.”
There are many perks to exhibiting animals at the fair; Emily says she has a great time with her friends. However, there’s one perk, in particular, Emily likes the best. “I enjoy bringing my goats to the Dodge County Fair, because I like to see the reactions of fair attendees when they see the long hair my goats have; it’s really cute.”
The 2023 Dodge County Fair continues through Aug. 20. Learn more about fair activities at www.dodgecountyfairgrounds.com.
Written by Dori Lichty — farm wife, 4-H Mom, and full-time communicator
