Louisiana 4-H exhibitors visit ranch

This group of 4-H exhibitors toured Egypt Creek Ranch and
the offices of Goat Rancher magazine on Wednesday morning.

I played host Wednesday morning to a group of 20 young people from Louisiana with several adult escorts. These 4-H goat exhibitors were selected to participate in the 2011 Goat Educational Award Trip because of their accomplishments in the LSU Spring Livestock Show.  The trip was coordinated by Matt Martin, County Agent, Rapides Parish.

The two vans of young people left Louisiana Monday and made their first stop at the Ryals’ family's Rocking R Ranch in Tylertown, Miss. The Ryals have a very successful Boer goat operation and now operate a top-class goat dairy where they make and market their own cheeses.

The group also visited Ward’s Boer Goats in Soso, Miss., the Miss. State Vet School and Jesse Cornelius’s club goat farm. The trip included a few non-goat stops, including the Bass Pro Shop in Jackson and a canoe trip planned for Friday in Seminary, Miss.

This was probably the best-behaved group of kids I have been around. Usually there is a lot of noise and horseplay whenever a group of teens get together. These teens asked good questions, were well-mannered and very mature. It was a pleasure to show them around the farm.

We had a great photo opportunity when the whole herd of goats came over a hill and mingled with all the visitors. Too bad I was busy talking about my goats and forgot to use the camera! Some reporter I am… I did get a photo as the group was getting ready to leave.