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On March 22,2025, the biennial K-State Junior Meat Goat Producer Day was hosted in Weber Arena. Over 350 participants, representing 59 Kansas counties attended the program to enhance their knowledge of youth meat goat projects. The program was open to youth, parents, extension agents, and meat goat project leaders. Topics included selection, doe management and kid care, nutrition, Becoming a Wildcat, health and wellness, reproduction, facilities and equipment, grooming and clipping, and showmanship. Families also had the opportunity to participate in optional classes at the conclusion of the program, including an instructor-led YQCA training, a session over the state livestock nomination process, and a tour of the K-State Sheep & Meat Goat Center. The program was hosted by Lexie Hayes.
A huge thank you to guest speaker Ryan Page, Kelsey Bentley, Payton Dahmer, Emily Grund and the KSU ASI Mentors, Dr. Emily Reppert, Gavin Beesley, Kelsey Nordyke, and the students from the sheep and meat goat unit who served as speakers for the day.
Also, a special thanks to Tim Carson, Janeen Dieball, Emily Grund, Mary Kane, Rylie Meinhardt, Karli Neher, Katie Smith, Kevin Snell, Jason Warner, the KSU ASI Mentors, and the student employees from the Sheep and Meat Goat Center who volunteered throughout the day, as well as Payton Dahmer and Kelsey Bentley for helping plan the event. The KSU YLP interns Lauren Thompson and Chancey Hauck were critical in preparing for the event and making sure it ran smoothly. Additionally, we couldn’t have hosted the junior day events at the Stout Center this year without the assistance and support from Bob Heptig, Nathan Plummer, Dave Nichols, and John Wolf. They were essential to helping prepare the facility to host our Kansas families. Your involvement is invaluable to making this a smooth and successful event! K-State Junior Meat Goat Producer Day was sponsored by K-State Research & Extension, the K-State Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Valley Vet Supply, Primalac, Aker Meat Goats, Page Livestock, the KSU Youth Livestock Program, and the K-State Sheep & Meat Goat Center.