Celebrating the G.O.A.T. Dairy Month with MDGA

MDGA (Minnesota Dairy Goat Association) brought Dairy Month in with a bang as they presented their state dairy goat show on May 29, 30 and 31. Most people think of cows during Dairy Month, but many people feel goats are the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) providers of a great milk supply. Goat milk is used for drinking, making cheese and butter, and making soap, to mention a few. Goats’ milk promotes better gut health, supports bone density, and is a gentler option for people sensitive to dairy. Some dairies such as Fountain area Liten Dal Farm owned by the Zoellners sell milk directly to consumers.

A total of 448 goats with 125 exhibitors form 75 herds  gathered for the show at the Fillmore County Fair Grounds. There were 69 youth who participated in the youth show and 23 of those youth were involved in the ever-popular costume show.

Three judges shared their expertise with the competitors as they judged them and their goats. Sarah Hazeltine traveled from California for the event; Tyler Ramirez and George Andrew came from New York. George Andrew has his own herd of 2,500 dairy goats. The judges are compassionate and treat the show as a learning experience for all.

Two very different types of judging were done. The showmanship class has the judges judging the person showing the goat. They are judged on how they handle their goat, move about the ring and their knowledge about goats and goat show details. Any breed of goat can be shown in this competition.

In the open show breed class, the goats are the emphasis and are judged on various desired physical qualities. Only one specific breed is judged at a time.

Mentors play a big role for the youth competitors. Ceona Johnson from Lanesboro has been showing goats since she was in sixth grade. 4-H was the “jump pad’ into showing with MDGA. Ceona is now mentoring Allison Brown, whose family is currently working on building their own herd.

On Johnson’s Generations Farm, Ceona raises Nigerian Dwarf and mixed record goats; there are about 25 goats in their herd. The goats begin producing milk at 2 years and can milk for 10 or more years. According to Ceona, goats produce between ½ gallon to 1½ gallons of milk a day.

Ceona shared that their farm makes soaps and uses the milk to feed their bottle fed kids. They also make Mexican caramels known as Cajeta.

Kenley Tolzman from St. Olaf Acres in New Richland is new to showing goats; she was showing for her second time in a sanctioned show in the showmanship class. A total of 16 youth ages 8-10 were competing against each other. Kenley maneuvered her goat, Sunny D, around the ring. She had practiced with her mentor to move her goat with the most natural flow and efficiency. The youths are taught to keep their goat between themselves and the judge to keep the attention on the goat.  When Judge George Andrew explained his placing of the competitors, he noted that Kenley had done an excellent job in her knowledge of her doe’s anatomy.

Kenley’s mom, Ashley, explained that the competitors wear all white to showcase the goats. Finding all white is tough in children’s clothes, according to Ashley!

Katie Fredlin from Arlington is Kenley’s mentor and also mentors Katelyn Winter. Fredlin closely watched as the girls showed their goats. Before Katelyn showed, Fredlin gave her some tips, pointing out how to make the thurls (the ball and socket hips) of the doe angle to make its back look flatter.

Addy Wille, American Dairy Goat Association’s 2026 Youth Representative, participated in this show. Addy was chosen to represent the national organization after submitting her resume and answering a set of questions orally. Addy, who lives in Holmen, Wis., will serve for one year. According to Addy, this area has a lot of excellent showmen.

Addy owns about 30 goats which she raises on her farm, Double Back Goats. She raises Oberhasli goats which are known for being more docile. She also has some recorded grade and raises Boer meat goats as well.

The doe Addy showed in the Saturday showmanship class had won its class in the past. This time it was not as successful; Addy noted that she’d worked the goat a lot the day before and it was probably tired. Addy enters 15 shows with her goats between April and November, The goats are pregnant over winter and kid out in February/March. The does are usually not milked the morning before a show in order to better show their udders.

One of Addy’s responsibilities as youth representative is to encourage youths as they begin to show goats. Two girls new to showing stopped by to meet and chat with Addy; she encouraged them and promised she’d be watching them as they competed.

The MDGA was officially declared the District IV Nigerian Dwarf Specialty show so there were a lot of Nigerian Dwarf goats in attendance. MDGA has106 current family memberships with 157 individuals and 88 youth memberships. The MDGA Show moves around the state. It has been in Preston for two years; next year it will have a new location.

Don’t forget to celebrate all kinds of dairy during June Dairy Month! As for me, I think I need to get some fabulously moisturizing goat soap and some Cajeta caramels! I really wanted to take home a couple of those adorable kids, but I’m not so sure my neighbors in town would approve!