The Minnesota Dairy Goat Association (MDGA) Spring Show was held in late May at the fairgrounds in Preston – marking the first time the event has taken place this far south in the state. Several MDGA board members expressed excitement about the new location and shared their hope that the show will return to Preston next year. An exhibitor even remarked that the building is the nicest in Minnesota.
MDGA President Shellie Gilbertson explained that holding the show in southern Minnesota helped attract a new audience of exhibitors. The show also gave a boost to the local economy. “All the hotels were full,” one board member noted. A visiting mom, curious about the Lanesboro area, was encouraged to explore the region – what a welcome boost to the local economy!
If you’ve never attended a livestock show, you’re missing out. These shows aren’t just for the exhibitors; they’re for everyone. Whether you stumble across one in your own community or while traveling, take a moment to stop in. You’ll be impressed by the high-quality competition, learn a lot, and meet incredible and talented young people and their families.
As you wander the grounds, don’t hesitate to ask questions; exhibitors and spectators alike are more than happy to chat and share their knowledge.
While standing next to her family’s pen of Toggenburg goats, Gilbertson explained that the Spring Show is known as a “fuzzy show.” Because the temperatures in southern Minnesota can still drop to 50 degrees in late spring, the goats aren’t shaved close to their skin, leaving a layer of hair on their body.
In the American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA) sanctioned showmanship class, the emphasis is on the exhibitor’s skill and presentation. The ADGA showmanship scorecard evaluates three areas: the appearance of the animal, the appearance of the exhibitor, and how the animal is shown in the ring. Gilbertson mentioned that the kids “put a lot of pressure on themselves.”
One of the most heartwarming moments occurred during the youth competition. Judges took the time to share their knowledge and experience with the young exhibitors, and it wasn’t just the judges. Parents and fellow competitors also offered advice, encouragement, and hands-on help. The sense of community was clear. “If I don’t have someone to show one of my goats, I’ll ask another exhibitor,” said Gilbertson.
Exhibitors came from Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and North Dakota. The youth division featured 59 exhibitors and 159 goats, representing eight different dairy breeds: Alpine, LaMancha, Nubian, Oberhasli, Saanen, Sable, Toggenburg and Nigerian Dwarf. Exhibitors also showed recorded grade, those with mixed or unknown pedigrees, and one unrecorded grade doe.
Seventeen-year-old Alyssa Shisler from Holman, Wis., is the 2024 Wisconsin Dairy Goat Association (WDGA) Youth Representative and 2025 ADGA Youth Representative Alternate. She has been showing goats for seven years, and this is her first year showing at the MDGA with her sister. The sisters took home Grand Champion and Reserve ribbons. Shisler is on her way to becoming a great judge.
Shisler had this advice for newcomers: “Get involved and jump in ring whenever you can. The best experience you’re gonna get is hand-on. Any chance you get, grab it and go with it. Everyone is willing to help, whether it’s the owner, a mentor, or a judge. After my first year, a judge pulled me aside and gave me tips for the next time. You learn so much.”
The ADGA scorecard outlines the specific traits and qualities that judges look for in each goat, and it’s clear these youth exhibitors put in countless hours of preparation, both with their animals and themselves. These kids know their stuff.
Following the youth show, the open class show continued the excitement. There were 105 Open Show exhibitors, and 361 goats registered in the Open Show – 175 Junior Does and 186 Senior Does. Just like the youth division, the open show was both entertaining and educational.
In short, the MDGA Spring Show in Preston was a resounding success for both the community and the exhibitors. Here’s hoping it returns in 2026.
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