LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Goats are known to be curious, social and sometimes a little stubborn, but it takes experience to help bring out their best qualities and be a champion.
For about seven years, Kellen Wireman has been showing Nigerian Dwarf Goats at the Allen County Fair. This year, he brought around 15 goats from his herd for himself, family and friends to compete with, each with a unique personality.
“Each one has different personality. Some of them like to be crazy, so you have to give them animal crackers and stuff to calm them down. And the other ones, they just go with the flow,” Wireman said.
The type of class they compete in helps decide which goats make the cut.
This year, Wireman brought around 15 goats from his herd for himself, family and friends to compete with, each with a unique personality.
“We don't have ours, like, planned out and stuff, but sometimes it can switch last minute, just based off like how they're feeling and like if they start looking better than the other ones and stuff,” Wireman added. “I have a showmanship goat. She walks real good, like she follows me along, go straight into her stance. And then we also have Dam and Daughter. So, the mother goes down to the daughter, and you try to work and improve the daughter. So for that one, try to look at the daughter and see which one improves the most from the mother.”
Wireman also offered advice to friends and family who show goats at the fair.
“I tell them, literally, just don't think about it. Just act like you're showing at home. We have our own practice ring at home, and just gotta practice like it's at home. And I just tell them, It's you and the goat and the judge, that's it. Don't think about the other people,” he said.
