Boer goats will be in the ring at next month’s Townsville show for the first time in a number of years.
Townsville Show patrons are used to seeing a goat breed display but this year there will be a competitive aspect.
There has always been a place for them in the region for weed control, but organiser, Sarah Green, said very positive goat meat prices had brought about increased demand for sires for commercial flocks.
“As a result an application by Boer Goat Australia and The Townsville and District Goat Club was put forward to the Townsville Show Society to bring a goat competition back to the show, which was approved,” she said.
It means that the Townsville Show will be the third in north Queensland with a competitive goat section, the other two being Cairns and Charters Towers.
Backing up the interest being shown is the presence of southern NSW judge, Marlene Andrew, from the Carrington View Boer Goat stud.
Apart from giving feedback on the stock on site as a level three judge, Sarah said Marlene would be a great source of information for any breeder.
The judging will be split between stud and commercial classes, and is open to all types and ages of goats, with the only exception being commercial bucks.
There will also be junior and senior handler classes to accommodate people with one or two pet goats.
Sarah expects around 30 head to take part in the first year of the reborn competition, which she said was a good response for only a couple of months of planning.
“I feel that some breeders will be coming for a look this year, but not necessarily entering.
“We’ve had an amazing response from local businesses supporting the event, and the section has the potential to grow over coming years.
“Along with more commercial farms setting up, studs are making a comeback, with more registering every quarter with Boer Goat Australia.
“With more time next year, I hope we can entice southern breeders to make the journey north.”
Judging will take place on the show holiday on Monday, July 3.
Further details are available on the section’s Facebook page.
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
