My grandson (9th grade) raised a goat this year and entered in the Mercedes Live Stock Show. He is interested in doing it again but I think he needs more skills in what to do. I was told that A&M has this available for kids but I haven't been able to find anything about it. Anyone have some tips on what we might be able to do?

Dr Ramsey in the Animal Science Dept puts on an annual sheep and goat camp(s) in College Station during the summer. I don't know how to post links, but if you google "Aggieland Sheep and Goat Camps" you can find more information. I've personally never attended the camp, but have heard that it's a great learning experience for the participants.

I'd also add to ask your local extension agent or FFA Advisor about prospect shows and enter several of them. Prospect shows are a good way to practice showmanship skills and watch and learn from other exhibitors as well as to gauge the progress of your project.

If anyone in the Valley knows, it would likely be EFE. Or he could find out.

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Dr Ramsey in the Animal Science Dept puts on an annual sheep and goat camp(s) in College Station during the summer. I don't know how to post links, but if you google "Aggieland Sheep and Goat Camps" you can find more information. I've personally never attended the camp, but have heard that it's a great learning experience for the participants.

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Wow! That is exactly what I needed. My grandson has become a completely different kid since he got into raising the goat and taking AG at school at McHi. He has become trustworthy and responsible which is unusualy for 9th graders ( I speak from experience after being a principal for 9th graders for years!) He has also made some pretty good friends. Adults that are involved have been extremely helpful. One lady at the stock show introduced herself (out of the blue) gave him her card and offered to help anytime ...just call.

Thanks again for the info.

Oldvalleyrat, '66

Encourage your grandson (if he hasn't been already) to participate in some Career Development Events or CDEs this fall. Some of the best lessons learned in FFA can be found outside the show ring. I've always encouraged my kids (my own kids, I'm not an Ag teacher) to compete as often as possible in speaking contests and FFA offers lots of opportunities there too. All of these contests are coming up this spring.

Thanks. I will do that. He has had a hard time in figuring out what he likes and who he is. FFA has really hit the spot. He has made all kinds of new friends, he loves his teacher, and is making the best grades that I can remember. He already has figured out that there are scholarships available for various areas in FFA and he has his head on straight.

Now I gotta figure out about this girl he met at the baseball game tonight. :-)

OVR - I don't know what you found out on the camp at A&M. I just saw on FB that the TJLA, Texas Junior Livestock Assn., is having their camp in May. It's in College Station.

TJLA is a private run deal, it's the sanctioning body for most prospect shows and keeps track of points and awards and stuff like that. It is not part of Texas A&M but I remembered this thread when I saw the update and figured I'd share if you were still looking for something like this.

TJLA Camp