Sheep and Goat club makes learning fun at festival

The New River Valley Sheep and Goat Club recently hosted its annual Greatest of All Time Sheep and Goat Festival, providing an opportunity for visitors to learn about agriculture and livestock farming in a fun and interactive way. With activities ranging from a straw-bale maze to pumpkin painting, the festival drew a crowd of approximately 2,500 people to the picturesque hillside above Draper, Virginia.

As the president of the New River Valley Sheep and Goat Club, Jennifer McClellan oversees an organization that boasts 200 member farms spread across three states. The festival, which was open to the public free of charge, aimed to educate people about the importance of agriculture and the processes involved in raising livestock.

One of the main highlights of the festival was the livestock barn, where various owners showcased their animals and engaged in conversations with visitors. Families, both young and old, had the opportunity to learn about different breeds of sheep and goats, and even had the chance to pet the animals.

Additionally, there were several demonstrations and exhibits on offer to further enhance the educational experience. David Hood from Floyd, Virginia, demonstrated the art of sheep shearing, captivating the attention of the audience with his expertise. Visitors were not only able to witness the shearing process but also gain insight into additional aspects of sheep farming, such as wool marketing.

Another interesting exhibit was provided by Lisa Corcoran of Laughing Stock Farm in Draper. In her display, Corcoran took visitors inside the animals to educate them about a fundamental feature of polygastric animals. She explained that sheep and goats have a stomach with multiple compartments, making them classified as ruminants. Corcoran emphasized the astonishing ability of these animals to consume tough fibrous plants like grass, hay, and leaves that humans cannot digest, and transform them into meat, milk, and wool/fiber.

The festival owes much of its success to the dedicated volunteers who supported its organization and operation. McClellan expressed her gratitude to these individuals, recognizing that their efforts were crucial to making the event possible. She further stated that the success of the festival aligned with the club’s mission to support and promote the sheep and goat agribusiness in the region, and to educate and raise awareness about these breeds among both club members and the general public.

The festival not only served as a platform to educate and entertain, but also showcased the vital role that sheep and goat farming plays in the local economy. Through educating the public about the processes involved in raising livestock and the importance of agriculture, the New River Valley Sheep and Goat Club hopes to foster a greater appreciation for livestock farming and its contributions to society.

Additionally, the festival provided an opportunity for local farmers to connect and network with one another, sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices. By creating a sense of community within the agriculture industry, the club hopes to strengthen the industry as a whole and ensure its sustainability for future generations.

The Greatest of All Time Sheep and Goat Festival serves as a testament to the dedication and passion of the New River Valley Sheep and Goat Club, its members, and the agricultural community at large. By organizing such events, they not only promote the agricultural industry but also create an enjoyable and educational experience for visitors of all ages.