Raising, showing livestock offers valuable lessons

Young competitors lead their goats out of the show ring Tuesday, following class judging in the 4-H/FFA market goat show at the Jefferson City Jaycees Cole County Fair.
Young competitors lead their goats out of the show ring Tuesday, following class judging in the 4-H/FFA market goat show at the Jefferson City Jaycees Cole County Fair.

Despite oppressive triple-digit temperatures, Cole County contestants and their livestock braved the heat in order to compete in the annual 4-H market goat show Tuesday evening.

Goat show participants, ranging in ages from 9 to 20, led their goats around the arena under the watchful eye of a judge.

Winning goats are those judged most likely to produce the best meat product, according to superintendent Doug Mohler.

Competing in her fifth show, Kelly Rakow, 14, captured a coveted blue ribbon.