For new ND owners it can be a bit daunting to take the step into showing your goats. I thought I would ask someone who’s also relatively new to showing goats.

I was lucky enough to catch up with Robb Bliss to find out more about the recent shows held in North Queensland. Thanks for the chat Robb and for the photos. Here’s what he had to say.

1. When did you start showing your goats?

I first took some of my goats to our local 3 day show last year as a promotion for the Nigerian dwarf goats it was a big success. Our local show asked me back this year in July and it was extremely busy.

2. How did you find out about the shows? Or were you instrumental in starting up the show/s?

I contacted the Cairns Show secretary n requested if it was possible to include a Nigerian Dwarf goat section in this year’s show. The inaugural first time ND was launched from this. I took a team of 10 goats with a lot of help from very special friends.

3. How do you choose which goats to take?

As my goats have a 3-stage kidding I chose goats that suited this time of year (winter) n those that I thought that had the best dairy conformation overall.

4. What preparation do you do to get them ready for the show?

Believe it or not we do get winter conditions up here in the Atherton Tablelands even though it’s classed tropical 2 hours inland from Cairns. I never clipped any of my show team just a shampoo for those who had a lot of white after arriving at the Showgrounds the day before judging. I changed their diet a little to help with their winter coats.

5. What do you enjoy about showing?

The greatest thing about showing my goats to me was getting to spend time with Cairns new breeders Katie n Mikey n their family as well as amazing friends Ned n Eleanor who transported my goats for me 400 kms plus.

I had to hire an electric wheelchair for showing so it was a first time for my goats n myself out in the ring combination.

My goats did me proud how they adjusted to people they didn’t know lead them n they managed to get a few ribbons n trophies.

 Seeing the public streaming thru n the reaction when they first see the goats was truly magical, having some babies clowning around really melted hearts n stole the show plus having goats mingling with the public n not wondering off put smiles on so many faces.

One very special moment n there were many was a young man who spotted me holding a baby goat his face lite up n put out his arms n cuddled the baby closely who nibbled around his neck n loved being held n he had tears trickling down his face a lovely down Syndrome man.

 The facilities at the Cairns Showgrounds are just brilliant, having a full kitchen, fans up above the goats, my heavy pregnant does appreciated having them turned on.

The goat society organisers really want us back next year and are prepared to have a Wheelchair toilet and shower close by.

Feedback from the Cairns show organisers

…these little goats were a great hit with the public, especially the children. Having them running around free and to be to pat or cuddle these little goats was amazing to see. I know of people coming back three times to pat these little goats. The children said it was better than the animal nursery. They had charm, cuteness wrapped in one furry bundle and being able to touch them. A great hit for the goat shed. 

Last year we had sunflowers, this year we the Nigerian Dwarf goats.

Thanks for exhibiting.

I hope this inspires you to ‘give it a go’.

Cheers Megan