Nebraska Hosts National Dairy Goat Show for the First Time
Sourse: dairynews.today
Fonner Park hosts the 2025 American Dairy Goat Association National Show, showcasing the best of dairy goats and their breeders.
Fonner Park in Grand Island, Nebraska, is currently hosting a unique gathering: the 2025 American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA) National Show. This event marks the 79th national show for the ADGA and its first-time appearance in Nebraska since the organization's inception in 1904.
With over 541 exhibitors and 3,314 goats entered—spanning various breeds—the show highlights both the quality and progress of dairy goat breeding in the United States. Karen Smith, Chair and First Vice President of the ADGA, emphasized the association's significant role in the industry: "We are the most trusted registry," she noted, elaborating on their mission to document and preserve animal pedigrees. The ADGA also offers programs for milk testing and linear appraisal—a process which compares goats to a theoretical perfect standard.
The atmosphere at the event is as much about community as it is about competition. Exhibitors like Montana Faehg and Aleigha Walden value the teamwork and responsibility learned from being part of the ADGA. Meanwhile, youth representative Belle Duong highlighted the comradery among participants, drawing from her personal experience of transitioning from a city to a farm life. She started working with dairy goats at age 12, driven by family food allergies. Jennifer Bice, of Redwood Hill Farm and Creamery, fondly recalls her childhood connections with goats: "The goats’ personality is so sweet and endearing... as a child it was like another pet," she shared.
The National Show is a pivotal event for breeders, offering a comprehensive showcase of the best in the field—the crème de la crème. The week-long event, which is set to conclude on July 18th, is more than just a competition; it mirrors a vibrant community that celebrates dairy goats and the spirit of those who raise them. The ADGA's next major event will be a National Convention in Massachusetts this fall.
With over 541 exhibitors and 3,314 goats entered—spanning various breeds—the show highlights both the quality and progress of dairy goat breeding in the United States. Karen Smith, Chair and First Vice President of the ADGA, emphasized the association's significant role in the industry: "We are the most trusted registry," she noted, elaborating on their mission to document and preserve animal pedigrees. The ADGA also offers programs for milk testing and linear appraisal—a process which compares goats to a theoretical perfect standard.
The atmosphere at the event is as much about community as it is about competition. Exhibitors like Montana Faehg and Aleigha Walden value the teamwork and responsibility learned from being part of the ADGA. Meanwhile, youth representative Belle Duong highlighted the comradery among participants, drawing from her personal experience of transitioning from a city to a farm life. She started working with dairy goats at age 12, driven by family food allergies. Jennifer Bice, of Redwood Hill Farm and Creamery, fondly recalls her childhood connections with goats: "The goats’ personality is so sweet and endearing... as a child it was like another pet," she shared.
The National Show is a pivotal event for breeders, offering a comprehensive showcase of the best in the field—the crème de la crème. The week-long event, which is set to conclude on July 18th, is more than just a competition; it mirrors a vibrant community that celebrates dairy goats and the spirit of those who raise them. The ADGA's next major event will be a National Convention in Massachusetts this fall.
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