Northland Siblings Win 4-H Dairy Goat Championships

Two siblings from Minnesota’s Northland received top honours in the 2026 4-H dairy goat show at the Minnesota State Fair. Asher Acosta won the Alpine Junior Doe championship, and his sister, Lilianna Acosta, took the Sable Senior Doe title.

Asher has taken part in 4-H for nearly eight years. He said preparation for the fair continues throughout the year, beginning with keeping the animal in good condition. Maintaining the goat’s weight during winter is part of that work, he said, because an unhealthy animal cannot win.

Grooming is another element of preparing for the competition. Asher said exhibitors must look after a goat’s hair and hooves, with excessive hoof growth considered unsuitable in the show ring. He also said the goat is shaved before the fair.

Lilianna has participated in 4-H for six years. She said the Minnesota State Fair championship was the most significant competition she had won. Caring for her goat includes milking it every morning.

Lilianna’s winning goat, Gigi, was featured during a live studio interview with Northern News Now morning reporter Selah Jacoway. Lilianna described Gigi as affectionate, energetic and fond of people. She said the goat follows people around and likes eating leaves.

4-H is a youth-development programme providing hands-on opportunities to learn leadership, citizenship and life skills. It is administered through the Cooperative Extension System of the US Department of Agriculture and public land-grant universities, and serves young people aged five to 18 across the country.

Through livestock competitions, participants learn about animal care, responsibility and the production of quality agricultural products. The Acostas’ titles followed years of participation and preparation at one of Minnesota’s major agricultural events.