2003 MDGA Youth Rep Malorie Rhoderick

Goats, Goats, and Goats Galore!
2003 Youth Rep Malorie Rhoderick

Hi, I'm Malorie Rhoderick and around my farm there are more and more goats! My dad built new calf pens and did you know that now it houses goats? I told you there are goats galore! Ever since I was five, I have been milking goats. I got started in goats when my little brother was born with allergies to cows and their milk. My family makes their living as dairy farmers and my little brother could not even go near my dad even if he had his coveralls on with cow hair on them with out breaking out in hives. We then purchased two registered alpine two year old does. I got up every morning and every evening I helped my mom to milk them and then strain it for our use. For the next four years we only had goats milk in the house. We made ice cream, butter, cheese and yogurt out of it. When my family would go to pot-luck picnics we would take casseroles made out of goat's milk. The one alpine was solid black and her name was "Chop Chop". The other alpine, "Lollipop" was considered my brother's even though she was registered in my name.

I joined 4-H when I was eight years old. I never knew of the accomplishments I would achieve in 4-H and the things I would learn and people I would meet through GOATS! In September of 1996 was my first time showing at the Great Frederick Fair. I could not wait for show day! My best friend was at the fair with me that day. Filled with excitement my friend and I decided to walk Chop Chop and her daughter Daffodil around. Meanwhile, Lollipop got lonely and tried jumping out. She then got her leg caught in the gate. When I turned around I saw a goat dangling from the top of the gate with her leg over the top and stuck. Thankfully, many adults came running over and helped me get her out. She limped all day and we thought it was broken, but the vet never came to check her. Lollipop seemed to be walking fine on her leg later for the show. She went on to win Best Doe in Show that day. About one and a half years ago, Chop Chop got sick and it was hard saying good bye to her when she died. Lollipop and her were both eight years old and it was really hard when I made the management decision to sell her before something happened to her. I do have many offspring from these two does.

I have since began attending many open shows and have been meeting new people. This is one of the most important things to me, talking to other goat people. Now that I know the traits to look for in a doe, I have been able to breed for better genetics. This year I even competed in Goat Judging at the State Fair. It was funny after doing dairy judging for seven years; I gave my goat reasons the same way I would have if it were cows and I bombed them. I learned a lot and realized how much easier goat reasons are to give and the difference. I've gained a lot of knowledge and experience with goats and now have a better understanding of them. I've not only grown in my experience just to benefit myself, but I have also grown in my interaction with others.

This will be the second year of being president of my county 4-H goat club. I have had the opportunity to help widen other's knowledge and worked with the kids to give them the most out of the club.

In addition to this, I also helped at the Frederick Co. Goat Workshop. I demonstrated and talked about clipping, the proper dress for showmanship, showing techniques and moves as well as going over the scorecard with the 4-Hers as well. I was so proud when one of the first time juniors I taught, won his fitting and showing class, because of what he learned from me. This displayed that my big mouth really can be put to the right use to make a difference.. I have gotten many kids to join 4-H, which do either dairy goats or market goats as a project

I have experienced many situations with my goats such as milk fever, when I was six, to now when I've had kids being born twisted in the uterus about three times around and trying a good bit of AI. I started out with those two goats and have increased to as much as thirty. All of the goats are mine and my brothers' sole responsibility.

After only having American and Purebred Alpines, I have expanded my horizon, now owning Nubians and Recorded Grades as well.

This winter was my family's first time for having a market wether goat butchered for us. He dressed at forty-two pounds and so far, the roast and sausage has been absolutely delicious! I would recommend the milk and the meat to any one.

Oh would you look at the time! I must go now because there are Goats, Goats, and Goats Galore outside my window that are very hungry and need to be tended to!

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