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Orange County 4-H offers ‘Borrow A Goat’ program for young people

| 26 Mar 2012 | 05:52
    Garrett Boelens and Bryan Vil show their "Borrow a Goats."
    Garrett Boelens and Bryan Vil show their "Borrow a Goats."
    Garrett Boelens enjoys a cuddly goat kids which is part of þÄúBorrow A Goat" program sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County.
    Garrett Boelens enjoys a cuddly goat kids which is part of þÄúBorrow A Goat" program sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County.

MIDDLETOWN — Orange County 4-H is accepting registration for its five-week “Borrow A Goat” program, which is designed to give youth a glimpse into the “joys and wonders” of goat ownership.

“Goat owners tend to be very enthusiastic about their animals,” Audrey Reith, the equine/livestock educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County, said in a press release announcing the program. “This definitely has a lot to do with the goat’s personality, as they are among the most curious, friendly and entertaining creatures on four feet!”

Recently goats have rivaled calves as the subject of 4-H livestock projects because of their affectionate natures and diversity of breeds.

“This year we’re making a special effort to let people who don’t live in rural areas, or don’t own a goat know about our successful “Borrow A Goat” program,” said Reith.

The program is also known as B.A.G.

“Over the course of the five-week B.A.G. program,” Reith added, “participants will receive both classroom and on-farm education and experience – and will come away with a real understanding of the animal, as well as what I call the ‘joys and wonders’ of goat ownership.”

Essential information Borrow A Goat is open to youth 5 to 19 years of age who wish to explore goat ownership and the potential opportunities for participating in a 4-H goat project.

Topics will include health, housing, goat care basics, breeds of goats and goat terminology.

Guest speakers will include: Cornell Cooperative Extension Livestock Educator, Audrey Reith, Doni DeVincent of Liberty Ladies Farm, 4-H Program Volunteer, Joan Vigilante, Kirby Farm owners, Fred and Patty Kirby, and Teresa Boelens of Maple Hill Farm.

The first in the bi-weekly series of programs will begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 15, at Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County, located at 18 Seward Ave., Middletown.

The cost for the program series is $20 for 4-H members and $27 for non-4-H youth.

Each participant will receive a project folder with handouts and worksheets, and have the opportunity to make and take home goat related crafts.

To pre-register, please contact Cornell Cooperative Extension at 845-344-1234.