Page 42 - Summer 2021

The DuMays compete in county shows beginning in June that culminate with the October Georgia National Fair Livestock Show in Perry. Their schedule includes about eight or nine shows per year.
Getting ready for a show is a production in itself. They have cared for their goats and worked on the things the judges will be scoring, such as muscle mass, stoutness and balance. Three days before each show, they give the goats a clip to make them look their best. On the day of a show, the DuMays load up before dawn. Once they arrive at the ring, their goats are weighed. The girls tidy up their goats with whitening shampoo to make their coats shine.
They only have 15 to 20 minutes in the ring to show off their months of hard work. “Every judge looks for something different,” said Amber. Taylor explained that there are two categories: showmanship and market.
“Showmanship is the way you present and market is how the animal presents,” she said. The DuMays usually walk away with several ribbons. In fact, they have each amassed dozens of awards over the past five years.
PAgE 40 | OcONEE ThE MAgAzINE | SUMMER 2021
Top to bottom:
Brooke, who will be starting her junior year at North Oconee High School this fall, is an expert in goat breeding and showing.
Amber usually starts her day around 5 a.m. to feed her goats.
Taylor said boer goats were originally bred in the 1900s in South Africa.