Page 43 - Summer 2021

From left, Amber, Brooke and Taylor show off their many awards. They usually compete in eight or nine shows per year, including the October Georgia National Fair Livestock Show.
Although Sandy originally balked at the cost of show cows, raising goats has not been an inexpensive undertaking. “A show goat can run upward of $3,000 with an average price for a decent show goat of $600 to $1,500,” said Tom. The DuMay’s goats are boer goats, which were originally bred in the 1900s in South Africa. They have birthed more than 25 goats on their property. The family helps fund their hobby by selling some of their goats at the end of the season. There is a huge demand since goat meat is the No. 1 meat in the world. However, the DuMays cannot bring themselves to eat the meat.
Each goat has its own personality and leaves a lasting impression. Brooke’s favorite goat is Fancy Pants, named for the brown fur covers on her backend to make it look like she is wearing pants.
Then there is Tony, who was shown at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Kentucky and earned them a fifth place ribbon.
Amber has many favorites, including Ruby, who never won top of her class but she won Amber’s heart. Taylor’s favorite, Honey, was a bottle baby whose mother rejected her. “She was a really sweet goat who always wanted me to pet her,” Taylor recalled.
The DuMay triplets’ interest in agricultural science extends beyond the goat pen and show ring. Brooke is looking forward to serving as FFA vice president at NOHS in the fall, and Taylor will serve as secretary. They also participate on the livestock judging team. Taylor and Brooke placed second in the nation at the AgriScience competition with their work on testing coolant sprays for clippers.
After five years of 5 a.m. feeding and daily responsibilities, the DuMays don’t regret a single day of their breeding and showing record.
“I wish we’d started sooner,” said Sandy.
Oconee Memorial Park
2370 Highway 53, Watkinsville, GA 30677 706-543-1076
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Oconee Memorial Park
SUMMER 2021 | OcONEE ThE MAgAzINE | PAgE 41