Entry Information​

• Exhibitors must be currently enrolled Rhode Island 4-H members or otherwise eligible participants under RI 4-H.

• Entry fee: $1.00 per entry. Entry fees must be paid at the time of entry.

• Entry deadline: Online entries are due no later than July 1.

• Enter Here!

• Submit your entry fee here (Venmo)

Rules & Regulations​

• All animals shown at fairs, shows, or exhibitions must be in proper physical condition and are subject to examination by federal or state animal-health officials before unloading and during exhibition for visible signs of infectious or contagious disease or any other condition that would make the animal unfit for exhibition. Animals showing signs of illness may be refused entry. Official Rhode Island regulations take precedence in the event of any conflict.

Identification & Health Requirements

• All goats must be officially identified in accordance with USDA scrapie requirements and current Rhode Island sheep and goat identification rules. Official identification is required for all animals imported for fair, show, or exhibition, and before movement off a premises, movement into or out of Rhode Island, commingling, or a change in ownership.

• Out-of-state dairy goats must comply with all Rhode Island DEM import and exhibition requirements. Imported goats must be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection unless a specific fair or show exemption applies through event management. Goats affected with scrapie, or linked to a quarantined scrapie herd, may not be imported into Rhode Island.

Ownership / Management Deadline

• The ownership or management deadline for dairy goats is June 1 for animals over 6 months of age and July 1 for kids 0–6 months.

Show Requirements

• Required show clothing is white or khaki pants, a white shirt, and a brown or black belt. Shoes are required. No horned animals are allowed.

• Bucks and wethers 8 weeks of age and under may attend with their mothers but may not be shown and must be safely secured in the pen at all times. No other bucks are allowed.

Registration & Class Information

• For registered breed classes, the original certificate of registration is required for animals 6 months of age or older. A stamped copy is acceptable for animals under 6 months of age. There is also a class for unrecorded animals. All animals, whether registered or unregistered, must have permanent identification unique to that individual animal. If the animal is not under the exhibitor’s name, management papers are required. Farm-registered animals must still be managed by the 4-H member even if owned by a family member.

• Breeds with more than five animals present will have their own type classes. All others will be shown in All Other Breeds. Champion class requirements are at the discretion of the judge and superintendent.

Herdsmanship

Herdsmanship is based on the cleanliness of the animal, exhibit area, equipment, and supplies, as well as the cooperation and attitude of the member. Additional awards may be given for herdsmanship or a knowledge test.

Important Note
Department-specific NRI 4-H Fair requirements, deadlines, check-in details, and updates posted on this page are supplemental to official 4-H requirements.

Dairy Goat Classes​

Does

0–4 Month

4–6 Month

6–12 Month

12–24 Month

Junior Champion and Reserve

Milkers

Under 2 Years

2–3 Years

3–5 Years

Over 5 Years

Champion and Reserve

Additional Goat Classes

Dry Senior Does – Have freshened once

Wether

Pet – Does that have never freshened and are over 2 years old

Showmanship

• Showmanship is required for 4-H members entered in a dairy goat show. Age divisions are based on exhibitor age as of January 1. A novice class may also be offered for first-year exhibitors, and the superintendent may split or add classes when appropriate.

• For NRI, showmanship divisions are Cloverbud (ages 5–7), Junior (ages 8–11), Intermediate (ages 12–14), and Senior (ages 15–18).

Notes​​

Additional reminders, check-in notes, and department updates will be posted here.​​​​​

Questions?

If you are unsure which class to enter:

• Ask your club leader

• Ask a parent/guardian to review this page with you.

• Contact your superintendent before the deadline.