Oklahoma State University livestock judging team member Lexi Koelling knows what made her goat stand out at the 2024 Missouri State Fair.

“His look and balance definitely set him apart,” she explains. “You couldn’t really paint one better from the side. And he was so sound whenever you set him in motion.”

But the Bowling Green, Mo., lifelong livestock enthusiast says the goat, named Sprinkle, also had an amazing temperament. “He loved being around people and was a really buddy to me in the barn,” she says.

The two combined for an unforgettable moment at this year’s Missouri State Fair as Koelling showed Sprinkle into the top spot, earning champion market goat honors and securing a place in the Sale of Champions.

Boost for youth livestock exhibitors

Selling for $30,500, Koelling’s goat was part of the more than $350,000 raised during the sale for youth involved in agriculture. The University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources; Mizzou Animal Science; Mizzou Meat Market; Youth in Agriculture; and hometown supporters purchased the prize-winning animal.

The process of preparing for the sale involved reaching out to local businesses for support — an endeavor that Koelling, known for her independence, found challenging.

“I hate asking people for things,” she says. “But it was very humbling to see the amount of people that were willing to support me. I can’t thank them enough.”

The financial rewards from selling the champion goat will support her education. The money will go toward schooling at Oklahoma State University, where she is studying animal science business and competing on the livestock judging team.

This year’s achievement is particularly special for Koelling as it represents a significant milestone in her livestock competitive journey.

Search for right show goat

Raised around cattle, Koelling first started showing market goats in 2021.

“They are like mini cows,” she notes, “but a different challenge in the barn when it comes to learning and understanding their nutrition and health needs.”

Koelling adds that the goats’ distinctive personalities and the different skills required to care for them have brought an extra layer of enjoyment to her agricultural pursuits.

As a competitor in the show ring, Koelling set a high bar for this new species, which she says starts with choosing the right goat.

Last spring, she visited Bounds Show Goats of Good Hope, Ill., and found Sprinkle. “It was amazing to walk through the goats with Cooper [Bounds], comparing notes and learning from his expertise,” she says.

Raising a champion has been Koelling’s quest for four years. “It was a very awesome moment,” she adds, “one I will not take for granted.”

For more on all of the Missouri State Fair champion and reserve champion market animals, click through the photo gallery.