Naomi and Garrett Brist won grand champion and third place, respectively, in the junior division of the goat show at the Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo Thursday, Aug. 14. (kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
August 14, 2025
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Showtime at the ring: Years of hard work by siblings on display at Northwest Montana Fair
It’s a pivotal moment for youth in 4-H and FFA when they enter the ring at the Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo to show the livestock they’ve spent months, and in some cases years, raising and training. They all enter as contenders and hope to exit as champions.
No kidding around: Youth leap into competition at Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo
But just being cute doesn’t cut it — judge Karly Hanson said she’s looking for knowledgeable competitors with confidence when watching youth in the showmanship ring. Dairy goats and meat goats have different criteria for judging, and competitors need to know how to properly show off each animal.