Stithians Show, Stithians, Truro, Cornwall, UK. Goat Section

Sharon Pollock the section secretary says:

"The Goat Section at Stithians Show has been running for over 40yrs, recognised by the British Goat Society since 1969, making it the most southerly recognised show in the UK.

At its peak in the early 80's, over 300 Dairy Goats were entered. Since 2003, there have been classes for Pygmy Goats, proving extremely popular with the public.

I became involved when I exhibited my own goats in 2003, taking on the Section Secretary's role a year later when Mrs Hadwin retired. It's a great honour to be involved, I had visited the show for as long as I could remember, making a bee line straight for the goat tents, never once imagining I would be an exhibitor (it all seemed so glamorous), let alone organising it all! There is an incredible amount of work involved, starting 18 months before show, when Judges are booked.

As we are a recognised BGS Show, a milking trial is held for the Dairy Goats. In simple terms this means all the milking goats entered have to be on the showground the day before the show, and are milked twice in 24hrs under supervision (morning & evening of show day), weights of milk are officially recorded and samples taken. These are then sent away for analysis (butterfats & proteins), and awards can be given based on the results of the milking trial and the inspection classes on show day.

There are strict rules and regulations to ensure fairness, and my ability to organise the section is being studied, as well as the goats by the visiting Judge! Thankfully the Pygmy Goats are a little simpler, just being judged on the day, by their own specialist Judge.

There is much paperwork involved before, after & during the show, meetings to attend, organising stewards (which I could not run the show without), and just generally trying to not to forget anything or anyone (I usually manage at least one thing!)"

Goat Section


Sharon Pollock the section secretary says: "The Goat Section at Stithians Show has been running for over 40yrs, recognised by the British Goat Society since 1969, making it the most southerly recognised show in the UK. At its peak in the early 80's, over 300 Dairy Goats were entered. Since 2003, there have been classes for Pygmy Goats, proving extremely popular with the public. I became involved when I exhibited my own goats in 2003, taking on the Section Secretary's role a year later when Mrs Hadwin retired. It's a great honour to be involved, I had visited the show for as long as I could remember, making a bee line straight for the goat tents, never once imagining I would be an exhibitor (it all seemed so glamorous), let alone organising it all! There is an incredible amount of work involved, starting 18 months before show, when Judges are booked. As we are a recognised BGS Show, a milking trial is held for the Dairy Goats. In simple terms this means all the milking goats entered have to be on the showground the day before the show, and are milked twice in 24hrs under supervision (morning & evening of show day), weights of milk are officially recorded and samples taken. These are then sent away for analysis (butterfats & proteins), and awards can be given based on the results of the milking trial and the inspection classes on show day. There are strict rules and regulations to ensure fairness, and my ability to organise the section is being studied, as well as the goats by the visiting Judge! Thankfully the Pygmy Goats are a little simpler, just being judged on the day, by their own specialist Judge. There is much paperwork involved before, after & during the show, meetings to attend, organising stewards (which I could not run the show without), and just generally trying to not to forget anything or anyone (I usually manage at least one thing!)"