Vardaman senior Alyssa Alford is still a relative newcomer to competing in goat shows, but she has quickly risen to among the best in her class.
Despite only being in her second year of showing, Alford earned the 2014 Senior Meat Goat Princess title at the State Fair.
“I had won first in showmanship at some smaller shows, but to win at state was exciting,” said Alford, the daughter of Eddie and Nancy Alford and the late Melissa Alford. “I know my papaw (Joe Wiggs) would be very proud.”
She became interested in competing at the encouragement of her friend C.J. Weddle and Vardaman FFA teacher Amanda Taylor.
“I wanted to get more involved somehow, but my dad didn’t really want to get into livestock,” Alford said. “LaDonna Williams (C.J.’s mother) really helped me get started.”
Alford now has five goats she cares for every day.
“I have to check on them every morning and night,” Alford said. “If they become sick they can die within 12 hours, so you have to check on them often.”
Alford said she spends hours working with her goats every week.
“I enjoy it. I’ve always had a love for all animals. I even had a baby raccoon I rehabilitated.”
Alford is next scheduled to compete Jan. 10-11 in Verona at the Northeast District Livestock Show, but she will soon be too old to compete anymore.
“I don’t know if I’ll miss the time with the animals or the time I get to spend with my friends more,” Alford said.
In the shows she has left, Alford said her goals are high.
“I’d like to win first in showmanship and have one of my goats earn overall grand champion,” she said.