5700 Westfall Rd,
Lancaster, Ohio 43130

News

Raising Champions: A Day in the Life at Ellinger Boer Goats

day in the life at judd ellinger goat farm

There’s something special about waking up every morning to the familiar sounds of the farm, the crisp Ohio air filling your lungs, and the knowledge that today, like every other day, is another chance to raise champions. Here at Ellinger Boer Goats (EBG), we’re not just raising goats; we’re building relationships, passing down knowledge, and sharing our passion for excellence with the next generation of showmen. Every day is an opportunity to work together as a family, with our animals, and with the incredible young people and breeders who trust us to help them succeed.

So, what does a day on the EBG farm look like? Let’s give you a behind-the-scenes look at how we care for our herd and how we prepare our “show kids” for greatness—both the four-legged and two-legged kind!

Morning: Feeding the Herd and Starting the Day

The day at Ellinger Boer Goats starts bright and early, just as the sun begins to peek over the horizon. Our first task? Feeding our beloved herd. We believe that every champion starts with proper care, and nutrition is the foundation of everything we do. Our goats are fed high-quality grain and fresh hay, along with free-choice minerals that ensure they get the nutrients they need to thrive.

As we make our way through the herd, checking on each goat and making sure everyone’s happy and healthy, we’re reminded of just how much we value these animals. Each goat has its own personality, and you get to know them like members of the family. From the older, seasoned does to the youngest kids just learning to romp around the pasture, every goat is an important part of the EBG legacy.

After the feeding, we move on to our daily care routine—hoof trimming, health checks, and keeping an eye on any expectant mothers in our herd. These little acts of care are what keep our goats healthy, strong, and ready to compete.

tinley ellinger and her goats

Mid-Morning: Showmanship Training with Our Show Kids

One of our favorite parts of the day is working with our “show kids.” No, we’re not just talking about the goats—though they get plenty of attention too! We’re talking about the incredible young showmen who come to EBG to learn the art of goat showmanship. These kids are the heart and soul of what we do, and we take great pride in helping them build their skills and confidence.

When our show kids arrive, the training sessions begin. We start with the basics—walking alongside the goats, practicing halter control, and getting comfortable with setting up their animals for show. There’s always a mix of laughter and learning as the kids get used to the subtle art of guiding a goat’s head just right or squaring up their legs for the perfect stance.

Our family is hands-on in every aspect of this training. We’ve been doing this for generations, so sharing our knowledge with the next generation feels like second nature. It’s not just about showing goats—it’s about building confidence, learning responsibility, and creating lasting memories. We treat each show kid like family, and we’re proud to see them grow, not just as competitors, but as individuals.

show training class at ellinger boer goats farm

Afternoon: A Family Affair

Running a farm like EBG is truly a family affair. Whether it’s my lovely wife, our daughter, or my parents, everyone has a role to play in maintaining our high standards. As we move through the day, the conversations are lively, filled with talk of upcoming shows, new breeding plans, and, of course, the goats themselves. It’s a labor of love, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

The relationships we’ve built with fellow breeders and families in the show community are just as important as the care we give our goats. Over the years, we’ve forged bonds with breeders across the country, many of whom share our commitment to excellence and high-quality animals. There’s a sense of camaraderie in this industry that goes beyond competition. We’re all striving to raise the best Boer goats we can, and that common goal keeps us connected.

Evening: Reflecting on the Day and Preparing for Tomorrow

As the day winds down and the goats settle into their pens, we take a moment to reflect on the day’s work. Maybe we’ve spent the afternoon training for an upcoming show, or maybe we’ve been busy with new breeding plans—every day is different, but every day is rewarding. The work doesn’t end when the sun goes down, but there’s always a sense of satisfaction knowing that we’ve put our hearts into every task.

Before the night falls, we gather as a family to check on the goats one last time. We’re careful to provide them with fresh water, a clean environment, and a little extra attention before heading back inside. It’s these small moments—the quiet ones at the end of the day—that remind us why we do what we do.

ellingers with their goats

The Heart of EBG: Raising More Than Just Goats

At Ellinger Boer Goats, we’re not just raising champions in the show ring. We’re raising future leaders, building relationships, and contributing to a community of people who share our passion. Our show kids aren’t just here to learn about goats—they’re here to learn about dedication, hard work, and the pride that comes with doing something well.

The farm is more than a business; it’s a way of life. It’s about early mornings and long days, but it’s also about those moments when you see a young showman’s face light up as they master a new skill, or when you watch a goat you’ve raised since birth walk proudly into the show ring.

We’re grateful every day for the trust that families, breeders, and fellow farmers place in us. At EBG, we’re not just raising goats—we’re raising champions, building a legacy, and strengthening the bonds that make this way of life so meaningful. 🤠

Recent Posts
Categories