Walking through the barns at the Black Hills Stock Show, it becomes clear pretty quickly that youth livestock shows are about more than ribbons. Routine matters here. Responsibility does too. The level of commitment on display often surprises people seeing it up close for the first time.
For many exhibitors, that commitment starts early and grows year by year. Calli Berwald is one of them. At 18 years old, she’s competing in this year’s Youth Goat Show with the kind of calm confidence that comes from repetition and experience.
Showing goats wasn’t something Berwald picked up later in life. It’s been part of her world for as long as she can remember.
“I’ve been showing for my whole life,” Berwald said. “Pretty serious for about ten years.”
How It All Started
Berwald’s introduction to goats came from a family need rather than a competitive goal. When her younger brother struggled with allergies to formula and other types of milk, her family turned to goats because the milk was easier for him to digest. That practical decision ended up shaping much more than anyone expected.
“My mom got us a bottle goat one time, a Boer goat,” Berwald said. “Since then, I’ve just been absolutely hooked on Boer goats.”
Over time, that early experience turned into a long-term commitment. Years of daily care, learning animal behavior, and understanding what makes a strong show animal followed. Long before show day arrives, the relationship between exhibitor and animal is already built.
The Work Behind the Show Ring
Spectators often see only a few minutes of competition, but the work starts months in advance. According to Berwald, most of the goats she brought to the Stock Show have been part of her routine for nearly a year.
“There’s a lot of preparation,” she said. “Most of these goats I’ve had for about a year now. I’ve been working with them for a long time.”
Daily care is consistent and detailed. Feed is weighed out carefully. Goats are rinsed regularly. Time is spent managing hair and overall presentation. Conditioning is another major part of the process.
“They go on the treadmill,” Berwald said. “They’re getting ran, building muscle.”
Because these are meat goats, muscle development is a key factor when judges evaluate animals in the ring.
“They’re looking for good structure,” she said. “They’re looking for good lines, joints that work, and some muscle because these are meat goats.”
What Judges Look For
Anyone familiar with cattle shows will recognize the similarities. Structure, balance, and muscle translate across species, something Berwald acknowledged during the conversation.
“It’s just like a little cow,” she said.
Learning how to evaluate those traits takes time. Youth livestock shows help exhibitors build that understanding while also developing the confidence to talk about their animals and the work behind them.
Advice for New Exhibitors
When the conversation turned to advice for newcomers, Berwald focused on learning from the right people.
“I would really encourage them to reach out to breeders and people who have a good reputation,” she said. “Ask a lot of questions.”
That approach reflects the broader goals of youth agriculture programs. Showing livestock is about learning, relationship-building, and becoming part of a community that supports growth inside and outside the ring.
Experiencing the Stock Show
Although the Youth Goat Show brought Berwald to Rapid City, the Black Hills Stock Show itself stood out during her first visit.
“It’s my first time here,” she said. “I really like to walk around and see the livestock and the trade show and all that.”
From the barns to the trade show floor, the Stock Show offers a mix of competition and exploration. For first-time visitors and returning exhibitors alike, it’s a chance to see agriculture from multiple angles.
As Berwald prepared to head back to the ring, her focus returned to the goats she’s spent the past year working with. Win or lose, the consistency, care, and daily effort are already shaping skills that extend far beyond a single show.
