Franklin Co. teen wins grand champion at national goat showing competition

She won on the same day she graduated high school!

(LOUISVILLE, KY.) – A Franklin County teen has found a passion for showing goats over the past decade.

Olivia Rosemeyer's hard work over the years recently paid off during the American Boer Goat Association National Junior Show in Louisville. 

The premier livestock show brings together the best showmanship participants from across the country, and Olivia was competing alongside teens from as far away as Oklahoma, Texas and California. 

However, she had to step away from the competition for a short period of time to fulfill a prior obligation. 

She and her family left the show to drive back to Brookville so Olivia could attend her graduation ceremony at Franklin County High School on June 1. 

“We were hoping the graduation ceremony would go quickly so we could get back to Louisville,” her mother, Missy, said. 

The family returned to Louisville just in time for her to achieve a major accomplishment.

Just hours after graduating, Olivia was crowned National Champion in the senior division of Goat Showmanship. 

In addition to winning the top prize, one of her goats also won Reserve Grand Champion Percentage Doe.

“The competition there is on another level and I was honored to share the ring with so many others that share the same passion for the livestock industry as I do,” Rosemeyer said.

Now that she’s graduated from high school, the 10-year 4H member plans to attend Purdue University and major in Animal Science.

“I have not decided on a career yet, but I do still plan on showing during college, though not as frequently,” she said. 

Olivia started showing goats when she was 7-years-old and here are a few photos from over the years:

Know a young person who has an interest in Goat Showmanship? 

Olivia is offering advice to children with two important tips: practice often and don't be afraid to ask questions.

“It's also important to keep in mind that results aren't always immediate, it can take weeks, months, or years to get to the level you want to be on," she said.

"It's easy to get discouraged in the beginning if you don't succeed, but as long as you strive to be better than you were yesterday, better results will follow,” Olivia added.

She also recalled how showmanship has provided her the opportunity to succeed even if she didn't have the best goat at the fair.

"Showmanship is very important to me because it provides the opportunity to showcase your own abilities. It indicates to others how hard you work, how knowledgeable you are with your livestock, and how you and your animal work as a team," she said.