Seizing Opportunities

Elyssa Jolley from the McLouth FFA Chapter has been working to enhance her SAE during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her SAE consists of developing a goat herd and all the behind-the-scenes work that contributes to it. 

“Developing my SAE has had its ups and downs, from some of my nannies having successful offspring in shows to death in my herd.” says Jolley.

Jolley plays many roles in her SAE. From selecting the proper buck to breed to her nannies to making sure they have adequate living areas, Jolley is constantly looking at ways she can improve her project. She started showing goats 12 years ago in 4-H and her fondness of goats grew from there. Jolley began breeding her own nannies six years ago and has had the opportunity to expand her herd since then. In the beginning of her SAE she was breeding two nannies and bred seven this year alone. 

“I have had pretty good success rates, this year I bred seven nannies and five of them are bred. We had to rebreed two.” says Jolley. 

Rewards in the show ring are not the only thing Jolley is gaining from her SAE. She has learned about the meat goat industry as well as the genetic side of the business. Jolley will continue to add to her SAE this year. 

“This project is helping to prepare me for a future career by teaching me patience, hard work ethic and responsibility.” says Jolley.