FSA Youth Loans Help Tennessee 4-H and FFA Goat Producer into the Championship Drive

Adrianne Moeller of Morris Chapel, Tennessee, is a fourth-generation livestock exhibitor.

By Dana Rogge, FSA Public Affairs Specialist

Adrianne Moeller of Morris Chapel, Tennessee, is a fourth-generation livestock exhibitor.

The high school sophomore started showing Boer goats six years ago. Owning, raising and showing livestock can be a costly endeavor, but Moeller looked to Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) youth loan program to help her with herd genetics and to expand her operation.

FSA youth loans help 10 to 21-year-olds start and operate income-producing projects when they belong to 4-H, the National FFA Organization, a tribal youth group, or other agricultural youth organizations. Youth loans provide an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to acquire experience and education in agriculture-related skills.

Moeller started her 4-H meat goat project with four Boer goats. An FSA youth loan helped her purchase two female goats from Texas and helped to cover some of the expense for their artificial insemination.

Moeller and her family travel to anywhere from 15 to 20 shows annually.

In 2016, Moeller raised a female goat, called a doe, that was grand and overall champion at many shows, including Champion Registered Yearling at the Tennessee Meat Goat Classic. In 2017, another goat, purchased with an FSA youth loan, earned grand or reserve at every show she competed in, including Reserve Champion Commercial Doe at the 2017 Heart of Tennessee Meat Goat Classic.

“Not everyone can say they’ve won with their own goats [goats they’ve raised] at that high of a level show,” Moeller said.

As an only child, she and her family travel to anywhere from 15 to 20 shows annually. She commented that their vacations usually include going to goat shows.

“I really enjoy helping other people at the shows and spending time with my family,” Moeller said.

Moeller sells goats she raises to other local 4-H and FFA exhibitors, as well as the meat through the local market. She takes time to work with those who purchase her animals to get them ready for the showring.

In addition to selling goats she raises to other local 4-H and FFA exhibitors, Moeller also sells the meat through a local market.

“When we sell our goats, we teach them about their goat and teach them how to show and care for them so it’s not a shock when they get them home and they can get them ready for show season,” she said.

After high school, Moeller plans to attend the University of Findley in Ohio. She wants be a veterinarian or to go into education and eventually teach at a university.

Moeller’s father, Brandon, said 2018 and 2019 will be the last two years she will show before college. He said the youth loan helped to relieve any financial burden that he and his wife might have incurred with her livestock project.

“I just want to thank Farm Service Agency for their help in bringing my daughter’s goat breeding and show program to the next level,” he said.

For more information on the FSA Youth Loan program visit www.fsa.usda.gov/youthloans or contact your local FSA office. To find your local FSA office, visit farmers.gov.