We caught up with Jaci Falkenstien, the exhibitor the Grand Champion Market Goat at the 2023 Kansas State Fair! Learn a little more about Jaci below!
Age: 16
Hometown: I’m from Bartlett, Kansas
Grade: I am a Sophomore in High School.
What’s your Goat name? and what made him/her so special?
My goat’s name is Kempker, because we bought him from Kempker Livestock. Something that made him sepcial is he loved people and attention. In Kansas, the Grand and Reserve Grand of each species go to a barn in the middle of the fairgrounds called the FFA barn. This barn is used to showcase these animals to the public. Since he loved attention,it made him the perfect animal to teach people about agriculture.
Throughout your show career what’s been your favorite Goat?
Throughout my show career, my favorite goat was my Went wether who was Grand Champion at Aksarben in 2022. We just always got along, and he was a calm goat that showed well. He is also one of the highest quality wethers that I have shown.
What do you tell yourself right before you go into the ring?
Right before I go into the ring, I always pray to God to help give me confidence and I also tell myself, “You got this.”
What’s your dream college to attend?
Since I’m only a sophomore in High School, I don’t know for sure where I want to go, but at this point, I am planning on pursuing a career in embryology.
What’s your favorite thing to do in the barn?
My favorite thing to do in the barn is deliver baby goats and work with my show animals.
What’s your favorite show? and why?
My favorite show is Aksarben because their facilities are always nice and there is plenty of room. Also, the people working there are always really respectful and want to help you in any way they can.
How do you stay focused on reaching your goal?
I have learned over the years in showing that attention to details is one of the main things that can take you from 3rd to Grand. Thus, I stay focused on my goal by following a strict rinsing, treadmilling, and feeding schedule. Also, I ask people who are more experienced than I am to come and look at the goats almost weekly to make sure they are growing and looking the way they need to.
Who has been your biggest influence?
One of my biggest influences would have to be my brother Luke. He truly understands what I am capable of and pushes me to work hard and do the best I can. Also, my parents are a great influence. They have always been my biggest supporters and always help me to do my best. They help me with my animals when I am at school or participating in other activities. If I am talking about my biggest influences, two people I couldn’t forget to mention are Trent and Emma Kempker. They have been helping me since 2019 and helped me to get to the level I am able to compete at today. I couldn’t be more proud or thankful that these people are in my corner and are making me the person I am today.
