Youth Spotlight
Belle Duong
Age - 18
Location - Valley Center, CA
School - University of California, Davis
What made you pick Nubians as your breed of choice?
When first getting into dairy goats, my family primarily owned Mini Nubians. At one point, we were looking to diversify our genetic lines so we started learning of purebred Nubian lines. One thing led to another and I soon got into showing purebreds at ADGA shows and I absolutely loved it! While I do show other breeds, I prefer Nubians as they were my first love, and usually quite gentle in the ring compared to others.
​
What is your favorite thing about dairy goats?My favorite thing about dairy goats is honestly, all of the life lessons you learn with them. Froma young age I learned about life and death and the beauty of helping another into this world. And it’s given me a highlight to any day, just to be with my goats and provide each other comfort. I have also made some amazing friends through showing dairy goats and it’s led me to know people across the nation!
​
How old were you when you first began breeding and showing Nubians?
I was about 10 years old when I got my first registered Nubian. I was invited to a local club show by my mentor and thrown into showmanship. While I was so nervous and didn’t know what I was doing, I somehow placed in the middle of a large class! From there, I started talking to other breeders and began to understand genetic lines, and started doing my own breedings.
What is the most challenging raising and breeding Nubians?
The most challenging part of raising and breeding Nubians is definitely the extra time it takes to teach them to take a bottle or lambar. It can be a bit frustrating but once they learn it’s all worth it!
Describe your favorite dairy goat moment.
While I have made so many amazing memories throughout my time with dairy goats, one of my favorites was from the ADGA Annual Convention this past year. During this, I ran alongside other youth to be this year’s ADGA Youth Representative, and for it we had to complete an interview with a panel of judges. While we were all so nervous waiting for it, we talked and shared so many laughs and you really could feel the community that comes with dairy goats, despite us competing against each other.
​
If you had a superpower related to dairy goats, what would it be?
If I had a superpower, it would be to somehow speed up chores, so I had more time to just sit in the goat pen!
How do you see dairy goats impacting your future?
Dairy goats have had a tremendous influence on my future and is the reason I am currently attending one of the world’s top veterinary medicine and agriculture schools. Through dairy goats, I was introduced to genetics and the impact it has on animal production, and I hope to continue learning more about that during my time as an undergraduate. I also hope to someday become an ADGA licensed judge, and continue breeding and showing dairy goats.
What is one interesting fact about yourself most people don’t know?
An interesting fact about myself is that I also started my own small business when I was 11 years old, and have continued that with now selling crocheted plushies under the name Stitchin Belle!
What advice would you give to other youth involved in the dairy goat industry?
My advice to other youth involved in dairy goats is to not be afraid to put yourself out there! Everyone in dairy goats had to start somewhere and the dairy goat community is such an open and welcoming place. I encourage everyone, youth or adult, to try something new with dairy goats, perhaps a new show or talking to an experienced breeder. Immersion is the best way to grow and learn!