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PUEBLO, Colo. – Two goats have been disqualified from the Colorado State Fair Junior Livestock Sale after testing confirmed the presence of ractopamine. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved ractopamine for use in goats, which means that no level of concentration is acceptable in the urine of the species.
Therefore, the Grand Champion goat and another goat selected for the Junior Livestock Sale have been disqualified, and the funds from the Junior Livestock Sale, totaling nearly $7,000, have been forfeited. The Reserve Grand Champion goat belonged to Margaret Weinroth of Sedalia. The random goat was entered by a minor, whose legal guardian, Susan Weinroth, signed the competition forms with her minor child. Until further notice, both competitors are also barred from participating in future livestock events at the Colorado State Fair.
“The Junior Livestock Sale Participation Requirements were developed to prevent tampering such as this to animals shown at the Fair,” said General Manager, Chris Wiseman. “It is important to note that this is the first positive test in years, which is a testament to the honesty of people involved in this event.”
This decision follows the disqualification of the Reserve Grand Champion hog during the Fair after questions arose concerning the ownership of the animal.
For more on the Colorado State Fair, visit www.coloradostatefair.com [2].