HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Competition was fierce at the Kansas State Fair on Friday as local emergency responders and community organizations faced off in the Sheep, Swine and Goat Building for the Celebrity Goat Milking Contest—an event dubbed “The Championship of the Civilized World of Goatmilking”.
When the final buckets were weighed, the Hutchinson Fire Department (HFD) took home the first-place trophy, defeating Reno County Dispatch, who earned a hard-fought second-place finish.
The tournament began with intense matchups and clever tactics:
- Round 1: The Hutchinson Fire Department faced off against the Original Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) Team. Observing the goats closely prior to the start of the contest, HFD’s strategizing paid off as they progressed to the next round.
- Round 2: The Kansas State Fair Board took on the Impromptu KHP Team—a secondary group of three troopers formed at the last minute. These three troopers were quite willing, and seemed to enjoy their side quest for the day. However, unprepared for their surprise goat-milking debut, the Impromptu KHP team struggled, allowing the Kansas State Fair Board to emerge victorious.
Impromptu KHP Team as they discover they have been assigned to compete - Round 3: Reno County Dispatch went head-to-head with the defending titleholders, Reno County EMS. Dispatch secured the victory, ending EMS’s reign despite a valiant effort from the former champions.
For the Championship Round between HFD and Reno County Dispatch, event organizers raised the stakes. Regular dairy goats were swapped out for pygmy goats to increase the challenge, and teams were not permitted to choose their goats.
After time expired, the milk buckets were weighed to determine the winner, and with a 0.10 gram lead, the Hutchinson Fire Department officially secured first place.
Local 4-H youth provided the goats and remained present throughout the competition to keep the animals stable during milking.
Kansas State Fair Board Cheerleaders: Non-participating Fair Board members brought infectious energy to the ringside, cheering on their team with cardboard signs reading “SQUEEZE! PULL! FILL THAT BUCKET!”
Congratulations to the Hutchinson Fire Department on their victory!
| Participating Team | Final Result | Championship Milk Weight | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hutchinson Fire Department | 1st Place Champion | 0.30 grams | Observed goat selection early; mastered pygmy goat milking in final round. |
| Reno County Dispatch | 2nd Place Runner-Up | 0.20 grams | Defeated returning champions Reno County EMS in Round 3. |
| Kansas State Fair Board | Semi-Finalist | — | Supported by ringside cheerleaders with motivational signs. |
| Reno County EMS | Semi-Finalist | — | Defending champions who put up a valiant effort. |
| Original KHP Team | Competitor | — | Fought hard in Round 1 against HFD. |
| Impromptu KHP Team | Competitor | — | Formed last-minute with great spirit despite no prep time. |
