Derby-inspired races gave festivalgoers a lively look at Kentucky State’s small ruminant teaching, research, and outreach

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The week after Kentucky’s most famous race, a different kind of field found its stride in Lexington.

Six goats from Kentucky State University’s Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm traded the pasture for an all-grass track May 9 at Bluegrass Bock Fest, where Derby-inspired goat races became one of the festival’s most memorable attractions.

The event, hosted by West Sixth Brewing with Lexington Parks & Recreation at Charles Young Park, brought more than 3,000 people together for music, food, family activities, and a lighthearted showcase of Kentucky State’s animal science and small ruminant work.

The goats raced once each hour, complete with race-day energy and a Keeneland-style call that helped turn the University’s animals into crowd favorites. The final race delivered the kind of unpredictable finish only goats can provide, with one competitor deciding the paddock was more appealing than the finish line.

But behind the fun was a serious land-grant purpose.

Kentucky State’s participation introduced festivalgoers to the teaching, research, and outreach taking place through the University’s animal science program and small ruminant work at Benson Farm. Goats and other livestock provide hands-on learning opportunities for students while supporting practical study in animal care, herd management, nutrition, behavior, reproduction, and sustainable livestock production.

“The event gave us a fun way to introduce thousands of people to Kentucky State’s animal science and small ruminant work,” said Megan Goins, farm manager at Kentucky State University. “The goats were definitely the attraction, but they also opened the door for people to learn more about the teaching, research, and outreach happening at Benson Farm.”

Small ruminants, including goats and sheep, play an important role in Kentucky agriculture and provide valuable opportunities for applied research and student training. At Kentucky State, that work connects classroom instruction with the practical realities of livestock care, farm management, and producer support.

Representatives from the University’s aquaculture program also participated with a booth, giving visitors another look at Kentucky State’s research and Extension programs.

Dr. Marcus Bernard, dean of the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources and Land-Grant director, said events like Bock Fest help make the University’s mission more visible to the communities it serves.

“This is what land-grant service can look like when it meets the community in a creative way,” Dr. Bernard said. “Our work prepares students, supports producers, and expands public understanding of agriculture. Sometimes that happens in a classroom or research setting, and sometimes it begins with a goat race that captures everyone’s attention.”

Through the Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm, Kentucky State continues to advance hands-on learning, applied research, and outreach that support students, farmers, and communities across the Commonwealth.

For one afternoon in Lexington, that mission came with a starting line, a cheering crowd, and six goats ready — mostly — to run.