The Colorado State Fair has reinstated exhibiting privileges to members of a Sedalia family whose two goats were disqualified last year after an unapproved growth stimulant was detected.
“Due to the circumstances, I have determined that Ben Weinroth may compete in this year’s state fair pursuant to his status as a member in good standing with the Colorado 4-H,” fair manager Chris Wiseman said in a statement Thursday. “If Maggie (Weinroth) were not aged out, she would be eligible as well.”
Maggie Weinroth, who was 19 at the time, showed the grand champion goat and Ben Weinroth showed another goat. The animals tested positive for a feed additive that promotes muscle growth.
The Weinroth family, who contended the goats’ food was tampered with, soon became the subject of public accusations and hundreds of news articles from around the country, some accusing them of goat “doping.”
They appealed the disqualifications, and on Wednesday they walked out of a 10-hour mediation hearing with what they said they were fighting for all along: their reputation.
“The system worked for us,” said Maggie, who is studying animal sciences at Colorado State University. “It feels like a big weight off my shoulders.”
The children’s mother, Sue Weinroth , said she was proud of her children for persevering through the allegations, media interviews and board meetings. While Maggie is studying abroad in New Zealand, 14-year-old Ben had to sit in court and be questioned by the judge.
“This is a kid who didn’t do anything wrong,” Sue Weinroth said. “All he did is raise a goat.”
Sara Burnett: 303-954-1661 or sburnett@denverpost.com
