​Goat meat has grown in popularity in the US thanks to ethnic markets which center their goat consumption around religious holidays. Holiday Goat Meat Marketing Calendar Goat meat has grown in popularity in the US thanks to ethnic markets which center their goat consumption around religious holidays. Holiday Religion 2025 2026 2027 Chinese New Year Jan 29 Feb 17 Feb 6 Eid ul-Adha - Festival of the Sacrifice Muslim June 6 - 7 May 27 - 30 May 16 - 19 Muharramm/Hajra - Islamic New Year Muslim June 26 - 27 June 16 June 5 Mawlid al-Nabi - Prophet's Birthday Muslim Sept 4 - 5 Aug 25 Aug 14 Ramadan - Month of Fasting Muslim Feb 28 - Mar 29 Feb 17 - Mar 18 Feb 7 - Mar 8 Eid ul-Fitr - Festival of Fast Breaking Muslim Mar 30 - 31 March 19 - 20 March 9 - 10 Pesch (Passover) Jewish April 12 - 20 April 1 - 9 April 21 - 29 Rosh Hashanah Jewish Sept 22 - 24 Sep 11 - 13 Oct 1 - 3 Chanukkah Jewish Dec 14 - 22 Dec 4 - 12 Dec 24 - Jan1 Western (Roman) Easter Christian April 4 April 5 March 28 Easter Orthodox (Greek) Easter Christian April 20 April 12 May 2 Christmas (Western) Christian Dec 25 Dec 25 Dec 25 Epiphany, Feast of the Nativity Christian Jan 6 Jan 6 Jan 6 Many goat producers have succeeded in targeting various ethnic markets by planning their production and breeding schedules around specific religious holidays. The traditions of these holidays vary widely between different religious belief systems and can affect the preferred size, weight, sex, and harvesting method of the animals usually consumed. The holiday calendar below is a great resource for producers to plan the breeding and sale of specific animal groups for slaughter at auction or directly to the consumer. Dependent on the number of days within each religious year, the actual timing of these holidays may shift from year to year. Here’s a guide to the preferred size, weight, sexes, and animals preferred at each holiday (courtesy of Ohio State University and Cornell University ). Christian Holidays Western/Roman Easter: Preferred: Milk-fed goat kids weighing 20-40 lbs Acceptable: Milk-fed goat kids weighing 40-50 lbs Less Acceptable: Milk-fed kids weighing less than 20 lbs Eastern/Greek (Orthodox) Easter: Preferred: Milk-fed goat kids weighing 25-50 lbs Christmas: Preferred: Milk-fed goat kids weighing 50 lbs and under Islamic Holidays Eid ul Adha – The Festival of Sacrifice: Preferred: Unblemished yearling goat kids weighing 60-80 lbs Acceptable: Unblemished yearling goat kids weighing 60-100 lbs Muharram – Islamic New Year: Preferred: Goat kids with milk teeth weighing 60 lbs Acceptable: Goat kids with milk teeth weighing 40-120 lbs Acceptable: unblemished older animals No preference is given to intact or castrated male kids Ramadan: Preferred: Goat kids with milk teeth weighing 60 lbs Acceptable: Goat kids with milk teeth weighing 40-120 lbs Acceptable: unblemished older animals No preference is given to intact or castrated male kids Eid al Fitr – The Breaking of the Ramadan Fast: Preferred: Goat kids with milk teeth weighing 60 lbs Acceptable: Goat kids with milk teeth weighing 40-120 lbs Acceptable: unblemished older animals No preference is given to intact or castrated male kids Jewish Holidays Chanukah: Preferred: Young milk-fed goat kids Strategic Goat Production: Aligning Breeding with Ethnic Market Demands and Religious Holidays Optimize goat production for ethnic markets by aligning breeding with religious holidays for better sales and consumer targeting. Meat and Marketing Related Posts & Updates Oct 4, 2025 USDA Quarterly Grass Fed Lamb and Goat Report View the USDA National Quarterly Grass Fed Lamb and Goat Report. Read More Sep 2, 2022 Goat From Farm to Table With the growing popularity of Caribbean and Indian cuisine in America, goat meat is finding its way into many more recipes. Read More May 13, 2022 Nutrition of Meat Goats Nutrition of Meat Goats. A study by Dr. David Fernandez and Dr. Chelsey Ann Ahrens of University of Arkansas. Read More

Learn about the traits and anatomy of Boer goats and how it contributes to their unique characteristics and abilities. Characteristics and Anatomy of the Boer Goat Learn about the traits and anatomy of Boer goats and how it contributes to their unique characteristics and abilities. Here are some of its most significant features: Exceptional hardiness allows for high resistance to disease, making it one of the hardiest livestock breeds. The Boer goat is adaptable to a wide range of climates and grazing conditions, thriving in challenging environments. They can survive in arid regions where other small stock cannot, even with limited access to drinking water. With their strong legs, they are efficient walkers that can navigate mountainous areas and dense shrubbery with ease. Boers consume browse that other livestock overlook, clearing undergrowth and maintaining vegetation balance, even in difficult terrain. They have a long lifespan and maintain fertility up to 10 years or more. Boer meat is in high demand in the US due to its low-fat content and healthful properties. It is equivalent to chicken in caloric value. The Boer goat has the highest dressed weight percentage of any mutton breed. Young Boer meat is tender and flavorful, with sufficient marbling and a pleasing texture. Boers are bred for dominance and carry superior genetic traits for goat ranching. The breed is also used internationally and in the US to improve other goat breeds through aggressive crossbreeding programs. Boer skin produces high-quality leather that is in high demand and can be sold at a premium price for use in shoes, gloves, and books. The Boer goat is commonly a goat with a white body and a red head. Docile, high fertility and a fast growth rate are some of the traits that set the Boer goat apart in the purebred and commercial segments of the American meat goat industry. Mature Does can weigh between 190- 230 pounds and mature Boer bucks can weigh between 200 and 340 pounds. The demand for high quality, lean, healthy red meat is the one of the underlining forces behind the development of the American meat goat industry. With an eager base of ethnic consumers, the demand for goat meat continues to grow in the United States each year. The importation of goat meat into the United States is estimated over 30 million dollars annually. View the Anatomy of the Boer goat below. Anatomy of a Boer goat buck. Anatomy of a Boer goat doe. Characteristics and Anatomy of the Boer Goat The Boer goat is a standout breed with many characteristics that contribute to its profitability and value in agriculture. Registration and Standards Related Posts & Updates Mar 31, 2025 Native on Appearance Program: Expanding Opportunity for ABGA Members Register Boer does with no pedigree through ABGA’s new Native on Appearance program. Read More May 19, 2023 How to Tattoo Your Goat ABGA Member Dawn Foster of No Step Ranch in Sterling City, Texas takes us through the steps on how to tattoo your goat. Read More Mar 17, 2023 ABGA Broadens Horizons with Wether Incentive Program Ahead of National Show Discover the Boer Goat Advantage (BGA) program by the American Boer Goat Association, offering cash prizes and incentives for wether goat breeders at national and regional shows! Read More

The American Boer Goat Association: Protecting, Promoting, and Recording the American Boer Goat Breed. Member Resources Your resource for ABGA definitions, tutorials, and new member friendly information. ABGA Definitions Discover the most common definitions in alphabetical order used by the American Boer Goat Association. Improve your knowledge of the ABGA! Member Resources Member Resources Herd Prefix Registering Your Animals with ABGA: Understanding Herd Prefixes and Requirements. Member Resources Certificate Colors & Herd Books Ever wonder why your Certificates of Registration are different colors? Member Resources How to Submit a Certificate of Registration Electronically How to send an ABGA Certificate of Registration via email or from our website. Member Resources Live Coverage Service Memo Have you been asked to provide a Service Memo, and don't know what it is or where to find one? Let's dive into the ABGA Rules & Regulations! Member Resources Ownership Transfers Check out these tips and rules for transferring your ABGA registered Boer goat! Member Resources Embryo Transfers Check out these rules and tips regarding Embryo Transfers. Office Updates Understanding the Shift from STR to SNP Technology: ABGA DNA Q&A Beginning February 1, 2025, all DNA testing will move to a Single-nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) analysis, commonly pronounced as “snip.” Member Resources Submitting a Work Order Submit work to ABGA office digitally via email or abga.org/contact for confirmation within 1 day. Contact if no response to prevent delays.

The American Boer Goat Association's office is located at 4258 South Jackson Street, San Angelo, Texas. Our office hours are Monday thru Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Our phone number is 325-486-2242, and our email address is mail@abga.org. Contact Us 9 AM - 5 PM (CT) • Monday - Friday Closed • Saturday - Sunday 325-486-ABGA (2242) mail@abga.org 325-486-BOER (2637) Submit a Work Order Frequently Asked Questions

The Boer goat was first founded in the early 1900s by Dutch farmers of South Africa. The first full-blood Boers were brought to the United States in 1993; ABGA formed the same year. Today’s American Boer Goat Association is the largest Boer association in the world with 7,000 members annually. OUR STORY STARTED MORE THAN 100 YEARS AGO The Boer goat was developed by Dutch farmers in South Africa in the early 1900s. They were brought to the United States in 1993. The American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) was founded that same year. A unique breed, it is popular for its amazing meat production. The Boer goat has a rapid growth rate, excellent carcass qualities and is highly adaptive to different environments. Docile and highly fertile, these traits set the Boer goat apart in the purebred and commercial segments of the American meat goat industry. Today, the ABGA offers a variety of opportunities in marketing, education, and the commercial industry and for youth through the Junior American Boer Goat Association. ABGA is the largest Boer goat association in the world with more than 7,000 members. The association registers more than 45,000 head annually. OUR HISTORY

Open PDF document in a new window Rules and Regulations Rules and Regulations ensure the American Boer Goat Association maintains breed standards, promotes fair practices, supports member integrity, and fosters a community of responsible breeders dedicated to the health and quality of Boer goats.

Attend the Area 5 JABGA Regional Show in Comfort, TX, November 14-16, 2025. Celebrate the Boer goat breed with top exhibitors and youth competition. Area 5 Regional Sponsors Gold Gibbs Farm - Taco Party & T-Shirt Sponsor (Guthrie, OK) Casada Creations - Regional Show Series Sponsor Lowes Purple Vision - Regional Show Series Sponsor Newton Farms - Regional Show Series Sponsor Purina - Regional Show Series Sponsor Silver Bluebonnet boers/ABGA Region 3 Director (Azle, TX) Menger Creek Sullivan Supply - Fitting Contest Sponsor Camp Coopertop Menger Creek Ranch (Boerne, TX) Ultras Animal Health Bronze 4-T Ranch Brosig Livestock Docs Probiotics Mindy Young Texas Boer Goat Association 4Spur Genetics DemerBox Ginny Boer Goats MULE Texas Farm Bureau The 1465 Foundation Friend of JABGA Blue Gainey Ranch Gunn Team Wethers Luna's Lucky Boer Goats Patron of JABGA Matthew & Rebecca Bassford Melissa Devine Rhoades Family Windy Acres Boer Goats Area 5 Regional Show – Comfort, TX Get ready to go wild at the Area 5 JABGA Regional Show in Comfort, Texas! This year’s safari-themed event invites junior exhibitors to step into adventure as they compete in showmanship, goat judging, sales talk, skill-at-hon, and more. Join us for a weekend filled with friendly competition, learning, and fun all set against the backdrop of Texas Hill Country charm. Entry Deadline 11/15 - Online Entries Close at Midnight (CDT). *You are able to edit your entries online up until entries close or you are checked in at the show. Enter on Showman.app → View Regional Show Rules View Skill-a-thon Study Guide + more 📍 Location: Kendall County Youth Agriculture & Equestrian Center 648 FM-289 Comfort, TX 78013 📅 Dates: November 14 - 16, 2025 🤠 Judges: Blake Quiggins (Breeding & Market) 📄 Show Secretary: Jaelynn Reyes Kelly Murray 📧 Email: shows@abga.org kellymurray678@yahoo.com 📞 Phone: Jaelynn Reyes: 325-486-ABGA (2242) Ext. 4 Kelly Murray: 325-205-0405

JABGA Live Auction JABGA Live Auction The JABGA Live Auction is now live! You can view the live auction and start bidding now! Go to Live Auction For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

Sullivan Supply will host "Stock Show University" and a fitting contest. Sullivan Supply Demo and Fitting Contest Sullivan Supply Demo and Fitting Contest Sullivan Supply will host "Stock Show University" and a fitting contest. Sullivan Supply will host "Stock Show University" on Friday, June 7th at 3pm in the showring. Stock Show University is a demo focusing on fitting, which products to use, and how to use them. Sullivan Supply will also hold a fitting contest on Saturday, June 8th following the Meat Goat Evaluation inside the show ring. For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

Our committees at the American Boer Goat Association are an essential part of our organization, dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation. We encourage all members to engage with our committees, as they provide excellent opportunities for development within the Boer goat community. Committee Chair Co-Chair Description Affiliates Paige Gunderson TBD Execute the Affiliates Program approved at the July 2025 Face to Face Meeting Breed Improvement Kyle Tate Josh Stephans Create a plan for the DNA program moving forwardWork on a solution for aged animals Work on a solution for over conditioned animals Performance testing & data collection Finance Zach Westfall Elizabeth Mobley Advise on financial issues Look into potential cost savings opportunities Look into potential income generating opportunities Work with the Executive Director on the budget Judges Terry Burks Caleb Boardman Review, oversee, & evaluate the Judges Certification Program Organize & conduct Judges Certification training sessions at regional & national shows Organize & conduct a Certified Judge update program Update, compile, and complete the Approved Judge list Review the Judges Show Ring Protocol Junior Programs Ashley Roles Jaelynn Namio-Grant Advise the JABGA Board of Directors Provide insight on JABGA programs & rules Assist in fundraising for JABGA programs Assist in planning & implementing educational contests Member Education & Outreach Paige Gunderson Sue Schroeder Develop junior & adult educational content (podcasts, documents, etc.) Plan & execute educational sessions at the National Show Assist the Executive Director in creating outside partnerships National Show Rodney Wilson Jr. Jaelynn Namio-Grant Assist ABGA staff in planning & executing the 2026 National Show Research potential locations for future National Shows Purebred Breed Up Patrick Aliff Rodney Wilson Create a proposal for a Purebred Breed Up Program Rules, Regulations, & Bylaws Zach Westfall Mandy Horn Review all Rules & Regulations, Bylaws, Policies, etc. Work with legal counsel to provide suggestions for additions or changes Sub-committee to review the ennoblement rules & requirements (Patrick Aliff) Show Incentive Programs Kyle Tate Danielle Funk Promote & expand the Registered Wether & Wether Dam Programs Execute the roll out of the Roll Of Honor (ROH) Program Staff & Board Policies Kim Veal Porschea Penn Review, consolidate, and cross check all staff & board policy documents available on the ABGA website Committee Roles & Reponsibilities Purpose: In accordance with Bylaw 8.2, the President, with approval of the Board of Directors (BOD) or the Executive Committee, may designate committees that shall perform such functions as provided during committee designations. Led by: Each committee shall be led by a committee chair, who shall be appointed by the President of the BOD with majority approval of the board. The appointed chair of the committee shall nominate a co-chair of their choosing to be approved by the BOD. Reports to: Committees will report to the BOD and shall never have the power to exercise the authority of the BOD. Committee Member Selection and Quantity: Regular members in good standing of the ABGA may apply for any active committee. The chair and co-chair of the committee shall select members based on the qualifications indicated in the application. Each committee shall consist of no less than 4 total members. At least one, but no more than 50% of the whole committee, shall be currently seated on the BOD. ABGA staff members can be on committees as voting or non-voting members, as designated by the Committee Chair. Any BOD shall reserve the right to attend a committee meeting they are not an active member of in a non-voting capacity. Meeting minutes and recordings: A committee member shall be designated to keep minutes of all meetings. Recordings of the meetings shall also be taken and placed in ABGA designated electronic file. Minutes shall be made available to the BOD upon request. Meeting times and host: Each committee shall meet at least bimonthly. Meetings shall be conducted through a selected online platform as designated by the BOD. Meetings shall be hosted and organized by the Office Manager or committee chair to ensure proper recording and access is available to the ABGA. Meeting schedule policy: Meetings shall be scheduled, and committee members notified a minimum of 5 business days in advance of the meeting unless otherwise needed on a case-by-case basis. Confidentiality agreement: Members of the finance committee, and any other committees, as directed by the President of the ABGA, shall sign and submit a confidentiality agreement, upon acceptance to the committee, and then on an annual basis to the ABGA office. Removal from Committee: Failure to comply with any of these policies will result in removal from the committee in accordance with Bylaw 8.2. Help Shape the Future of the ABGA — Join a Committee! Committees are vital to the growth and success of the American Boer Goat Association. View open roles, responsibilities, and current committee chairs to find where your skills align. If selected, ABGA office staff will reach out to you directly with follow-up instructions. Sign up by August 15, 2025! Apply to Join a Committee Committees Our committees at the American Boer Goat Association are an essential part of our organization, dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation. We encourage all members to engage with our committees, as they provide excellent opportunities for development within the Boer goat community.

Back to All Ambassadors 2019 Coni Ross Fred Homeyer Joe Tipton Coni Ross, Fred Homeyer (right), Joe Tipton (not pictured)

The American Boer Goat Association's Sanctioned Show Program is designed to encourage the exhibition, marketing and promotion of ABGA percentage, purebred, and full blood Boer goats. ABGA SANCTIONED SHOW PROGRAM (All show support is at the discretion of ABGA) The Sanctioned Show Program is designed to encourage the exhibition, marketing and promotion of ABGA percentage, purebred, and full blood Boer goats. Any show receiving ABGA sanctioning must be open to all ABGA registered Boer goats that meet the requirements of the ABGA show rules. Ennoblement points earned at ABGA Sanctioned shows will not be awarded until after the show results are received at the ABGA office. The American Boer Goat Association, its officers, directors, agents, employees, and volunteers (hereafter collectively known as “ABGA”) shall not be held responsible for any loss, injury, or damage in connection with, arising out of, or incident to the above show. I further and hereby expressly waive all rights to claim against ABGA, and release ABGA from any liability whatsoever with respect to any injury to person, damage to, or loss of property from any cause whatsoever (expressly including ABGA’s negligence). ABGA Sanctioned Shows will abide by and remain in accordance with the ABGA Sanctioned Show Rules and have an updated copy of the ABGA Rules and Regulations available if any problem or question should arise during the show. ABGA Sanctioned Shows will submit a copy of scheduled classes and applicable entity rules to ABGA, per the ABGA Rules and Regulations. See Rule 1400 (I) v, provide an ABGA approved judge to judge the show, and report the judge’s name to the ABGA office no less than 30 days prior to the entry deadline. Original registration certificates are required, except that a copy of a registration application, stamped with the date received by ABGA, can be accepted for kids less than 3 months of age. Animals over the age of 3 months must be verified as registered in the ABGA database at the time of the above show. An animal that may be verified as registered in the web-based database of ABGA will be accepted in lieu of a registration certificate. Verification must be provided by the exhibitor in either digital or print to the show secretary. JABGA ownership must be verified using the transfer history on the animal pedigree if the certificate is not provided. Goats registered in a frozen or suspended account are ineligible to exhibit in an ABGA Sanctioned Show. In accordance with the ABGA Sanctioned Show Rules, the Show Secretary must submit show results to the ABGA office to be verified within 30 days of the conclusion of the show. The report must include the following: class, list of animals in class with placings, animal’s name, animal’s (ABGA) registration number, identifying tattoos (left and right), or microchip number, and the owner’s name. ABGA has the right to decline or revoke sanctioning for this show at any time. The ABGA office will send notification of sanctioning approval or denial to the Show Secretary. This notification may be made to the Show Secretary’s email address, if provided. SHOWS INDEPENDENT OF A FAIR OR LIVESTOCK EXPOSITION Upon request, ABGA will provide division rosettes to ABGA Sanctioned shows that are independent of a fair or livestock exposition. Upon request, ABGA will provide Boer goat and ABGA promotional materials to be displayed and handed out at the show. SHOWS BY A FAIR OR LIVESTOCK EXPOSITION ABGA will provide monetary support for shows connected to a fair or livestock exposition, within the following criteria: The Sponsoring Organization must be a fair or livestock exposition. The event must be a multi-species event. Minimum prior year’s gate attendance 200,000 (documentation must be provided by the requesting organization). Must provide a proposed class breakdown if the class breakdowns differ from the ABGA Class List. Funding limited to one show per calendar year per fair or livestock exposition. ABGA and JABGA Sanctioned Show Application .pdf Download PDF • 324KB