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Meet National Show Superintendent, Wade Rogers Wade Rogers Wade Rogers Meet National Show Superintendent, Wade Rogers Wade Rogers is from Fort White, Florida. He is married to Stephanie and they have two daughters, Amber and Jaylyn. Together they own Rogers Livestock, where they raise registered Boer goats as well as registered Charolais cattle. Wade and his family have been involved in the goat industry since 2016 raising and showing both registered and market goats. Wade has been the Boer Goat superintendent at the Florida State Fair since 2019. He is also part of the show committee that puts on the Fall Spooktacular show, an annual jackpot show that is the largest multi-species show in Florida. This will be the third year he has been to the ABGA Nationals show, and he is looking forward to working with all the exhibitors to make it one of the best Nationals yet. For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

The American Boer Goat Association and UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) celebrate 10 years of successful partnership. To enhance breeding programs, ABGA transitions to advanced SNP analysis, leveraging UC Davis VGL's expertise in modern genetic technologies. DNA The American Boer Goat Association and UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) celebrate 10 years of successful partnership. Over 29,000 Boer goats have been DNA tested using STR technology. To enhance breeding programs, ABGA transitions to advanced SNP analysis, leveraging UC Davis VGL's expertise in modern genetic technologies. What's New Request DNA Testing Sample Collection + shipping Transitioning to SNP DNA FAQ What's New As of September 1, 2021, all DNA is voluntary. DNA Voucher Program Update In January 2025, the BOD approved giving members a one-time $50 voucher to be used for SNP DNA testing as part of the $100,000 that is designated for DNA programs. The vouchers were to be used by July 1, 2025, with the board re-evaluating the voucher program and use of the remaining funds during the Summer Face-to-Face Meeting. During this meeting, the ABGA Board of Directors tabled the use of vouchers and remaining funds until further evaluation of the best use of these funds can be determined. We appreciate the participation and interest shown by our members and will continue to keep you informed on future decisions regarding DNA testing support. Watch our DNA FAQ with DNA Chairman Paige Gunderson, DNA Co-chair Kyle Tate, Executive Director Caleb Boardman, and ABGA staff & DNA Coordinator Jaelynn Reyes. Watch now All pending STR tests will need to be fulfilled by April 1, 2024. This is for those that submitted a request for DNA testing but have not sent a sample to UC Davis. If you already have an STR test on file, you can upgrade to an SNP test without needing to submit a new hair sample, provided there is enough sample available for retesting. However, if the sample is degraded or insufficient for additional testing, a new sample will be required. In such cases, the labs will notify you accordingly. Turnaround time can vary depending on the sample volume of the laboratory, the quality of the sample submitted and if repeat testing has to be performed. Typically, from the time the laboratory receives the sample until the parentage is reported it takes around 10-14 business days. Delays can also occur if the sample volume for testing is low as samples need to be processed 24 at a time. ABGA is offering $5 off the next 192 SNP and/or SNP & STR combo tests. Take advantage of this limited-time opportunity to verify and strengthen your herd’s genetics! SNP Test $62 $57 Per Animal SNP is often referred to as “snip.” This newer and more modern type of marker analysis is currently used in today’s industry and genetic market. When a sample is tested with SNPs, there are roughly 200 markers that the lab views to compare with another animal’s markers to determine parent verification. This allows differentiation between full-sibling parents during verification that STR testing could not do. SNP + STR Test $96 $91 Per Animal Parent Qualification requires the parent to be SNP tested. If your offspring's parents were tested prior to February 2025, you must upgrade the parents test to the updated SNP technology or request the STR & SNP combo for your requested offspring. Request DNA Testing Identification All goats' DNA tested through ABGA must be registered, and have ABGA identification such as their name and identifying marks, tattoos, or microchip number. Parent Qualification If you are requesting parent qualification, check Yes under the question Are you requesting Parent Qualification, and complete the Sire and/or Dam name and registration number. Processing Time UC Davis will email your DNA Sample Instructions to your email address within three (3) business days of ONLINE and/or mailed submission to ABGA. If you did not provide an email address, the DNA Sample Instructions will be mailed to you. If you do not receive your DNA Sample Instructions within 3 business days, CHECK YOUR JUNK EMAIL. If it is not there, contact the ABGA office at (325) 486-2242, or email dna@abga.org . UC Davis will process SNP samples once they have fulfilled the 24-sample requirement. Once the SNP Chip is run and no additional testing is needed, please allow 8-10 business days to process and submit the results report to ABGA. Request SNP Testing Download Printable Form Sample Collection & Shipping Hair Hair root from coarse, longer hair often found over withers, chest, rump, tail, back of hind leg, poll, or fetlock is the preferred sample type for goats. 01 Clean (use comb if possible) by removing all loose hair and foreign matter. 02 Use fingers or pliers to grasp approximately 8-10 hairs close to the skin and pull. Pull (do NOT cut) hair strands. Examine the end of hair strands for presence of root bulbs. Hair roots are necessary for DNA testing. If the majority of hair strands lack the root bulbs, discard hair and start again. 03 Repeat until you have approximately 50-60 hairs with root follicles attached. 04 Place the 50-60 hairs with root follicles attached in a paper envelope and seal with the animal’s name, registration number, and your name written on the envelope 05 Repeat steps 1-4 for each additional animal being sampled. Note: Hair should be dry. If hair has excess dirt and debris, please brush out if possible before pulling hairs for sample. Do not cut the hair! The roots contain the DNA for testing. When sampling several animals in the same session, make sure that there are no hair strands in your hands to reduce the possibility of sample contamination. Clean hands and/or pliers if possible. Blood 01 UC Davis accepts blood collected on blood cards or whole blood in an EDTA tube. 02 If you are sending an EDTA tube, please include at least 3 mL of whole blood in and EDTA purple top, and ship overnight. Avoid shipping over weekends and holidays. 03 Label tubes and blood cards with the animal's name and registration number. Semen 01 Semen straws do not need to kept frozen for shipping, but should be shipped with a cold pack and protected similar to a vaccine. 02 Label your straw with the animal's name and registration number. 03 Store the semen straw(s) in a Ziploc type baggie to prevent leaks, and ship in a box to prevent damage to your sample(s). 04 Place the printed bar-coded submission form inside the box with your sample(s), and ship to the address provided to you in your email from UC Davis. Genetic Improvement SNP testing helps identify genetic markers associated with desirable traits such as milk production, growth rate, and disease resistance. This information can be used to select and breed goats with superior genetics. Parentage Verification It accurately determines the parentage of goats, which is crucial for maintaining pedigree records and ensuring the integrity of breeding programs. STR cannot differentiate between twins, or flush mates, while SNP can. Genetic Diversity SNP testing provides insights into the genetic diversity within and between goat populations. This is important for conservation efforts and for maintaining a healthy gene pool. Disease Resistance By identifying genetic variations linked to disease resistance, SNP testing can help in breeding goats that are more resilient to certain diseases, reducing the need for medical interventions. Economic Benefits Improved genetic selection can lead to higher productivity and better-quality products (e.g. meat), which can enhance the profitability of goat farming. Research and Development SNP data contributes to scientific research, helping to understand the genetic basis of various traits and improving breeding strategies. Transitioning to Advanced Genetic Analysis for Better Breeding Outcomes Beginning February 1, 2025, all DNA testing will move to a Single-nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) analysis, commonly pronounced as “snip.” The American Boer Goat Association has been in partnership with UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) for 10 years. Since our contract began, UC Davis VGL has tested and stored data and physical samples for over 29,300 ABGA animals using Short Tandem Repeat (STR) testing. To better serve our member’s breeding programs, the ABGA Board agreed to transition forward to a more comprehensive DNA analysis. SNP analysis represents a modern and advanced type of marker analysis widely utilized in today’s genetic industry and market, and UC Davis VGL has been an expert in SNP testing since the 1990s. While the current STR testing is satisfactory for parentage testing, SNP testing offers many more benefits including more accurate parentage verification and opportunities for future research to determine genomic predictors of tested animals. Benefits of SNP Testing DNA FAQ Is DNA mandatory? Per rule 801: As of September1, 2021, DNA testing will be on a voluntary basis. However, DNA testing must be requested and processed through the ABGA office to be eligible for use with ABGA registration. There may eventually be requirements for A.I. Sires, Walking Sires, Donor Dams, and A.I./E.T. kids, but no timeline has been established for DNA to be required at this time. What is the difference between STR and SNP, and why do we need to use SNPs now? STR (Short Tandem Repeat) analysis are markers that have been historically used to perform parentage verification. When a sample is tested with STR analysis, are compared to those of the parents to verify. SNP (Single-nucleotide Polymorphism) is often referred to as “snip.” It is a different type of marker that can also be used for parentage verification. When a sample is tested using SNPs, there are several hundred to thousands of places in the DNA that are assayed, and these are compared between offspring and parents. In addition, SNP collects over 70,000 different autosomal markers. Why was this DNA plan developed? Testing with SNPs provides for the opportunity to capture more information on each animal than was historically performed with STR testing. This may help to resolve cases of closely related individuals and may also help to build a database to allow further research and enable additional genetic/genomic selection tools If the ABGA elects to start developing expected progeny differences (EPDs)EPD’s, combining these with SNP data will provide a more accurate prediction of the animal's genetic potential. This plan was also developed to adopt technologies and build tools used throughout the livestock industry. The goal is to constantly improve Boer goat’s place in the industry and be able to provide more comprehensive and accurate information to our customers that allows them to be more confident in purchasing decisions. Our goal is to serve all our ABGA members and Boer Goat breeders. We welcome any questions so that we can help and advise you on the best plan for your operation. For more information contact dna@abga.org . What is ABGA doing to support the transition from STR to SNP for members? ABGA allocated $100,000 for the transition from STR to SNP testing. ABGA initially offered a $50 voucher to the first 2,000 members who applied to subsidize the costs of SNP tests. Each membership was limited to one $50 voucher, which had to be used before July 1, 2025. The BOD is currently re-evaluating the best use of the remaining funds. As new information or programs are released, we will continue to update the membership. If my sire/dam was already DNA typed with STR, do I still need to upgrade to SNP? Currently, when a sample is submitted for genotyping or parent verification, it will be tested for a panel of SNP markers. If the sire or dam was DNA typed with a STR profile, then they cannot be compared to an animal with a SNP profile, as these are two different types of markers (explained above). If you need parentage on an animal, it would be in your best interest to upgrade parent animals to a SNP profile, if you have not done so already. In 2025, ABGA is offering a voucher of $50 per customer that can be used for any test, including upgrading from STR to SNP profiles, for the first 2000 customers. Will I need to submit a new sample to upgrade from STR to SNP? Possibly. If you have already submitted a sample to UC Davis, it is likely that the sample can be upgraded from STR to SNP if there is enough remaining sample on file to do so. It is possible for samples to degrade over time. If a sample is degraded or there is insufficient sample remaining to do additional testing, a new sample would be required. The labs will send a notification of this if it does become the case. Will there be other markers beyond SNP that I will need to make another transition to in the future? This seems unlikely, given the nature of SNP markers and what we know about the genome of animals. However, technology advances and there may be other methodologies developed to generate the data. Most laboratories are selecting a core set of markers to use moving forward and likely, as technologies change, these markers will remain the same. Is there the possibility that there could be newer, more advanced, even more accurate technology in the future? Yes. But as it currently stands, SNP analysis are the markers and the methodology that is being used, and it appears it will stay that way for the foreseeable future. What does the DNA test do for me? It identifies the specific genotypes of many markers across the DNA of the goat you have tested. It allows for parent verification and future verification of that goat as the parent of any kid(s). It will show on your goat’s registration papers, and on online searches people do, that your goat’s identity is verified and recorded through the DNA test, preserving the integrity of our breed. It will allow you to show your goat’s parentage has been verified, if you have requested parent verification. Will DNA be used for research? Yes. UC Davis retains the right to use all samples stored at the VGL for research. Research and the benefits that it can provide to producers is the main focus of the program for the ABGA. As more members participate in the DNA testing program, this will make meaningful research a reality for our animals for the first time. Who owns the DNA sample? All DNA samples submitted through the registry are considered the registry’s samples, however, all samples are stored at UC Davis VGL, and the VGL retains the right to use any samples stored for research purposes. For contract customer registries like ABGA, the registry has ultimate ownership of the sample. The animal owner ordering the test receives the results of the DNA tests requested on their goats. This gives ABGA members the guarantee that should UC Davis requests to dispose of samples processed through ABGA requests, ABGA can move those samples to another facility so they are still available for research that will benefit all members. Should it matter to me that the ABGA shares ownership of the sample? Yes. It gives you the guarantee that your sample is safe, regardless of what UC Davis may decide in the future. It makes it easier and cheaper for members to DNA test their goats, and verify parentage, if they wish to do that. Who gets a copy of the DNA Report listing the Markers? For contract customer registries, like ABGA, the owner of the goat will receive a copy of the results to be kept with the animal, and the registry receives a copy of the results to be stored in the appropriate registry herd book. Can I get other animals' DNA results? No. Only the owner of the DNA sample can get that information. The member will need to contact the owner of the animal who is also the owner of the DNA to get those results. The DNA test results will stay with the animal. If you purchased an animal that has DNA on file you may request the DNA report per rule 805 “A copy of the official test report will be released to the current owner of record.” Can I submit DNA directly to UC Davis? You can submit directly to UC Davis for your own records, but unfortunately ABGA does not accept DNA results on samples that are submitted directly to UC Davis. UC Davis does not offer SNP testing directly to breeders. You may only request SNP testing through ABGA. Can the test tell me if my goat is a percentage or fullblood? No. With current information available, there is no way to tell what percentage Boer is in a goat. Is there an extra fee for parent verification? No. The ABGA included this service in our price for doing the DNA test. Will I be told who the parents are? Not exactly. You select who the possible parents are and request to verify parentage. Therefore, the results will show if those selected possible parents qualify as parents or if they are excluded as parents. Can I request parent verification of my goat(s) if I don’t own one of the parents? Yes, but only if you verify parentage through ABGA, the parents are registered and have been DNA tested through ABGA. The goat you are verifying parentage of must have some form of an ABGA registration or listing paper number and then all you need is the goat’s parents’ registration numbers to verify the parentage of your goat. If the goat’s parents have not been DNA tested, you would need to order DNA test sample kits on the parents as well as the goat at the same time. If you verify through UC Davis, and/or your goat’s parents have not been DNA tested through ABGA, you must have the VGL Case ID number from their owner. Do I need to keep a sample of the hair? Both UC Davis and ABGA suggest that when you pull a sample to send in for testing, you pull another sample. Place it in an envelope the same way you do the sample you’re sending in and write the identifying information on the envelope. Store it in a DRY, safe place. The best protection of your sample is to leave it in storage at UC Davis where there are documented safeguards in place. Who owns the rights to do research on the sample or sell those rights? A sample by itself is worthless for research. However, UC Davis retains research rights on all samples it houses, whether they come from individual customers or contract customer associations, like the ABGA. The following language is provided to each customer from UC Davis: USE OF DATA. All Research data, including but not limited to, all notebooks, DNA typing protocols, original laboratory records, and any research reports, shall be usable by university in pursuit of its mission of teaching, research and public service. University reserves the right, subject to individual confidentiality requirements, to publish any or all research results developed from such data. Is there an extra fee for a Parentage Data Search? Yes, $5 Can I pay to submit a semen sample if I am not the current owner? Per Rule 802.c “Only the current owner of the animal can request DNA Testing. Written and signed confirmation from the current owner on record or their descendants will be required for the release to test an animal not belonging to the member requesting to test said animal.” Can I pay to move the DNA UC Davis has stored to be SNP tested if I am not the current owner? Per Rule 802.c “Only the current owner of the animal can request DNA Testing. Written and signed confirmation from the current owner on record or their descendants will be required for the release to test an animal not belonging to the member requesting to test said animal.” On 1/14/2025 the board approved to add the following to rule 802.c “If an animal has previously been tested using STR technology, any current or previous owner of that animal may pay to have the DNA transitioned to SNP technology.” What is the timeline for results? Turnaround time can vary depending on the sample volume of the laboratory, the quality of the sample submitted and if repeat testing has to be performed. Typically, from the time the laboratory receives the sample until the parentage is reported it takes around 10-14 business days. Delays can also occur if the sample volume for testing is low as samples need to be processed 24 at a time.

This show is a fun-filled experience for exhibitors as well as spectators! All JABGA members can participate. 2026 JABGA Costume Contest 2026 JABGA Costume Contest This show is a fun-filled experience for exhibitors as well as spectators! All JABGA members can participate. 2026 Costume Contest This show is a fun-filled experience for exhibitors as well as spectators. All JABGA members can participate. Both the goat and the exhibitor should dress for the occasion. Divisions: Junior (4-12) Senior (13-21) Two prizes will be given per division: judges choice, and people choice. Exhibitors are required to show their goat in a halter or lead, and must maintain control of their animal at all times. This is a family-friendly event, all participants must act in an appropriate manner. Inappropriate costumes or behavior may be disqualified at any time by ABGA/ JABGA Staff or Board Members. For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

Judges 2026 National Show Judges 2026 National Show Judges Judges The wait is over and the membership has spoken! We are thrilled to announce the judges for the 2026 National Show. Get ready for elite competition, top-level evaluation, and an unforgettable National Show experience. Grand Island will be the place to be May 28th - June 6th, and you will not want to miss it! Join us in welcoming our 2026 National Show Judges and watch for more exciting show updates coming soon. ABGA National Show Judges Bailey Bergherm - right Terry Burks Blake Quiggins Bailey Bergherm is originally from Terre Haute, Indiana, and recently relocated to Horse Cave, Kentucky. There, she and her fiancé proudly own and operate B.A.B. Boer Goats and Premier Club Goats. Their operation consists of more than 400 head and features an extensive embryo transfer program, flushing over 40 donor does annually. Since 2003, Bailey and her family have been deeply rooted in the Boer goat industry. She began her journey showing beef cattle and goats through 4-H, eventually growing her passion into a successful and nationally competitive breeding program. Over the years, she has expanded her involvement to include judging for the ABGA, providing custom clipping and livestock photography services, and mentoring young exhibitors. Throughout her judging career, Bailey has evaluated numerous state fairs, the 2021 JABGA National Show, and many other shows from coast to coast. She is especially passionate about stepping into the ring and working with youth, helping encourage and develop the next generation of livestock enthusiasts. Terry is a retired Professor of English Studies from Chifeng University in The People’s Republic of China. Prior to that, he was employed by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture in the Division of Show and Fair Promotion where he served as the educational coordinator and worked as a federal livestock grader. Terry was also the owner of Dynasty Club Lambs & Meat Goats. Terry received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in the area of Animal Science from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Terry has judged over 1400 Junior and open livestock shows in 43 states including the 2024 JABGA National Show, The Canadian Royal, all the Texas majors, The North American International, The American Royal, The National Western, The Great Western, The Cow Palace, the Oklahoma Youth Expo, and State Fairs in 29 different states. Terry is a certified judge with the American Boer Goat Association and serves as a teacher-judge with the ABGA in addition to being a certified judge with numerous beef cattle and sheep associations. Terry has served on numerous judging committees across the US including the National 4-H, Jr. College and Sr. College Contests at the NAILE, as well as serving as the sheep/goat chairman for the National FFA Livestock Judging CDE. Terry and his wife Alice live in Scottsville, Kentucky. Blake Quiggins resides in Horse Cave, Kentucky, where he and his fiancée operate Premier Club Goats and B.A.B. Boer Goats. Together, they manage approximately 500 mature does and flush 35 to 40 does annually. They are committed to producing highly competitive market and breeding goats that are sold nationwide each year. Blake’s passion for the livestock industry began at an early age through his family’s beef cattle operation. He began exhibiting livestock at just five years old, participating in Kentucky’s first year of market goat shows. Blake also assists customers across the United States with clipping and fitting beef cattle and goats at major livestock shows. In addition, he is the owner of Champion Show Supply, the Sullivan Supply dealer serving Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Blake has judged shows from coast to coast and truly enjoys working with young people in the livestock industry every day. JABGA National Show Judges Jackie Redden Josh Taylor Randall White JABGA Bred and Owned Show and Showmanship Judges Justin Burns Clint Demmitt JABGA Market and Wether Dam Show and Showmanship Judg e Dale Hummel Cabery IL Owner of Hummel Livestock focused on raising Show Goats and Angus Cattle. Graduate degree in Ruminate Nutrition from University of IL Former Animal Science Professor and the Livestock judging coach at the University of IL and Joliet Junior College Enjoys working with stock show families and judging livestock shows across the United States and Internationally. Co Host of Beyond The Ring - educational podcast For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

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

Academic excellence, leadership skills, community involvement, and a strong commitment to personal growth. 2023 Scholarship Winners Academic excellence, leadership skills, community involvement, and a strong commitment to personal growth. It's always inspiring to see young individuals achieve academic excellence and be rewarded for their hard work. It's important to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that goes into winning a scholarship. It requires not only academic excellence but also leadership skills, community involvement, and a strong commitment to personal growth. Congratulations again to the 2023 Scholarship winners, and may their academic journeys continue to be filled with success and fulfillment. ABGA Scholarship Winners: Helena Almli Madison Reis Baughman Avery Holman Candice Mitchell Drew Pontious Jenna Gronewold Natalye Scholl Carly Olson Peyton Miller Haylee Finley From L to R: Alaina Blair, Avery Holman, Madison Reis, Natalye Scholl, Logan Hollen, & Cecelia Knott. Coni Ross Memorial Scholarship: Alaina Blair Alaina Blair - Coni Ross Memorial Scholarship recipient. Related Posts

Congratulations to JABGA Board Member Jiles Coble who was selected to the 2021 Georgia National Livestock Ambassador team! Congratulations JABGA Member Jiles Coble Congratulations to JABGA Board Member Jiles Coble who was selected to the 2021 Georgia National Livestock Ambassador team! Congratulations to Jiles Coble who was selected to the 2021 Georgia National Livestock Ambassador team! Related Posts

A change has been made to both the location and date of the Area 5 Regional Show. JABGA Area 5 Regional Show Update A change has been made to both the location and date of the Area 5 Regional Show. Dear JABGA members, parents and supporters: After careful consideration, a change has been made to both the location and date of the Area 5 Regional Show. Please see the updated show details below. Dates: November 22-23 Location: Sweetwater, TX Judges: Commercial Does & Market – Justin Burns | Breeding – TBD Show Secretaries: Kelly Murray Kellymurray678@yahoo.com and April Bridget - arb.btl@gmail.com Registration will be open on showman.app by the end of the week. All regional show information can be found at the following link: abga.org/jabga/regional-shows Please reach out if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you in Texas in November! Thanks, Caleb Boardman Executive Director American Boer Goat Association Related Posts May 31, 2023 Area 3 JABGA Regional Show: Racing to the Heartland Check out the results and pics from the Area 3 JABGA Regional Show: Racing to the Heartland in Greenfield, Indiana! Apr 27, 2023 Area 1 JABGA Regional Show: Goat Gala Check out the contest results and pics from the Area 1 JABGA Regional Show, Goat Gala in Merced, California! Mar 20, 2023 Area 4 Regional Show: Peach State Classic Boer Goat Show Check out these pictures from the Area 4 Regional Show - Peach State Classic in Perry, Georgia!

The agriculture community as a whole is ginormous- it is our job as agriculturalists to figure out where we belong. - by Jordan Jelinek Finding Your Place The agriculture community as a whole is ginormous- it is our job as agriculturalists to figure out where we belong. - by Jordan Jelinek If you were to ask ten people to describe agriculture, I’m willing to bet you’d receive ten different answers. For me, agriculture can be described in many ways—but one word always comes to mind. Ever since I was a kid, that word has been “future.” Even future can mean a few different things, but the first one that comes to mind for me is: What does my future in agriculture look like? Agriculture has so many different facets and resources tied to it. There are countless industries and associations—but I’ve always been drawn to the youth organizations that support the next generation of agricultural leaders. Organizations like FFA, 4-H, and JABGA have been cornerstones in my life. They’ve shaped not only my understanding of agriculture, but also who I am as a person. Through them, I’ve learned leadership, responsibility, and what it means to be part of something bigger than myself. Now, if you were to ask ten ABGA members to describe the association, I’d still be willing to bet that—while the answers might be similar—there would be a wide range of perspectives. That said, I think we can all agree that community is one aspect of this organization we all hold near to our hearts. Walking down the barn hallways at Nationals, it’s easy to admire the simple interactions between families from across the country. These moments might be the beginning of lifelong friendships, or they may represent the continuation of three generations within the industry. Regardless, we all play a vital role in keeping this association strong, supportive, and welcoming. Take a moment to think about the people who have become like family over the years—the ones who helped you get to where you are today, and who continue to push you to be better. Then take it a step further: think about who helped them get to where they are. Next time you’re at a show, look around. Watch the people helping each other, offering advice, lending a hand. Forget about the drama and the competition, and instead, focus on how deeply we are all connected—connected in our passion for this industry, in our commitment to improvement, and in our investment in the next generation. As agriculturalists, we each have a role to play. No matter how out of place you may feel, you are making a difference. And if your next goal feels too far away, just start climbing. In agriculture, there’s always a place for you—you just have to find it, and keep building it for those who come next. Related Posts Feb 5, 2025 The Reward of Pursuing Your Passion Discovering the rewards of showing goats: hard work, passion, community, and personal growth make every moment in the ring worthwhile. Jan 17, 2025 Being a Mentor by Logan Hollen Finding a mentor in a new program, like JABGA, provides guidance, builds experience, and fosters shared passion to achieve your goals. Oct 18, 2024 Maintaining Breed Integrity The Reasons Behind the Breed Standards by Jada Young

The "Unlock a Lock" event will return in 2024. Unlock a Lock Unlock a Lock The "Unlock a Lock" event will return in 2024. The " Unlock a Lock" event will return in 2024. Junior members need to participate in all four contests on Saturday, June 8th – including Skill-a-thon, Public Speaking, Sales Talk, and Goat Judging – to qualify for a chance to "Unlock a Lock" and win different prizes. Unlock a Lock will take place on Monday, June 10 during the lunch hour. Prizes include Airpods, fitting mats, Sullivan Supply accessories, and more! View JABGA Contest Rules For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

The American Boer Goat Association: Protecting, Promoting, and Recording the American Boer Goat Breed. Recipes Find delicious goat meat recipes from American Boer Goat Association members, Junior members, & chefs across the globe. Submit a Recipe 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. September 2, 2022 Easy Goat Enchiladas This recipe for easy goat enchiladas is courtesy of former JABGA Area 4 Directors Noah Ridding and Isaac Ridding. October 21, 2022 Stir-Fry Chevon with Green Onions This easy Asian-inspired chevon (goat) recipe is courtesy of ABGA member Patricia Parson of Pendergrass, Ga. October 20, 2022 Goat Jerky This classic goat jerky recipe is the perfect on-the-go snack, courtesy of former JABGA Area 4 Director Noah Ridding. October 1, 2022 Hawaiian Goat Mini-Kebabs These luau-worthy Hawaiian goat mini-kebabs are courtesy of ABGA member Patricia Parson of Pendergrass, Ga. September 15, 2022 Goat Gumbo This Cajun-inspired recipe for goat gumbo is courtesy of former JABGA Area 4 Director Isaac Ridding. August 10, 2022 Goat Texas Chili - 2022 National Show Tasting & Recipe Contest Winner Tiffani Row's Goat Texas Chili recipe blew away the judges and took first place in the 2022 ABGA National Show Tasting & Recipe Contest. July 1, 2022 Curry Goat This curry goat recipe is courtesy of former JABGA Area 4 Director Noah Ridding. June 1, 2022 Paula Parker's Family Bar-B-Que Goat Recipe With Spring here, it’s time to talk about barbequing! Here’s a recipe from ABGA member Paula Parker for Bar-B-Que Goat. March 24, 2022 Jamaican Curried Goat Recipe If you missed Spice Island Grill on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, you can still get the Jamaican Curried Goat recipe... March 15, 2022 Braised Goat Shanks Recipe Cozy up with your family with this flavorful dish! This Braised Goat Shanks recipe is from our ABGA Board Member Maddie Fenton’s kitchen.... December 28, 2021 Appetizer Goat Kabobs Easy, sizzling goat kebabs make the perfect party appetizer. December 28, 2021 Christmas Goat Meatballs Recipe Easy to make Christmas Goat Meatballs with ground goat! December 18, 2021

Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all the JABGA members who participated! 2023 JABGA National Show Contest & Overall Regional Series Results Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all the JABGA members who participated! Congratulations to the 2023 JABGA National Show contest winners and thank you to all the JABGA members who participated. We can't wait to see you at next year's National Show! #2023NationalShow Related Posts