Back to All Ambassadors 2018 Bob Duke

Back to All Ambassadors 2017 The Ryals Family

The American Boer Goat Association: Protecting, Promoting, and Recording the American Boer Goat Breed. Past Editions March 2026 Update March 5th Update February 2026 Update February 5th Update January 2026 Update January 8th Update First Prev 1 Page 1 Next Last The Boer Goat Newsletter Subscribe to The Boer Goat Newsletter—ABGA’s bi‑weekly e‑newsletter delivering the latest on shows, membership highlights, and industry news directly to your email inbox. Stay in the Loop with ABGA News Never miss an important update—subscribe to The Boer Goat Newsletter, ABGA’s official e-newsletter delivered straight to your inbox every first and third Thursday morning. It’s the best way to stay informed about office announcements, upcoming shows, membership news, and more. Whether you're a seasoned breeder or new to the community, our newsletter keeps you connected and up to date. Sign up today and stay ahead with everything ABGA! First Name Enter Your Email Subscribe Thanks for subscribing to our newsletter! Last Name Latest Edition Open in new window

Open PDF document in a new window Code of Ethics The American Boer Goat Association (ABGA), Its Board of Directors, Members, Non-Members and/or Agents are committed to conducting ourselves in a professional manner that does not reflect negatively on themselves or the association.

2026 National Coloring Contest 2026 National Coloring Contest 2026 National Coloring Contest 2026 National Coloring Contest Coloring Contest is now open! Closes April 1st Coloring contest opens February 17th and closes April 1st, 2026 Age divisions will be determined based on the contestant's age on July 1st, 2025 Novice Division: 4-7 years of age Junior Division: 8-12 years of age Intermediate Division: 13-16 years of age Senior Division: 17-21 years of age Winners will be announced and displayed at Nationals. Download your coloring page NOW! Novice Intermediate Junior Senior Adult *Submit your coloring page as a PDF ENTER HERE For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

Meet Lizzie Hefner, a 17-year-old Boer goat enthusiast from Indiana, dedicated to youth leadership and community involvement. Lizzie Hefner Hi, I’m Lizzie Hefner, and I’m 17 years old from Lebanon, Indiana, where I live with my dad, Brian (who has probably stopped you at one point), and my younger sister, Addy. I’ve been showing Boer goats for six years and have been a member of the Indiana Boer Goat Association (IBGA) for five years. As an IBGA Ambassador, I love promoting the Boer goat industry and being involved in the community that has given me so much. I’m especially passionate about helping and serving the next generation of youth in the industry, sharing my knowledge and experiences to encourage their success. I’m also very active in leadership roles. I serve as the President of my 4-H club in Boone County, where I'm entering my ninth year as a member, and I’m the Lebanon FFA Chapter Reporter. Additionally, I’m a member of the National Honor Society (NHS) and am involved in both student and class council at Lebanon High School. When I’m not working on my academics or extracurriculars, you can usually find me in the barn, where my passion for the livestock industry truly shines.

Rebecca's love for agriculture began in the eighth grade. That's when she also began to show breeding goats. Rebecca Sullivan Agriculture wasn’t part of my upbringing—my family had no ties to the industry. But everything changed in eighth grade when I took my first agriculture class. That single experience sparked a passion that quickly grew into a commitment: I began showing breeding goats and immersed myself in the FFA, where I discovered a deep love for leadership, community, and agricultural advocacy. Now attending Tarleton State University, I’m majoring in Civil Engineering with a minor in Environmental Engineering. I actively serve as an officer in three engineering organizations on campus, blending my technical interests with my agricultural roots. Outside of academics and the show ring, I enjoy reading, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with friends. Today, I’m honored to serve as the secretary for the JABGA Board of Directors. This role allows me to continue growing as a leader while helping shape the future of an organization that has given so much to me. I’m excited to help inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders and contribute to the continued success of JABGA.

What to Feed an Athlete What to Feed an Athlete What to Feed an Athlete Written by - Logan Hollen, JABGA Vice President Every 2 years we see athletes take part in Olympic sports, summer sports followed by winter sports on a 4-year rotation of each. These athletes have a strict balanced diet that allows them to fuel their bodies to go out and perform these insane tasks in front of millions. As most sit on the couch watching these athletes, they say things like “wow I could never do that”, “wouldn’t that be nice” or “yeah maybe 20 years ago”. Everyone saying things like this is only seeing the final product, a finished and polished athlete ready to compete. What people don’t see is the hard work and dedication that goes into creating the physique that we see on our TVs. The Boer Goat is no different. These animals are filled with muscle expression and have the body capacity to look, feel and act like the professional athletes you see on tv. Now that you know what your animal can be capable of, what must we feed to get your goat to look its best on show day? All goats are different and will require tweaking feeds here and there but before you tweak too much make sure that animal is on the feed for a minimum of 2-3 months so your animal has time to develop the changes that will come with each specific feed formula. In terms of specifics and what you should look for when feeding your athlete, 3 main factors should be at the forefront. Those are fat, fiber and protein. These are the 3 main components of a feed tag and can drastically change how your goat will feel, behave and perform. In terms of ingredients and the specifics I look for a barley-based feed to fill in across the shoulders and across the loin of my bucks and does. When finding, creating or building your athletes’ diet it is important to ask, research and test. Ask your mentors in the industry what works for them and what they recommend. Research and get the information for yourself. We live in such a digital age where you can have any and all information in just a few keystrokes. Use this to look up what ingredients are and what they can accomplish. Lastly, test what you’re feeding. When feeding a new formula or new ingredients it is important that you know what it will change and affect. Every animal will have a different change or reaction to new feeds, so it is important to have base understanding and knowledge. Test groups in animals also help you to see the difference in what the feed is doing for your program. Barn blindness is a real thing. When you go out to the same barn and see the same goats each and every day it can be a challenge to see a different and feel defeated while thinking your feed isn’t performing in the way you thought it would. When you can compare either animal to animal or pictures and weights, it can help you see and adjust as time goes on. All in all, make sure you are feeding your athlete the feed that they need to go out and compete in the showring. “There is a direct connection between what you put into it and what you get out of it."- Michael Phelps (28-time Olympic medal winning swimmer) Related Posts

The JABGA Board of Directors proposes the age change be implemented on September 1, 2023. JABGA Age Division Changes The JABGA Board of Directors proposes the age change be implemented on September 1, 2023. Current Junior (4-8 years old) Intermediate (9-13 years old) Senior (14-18 old) Updated Novice (4-7 years old) Junior (8-12 years old) Intermediate (13-16 years old) Senior (17-21 years old) JABGA Board of Directors proposes that the age change be implemented on September 1st, so it would be effective for the start of the 2023-2024 Regional Show Series and all JABGA shows. Related Posts Oct 25, 2024 2024 - 2025 Regional Show Series: Public Speaking Topics The Public Speaking contest encourages participants to develop communication skills while sharing knowledge about the Boer goat industry and breed. Jul 21, 2023 Updated JABGA Speech Topics The updated Speech Topics were passed by the JABGA Board of Directors at the 2023 Summer Face-to Face meeting.

Ghouls and goblins and goats... oh my! In trick-or-treat spirit, we asked ABGA members to show us their best goat costumes on social media. 2022 Halloween Virtual Costume Parade Ghouls and goblins and goats... oh my! In trick-or-treat spirit, we asked ABGA members to show us their best goat costumes on social media. Ghouls and goblins and goats... oh my! In true trick-or-treat spirit, we asked ABGA members from across the country to show us their best goat costumes on Facebook and Instagram. We want to thank everyone who submitted photos and joined in the Halloween fun. Click on the gallery below to see all of the cute, creative, and clever costumes submissions we received: 2022 Halloween Virtual Costume Parade Photos courtesy of: Cathy Schones Morris, Jessica Shannon Spangler, Amanda Griffith, Kristy Vaughn, Linda Johnson, Nancy Tartaglia, Andrea Luna, Angela and Kevin Manning, Josh Ganoe, Rebecka Knotts, Tracey Jenette LaRue, Laken Stocker-Dahnke. Goats & Goblins 2022 - Princeton, Ind. Photos courtesy of Cindy Dusek. #JABGA #news Related Posts

The American Boer Goat Association's Payment Center allows members to add funds to their account electronically via credit card. PAYMENT CENTER Payments made using the form below add credit to your account and can take up to three business days to process. Payment received will be applied to your outstanding balance first. Add Credit

The American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) is now hiring a Youth Coordinator for the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA). CLOSED: Now Hiring: JABGA Youth Coordinator The American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) is now hiring a Youth Coordinator for the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA). **As of October 5, 2022, the American Boer Goat Association is no longer accepting applications for the JABGA Youth Coordinator position. Thank you to all applicants who submitted their information!** The American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) is now hiring a Youth Coordinator for the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) . This is a remote position with some travel required. If you are passionate about leadership, education, and personal development for youth and want to work with an expanding nonprofit organization, email your resume and cover letter to officemanager@abga.org or apply on Indeed here . Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) Youth Coordinator Position Overview: This position is fully responsible for organizing the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA). The JABGA Youth Coordinator develops and facilitates programs in various settings to enhance and support education and personal development for youth involved in JABGA. The Youth Coordinator ensures all JABGA projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet quality standards, and secures and implements grants/funding and development programs to support JABGA’s mission. Location & Travel: This position is remote, with a requirement to travel to industry events, all JABGA Regional and National Shows, and occasionally the ABGA office (San Angelo, Texas). Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience. Education: A Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on agricultural education is preferred. Reports To: ABGA Executive Director, Office Manager, Background Check: The ability to pass a comprehensive background check is required. This position adheres to strict conduct and confidentiality standards regarding minors and sensitive information. Prior Experience: Event planning, specifically youth educational and leadership events (required) Working with youth (required) Basic financial management, including developing and monitoring budgets and financial reporting (required) Agricultural extension or agricultural organization/association work (preferred) Grants management (preferred) Project management, including using project management software (Microsoft Teams, OEX) (preferred) Skills: Excellent time management and prioritization skills Stellar written and verbal communication skills Comfortable with high-pressure situations and strict deadlines Attention to detail Ability to learn, understand, and follow complex procedures and regulations Proficiency with desktop computers, Microsoft Office applications (Word, Teams, Excel), and conducting business via email and the Internet Ability to lead and manage a group Ability to anticipate setbacks and plan accordingly Strong sense of relationship building and ability to work in teams Duties: Prepare comprehensive action plans for JABGA projects, directives, and events with guidance from ABGA Executive Director, ABGA Youth Committee Plan and oversee meetings and activities of the JABGA Board of Directors (monthly virtual meetings, annual Face-to-Face meetings) Perform administrative tasks on behalf of JABGA (scheduling, timelines, budgets, contacts, financial inquiries, vendor relations) Represent JABGA and ABGA at various industry events, including “major” livestock shows (NAILE, Fort Worth Livestock Show & Rodeo, Denver Livestock Show, RodeoHouston, the American Royal Livestock Show, OYE, and others), all ABGA and JABGA Regional Shows and National Shows, National FFA Convention Provide routine updates to ABGA Executive Director, Office Manager, and Youth Committee on the success of JABGA policies, events, and directives Inform JABGA members and their parents/guardians on JABGA policies, events, and directives via text, email, video chat, and social media. Manage safety concerns, accidents, injuries, and misconduct of JABGA members and volunteers according to ABGA and JABGA policies and local and national laws. Assist the Youth Committee and Executive Director in identifying and pursuing financial support opportunities (grants) from government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and corporate sponsors to meet JABGA's needs Maintain strict conduct and confidentiality standards regarding minors and sensitive information About the American Boer Goat Association: The American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that focuses on protecting, promoting, and recording the American Boer goat breed. The Boer breed was developed by Dutch farmers in South Africa in the 1900s and was then introduced in the United States in 1993. The American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) was founded the following year. Boer goats are prized for their rapid growth rate, excellent carcass quality, and adaptability to many climates. A docile and highly fertile breed, Boer goats have primarily been used for meat production. Over a century later, these traits set the Boer goat apart in the purebred and commercial segments of the American meat goat industry. With 7,000 members and 45,000 goats registered annually, today’s ABGA offers members marketing, educational, and commercial industry opportunities, along with youth involvement through the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA).   About the Junior American Boer Goat Association: The Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) supports ABGA in its mission to improve and promote the Boer breed and encourage the breeding, raising, and exhibition of American Boer Goats. JABGA fosters the personal growth of its youth membership through training in leadership, good sportsmanship, and character development as individuals and in groups. **As of October 5, 2022, the American Boer Goat Association is no longer accepting applications for the JABGA Youth Coordinator position. Thank you to all applicants who submitted their information!** JABGA Youth Coordinator .pdf Download PDF • 85KB #JABGA #news Related Posts