​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

Discover the ABGA Sanctioned Show Program, promoting Boer goat exhibitions. View the Sanctioned Show Rules and application to ensure compliance. Ennoblement points are awarded post-show results submission. Join us in celebrating quality Boer goats while adhering to established guidelines. Sanctioned Shows Discover the ABGA Sanctioned Show Program, promoting Boer goat exhibitions. View the Sanctioned Show Rules and application to ensure compliance. Ennoblement points are awarded post-show results submission. Join us in celebrating quality Boer goats while adhering to established guidelines. Sanctioned Show Rules Jump to sections: View Sanctioned Show Rules Sanctioned Show Application 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. Sanctioned Show Application The ABGA board voted unanimously to change the procedure for sanctioned show ribbons, effective January 1, 2026 . The key updates are: Prize Pack Options Expanded – Shows will now have more flexibility to select awards that best suit their exhibitors and events, including both traditional ribbon packs and new vinyl banner options. Pass-Through Cost Model – The cost of sanctioned show ribbons and shipping will no longer be covered by ABGA but instead be passed through to individual shows. Prize Packs Optional – While the cost of prize packs will no longer be covered by ABGA, it is not mandatory that you order a prize pack from the ABGA. No Sanctioned Show Fee – This change allows ABGA to reduce expenses and maintain a balanced budget while continuing to avoid adding any sanctioned show fees. Discounted Pricing Secured – ABGA has worked with vendors to ensure affordable options for show organizers. Click the button below to view the catalog outlining the expanded prize pack offerings and the cost for each option. View Awards Catalog Download PDF application About ABGA Sanctioned Shows Hosting an ABGA Sanctioned Show is a great way to promote Boer goats and connect with breeders and exhibitors nationwide. Review the steps to complete your application and ensure your event meets all ABGA sanctioning requirements. Sanctioned Shows News & Updates 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 Mar 27, 2023 Puerto Rico Boer Goat Show Experience the PR Boer Goat Show from March 19, 2023, in Puerto Rico, featuring top Boer goats and dedicated breeders. Read More Nov 1, 2022 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. 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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 Apr 8, 2026 Fullblood Herd Book Modernization Proposal This proposal modernizes the Fullblood Herd Book by establishing automatic Fullblood recognition for any ABGA registered Boer goat with documented genetics of 99.5% or higher. Read More 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

Open PDF document in a new window Bylaws The ABGA is organized to collect and maintain the history and pedigree of Boer goats, to provide for their registration, to preserve the purity of the breed, and to encourage the further improvement and wider distribution of the breed through research, promotion, and education.

The American Boer Goat Association: Protecting, Promoting, and Recording the American Boer Goat Breed. Ambassador of the Breed The American Boer Goat Association honors and appreciates individuals who contribute to promoting the American Boer Goat Breed. Every year, our members nominate candidates for the ABGA's Ambassador of the Breed, who are then recognized at the ABGA & JABGA National Show. Ambassador of the Breed Nominations are now closed. A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for this year's Ambassador of the Breed! Your participation plays a vital role in celebrating the individuals who are making a real difference in promoting and advancing our breed. Nominations are now officially closed, and we’re excited to announce the winner very soon! 🎉The recipient of this honor will be recognized at the 2025 ABGA & JABGA National Show in Louisville, Kentucky. Your voice helps shine a light on the leaders and role models within our community. Thank you for being part of this important tradition! Congratulations to our past and future Ambassadors of the Breed! 2026 Lary Duncan See more 2025 Roger McSwain See more 2024 Terry & Sue Taylor See more 2023 Randy & Cindy Dusek See more 2022 Don Smith See more 2021 Eddie Holland Joetta Boyd Carol DeLobbe Terry Brown MD Shurley Ervin Chavana See more 2020 No nominees due to COVID19 See more 2019 Coni Ross Fred Homeyer Joe Tipton See more 2018 Bob Duke See more 2017 The Ryals Family See more 2016 Jim & Lynn Farmer See more 2015 John & Jackie Edwards Preston Faris See more 2025 Ambassador of the Breed Nominate Your Candidate! Get Started! We are taking nominations for this year’s Ambassador of The Breed! Nominations must be received by March 28, 2025. Current Board members are ineligible for nomination and/or to nominate a candidate. Only one (1) person, partnership, or family will be eligible per year.

Apply for the 2025 ABGA Scholarship by April 4, 2025. Open to JABGA/ABGA members under 21. Enhance your education today! Now Accepting 2025 Scholarship Applications Apply for the 2025 ABGA Scholarship by April 4, 2025. Open to JABGA/ABGA members under 21. Enhance your education today! The American Boer Goat Association and Junior American Boer Goat Association are now accepting scholarship applications for 2025. Applications will be due to the ABGA office via electronic form or regular mail by April 4, 2025. The American Boer Goat Association scholarship program is designed to encourage the educational enhancement of young Boer goat breeders by awarding annual scholarships. This program is open to any active ABGA or JABGA member, 21 years of age or under, who has been involved in ABGA or JABGA programs. Application Guidelines Applicants must be members of the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) or American Boer Goat Association (ABGA). The applicant must be either a high school senior or a college student (21 years of age or under) as of January 1st of the year the application is submitted. Winners will be recognized at the 2025 ABGA and JABGA National Show. The applicant may receive the scholarship only one time. The recipient will be selected by the ABGA Scholarship Committee members, none of whom have children applying for the ABGA Scholarship. If selected to receive a scholarship by the American Boer Goat Association Scholarship Committee, the scholarship applicant will be required to verify their enrollment in an institution of higher education by September 30, 2025. Upon receipt of enrollment verification, the scholarship award check will be sent to the institution. Failure to meet enrollment requirements in year scholarship is awarded will result in forfeiture of the scholarship. Application Procedure and Instructions You must submit a copy of your final high school and/or college transcript for the Fall 2024 semester. Application material must include two letters of recommendation. The recommendations may come from employers, teachers, ag leaders, junior advisors, pastors, etc. They may not include applicants, parents, ABGA Board of Directors members, or ABGA employees. The two letters of recommendation and transcripts must be submitted together to the American Boer Goat Association. April 4, 2025, is the deadline for submitting the application material. If mailing, materials must be postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service on or before April 4, 2025. Materials postmarked after this date will not be accepted. Applications submitted by email must be received by the ABGA office no later than 11:59:59 PM CST on April 4, 2025. Selection Scholarship recipients will be selected by members of the ABGA Scholarship Committee, none of whom have children applying for the JABGA scholarship program. Each applicant may only receive the scholarship one time. Recognition ABGA scholarship recipients will be recognized at the 2025 ABGA and JABGA National Show in Louisville. Ky. Application Checklist Students wanting to apply for the 2025 ABGA Scholarship program should submit the following materials on or before April 4, 2025. Completed scholarship application Copy of final high school and/or college transcript for the Fall 2024 semester Copy of SAT/ACT scores (if not listed on high school/college transcript) Two (2) letters of recommendation Questions? Please contact Jaelynn Reyes at jaelynn@abga.org with any questions or concerns regarding the ABGA scholarship program. Ready to Apply? Complete the form below to apply for the 2025 ABGA Scholarship program: Apply now! Related Posts Feb 14, 2025 Applications for the 25-26 Board Now Open Applications completed by the nominee for the JABGA Board of Directors are due to the ABGA office via electronic form on or before March 1. Jan 22, 2024 ABGA and JABGA Now Accepting 2024 Scholarship Applications ABGA and JABGA are now accepting scholarship applications for the 2024 year. Jan 12, 2023 ABGA and JABGA Now Accepting 2023 Scholarship Applications ABGA and JABGA are now accepting scholarship applications for the 2023 year.

Save trailer space and preorder shavings from Lowe's Purchase Shavings from Lowe's Purchase Shavings from Lowe's Save trailer space and preorder shavings from Lowe's Attention National Show Exhibitors! Save trailer space and preorder your shavings and Purple Vision Show Feeds products today! Scan the QR code or visit lowespellets.com/2024-abga-nationals 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

The ABGA affiliate program is a partnership between regional goat clubs and ABGA. With the rapid growth in the meat goat industry, the local meat goat and Boer goat clubs have an increased role of education, marketing and promotion. ABGA Affiliate Membership The ABGA Affiliate Program is a partnership between regional goat clubs and ABGA. With the rapid growth in the meat goat industry, the local meat goat and Boer goat clubs have an increased role of education, marketing and promotion. These local groups provide an essential role in promoting the industry and educating breeders. Indiana Boer Goat Association Iowa Meat Goat Association Mid-Atlantic Goat Association Minnesota Boer Goat Association North Dakota Meat Goat Association Tennessee Meat Goat Association Indiana Boer Goat Association Junior Wisconsin Meat Goat Association Mid-Atlantic Goat Association Indiana Boer Goat Association Junior Wisconsin Meat Goat Association Mid-Atlantic Goat Association North Dakota Goat Association Minnesota Boer Goat Association North Dakota Meat Goat Association Tennessee Meat Goat Association Why join our membership? Invest in yourself and connect with a national network, gain access to resources, mentorship, and support to grow your events, membership, and community. Be part of advancing the Boer goat industry-locally and beyond! Benefits you can gain with us. Apply today! Download printable form Standard $75 Annual Membership Name and logo on ABGA website Vendor Table at Nationals Open Forum Access Affiliate Committee Seat Premium $150 Annual Membership All Standard Benefits Kickback Incentives (Membership & Sponsorship) Mentorship Program Access Affiliate Event Page Collaborative Marketing Tools

Louisville, Kentucky 2025 National Show Results Louisville, Kentucky Filter by Show ABGA JABGA JABGA Bred & Owned JABGA Wether Type 10983118 - JDHN PUBLIC DISTURBANCE Jackson Harman ABGA Overall Grand Champion + Champion Junior Fullblood Buck 10951095 - WINDY ACRES TRAIN STATION Wyatt Stevens ABGA Overall Reserve Grand Champion + Champion Senior Fullblood Buck 10987593 - BMACK POWER DRIVE Bmack Farms ABGA Reserve Champion Junior Fullblood Buck 10958278 - RMA2 CRUISE CONTROL John and Gale Parrish ABGA Champion Yearling Fullblood Buck 10956849 - TKGB KING OF HEARTS Piper Fisher ABGA Reserve Champion Yearling Fullblood Buck 10877502 - TKGB TROUBLESHOOTER Piper Fisher ABGA Reserve Champion Senior Fullblood Buck Trevor & Maddie Clemens ABGA Grand Best Pair of Buck Kids Brandon Leconte ABGA Reserve Best Pair of Buck Kids Trevor & Maddie Clemens ABGA Grand Best Pair of Bucks One Year & Older Locust Haven Farm ABGA Reserve Best Pair of Bucks One Year & Older Amber Schroeder ABGA Grand Best Buck/Doe Pair Jackson Harman ABGA Reserve Best Buck/Doe Pair View All ABGA Results All JABGA Show Results For more information or questions, contact criley@abga.org

Region 11 Director, Daniel Elliot Back to Board of Directors Tyler Sparks President, Region 11 Email Tyler Sparks was raised on several different cattle farms and had the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of both the show and commercial sides of the industry. He was active in 4-H and FFA and was privileged to be elected president in both organizations and receive his State FFA degree in 2008. Tyler was introduced to Boer goats in 2005 and showed his first goat in 2008. Since 2016, he has run a herd of Boer goats in Southern Ohio that consists of both registered and commercial animals. He strives to produce something for every customer, from the local county fair market whether to the nationally competitive registered doe. For the past 5 years, Tyler has traveled the country hauling goats and meeting other breeders and enthusiasts. He has been privileged to learn about the many different aspects of the industry from some of the greats. Tyler also currently serves on the ABGA Board of Directors as the representative for Region 11. Previous Director Next Director

Back to All Ambassadors 2024 Terry & Sue Taylor We are honored and humbled to be selected by our peers as this year’s Ambassador of the Breed. Of all the ribbons, trophies, banners, and titles received through the years, this honor you bestow will be our most cherished. We are Sue and Terry Taylor, and we live in Smyer, Texas, where we own and operate Windy Acres Boers. We have been married for 30 years, are Native West Texans and have three children and three grandchildren. Some 25 years ago, we bought our first goats for our son’s FFA project to show at the county show. Later, we met Darwin McLeod and bought his 12 head of Fullblood registered goats, including a Mojo Magic son and a Pipeline daughter. We will miss Darwin’s knowledge and sense of humor. This industry has given us the unique ability to help young people with their projects and exhibitions, stay in touch with the many friends we have made, and share knowledge of the breed that others have taken the time to do with us. We take a lot of pride in these animals and are humbled by our success; it is a passion that gets in your blood. We have had a tremendous amount of help along the way from great friends, but a few sort of stick out. We went to our first show in Goldthwaithe, TX, where we met Wayne Ables. Wayne could see we needed a lot of help, and for years thereafter, he taught us everything he knew about goats. At that show, we heard the words “flush” and “AI,” which led us to know John and Jackie Edwards. John & Jackie continued to teach and mentor us in the breeding and production aspect of the breed, and with our first flush to Cannon, set the foundation of our program. Later, we met Dr. Robert Dressler, who, with his expertise, helped teach us to develop the marketing side of the business that introduced our program to the industry. Last yet most importantly, we thank Floyd and LuDean Taylor, Terry’s parents, for their help and support. Success is determined by those whom you surround yourself with. Everything we have accomplished regarding success in production, the show or sale ring, was because of help along the way, and many individuals have helped us forge our path. We have always done our best to repay that and be remembered as givers to those who asked. Again, thank you for this honor!