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"When going into any showmanship class the most important thing you want to do is have confidence," says JABGA Vice President Logan Hollen. Confidence and Eye Contact "When going into any showmanship class the most important thing you want to do is have confidence," says JABGA Vice President Logan Hollen. JABGA Vice President Logan Hollen When going into any showmanship class the most important thing you want to do is have confidence. You can grow your confidence by having eye contact with the judge. When having eye contact it allows you to have a connection with the judge, and in hopes, they will remember you and set you apart from the rest. It’s very important to stay focused on where the judge is located in the ring. This is done by keeping eye contact. By knowing where the judge is at all times will let you have a smoother transition when moving around your goat and will help keep you focused on the class. This is definitely something that can be practiced at home with the use of a mirror. The use of a mirror in your barn will also help you with feet placement. Judges are very picky on how feet are placed. This will separate you from 1st place and 2nd place the majority of the time. The quicker you can place feet and be looking back up at the judge is what will push you towards the top of the class. Related Posts

The Reasons Behind the Breed Standards by Jada Young Maintaining Breed Integrity The Reasons Behind the Breed Standards by Jada Young Many times, in my show career I have asked myself questions. A substantial amount when I was younger was ‘why some things about our breed are the way they are, and what makes those things so important?’ A few examples of that would be the depth of body on an animal, or the precise hooks and pin set on a doe, or even the breed’s characteristic roman nose? Many of these answers can be dated back to before the Boer Goat was brought over to the United States from South Africa in 1993. When looking for these answers we need to take a step back from the show ring and look at the breed from a production standpoint. Our animals were not always made for the show life. They were used to produce meat for slaughter purposes. The main factor in that production was kidding out does to have more potential babies, or slaughter opportunities. This is where the deep body cavity and hooks to pin set come into play. The deeper flanked a doe is, the more desirable she will be because she has more maternal capabilities. This means she will have more room to carry the babies comfortably to full term. The hooks and pin set also play a vital role in the birth of baby goats. If you have a doe that is too narrow in her rear end, there is a higher chance of babies getting stuck, which is a possibility of lost life. When looking at herd production, you want to continue growing, instead of losing vital members of your herd. The next stage of life for a young kid is to grow to their full potential. When a kid was born many years ago back in South Africa, many farmers looked at their body characteristics to determine how much natural muscling the animals will carry when they are older. The roman nose is believed to signify a strong, broad head which is associated with good meat production. This is how farmers would cull their herds to only keep what they believed would be good meat producers. Next time when you are wondering why some of our breed characteristics are in place, ask a fellow member in hopes of learning some of the history behind our association. It is very important to know why our breed characteristics were instilled in the Boer goat all those years ago in South Africa. Jada Young Junior Board of Directors Area 4 Related Posts Aug 9, 2024 JABGA Member, Baylee Lamb, Recognized by the state of Oklahoma JABGA Bred & Owned Percentage Doe Grand Champion's hard work and dedication pays off! Mar 26, 2022 What National Agriculture Week Means To Me JABGA Board Member, Alaina Blair, reflects on what National Agriculture Week means to her. Feb 28, 2022 JABGA Member Casey Stevens Researches Goat Meat Casey Stevens’ goal is to change the meat goat industry. Check out her award winning research!

JABGA’s Summer Face-to-Face meeting featured industry tours, leadership development, and team building across San Antonio, King Ranch, and Corpus Christi, preparing members for an exciting year ahead. JABGA Summer Face-to-Face Meeting Recap JABGA’s Summer Face-to-Face meeting featured industry tours, leadership development, and team building across San Antonio, King Ranch, and Corpus Christi, preparing members for an exciting year ahead. The Junior American Boer Goat Association gathered for a productive and memorable summer face-to-face meeting filled with learning, leadership, and fun. Day 1 kicked off in San Antonio with an inside look at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, guided by Mr. Brian Faris, Competitive Director. The group also enjoyed a tour of the Alamo and a ghost tour, blending history with a little adventure. Day 2 was packed with opportunities for growth and education. The morning began at the East Foundation with Mr. Todd Snelgrove, COO, learning how land stewardship is advanced through ranching, science, and education. The afternoon continued with an in-depth tour of King Ranch, where members explored the Santa Gertrudis cattle, Quarter Horse, feed mill/feedlot, and farming operations, followed by visits to the King Ranch Museum and Saddle Shop. The evening wrapped up with dinner in Corpus Christi. Day 3 focused on business, as the Junior Board gathered for discussions and planning to prepare for the year ahead. The meeting was a balance of leadership development, industry insight, and team building, setting the tone for an exciting year for JABGA. Related Posts

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 Jun 11, 2026 Judges Educational Clinic Provides Hands-On Learning Opportunity at National Show Members attending the 2026 National Show had the opportunity to attend an educational clinic led by ABGA Certified Judges Olivia Rush, Patrick Aliff, and Corey Billups. Throughout the session, participants worked directly with live animals while engaging in discussions on breed standards, structure, and cull faults. The judges walked attendees through the ABGA breed standards and how the decision-making process used when evaluating animals. The interactive format allowed members to ask... Read More 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

Beyond the Banners: Finding Joy in the Journey When you first get into showing, it is easy to focus on the big things. The banners, the big shows, the goals, the next animal. There is always another show to prep for, another goal to chase, or something that could be just a little bit better. It is easy to spend so much time thinking about what is next, that you forget to enjoy where you are right now. But showing goats is about so much more than the judge's handshake. Showing goats is about the early mornings when everyone is running on very little sleep, the late nights getting goats ready, the long drives to the next show, and the conversations that somehow make the miles go by faster. It is laughing with friends in the barn, learning something from a breeder, helping a younger exhibitor get ready, or making a memory with friends that you will talk about for years to come. Those moments might not seem like much while they are happening, but they are usually the moments you end up remembering the most. Sometimes, we forget just how blessed we are to even have these opportunities. We can get so caught up in the next show, or the next win, that we overlook the fact that we get to live in a country where we have the freedom to travel, compete, raise animals, chase our goals, and be surrounded by people who support what we love. There are so many things we experience every day that could easily be taken for granted. Having the opportunity to load up a trailer, travel across the country, walk into a show ring, and compete at any level is something worth being thankful for. It is still okay to want the banner; we work hard for it. We spend countless hours prepping for these shows, and there's nothing wrong with being proud when that hard work pays off. But not every day is going toend with a banner. You can be genuinely happy for the person who won, while still wishing it had been you. Sometimes the lessons come instead of the banner. It is okay to be disappointed, learn from it, and then keep going. And when someone else gets the win, be the person who can genuinely celebrate with them. One of the best parts of JABGA is that we get the chance to make this industry better for the juniors coming behind us. Answer the question, help someone get their goat ready, encourage the exhibitor who just had a tough class, and introduce yourself to the new family. You never know how much a small moment of encouragement might mean to someone. Through all of it, give God the credit. Thank Him for the wins, but also thank Him for the lessons. Thank Him for the animals, the people, the opportunities, the miles traveled, and even the days that do not go according to plan. Consider it all a joy. It is easy to ask God for the next opportunity and forget to thank Him for the one already in front of us. Keep working hard, keep chasing big goals, keep showing up, but do not be so focused on what is next that you miss what is happening right now. Enjoy the little things, help somebody out, and be thankful for the opportunities you have been given. Because when the show is over, the banners will eventually collect dust,and the trailer will eventually get unloaded. What stays with you are the people, the lessons, the memories, and the moments you took the time to appreciate. Maybe that is the biggest goal of all, to work hard for what you want, thank God for what you have, and make sure you enjoy the journey along the way. Lillian Hisel Area 3 Board of Directors Related Posts

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.

JABGA Board of Director Applications Now Open! Apply Now! Related Posts

JABGA Junior Board Face-to-Face Meeting Recap By: Jaelynn Namio-Grant, JABGA Liaison Our JABGA Junior Board of Directors met July 19th-22nd in San Angelo, Texas for a few days packed with leadership, learning, teamwork and agriculture! On Monday, our juniors explored several areas of the agriculture industry. We visited Texas A&M Agrilife with Dr. Jake Thorne to learn about current research, discuss valuable data that can benefit producers and ask questions about how we can bring that information/resources back to our membership. We then toured Producers Livestock Auction, where Benny Cox shared insight into the livestock auction industry, before wrapping up with Texas A&M Agrilife Agronomy Specialist Dr. Reagan Noland to learn about soil health, agronomy research and protecting our food supply. These experiences gave our juniors a firsthand look at the many opportunities within agriculture while encouraging them to think about how they can make an impact on our industry and membership. Tuesday was all business as our directors spent over 10 hours at the ABGA office for their board meeting. Our Junior Ambassadors joined the final session and provided their input as well. Throughout the meeting, our directors demonstrated leadership, communication, problem-solving, and a commitment to making JABGA stronger. Their passion and ideas were evident in every discussion, and it was exciting to see them take ownership of their role in shaping the future of the association. On Wednesday, we headed back to Dallas and sent everyone home with new ideas, skills, and plenty of memories. Most importantly, our directors left excited and ready for the upcoming season. Coming Soon · JABGA Animal Award Program · Fitting Contest Updates: Level 1, 2, 3 & Mentor · Supreme Breeding Goat at Regionals · New Demonstration Contest · Monthly Educational Content Our Junior Board is ready to lead, serve, and make an impact this season. Empowering Youth. Advancing the Breed Related Posts

ABGA and JABGA are now accepting scholarship applications for the 2023 year. ABGA and JABGA Now Accepting 2023 Scholarship Applications ABGA and JABGA are now accepting scholarship applications for the 2023 year. The American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) and Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) are now accepting scholarship applications for 2023. Applications will be due to the ABGA office via electronic form or regular mail (4258 S Jackson St, San Angelo, Texas 76903) by April 1, 2023. 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. Applicants must: Be an active member of the American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) or the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) Be either a high school senior OR a college student (21 years of age and under) as of January 1, 2023. 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. Verification of Enrollment Recipients must verify their enrollment in an institution of higher education with the ABGA office by September 30, 2023. The scholarship award check will be sent to the educational institution upon verification of enrollment. Failure to meet enrollment requirements in 2023 will result in forfeiture of the scholarship. Recognition ABGA scholarship recipients will be recognized at the 2023 ABGA and JABGA National Show in Louisville. Ky. Application Checklist Students wanting to apply for the 2023 ABGA Scholarship program should submit the following materials on or before April 1, 2023. Completed scholarship application ( VIEW HERE ) Copy of final high school and/or college transcript for the Fall 2022 semester Copy of SAT/ACT scores (if not listed on high school/college transcript) Two (2) letters of recommendation Questions or Concerns? Please contact JABGA Youth Coordinator Hannah Seymore at jabga@abga.org with any questions or concerns regarding the ABGA scholarship program. Ready to Apply? Complete the form below to apply for the 2023 ABGA Scholarship program: ABGA Scholarship Application Related Posts

Are you an ABGA show expert? Do you want to be part of JABGA’s Regional Show program? You may be the next JABGA Regional Show Host! JABGA Regional Show Judges Needed Are you an ABGA show expert? Do you want to be part of JABGA’s Regional Show program? You may be the next JABGA Regional Show Host! Are you an ABGA show expert? Do you want to be part of JABGA’s acclaimed Regional Show program? You may be the next JABGA Regional Show Host! ABGA is currently looking for interested ABGA members to host regional shows in Area 1, Area 3, Area 4, and Area 5 for the 2022 season and all areas for the 2023-2024 season. You must be an ABGA member in good standing, have previous ABGA sanctioned show experience, and reside in the JABGA Area where the Regional Show is held to be a JABGA Regional Show host. JABGA Regional Show hosts will be responsible for the following, among other duties: Establish show budget and date with ABGA office staff and Youth Committee chairs Select and secure show venue Create show schedule with ABGA office staff and Youth Committee chairs Select and secure show judge from ABGA’s Approved Judges list Secure additional sponsors outside of the ABGA budget Arrange show judge’s travel with ABGA office staff Select and coordinate show volunteers (including but not limited to ring staff, volunteer contest judges, and show announcer) Providing scales for weigh-in (market and commercial doe shows) Coordinate exposition space for sponsors and vendors Validate JABGA ownership and Bred & Owned entries Plan and facilitate awards banquet If you are interested in hosting a JABGA Regional Show, please contact shows@abga.org . The JABGA regional show areas are broken down by state as follows: Area 1: Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, Alaska, Hawaii, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Montana Area 2: Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota Area 3: Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine Area 4: Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Puerto Rico Area 5: Colorado, New Mexico, Texas For more information about the JABGA Regional Show program, click here. For more information about ABGA sanctioned show rules, click here. For more information about JABGA sanctioned show rules, click here. #JABGA #news Related Posts

Beyond the Banner: What Showing Goats Teaches Us By: Bella Philips, JABGA Area 2 Board of Director When most people think about livestock shows, they picture banners, ribbons, and champions standing proudly in the ring. Those moments are exciting and rewarding, and they are often what people remember most. However, anyone who has spent time in the goat barn knows that the banner is only a small part of the experience. The real lessons come from late nights, the longs days of preparation, and the people you meet along the way. Showing goats teaches youth responsibility, commitment, and leadership. Lessons that last far beyond the show ring. One of the first things showing goats teaches is responsibility. Livestock rely on their caretakers every single day. Feeding, watering, cleaning pens, and checking on animals quickly becomes part of your daily routine. Unlike many activities, livestock do not wait until it is convenient. They depend on you no matter the weather, your schedule, or how busy life gets. Through these daily tasks, exhibitors learn that their actions directly affect the health and success of their animals. Over time, that responsibility becomes something you take pride in, and it often carries over into other areas of life as well. Showing goats also teaches the value of hard work that happens behind the scenes. What spectators and fellow showman see in the ring only lasts a few minutes, but the preparation leading up to that moment can take months. Practicing showmanship, washing, clipping, and making sure everything is ready for show day requires time and patience. Many of the most important lessons are learned during these quiet moments in the barn. It is where junior members develop discipline and learn that success does not come from one moment, it comes from the effort you put in every day leading up to it. Of course, not every show ends with the result you hoped for. The show ring has a way of teaching lessons about both winning and losing. Sometimes you can work incredibly hard and still not place where you expected. Those moments can be frustrating (trust me I have been there), but they are also opportunities to grow. Exhibitors learn to respect the judge’s decision, congratulate fellow competitors, and focus on what they can improve next time. Learning how to handle both success and disappointment with humility is one of the most valuable lessons the show ring offers. Another important part of the livestock industry is the leadership and mentorship that develops within it. Many exhibitors remember being new to the show ring and learning from those who had more experience. As time goes on, those same exhibitors often find themselves helping younger members learn how to brace a goat, prepare for showmanship, or feel more confident stepping into the ring. Through my own involvement in the goat industry, including serving on the JABGA Junior Board and mentoring younger exhibitors, I have seen how important it is to support the next generation. Helping others succeed is one of the most rewarding parts of being involved in the livestock community. The friendships formed through showing goats are another part of the experience that many exhibitors cherish. Long days spent at shows, helping each other prepare animals for the show ring, and traveling throughout the show season often lead to friendships that last well beyond the final drive. The livestock community is know for being supportive, whether that means lending a can of tail adhesive, offering advice, or simply cheering for a friend in the ring. While banners and awards are exciting achievements, they are not the most meaningful part of the experience. The true value of showing goats come from the lessons learned along the way, the responsibility of caring for livestock, the discipline developed through hard work, the friendships built in the barn, and the leadership skills gained through helping others. Those lessons stay with exhibitors long after the trailers head home from the show. In the end, the banner may hang on the wall, but the experiences and values learned through showing goats are what truly last a lifetime. Related Posts

The Invisible Network: How Every Job Contributes to Agriculture The Invisible Network: How Every Job Contributes to Agriculture By: Rebecca Sullivan, JABGA Area 5 Director Agriculture is often described as the backbone of civilization, but the truth runs deeper. It is not just the foundation of society; it is the industry that every other profession quietly supports. While farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers are the most visible stewards of our food system, the success of agriculture depends on a vast network of people whose jobs may seem unrelated at first glance. Every career contributes to agriculture in some way, forming an interconnected system that keeps the world fed, clothed, and thriving. Modern agriculture is a complex, high‑tech, globally connected industry. It relies on expertise, innovation, and support from nearly every sector. Engineers design irrigation systems, machinery, roads, and bridges that move food from rural to global markets. Scientists develop improved crop varieties, study soil health, and protect plants and animals from disease. Educators train the next generation of agriculturalists, veterinarians, engineers, and environmental leaders. Agriculture is not just fields and livestock; it is a massive economic engine. For every farmer, there are dozens of people upstream and downstream whose work makes production possible Manufacturers build tractors, feed mills, fencing, and processing equipment. Truck drivers and logistics workers move grain, livestock, produce, and supplies across the country. Bankers and financial analysts provide loans, insurance, and risk‑management tools. Every paycheck earned in these industries ultimately supports the agricultural economy, creating a cycle where each job strengthens the system that feeds the world. As global populations rise and environmental pressures intensify, agriculture will depend even more on the contributions of diverse professions. Innovations in renewable energy, water conservation, biotechnology, engineering, and data science will shape the future of food production. The next breakthroughs will not come from agriculture alone; they will come from collaboration across industries. In this way, every job becomes part of agriculture’s story. Every profession plays a role in feeding families, supporting rural communities, and sustaining the land. Agriculture is not an isolated sector; it is a living system supported by millions of people whose jobs may never take them near a farm. From engineers to educators, from scientists to storytellers, from truck drivers to technicians, every profession contributes to the strength and resilience of agriculture. In the end, agriculture is not just the work of farmers. It is the work of all of us. Related Posts