The ABGA board came together last night 10/1/2024, as a work group, to hear and discuss a business proposal.  This conversation presented us with potential options to restructure part of our organizational design.  Additionally, to help direct services and benefits to members and give us opportunities for future development and growth and prosperity for 2025 and into the future.  We look forward to further conversations and will keep the membership apprised of any future developments.   At times we may need to touch on a delicate HR concern that may need to be addressed to the Board and not disclosed publicly.   For clarification purposes as stated in our By Laws:  Such closed meetings shall be held to receive information or for discussion only, and no votes may be taken, and no other final decisions of the Board may be made during such closed meetings.   We appreciate your patience, Rosalinda Vizina, Region 1, President Brad Mackey, Region 13, Vice President Sam Knott, Region 8, Treasurer Gage Taylor, Region 7, Secretary Olivia Rush, Region 2 Paige Gunderson, Region 3 Jeff Gibbs, Region 4 Elizabeth Westfall, Region 9 Kim Veal, Region 10 Tyler Sparks, Region 11 Cameron Drew, Region 14

To our livestock friends and families in the devasting path of Hurricane Helene our heart goes out to each of you.  We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.   Rosalinda Vizina, Region 1, President Brad Mackey, Region 13, Vice President Sam Knott, Region 8, Treasurer Gage Taylor, Region 7, Secretary Olivia Rush, Region 2 Paige Gunderson, Region 3 Jeff Gibbs, Region 4 Elizabeth Westfall, Region 9 Kim Veal, Region 10 Tyler Sparks, Region 11 Cameron Drew, Region 14

Members of the American Boer Goat Association, On Tuesday evening September 24, 2024, many of you may have watched the Special Board of Directors Meeting. At the end of the meeting there were four members that resigned from the Board, Mike Reis (President), Chuck Fitzwater (Vice-President), Lauren Green (Region 6) and Casey McClain (Region 7). We thank them for their endless hours on the Board and good luck with their future endeavors. If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please reach out to your regional director. Rosalinda Vizina, Region 1, President Email: region1@abga.org Brad Mackey, Region 13, Vice President Email:  region13@abga.org Sam Knott, Region 8, Treasurer Email: region8@abga.org Gage Taylor, Region 7, Secretary Email: region7b@abga.org Olivia Rush, Region 2 Email: region2@abga.org Paige Gunderson, Region 3 Email: region3@abga.org Jeff Gibbs, Region 4 Email: region4@abga.org Elizabeth Westfall, Region 9 Email: region9@abga.org Kim Veal, Region 10 Email: region10@abga.org Tyler Sparks, Region 11 Email: region11@abga.org Cameron Drew, Region 14 Email: region14@abga.org Board of Directors

Practice! Practice! Practice! Set goals for yourself. Have someone video you practicing, so you can watch yourself and see how you may need to make some changes. Everyone shows a little differently but watching more experienced showmen is beneficial.

I first got into the goat world and stepped into the ring for the first time when I was around two years old. I had no clue what I was doing, but I held on to the end of the show lead and helped my gammo show that doe the best I could. Since that moment I have never looked back, and I took off and ran with goats. All the kids I went to school with growing up were interested and passionate about sports, but my heart and passion lay with the goats and the show ring. Every chance I got I was at the ranch with my grandparents doing whatever needed to be done around the barn.   The older I got the more passionate I became about the Boer goat industry. I wanted to go to every show I could in order to work on my showmanship skills and to continue to better my herd and show string. By doing this I met so many amazing people and built a goat community across multiple states. Looking back when I was younger, I was just as passionate to help the youngers kids and watch them succeed as I am now. As I grew older, that passion just kept burning brighter and brighter, and I wanted to become more involved within the industry.     The show community we have in California is a very tight knit group, and I have grown up showing with the kids within that community. I am one of the oldest junior members, and I have always wanted to set a good example for the younger members. This is where I really started to want to be more involved in JABGA so I could help more junior members. I have always been a helping hand, and people know that they can trust me to help with their kids or animals.    In 2022 I applied to be on the Board of Directors for the JABGA, which was another way for me to become more involved and fulfill my passion for this association. Luckily, I was able to become a director and representative for JABGA Area 1. My first year on the Board of Directors I ran for an officer position to really show my passion and commitment to the association and its members. My second year on the board I was elected Vice President.  Fast forward to the present in 2024 I reapplied to be on the Board of Directors, and luckily, I got reelected to be a director. I also was nominated and elected to be the President of JABGA. Looking back now my younger self would be so proud of how far I have come in this industry and the experiences and opportunities I have had all thanks to Boer goats and I wouldn’t have it any other way!    Learn more about Madison Reis.

Baylee Lamb , the 2024 JABGA Nationals Bred & Owned Percentage Doe Grand Champion exhibitor, received an invitation from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry to the State Capitol in recognition of her achievements at the 2024 JABGA National Show. During her visit, she had the opportunity to meet Governor Kevin Stitt, members of the Oklahoma State Legislature, explore the Capitol, and tour the Governor's Mansion. Lamb was among 48 Junior National Champions representing various breed associations. The exhibitors were recognized on Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt's social media pages. Congratulations, Baylee, on all your accomplishments, and here's to many more in the future!

Chicken Bacon Ranch Farmstead, located in Eland, Wisconsin, is owned and operated by Ashley and Christopher Voelz, along with their three children: Clayton, Claire, and Harper. The small, family-run farm specializes in raising ABGA registered Boer goats, market hogs, produce, and specialty cut flowers. In addition to the diverse range of products and animals raised on the farm, Chicken Bacon Ranch Farmstead is heavily involved in agritourism. The farm hosts several on farm events each year. “With greater generations removed from the farm, transparency in animal agriculture and education have never been more vital,” says Ashley, “Visitors can get a glimpse of life on the farm and ask questions about our stewardship, animals, and products.” Wisconsin's harsh winter weather can be challenging for Chicken Bacon Ranch, so the farm utilizes barn cameras, heat barrels, and deep bedded straw in their barns to ensure a successful kidding season, cater to their market of show animals, ethnic holidays, and to avoid frostbite and respiratory illness the cold conditions may cause to their young animals. The Voelz’ also have two heated areas in their barn that they use for their does and kids in emergency situations. Animal health and nutrition are the top priorities for Chicken Bacon Ranch Farmstead. They work closely with their vet and feed mill to create a custom plan for their farm and keep records of all vaccinations, health events, and weight checks for every goat. This information helps them make better decisions on management, feeding, and genetics, and provides buyers with an animal's history. Ashley's job as an animal nutritionist led her to become interested in the Boer breed. She and Christopher bought their first registered stock in 2019 after seeing their fast growth potential, marketability, and gentle disposition while consulting on a farm. Since then, they have been continually improving their herd of 30 breeding does and bucks. Earlier this fall, their son Clayton received the Boer Goat Nation Youth Scholarship, which they used to purchase two doelings to expand Clayton's goat project. This not only brought in different genetics to utilize, but also created many friendships and fueled a young man’s dream. Ashley and Christopher's advice for those beginning in this industry is to be intentional with their goals and adjust them as they go along. “Progress is never static, and evolving plans are part of the process.” They also recommend finding successful mentors, veterinarians, and nutritionists, as well as buying good stock. Lastly, they emphasize the importance of animal health and nutrition, keeping meticulous records, and testing annually for diseases to make better decisions on management, feeding, and genetics. Visit Chicken Bacon Ranch Farmstead at: chickenbaconranchfarmstead.squarespace.com

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!

With Spring here, it’s time to talk about barbequing! Here’s a recipe from ABGA member Paula Parker. "I begin with a 50-80 pound goat, depending on the number of people I have to feed. Butcher a day to 4 days before cooking. Always remember that cutting the glands out while processing makes for a nice mild flavored meat. Groin + in front of the shoulder where it goes into the neck." Parker Family Marinade and Basting Sop 1 quart cooking oil 1 quart vinegar 1 pint mustard 2-3 ounces whiskey Place ingredients in a squeeze bottle and shake well. Bar-B-Que Goat Marinate overnight or at least 2 hours before smoking. Wet meat down thoroughly with basting sop. Season meat before putting on to smoke with plenty of Smoke fajita Seasoning Mix. (I use LOWE’S Store Brand.) I add plenty more pepper to it. Smoke at 200-250 degrees F for 2 hours for a smaller goat and up to 4 hours for a larger goat. Start with the bone side down. Halfway through smoke time, drizzle with basting sop on both sides and flip. Continue smoking. Remove meat from pit and place in an 18-quart roaster oven with ¼ cup or less water to retain moisture. Put into a preheated, 225 degree F oven. Cook for 4-6 hours, or until meats begins falling off the bone. Allow meat to cool before deboning and cutting into chunks. Pour liquid over meat until juicy but not sloppy. Serve as a tortilla roll-up or on a hamburger bun.

The remaining ringside tables & end caps go up for auction on April 17, 2024 on Herd Builder Pro. There are only three (3) end caps and one (1) ringside table available! Click the link below for more information. https://www.herdbuilderproauctions.com/auction/24961

If you’re hosting a get-together or need to bring an appetizer to a party, we have the recipe for you: Appetizer Goat Kabobs. This is former JABGA Area 4 Director Issac Ridding's recipe. It was featured in our JABGA's cookbook. Bon appetite! INGREDIENTS: 2 lb. goat meat cut into squares 1/2 cup of lemon juice 1/2 cup of vegetable oil 1/4 cup of soy sauce 3 tablespoons of fresh parsley 2 tablespoons of chopped onion 1/2 teaspoon of salt 1/2 teaspoon of pepper 1 clove garlic, minced DIRECTIONS: Mix all ingredients together. Marinate 2-3 hours. Thread goat on wooden skewers. Broil 3-4 minutes, 6 inches from heat, on each side. Baste occasionally with reserved marinade.

The Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) is now accepting applications for the JABGA Board of Directors . Applications completed by the nominee for the JABGA Board of Directors are due to the ABGA office via electronic form or regular mail on or before March 1, 2024. The JABGA Board of Directors works alongside the ABGA Board of Directors to represent JABGA members across five areas of the United States as the main governing body of the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) . JABGA Directors volunteer their personal time and effort in service of JABGA programs like the JABGA Regional Show Series and by promoting core JABGA values like scholarship, leadership, good sportsmanship, and character development. The JABGA Board of Directors also serves as youth ambassadors for the improvement and promotion of the Boer goat breed through the breeding, raising, and exhibition of American Boer Goats. Board seats are open for the following JABGA Areas: Area 1 (Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Montana, Wyoming) Area 2 (North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois) Area 3 (Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, D.C., Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, New York) Area 4 (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina) Area 5 (Colorado, New Mexico, Texas) In accordance with JABGA Bylaws, applicants must be JABGA members in good standing (renewed for 2024 by January 1, 2024) in order to run for or hold a seat on the JABGA Board of Directors. For more information, see the ABGA Bylaws and the JABGA Bylaws . Required: Application (completed) Contact Information page and Certificate of Application (completed) Digital photo Directors Responsibilities page (signed) Responsibility Release, Information Release, Photo Release, Authorization Form Conflict of Interest Statement (completed) Code of Conduct form (completed) Brief statement (less than 250 words) – “Why do you want to be a JABGA Director?” Optional: Applicants may submit a resume that highlights the following: Involvement in JABGA and/or the goat industry School activities 4-H & FFA activities Leadership activities Volunteer work/community service Eligibility Applicants for the JABGA Board of Directors must: Be 16 years of age or older on January 1, 2024 Reside in the JABGA Area for which the applicant is running/elected Have renewed their JABGA membership on or before January 1, 2024 Questions or Concerns? C ontact JABGA Youth Coordinator Hannah Jenkins at jabga@abga.org with any questions or concerns regarding JABGA Board of Directors nominations. Ready to Apply? Applicants should complete the JABGA Board of Directors application below and submit it to the ABGA office via electronic form or regular mail by March 1, 2024. ONLINE FORM: DOWNLOAD PDF FORM: About JABGA: 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 scholarship, leadership, good sportsmanship, and character development as individuals and in groups.