⚠️ Today is the last day to join a National Show committee! The 2026 ABGA National Show is calling for volunteers to serve on sub-committees. From youth programs to decorations, there’s a place for everyone! 🔗 abga.org/national-show/2026-national-show-committees-sign-up
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- Jordan Jelinek
Jordan has grown up in Richland, Washington where she currently runs a herd of over 100 boer goats. Jordan Jelinek Jordan Jelinek is currently surviving on the Junior American Boer Goat Association Board of Directors, where she is proud to represent Area 1. She just graduated high school a year ahead of schedule to get a head start on her life in the Boer Goat Industry. Jelinek has grown up in Richland, Washington where she currently runs a herd of over 100 boer goats. Her herd, JDJ Farms, includes fullbloods, percentages, and wether genetics. She has shown and sold animals all across the United States; additionally, they have exported animals to Hawaii and the Philippines. While juggling the goat herd, Jordan also breeds Australian Shepherds and is heavily involved in the FFA Organization. This is her second year on the Board of Directors. Outside of the goats, Jordan is currently serving on the Washington FFA State Officer team as the 2024-2025 Reporter. Between her farm and involvement in FFA, her schedule is filled with prepping her animals for shows and breeding while meeting FFA members across the state. Her freshman year she was Washington State’s first place Creed Speaker. So there is no doubt she believes in the future of agriculture. Still unsure of her spot in the agriculture industry, Jordan is interested in taking a deeper look at the process associated with becoming an embryologist after her year of service. Jordan Jelinek can not be more thrilled to explore new parts of the industry and get involved with more youth and members of the organization.
- Keeping the Breed Strong
Strategic breeding is essential to preserving the breed’s standards. Learn more about raising goats by JABGA Area 4 Director Brook Arce. Keeping the Breed Strong Strategic breeding is essential to preserving the breed’s standards. Learn more about raising goats by JABGA Area 4 Director Brook Arce. Whether you’re new to raising goats or have been doing it for years, strategic breeding is essential to preserving the breed’s standards and ensuring the long-term health and productivity of the herd. It’s not just about pairing any buck and doe; it’s about making informed decisions that promote desirable traits, improve overall soundness, and contribute to a sustainable and high-quality herd. When selecting a buck, it’s important to prioritize qualities such as correct teat structure, strong feet and legs, proper body conformation, and overall soundness. These physical traits are crucial because they directly impact the animal’s health, ease of management, and reproductive success and can be effectively passed on to their offspring, ensuring the continued quality of the herd. By incorporating AI into your breeding program, you can make significant advancements toward achieving your herd's long-term goals. AI is a valuable tool for goat breeders as it improves herd quality by introducing superior genetics, promoting diversity, and increasing reproductive efficiency. AI helps breeders achieve better traits, health, and productivity more effectively. Beyond physical traits, health and disease resistance are becoming increasingly important considerations in breeding. Selecting animals that demonstrate resilience to parasites and other common health challenges can significantly reduce the need for medication and improve herd sustainability. Breeding for these qualities helps create a herd that is more adaptable to different environments and less dependent on treatments, which is better for both the animals and the owners. Additionally, it’s essential to align your breeding choices with the long-term vision for your herd. Whether your goal is to produce high-quality wethers, develop strong breeding stock, or a combination of both, selecting animals that support these objectives will enhance herd consistency and success over time. Responsible and informed breeding practices are vital for maintaining the integrity of the Boer breed; by pairing animals that meet breed standards, promote good health, and demonstrate resilience, you can develop a herd that is vigorous, productive, and true to its heritage. Thoughtful breeding is an investment in the future of your herd and plays a crucial role in sustaining the qualities that make Boer goats so valuable. Related Posts Oct 1, 2025 The Importance of The Boer Goat Breed Boer Goats, bred for meat quality and resilience in South Africa. Learn about their journey to the U.S. and their impact on goat farming by JABGA Area 5 Director Jada Young. Dec 2, 2024 Overcoming Obstacles in the Industry The Boer goat industry faces challenges like breeding for quality, disease management, and labor commitment. Despite these, the rewards are immense. By Alaina Blair Oct 18, 2024 Maintaining Breed Integrity The Reasons Behind the Breed Standards by Jada Young
- Maintaining Breed Integrity
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!
- Madison Reis
Madison Reis currently serves as the Reporter for the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA). Reis spent much of her childhood entrenched in agriculture and showing alongside her parents and grandparents in California. Madison Reis Madison Reis currently serves as the President for the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA). She is a sophomore at Oklahoma State University and plans on majoring in Animal Science: Pre-Vet and pursue reproduction within the livestock industry. Reis spent much of her childhood entrenched in agriculture and showing alongside her grandparents in California. When her grandfather moved into the goat industry shortly before her birth, it was only natural that Reis would take up breeding, raising, and showing registered Boer goats when the time came. In addition to goats, Reis has also shown beef cattle in 4-H. Outside of showing, Reis served as President of her local 4-H club. She has also served one term as the Vice President and Reporter of JABGA. She enjoys spending her free time outdoors, at concerts, or making Dutch Bros runs! Reis plans to study pre-veterinary medicine, specializing in large animals, to learn more about genetics, artificial insemination, and embryo flushing. As President, Reis is excited to help JABGA build more benefits for its members, and to continue creating a welcoming and invested organization for current and future members.
- 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. 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
- Ambassador of the Breed | ABGA
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! 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 2014 Buck Pruitt Jane Meacham Jimmy Day F. Dian Newman Kim Halfmann Dr. Lou Nuti Sammy Helmers Ernest Schwartz Don Jackman Mary Powis Stan Keen Walter Pope III Norman Kohls Charles Turner Mike Masters W.E. Whitehead 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.
- Meet JABGA President: Madison Reis
Madison Reis spent much of her childhood entrenched in agriculture and showing alongside her grandparents in California. Meet JABGA President: Madison Reis Madison Reis spent much of her childhood entrenched in agriculture and showing alongside her grandparents in California. 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. Related Posts Jan 22, 2024 Applications Open for JABGA Board of Directors JABGA is now accepting JABGA Board of Directors nominations until March 1, 2024. Jul 9, 2022 Congratulations to the 2022-2023 JABGA Board of Directors Officers! The JABGA Board of Directors selected 2022-2023 officers as part of their annual Face-to-Face meeting on July 7, 2022. Feb 17, 2022 JABGA President Cecelia Knott's Showmanship Tip Check out this useful showmanship tip from JABGA Board President, Cecelia Knott.
- 2025–2026 Regional and National Public Speaking Topics
The Public Speaking contest encourages participants to develop communication skills while sharing knowledge about the Boer goat industry and breed. 2025–2026 Regional and National Public Speaking Topics The Public Speaking contest encourages participants to develop communication skills while sharing knowledge about the Boer goat industry and breed. The Public Speaking Contest builds communication skills and confidence while allowing JABGA youth to share knowledge of the Boer goat industry. Each age division has specific topics that promote leadership, critical thinking, and advocacy for agriculture. Novice and Junior divisions may choose either of their two topics and may use the same one at both Regionals and Nationals. Age Division Time Allotted Topics NOVICE (4 – 7 years old) 2-4 minutes What challenge(s) have you faced with your animal(s) and how did you fix it? What is your favorite part of taking care of your goat? JUNIOR (8 – 12 years old) 3-5 minutes Why is responsibility important when raising livestock and how does it impact you as a breeder and/or showman? What traits do you look for when buying your next goat? i.e. for breeding or showing. INTERMEDIATE (13 – 16 years old) 4-6 minutes Regionals What are major challenges goat breeders face today and how do issues like disease, market trends and environmental factors impact their operations Nationals What are different nutritional needs for goats during their different life stages? i.e. kids, show goats, pregnant/nursing does and market goats. SENIOR (17 – 21 years old) 5-7 minutes Regionals How have advancements in Boer goat genetics and modern breeding techniques impacted the goat industry? Nationals Why is it important for youth involved in agriculture to advocate for the JABGA and the industry in today's digital age and how can they do it effectively? 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. Oct 11, 2022 2022 - 2023 JABGA Public Speaking Contest Updated rules and topics for the 2022-2023 JABGA Regional Show Series Public Speaking contest.
- Area 2 JABGA Regional Show: Little Sioux Showdown
Check out the results and pics from the Area 2 JABGA Regional Show: Little Sioux Showdown in Spencer, Iowa Area 2 JABGA Regional Show: Little Sioux Showdown Check out the results and pics from the Area 2 JABGA Regional Show: Little Sioux Showdown in Spencer, Iowa Check out these photos from the Area 2 Regional Show: Little Sioux Showdown! Related Posts
- National Show - JABGA Coloring Contest
The JABGA will have a NEW Coloring Contest for Novice and Junior age divisions. JABGA Coloring Contest JABGA Coloring Contest The JABGA will have a NEW Coloring Contest for Novice and Junior age divisions. Date and Time: The coloring contest will be held on Saturday June 8th, 2024. Participants may stop by the JABGA office, or other designated location, and color in their 45-minute time slot from 9:00-2:00. Who can participate? The JABGA will be having a coloring contest for all junior members in the novice and junior age divisions. Supplies: All coloring sheets, pencils, crayons, and markers will be provided. Rules: Each participant will have 45 minutes to complete their coloring sheet. Only one child per coloring sheet. All coloring will be done in the JABGA office, or other designated location. Judging: All coloring sheets will be judged prior to the JABGA awards ceremony. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony. Attendance is required to receive an award. For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org
- Ashley Roles
Ashley Roles Back to Board of Directors Ashley Roles Region 1 Email My parents would tell you that I was born in a barn. It might have been a sheep barn, but a barn, nonetheless. I was blessed with learning the ins and outs of the show and commercial industry as I had amazing mentors such as Terry Brown and Becky Crighton. I was active in 4-H since the 4th grade and served as a national 4-H ambassador. As of today, I am still involved in 4-H and serve as the Oregon State Fair Meat Goat Superintendent. I served both on the state level and national level in both Oregon Romney Breeders Association and the American Romney Breeders Association. Currently, I teach local youth about herd management through seminars set up by our local 4-H clubs or ag programs. Additionally, I enjoy and travel the Pacific Northwest (PNW) judging market animals at local fairs and/or jackpot shows. I was introduced to the Boer goats in 2008 at the Oregon Meat Goat Producers show and education seminar. I showed in USBGA shows until the ABGA made its way out west, and I joined in 2010. Since 2008, I have run my own herd of Boer goats. My goal has always been to produce high quality stock that can produce something for every kind of customer, from a 4-H kid that is selling at county fair or a doe that can compete at nationals. Currently, I own Culver Family Farm with Tim White, our daughters Lucy and Ella, along with my parents, Scott and Teresa Culver. The last time I counted we had over 180 head of goats and that number just keeps on growing. We sold out of the sheep about 4 years ago and started up Culver Family Farm Transportation Services LLC. This business has allowed me to gain knowledge and perspectives from different farms across the United States. Not to mention to meet and network with some amazing folks. My daytime job is working as a critical care nurse and I have been loving this career for over 10 years; with the last five of that being a charge nurse. I have served on numerous committees at work including policies and procedures, practice committees, and house-wide committees. I also enjoying serving as a preceptor and mentor to nursing students and new nurses. With all these experiences, I believe they have prepared me to represent the ABGA membership. The goat industry is what I work so hard for to promote and engage with in the (PNW). I know full well how the decisions made by the board impacts the breeders, exhibitors, shows, and youth development. It is important to me to keep the industry growing and always have a positive outlook, where we want people to engage various capacities. If Lucy and Ella choose this lifestyle, I want them to have something to look forward to in the industry. Mostly, I want the voices of Region 1 members to be heard here in the PNW, from the smallest hobby herd to the biggest commercial breeders. Thank you, Ashley Roles ABGA Region 1 Director (I do work nightshift and may respond at odd times. If urgent please notify me by 541-231-1222) Previous Director Next Director
- Applications Open for JABGA Board of Directors
JABGA is now accepting JABGA Board of Directors nominations until March 1, 2024. Applications Open for JABGA Board of Directors JABGA is now accepting JABGA Board of Directors nominations until March 1, 2024. 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: Apply now! DOWNLOAD PDF FORM: 2024 JABGA Director Packet .pdf Download PDF • 184KB 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. Related Posts May 10, 2023 2023-2024 Elected JABGA Board of Directors Congratulations to the newly elected JABGA Board of Directors. We look forward to seeing the positive impact you will have on the JABGA! Feb 20, 2023 REMINDER: Nominations Open for JABGA Board of Directors JABGA is now accepting JABGA Board of Directors nominations until March 1, 2023. Jul 9, 2022 Congratulations to the 2022-2023 JABGA Board of Directors Officers! The JABGA Board of Directors selected 2022-2023 officers as part of their annual Face-to-Face meeting on July 7, 2022.













