top of page
11678---ABGA_WithName_RGB.png

 ⚠️ 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

420 results found with an empty search

  • Annual Report

    Open PDF document in a new window Annual Report We are proud to share the American Boer Goat Association Annual Report —a reflection of the progress we’ve made together and the momentum we are building for the future.

  • Emma Rauschenberg

    A Boer goat enthusiast with 10 years in the industry, currently serving as Treasurer for the Junior Iowa Meat Goat Association. Emma Rauschenberg My family's registered and commercial herd, 6R Boer Goats, has provided me with a rich immersion in the Boer goat industry. For the past ten years, I've enjoyed showing livestock, with the last five years dedicated specifically to Boer goats. Currently, I'm honored to serve as Treasurer for the Junior Iowa Meat Goat Association, where I've gained valuable practical experience and developed my leadership skills. As a sophomore at Kansas State University studying Animal Science with a focus in Production Management, I'm continuing to deepen my understanding of the industry. I'm truly passionate about the Boer goat breed and committed to supporting our agricultural community. I look forward to the opportunity to connect with you all!

  • Buck Performance Test | ABGA

    The Buck Performance Test, following ABGA Rule 1200, evaluates registered Boer bucks for growth, feed efficiency, and carcass merit. This assessment helps breeders identify top-performing genetics to enhance herd productivity and profitability. Buck Performance Test The Buck Performance Test, following ABGA Rule 1200, evaluates registered Boer bucks for growth, feed efficiency, and carcass merit. This assessment helps breeders identify top-performing genetics to enhance herd productivity and profitability. 2026 Registration Now Open ABGA Rule 1200 – Buck Performance Test Requirements Test Eligibility Open to registered Boer bucks. Bucks must be registered before the test ends. Test Duration Standard performance test lasts 84 days . Data Collection Measures include: Growth rate Feed efficiency Carcass merit Test Standards Test must be conducted at a recognized facility . Testing facility must follow ABGA’s approved protocol. Data Use Results help identify bucks with strong genetic potential. Supports breeding decisions and herd improvement. Compliance Only tests meeting Rule 1200 criteria are recognized by ABGA. To view Rule 1200 in full, visit our Rules and Regulations page. View Rules & Regulations Meat Goat Buck Performance Test Basics A buck performance test is a valuable tool for goat breeders to measure the genetic potential of young bucks. By evaluating traits like growth rate, feed efficiency, and muscle development in a controlled environment, breeders can identify the top-performing animals in their herd. This helps make informed breeding decisions, improve herd quality, and increase productivity. Buck tests also provide objective, data-backed results that support marketing and selection of superior genetics. Buck Test News & Updates Mar 31, 2026 Announcing 2026 Dakota Meat Goat Buck Performance Test The 2026 Dakota Meat Goat Buck Performance Test at Hettinger Research Center, North Dakota, will evaluate bucks on post-weaning growth, feed efficiency, and carcass characteristics to help drive breed improvement. Read More Sep 17, 2025 Dakota Meat Goat Buck Performance Test Results Discover insights from the NDSU Buck Test, highlighting adaptation challenges and performance metrics. Learn about future recommendations for optimizing goat performance. Read More Aug 25, 2025 Dakota Meat Goat Buck Performance Test Update A few ABGA Judges were in town to do visual appraisals on bucks consigned to the Dakota Meat Goat Performance Test. Final data collection on Sept 4th! Read More First Prev 1 Page 1 Next Last

  • Rebecca Sullivan

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

  • JABGA Bylaws

    A boer goat being brushed at an American Boer Goat Association event. JABGA Bylaws The Junior American Boer Goat Association is an affiliate of the American Boer Goat Association and is established under Section 1.4 of the Bylaws of the Association.

  • 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

  • REMINDER: Nominations Open for JABGA Board of Directors

    JABGA is now accepting JABGA Board of Directors nominations until March 1, 2023. REMINDER: Nominations Open for JABGA Board of Directors JABGA is now accepting JABGA Board of Directors nominations until March 1, 2023. The Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) is now accepting nominations 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 (4258 S Jackson St, San Angelo, Texas 76903) on or before March 1, 2023. 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 2023 by January 1, 2023) 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 . Application (Due March 1, 2023) Applications for the JABGA Board of Directors will be due by 5:00 PM CST on March 1, 2023 . Applications should be completed in full and submitted to the ABGA office via electronic form (see below) or regular mail (4258 S Jackson St, San Angelo, Texas 76903) by the due date. Required: Application (completed) – Download here 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 14 years of age or older on January 1, 2023 Reside in the JABGA Area for which the applicant is running/elected Have renewed their JABGA membership on or before January 1, 2023 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 (4258 S Jackson St, San Angelo, Texas 76903) by March 1, 2023. ONLINE FORM: Apply for Junior Board Nomination DOWNLOAD PDF FORM: 2023 JABGA Director Packet FINAL .pdf Download PDF • 357KB 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. #JABGA #news Related Posts

  • 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! 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

  • Scholarship

    Junior American Boer Goat Association board members working at a desk. Scholarship To benefit young people with big dreams and create a positive influence on their future, the ABGA offers scholarships to junior members. 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. Scholarship Winners 2025 Evangeline Street Kayla Whitman Leah Walters Maddie Boyd Paige Dupps Wyatt Stevens Kiley Hahn Olivia Rosemeyer 2024 Madison Reese Baughman Jacob Christopher Wickard Aleyna Chevonnne Cuttlers Casey Jo Stevens Trell Amoss Hannah Chaffee Rebecca Sullivan Cassie Falley Samantha Sullivan 2023 Avery Holman Haylee Finley Jenna Gronewold Peyton Miller Candice Mitchell Andrew Pontious Maddie Baughman Carly Olson Natalye Scholl 2022 Randall Koke Aidan Bartholomew Ross Rosemeyer Karen Lewis Cecelia Knott Audrey Smith Kate Davis Logan Hollen Thalia Ochoa Katelyn Schaefer Bella Sargent 2021 Camille Darllek Colter Darllek Sarah Rehmeyer Isabella Philips McKenna Blair Levi Dulmes Matthew Sinclair Garin Cooper Cherokee Zarate Coni Ross Memorial Scholarship Emma Poling 2020 Clint Demmitt Eden Basford Emily Acevedo Grace Coulston Lorelei Row Tiffany Sunday Zach Finholdt 2019 Tyler Peterson Jacob Tipton Seth Goodwin Kailee Jo Jones Jaylee Jordan Jaelynn Therring Trey Chavana Emily Acevedo Liv Brusseau Maggie Miller 2018 Allison Binkley Franklin Burner Jeremy Ellis Makenzie Flach Jona Fletcher Samantha Philips Rachel Rolando Morganne Savage Marissa Schultz Nick Smith 2017 Trevor Blagrave Reilly Butler Katelyn Cark Will Cornelius Katelyn Evans Nicole Falk Madison Fenton Heather Hubler Mikayla Wetherell Kylee Zapalac 2016 Cali Harper Carlee Critchelow Dani Mangus Hunter Martin Jenna Jordan Mikayla Winter Paige Pitick Taeah Fisher Trevor Clemens Adam Segura Memorial Scholarship Morgan Bridges 2015 Cheyenne Trammell Noah Teel Nick Pitlick Noah Riding Michael Wetherell Mary Sherrill Mary Kate Harrod Lynsey Rector Kent Hollingworth Cody Wafford Bethany Gochenour 2014 Amy Moran Austin Davis Wyan Overturf Deborah Heth Madessa Huffer-Dye Anna Schmidt Braxton Luchini Kaden Merriman Sara Fielder Kristen Liepold Hunter Tauzen 2013 Amy Moran Austin Davis Wyan Overturf Deborah Heth Madessa Huffer-Dye Anna Schmidt Braxton Luchini Kaden Merriman Sara Fielder Kristen Liepold Hunter Tauzen Adam Segura Memorial Scholarship Evie Gates 2012 Bailey Ann Begherm Alexis Spain Briley Darcy Leanne Brown Ashley Taylor Causey Trevor Malik Corboy Jordan Edward Fledderjohann Paul Bradley Glover Garrett Taylor Hancock Kyla Kalinowski Ross Alesandro Trevino 2011 Alyse Gabrielle Armstrong Tanner Beard Riggs Florence Larissa Liska Cooper Martin Paige Tyne Redifer Justin Alexander Stuart Weston C Tietze Carson Everett Washington Hayden Cole Wyatt Adam Segura Memorial Scholarship Linda Danielle McRae 2003 Courtney Cowden Brown Colin Chance Chopelas Codi M. Bruton Kendra Ann Kallenberger Kevin William Erickson Thomas Jacob Epting

  • Find Your People. Make Life Elyte.

    Find Your People. Make Life Elyte. There are a few memories in a person’s life that never fade. Moments are fleeting and feelings can dull with time, but I know I will never forget sitting ringside at the 2025 National Show next to all of my friends, in a room so quiet I could literally hear my own heartbeat, as the numbers in the Senior Showmanship class slowly dwindled. The judges had worked their way to the top five. They motioned for fifth and fourth to fall into line. Then they made their third-place decision and turned their attention to the final two showmen. What felt like an hour passed as they studied, talked, and compared. Finally, one of the judges stepped toward the two girls, held up a number two… and then held up a number one in the direction of my friend Olivia, a number one. And we absolutely lost our minds. Our group of friends was screaming with pure glee. Some of us were jumping up and down. A few of us were crying real, happy tears. It wasn’t just excitement, it was pride. It was watching someone we love accomplish a goal she had been working toward for a very long time. It was seeing late nights, early mornings, setbacks, and perseverance all come together in one unforgettable moment. That moment of pure joy and love, all for our friend, reminded me of something so important: success may look individual, but it is almost always built by a community. That is why one of the most important choices you will ever make, in the show ring, in JABGA, and in life, is choosing who you surround yourself with. Finding your people. The ones who stand by you, believe in you, and inspire you to be better. Those people can truly make you unstoppable. Finding your people doesn’t mean finding the biggest, coolest group or the loudest crowd (although if you’ve met my sister, you may not think that’s entirely true). It doesn’t mean surrounding yourself with people just because they are popular or successful. Finding your people means finding the ones who genuinely want to see you grow and succeed. The ones who tell you the truth, even when it’s hard. The ones who celebrate your wins like they are their own and sit beside you when things get tough. Your people are the ones who remind you who you are when you start to forget. They see potential in you before you see it in yourself. They push you to raise your standards higher and higher. Sometimes growth feels uncomfortable. Sometimes being pushed feels frustrating. But the right people don’t push you to tear you down–they push you because they believe in what you are capable of becoming. The people around you have an incredible amount of influence over your mindset, your attitude, and your confidence. When you surround yourself with people who work hard, set goals, show up even on the tough days, smile in the small moments, and laugh every chance they get, that energy becomes contagious. In the livestock industry, it is easy to think of showing as an individual sport. You walk into the ring alone. But anyone who has ever been part of this industry knows that nothing about it is truly individual. It takes families who sacrifice time and money. It takes friends who wash goats in fifteen-degree weather at 4:30 in the morning. It takes friends who answer late-night phone calls, early-morning texts, and way too many FaceTime calls. It takes barn families who celebrate your wins and remind you that you’re still capable after a loss. Behind every exhibitor is a team. That team is what makes this industry special. It is what makes JABGA special. We compete against each other, but we also cheer for each other. We want to win, but we also want our friends to win. We understand the work it takes to get there, and because of that, we respect each other’s journeys. Being unstoppable doesn’t mean you never struggle. It doesn’t mean you never fail. It doesn’t mean everything always goes your way. Being unstoppable means that when you fall, you have people who help you get back up. It means that when you feel discouraged, someone reminds you why you started. It means that when you start to doubt yourself, someone else believes enough for both of you. I know I wouldn’t be half the person I am without my friends and show family. They make the hard days easier, in and out of the barn. They make the wins sweeter and the losses easier to handle. They push me to be better, and they never — and I mean never — fail to put a smile on my face or laughter in my heart. So to my people: Brian, Addy, Lyndsay, Jason, Handley, Haelynn, Mandy, Nathan, Addie, Debbie, Missy, Matt, Olivia, and so many more to count, thank you. I am forever grateful to call you my friends. Thank you for being my biggest supporters, my loudest cheerleaders, and my constant reminders of what is possible. Find your people. Hold onto them. Be there for them. Grow with them. Because when you do, your life becomes elyte . Related Posts

  • Dustin Fields

    Region 3 Director, Dustin Fields Back to Board of Directors Dustin Fields Region 3 Email Dustin Fields was born in 1973 in Fort Worth, Texas, and grew up active in FFA and 4-H throughout high school. From 1991 to 1995, he attended Tarleton State University, where he played football and earned a bachelor’s degree in Animal Biology with a minor in Animal Science. He went on to pursue his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University from 1995 to 1999, serving as President of the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association from 1998 to 1999. Upon graduation in 1999, he joined Eagle Mountain Veterinary Clinic, and in 2002, he purchased the practice, where he continues to serve the community with dedication. Previous Director Next Director

  • Education

    Junior American Boer Goat Association board members in a laboratory. Education The Junior Boer Goat Association offers many educational opportunities for JABGA Members. Jump to ↓ Skill-a-thon Study Guide Public Speaking Topics Boer Goat Anatomy Nutrition of Meat Goats (University of Arkansas) Basic Meat Goat Manual (Oklahoma State University) Goat From Farm to Table (USDA) Skill-a-thon Study Guide Skill-a-thon Study Guide .pdf Download PDF • 1.17MB 2025 - 2026 Regional Show and National Show Public Speaking Topics 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? Boer Goat Anatomy Anatomy of a Boer Buck Anatomy of a Boer Doe Nutrition of Meat Goats Authors: Dr. David Fernandez; Extension livestock specialist withe the 1890 Cooperative Extension Program located at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. DR. CHELSEY ANN AHRENS; Assistant professor with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, located in Little Rock. MP427_Nutrition of Meat Goats .pdf Download PDF • 6.99MB Basic Meat Goat Manual Oklahoma State University Extension Basic Meat Goat Maunal - OSU Extension .pdf Download PDF • 3.09MB Goat From Farm to Table

Search Results

bottom of page