Academic excellence, leadership skills, community involvement, and a strong commitment to personal growth. 2023 Scholarship Winners Academic excellence, leadership skills, community involvement, and a strong commitment to personal growth. It's always inspiring to see young individuals achieve academic excellence and be rewarded for their hard work. It's important to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that goes into winning a scholarship. It requires not only academic excellence but also leadership skills, community involvement, and a strong commitment to personal growth. Congratulations again to the 2023 Scholarship winners, and may their academic journeys continue to be filled with success and fulfillment. ABGA Scholarship Winners: Helena Almli Madison Reis Baughman Avery Holman Candice Mitchell Drew Pontious Jenna Gronewold Natalye Scholl Carly Olson Peyton Miller Haylee Finley From L to R: Alaina Blair, Avery Holman, Madison Reis, Natalye Scholl, Logan Hollen, & Cecelia Knott. Coni Ross Memorial Scholarship: Alaina Blair Alaina Blair - Coni Ross Memorial Scholarship recipient. Related Posts

The Boer goat industry faces challenges like breeding for quality, disease management, and labor commitment. Despite these, the rewards are immense. By Alaina Blair 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 There are many obstacles and challenges that affect the Boer goat industry as a whole. These hurdles vary, and some are unforeseen, they can range from getting started in the industry and networking, having the knowledge and understanding of the breed, finding a support system and a mentor, as well as establishing proper care and nutrition. Even though these challenges can be difficult to navigate at times, they are no comparison to the blessings of being a part of this industry brings. In this article, I will focus on what I feel are the primary obstacles in the Boer goat show industry; the challenge of breeding for both quality and consistency, disease and health management, time and labor commitment, and judging standards and subjectivity. Breeding for desired traits can lead to being successful Breeders are increasingly utilizing genetic testing and performance data to make informed breeding decisions. This not only helps in selecting show-quality characteristics, such as muscle development and size but also ensures the long-term health and vitality of the herd. Solution: Sharing knowledge and collaborating with other breeders is essential to continuing the advancement of the breed. Disease and Health Management Like all livestock industries, Boer goat breeders face the constant challenge of managing diseases and parasites that can affect the health of their goats. While Boer goats are generally hardy animals, stress from showing, transportation, and environmental changes can compromise their immune systems, making them susceptible to illness. Solution: Prevention is crucial. Regular vaccinations, deworming programs, and maintaining a clean, low-stress environment are essential for keeping goats healthy and show-ready. Breeders are also becoming more proactive in monitoring goat health by conducting regular veterinary checks, which helps catch potential issues before they become major setbacks. Time and Labor Commitment Show preparation is time-consuming and requires a significant investment of both labor and resources. Breeding for high-quality show animals is an ongoing process, and raising them to their peak potential involves careful nutrition, exercise, grooming, and training. This level of commitment can be difficult to sustain, particularly for small-scale breeders with limited resources. Solution: Support networks and mentorship programs can provide guidance and help breeders share the workload. Collaborating with other show participants, pooling resources for shared facilities or equipment, and leveraging social media to build a community around the Boer goat industry can help alleviate some of the pressures faced by breeders. Judging Standards and Subjectivity Another challenge within the Boer goat show industry is the subjectivity of judging. While guidelines exist for evaluating Boer goats, the interpretation of those standards can vary from one judge to another. This can lead to inconsistencies in scoring and some frustration among breeders who feel that their goats were not evaluated fairly. Solution: Education and transparency are key. Judges who are well-versed in the genetics and ideal conformation of Boer goats help to establish a more consistent and fair judging process. Likewise, breeders benefit from understanding the judging criteria and aligning their breeding programs with these standards to increase their chances of success in competitions. Breeders should also consider characteristics that are important to them because at the end of the day, the breeder should be happy with what they are raising and seeing in “their barn”. While the Boer goat show industry faces its share of challenges, the passion and dedication of its participants continue to drive its growth and evolution. By embracing new technologies, staying informed about best practices in animal care, and working together as a community, breeders can overcome obstacles and contribute to the continued success and sustainability of the industry. The Boer goat show world is not without its difficulties, but with perseverance and innovation, success is always within reach. Related Posts Oct 18, 2024 Maintaining Breed Integrity The Reasons Behind the Breed Standards by Jada Young 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.

JABGA Bred & Owned Percentage Doe Grand Champion's hard work and dedication pays off! JABGA Member, Baylee Lamb, Recognized by the state of Oklahoma JABGA Bred & Owned Percentage Doe Grand Champion's hard work and dedication pays off! 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! Related Posts 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! Feb 17, 2022 JABGA President Cecelia Knott's Showmanship Tip Check out this useful showmanship tip from JABGA Board President, Cecelia Knott. Feb 17, 2022 Congratulations JABGA Member Jiles Coble Congratulations to JABGA Board Member Jiles Coble who was selected to the 2021 Georgia National Livestock Ambassador team!

Finding a mentor in a new program, like JABGA, provides guidance, builds experience, and fosters shared passion to achieve your goals. Being a Mentor by Logan Hollen Finding a mentor in a new program, like JABGA, provides guidance, builds experience, and fosters shared passion to achieve your goals. When joining any program or association it can be easy to feel as though you are always one step behind. Everyone already has a routine and a set way of doing their selected tasks. How can you find yourself within a new program or association? From my own experience I would say that finding a mentor can be very beneficial. I have had the pleasure of growing up in the Junior American Boer Goat Association atmosphere and while growing up in this association I have met so many people who have kept me focused and on track to meet my goals. By having these teachers in my life, I have reached many of my set goals but more importantly I have created a strong and set path that helped me reach those goals. With a mentor you are not only learning but experiencing what they have gone through in the past and present. This alone gives you more experience to then build a stronger program of your own. I have had the opportunity to be a mentor myself while working on the JABGA board of directors. It has been a wonderful experience getting to meet so many young individuals that have fallen in love with the same association that I fell in love with many years ago. At the end of the day, we all have the same goals and passion and by being a mentor you can give the experience to help others reach those goals pushed by their own passion. So, the next time you find yourself needing a guide or looking for a push in the right direction just remember that this association is filled with people who want to see you succeed! Logan Hollen JABGA Vice President Area 3 Related Posts Oct 18, 2024 Maintaining Breed Integrity The Reasons Behind the Breed Standards by Jada Young Apr 2, 2022 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. Mar 31, 2022 What is Agriculture? Read what JABGA Vice President, Logan Hollen, wrote about agriculture for National Agriculture Week.

American Boer Goat Association Secretary, Zach Westfall Back to Board of Directors Zach Westfall Treasurer, Region 8 Email Zach Westfall currently serves as the appointed interim director for Region 8 (formerly Region 9). Zach has had livestock for over 30 years, from working on a cattle farm and cultivating alfalfa fields when he was younger to raising sheep, pigs, and goats on his family farm. Zach has been a proud public servant for the last 20 years in the fire service and law enforcement. He is a captain for the Vincennes City Fire Department. As an administrator, Zach has experience in public policy, project management, grant oversight, investigations, and personnel management. Previous Director Next Director

The JABGA Board of Directors selected 2022-2023 officers as part of their annual Face-to-Face meeting on July 7, 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. Drumroll, please! The JABGA Board of Directors selected 2022-2023 officers as part of their annual Face-to-Face meeting on July 7, 2022. Your 2022-2023 JABGA officers are: President: Cecelia Knott Vice President: Logan Hollen Treasurer: Natalye Scholl Secretary: Helena Almli Reporter: Madison Reis Congratulations to these JABGA Board members! #JABGA #news Related Posts

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.

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

Region 12 Director, Chuck Fitzwater Back to Board of Directors Rodney Wilson Jr. Secretary, Region 10 Email Born and raised in Georgetown, Delaware, Rodney Wilson Jr. now resides in Montrose, West Virginia, where his passion for agriculture and education continues to thrive. His journey with goats began in 2008 as a 4-H project, eventually evolving into a successful FFA supervised agricultural experience, culminating in earning the prestigious American FFA Degree. Today, Rodney owns and operates Wilson Acres , a family-run operation based in Delaware, managing a herd of approximately 100-head of registered show stock. A solid academic foundation complements his hands-on experience with livestock management. Rodney holds a bachelor's degree from Delaware State University and a master’s degree in Biology with an emphasis in education from Grand Canyon University. Professionally, Rodney serves as the Clinical Coordinator and Nursing Program Technologist at West Virginia Junior College. In this role, he combines his love for education with the opportunity to mentor students as they grow and achieve their goals. Rodney’s passion for the American Boer Goat Association stems from his journey with raising goats, which has fueled his passion for mentoring youth. Rodney believes the goat industry offers unique opportunities for hands-on learning, self-development, and growth, which have deeply influenced his life. His dedication to mentoring youth and fostering self-development within the industry underscores his commitment to the ABGA’s mission. In 2022, Rodney founded the Mid-Atlantic Buckle Series, a collection of eight sanctioned shows designed to spotlight and support youth in the industry, fostering a stronger and brighter future. Recently certified as an ABGA judge, Rodney brings his expertise and enthusiasm to the show ring and beyond. Serving as the Region 12 Director of the ABGA Board of Directors is an honor he deeply values, and he is eager to represent his region with dedication and integrity while contributing to the growth and success of the industry. Previous Director Next Director

Check out these contest results and pics from the Area 5 Regional Show, Spring in the Ring, held in Abilene, Texas. Area 5 JABGA Regional Show: Spring in the Ring Check out these contest results and pics from the Area 5 Regional Show, Spring in the Ring, held in Abilene, Texas. Check out these photos from the Area 5 JABGA Regional Show: Spring in the Ring! You can see the show results here . See the contest results below. #ABGAShows #JABGA #news Related Posts

The Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) is growing rapidly, prompting us to update our areas for the first time in over a decade. JABGA Area Updates The Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) is growing rapidly, prompting us to update our areas for the first time in over a decade. Why We Updated the Areas for the Junior American Boer Goat Association The Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) is growing rapidly, prompting us to update our areas for the first time in over a decade. In the past 10 years our membership has also shifted. This change reflects those shifts to better serve everyone. Here’s why we made this change and how it benefits our members. JABGA Area Map - Effective 2025 Rapid Growth Brings New Opportunities JABGA has experienced some growth over the past several years. This growth has created exciting opportunities but also revealed some challenges with our existing area structure. The distribution of members across the country had become uneven, making it clear that an update was overdue. Balancing the Areas Our primary goal in updating the areas was to create a more balanced distribution of members. Previously, some areas had significantly more members than others, which made participation in events and leadership activities more challenging for some. The new structure ensures that each area has as equal a number of members as possible, promoting fairness and encouraging more consistent participation. Traveling Made Easier We understand that traveling to shows, and competitions can be a big commitment for our Junior members and their families. With the updated areas, members will have the opportunity to travel to events in states that are closer to home. This change not only reduces travel time and expenses but also makes it more convenient for members to stay involved and engaged in JABGA activities. Looking Ahead We’re excited about the positive impact this update will have on our organization and our Junior members. The new structure represents our commitment to fairness, accessibility, and growth as we continue to support the next generation of Boer goat enthusiasts. Thank you to everyone who provided input and support during this process. We look forward to seeing our members thrive in these newly balanced areas. Here’s to a bright future for JABGA and all our incredible Juniors! Related Posts 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 Sep 6, 2024 Meet JABGA President: Madison Reis Madison Reis spent much of her childhood entrenched in agriculture and showing alongside her grandparents in California.

The Percentage Doe of Excellence Award Program is open to ABGA registered Percentage Does. DOE OF EXCELLENCE 10894661 JMI BLONDE AMBITION Doe 4/7/26 Jason Miller/Justin Whitehurst Jason Miller/Justin Whitehurst 10908013 5RF SQUARE SHOOTER Doe 3/31/26 Olivia Rosemeyer Ross Rosemeyer 10844267 2RSF RONSAL PARADISE CITY Doe 2/6/26 Deanna Good George Peterson 10916071 HOBBY ENCORE BO JO L2211 Doe 1/29/26 Michael Ackley-Grady Bill, Sue, Christie, Rebecca & Nicole Hobby 10870452 3HAZE WHITE OUT Doe 11/20/25 Bryan & Amy Hazelbaker Brody Hazelbaker 10917407 KYBF PINE BANK 22 PORSCHE Doe 11/19/25 Timothy, Arlan & Becky Humble Dennis, Shari, Corey & Emily Billups 10837668 0913 HW FARMS TENNESSEE HONEY Doe 10/31/25 Sherry Reynolds Cale & Samantha Horton 10756825 9RDB SWEET TART Doe 10/20/25 Levi Dale Levi Dale 10892754 SHGG SEASONS OF LOVE Doe 9/23/25 Grace Coulston Grace Coulston 10889226 COTTONWOOD ACRES WATERMELON MARTINI Doe 9/22/25 Jill Adolphsen April Brown 10917408 KYBF PINE BANK 22 LEXUS Doe 9/17/25 Timothy, Arlan & Becky Humble Dennis, Shari, Corey & Emily Billups 10905539 MANTODEA MARILYN MONROE Doe 9/10/25 Casey O'Connell John and Stephanie Gorman Reg. # Goat's Name Sex Award Date Owner Breeder Load More The Percentage Doe of Excellence Award Program is open to ABGA registered Percentage Does.