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.

The objective of this contest is to gain the ability to work with a team to enhance the show ring performance of the groomed animal. Adult Fitting Competition Adult Fitting Competition The objective of this contest is to gain the ability to work with a team to enhance the show ring performance of the groomed animal. Adult Fitting Competition Saturday Night June 8th Open to anyone $150 for each 2 person team Half of the proceeds go to JABGA, other half go to winning team. People’s choice will also be awarded! Rules: The objective of this contest is to gain the ability to work with a team to enhance the show ring performance of the groomed animal. Each team will consist of no more than TWO INDIVIDUALS. Each team will be responsible for bringing a goat to use in the competition. Animals can be pre-clipped and need to be washed and dried, but no products are allowed on the animal upon entering the competition. All animals will be checked for products before entering the competition area. Each team must provide their own fitting equipment. Once the contest begins, no team member may leave the area and no additional equipment may be brought into the fitting area. All team members and equipment must be in place at least 5 minutes prior to the start of the contest. Each team will be allowed 20 minutes to fit their animal. ALL FITTING TECHNIQUES MUST BE WITHIN THE ACCEPTED PRACTICES OF THE AMERICAN BOER GOAT ASSOCIATION’S SANCTIONED SHOW RULES. Judge will circulate and question participants during the 30 minutes. Points will be awarded as follows: Ability to fit- 25 points. Participation of each team member - 10 points. Organization of supplies & equipment - 5 points. Overall effect - 5 points. Knowledge & response to questions - 5 points. For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

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

Register Boer does with no pedigree through ABGA’s new Native on Appearance program. Native on Appearance Register Boer does with no pedigree through ABGA’s new Native on Appearance program. How the Approval Process Works Submit the completed application and required pictures online, via email, or by mail. A registration clerk will review each application. During the program’s first month, all decisions will be further reviewed by the Executive Director. After this probationary period, only denied applications will escalate for final review. Why “Native on Appearance” Matters This program offers breeders an accessible entry point to formal recognition while ensuring the integrity of the Boer breed remains strong. By welcoming does that meet visual standards, we’re opening the door to more participation, more diversity, and ultimately, a stronger community of breeders. What is “Native on Appearance”? Under Rule 207B, does that are otherwise ineligible for registration or pedigree record—but appear to be Boer goats—can now be evaluated for a special NOA designation. Once approved, these does will receive a 12.5% breed composition registration and a unique ABGA listing number that begins with “NOA.” Ineligible for Percentage Show - The minimum percentage to show a doe at an ABGA sanctioned event is 25%. Native on Appearance does will not meet this requirement and therefore be ineligible to show as a Percentage Doe. However, they can be exhibited in the wether dam division. It’s important to note: this program is limited to does/females only . Bucks and wethers are not eligible for NOA registration. Application Requirements The NOA application process is simple, much like a normal registration: Application Fee : $20 per animal (non-refundable) Documentation : Herd prefix, herd name, and identifiers such as tattoos, scrapie tags/federal ID, or microchips Pictures : Up to two images allowed, with at least one clear profile picture showing the full body, legs, head, ears, and horns Photos must feature only one animal and be of high quality. Blurry, distant, or group photos will not be accepted. Acceptable Profile Pictures Unacceptable Profile Pictures What Are We Looking For? While the traditional Boer goat is white-bodied with a red head, color variations are welcome. The approval committee will focus on visual traits consistent with Boer goats—without penalizing for folded ears, pigmentation issues, incorrect bites, or nonstandard teat structures. However, any significant signs of influence from breeds like Pygmy, Myotonic, Kiko, Spanish, Savannah, or Dairy goats will result in disqualification from the NOA program. Examples of Approved NOA Does Examples of Unapproved NOA Does Ready to Register? Follow the step-by-step instructions to register your NOA animals on iCompete. Download a printable version of these instructions ↓ Native on Appearance-iCompete Instructions . Download • 419KB What is “Native on Appearance”? Register Boer does with no pedigree through ABGA’s new Native on Appearance program. Registration and Standards Related Posts & Updates Mar 31, 2025 Native on Appearance Program: Expanding Opportunity for ABGA Members Register Boer does with no pedigree through ABGA’s new Native on Appearance program. Read More May 19, 2023 How to Tattoo Your Goat ABGA Member Dawn Foster of No Step Ranch in Sterling City, Texas takes us through the steps on how to tattoo your goat. Read More Mar 17, 2023 ABGA Broadens Horizons with Wether Incentive Program Ahead of National Show Discover the Boer Goat Advantage (BGA) program by the American Boer Goat Association, offering cash prizes and incentives for wether goat breeders at national and regional shows! Read More

Enter the National Show today! Regular entry is open until May 24. Show Entry Now Open Show Entry Now Open Enter the National Show today! Regular entry is open until May 24. Entry is now open for the 2024 ABGA & JABGA National Show. Be sure to enter by May 24, 2024 to avoid late fees. Late entry will be open from May 25 - June 1, 2024. Entries are NOT accepted the day of the show. You can watch instructions on how to enter a show on Showman below. For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

Drum roll, please. The overall placing winner of ABGA’s first-ever JABGA National Show Meat Goat Evaluation is Sophie Sturges. She... JABGA Meat Goat Evaluation Winners Drum roll, please. The overall placing winner of ABGA’s first-ever JABGA National Show Meat Goat Evaluation is Sophie Sturges. She... Drum roll, please. The overall placing winner of ABGA’s first-ever JABGA National Show Meat Goat Evaluation is Sophie Sturges. She received $3,650. JABGA Meat Goat Evaluation Winner Sophie Sturgis Here’s a look at how exhibitors placed: Light Weight Class 1st place: Wyatt Stevens 2nd place: Colton Westfall 3rd place: Dacota Higgins 4th place: Aris Barrientez 5th place: Baylee Lamb Medium Weight Class 1st place: Casey Jo Stevens 2nd place: Maddie Boyd 3rd place: Austin Hendrickson 4th place: Kaden Brown Heavy Weight Class 1st place: Sophie Sturges 2nd place: Lawson Brown 3rd place: Nathan Brown 4th place: Cannon Wilhoit Carcass Evaluation Class 1st place: Sophie Sturges 2nd place: Nathan Brown 3rd place: Lawson Brown 4th place: Kaden Brown 5th place: Casey Jo Stevens Record Book 1st place: Casey Jo Stevens 2nd place: Lawson Brown 3rd place: Sophie Sturges 4th place: Wyatt Stevens 5th place: Austin Hendrickson 6th place: Dacota Higgins 7th place: Maddie Boyd 8th place: Baylee Lamb 9th place: Aris Barrientez 10th place: Kaden Brown 11th place: Cannon Wilhoit 12th place: Nathan Brown 13th place: Colton Westfall Total Sophie Sturges: $3,650 Casey Jo Stevens: $2,550 Lawson Brown: $1,050 Wyatt Stevens: $850 Austin Hendrickson: $700 Dacota Higgins: $650 Maddie Boyd: $650 Nathan Brown: $550 Kaden Brown: $500 Aris Barrientez: $450 Baylee Lamb: $450 Colton Westfall: $350 Cannon Wilhoit: $350 We would like to thank all exhibitors who participated in our inaugural JABGA National Show Meat Goat Related Posts

Meet National Show Barn Superintendent, Elizabeth Westfall Elizabeth Westfall Elizabeth Westfall Meet National Show Barn Superintendent, Elizabeth Westfall My name is Elizabeth Westfall, and I reside in Vincennes, IN, with my husband, Zach, and son, Colton. I have worked in public safety and government for the last 20 years. I currently work for the Indiana State Department of Health as a financial analyst, Good Samaritan Hospital as a grant coordinator, and Vincennes University as a professor of Homeland Security. As you can tell from that last statement, I enjoy staying busy and am dedicated to helping others. Our farm has been raising Boer goats for the last five years, and we have grown from a 4-H project of 2 goats to over 35 goats. One of my passions is helping youth and providing education. This year, I was fortunate enough to assist with the inaugural Goat Con event in Indiana, which provided education and training to over 200 participants through the Indiana Boer Goat Association. I am currently volunteering as a co-youth coordinator for the organization. In 2023, I assisted with the ABGA/JABGA National Show, where I contributed to organizing vendors, the invitational sale, and working with facility management. This year, I will be enhancing my contribution to the event as the Barn Superintendent, a role I am honored to serve in for 2024. I'm excited about the upcoming ABGA/JABGA National Show in Louisville, KY. I want to make this an excellent experience for all exhibitors and their families. Nationals is a great time for all of us to come together as an industry and celebrate our accomplishments. I encourage everyone to reflect on what it took to get here and make it an excellent event for everyone involved. For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

Will Poynor My name is Will Poynor. I was born and raised in the small town of Leiper’s Fork, on the outskirts of Franklin, TN. My younger sister and I grew up on a farm that has been in our family since 1811. I graduated from Fairview High School and attended UT Martin, where I studied wildlife biology. I am serving Area 4 on the JABGA Board of Directors. I began showing swine, beef, and goats 9 years ago as part of the Williamson County 4-H Livestock Program. My love for goats grew into a passion and a livelihood. I currently have a herd of 50 +- brood does. I love showing and raising wethers. We have produced several TN State Champions on our farm. My upbringing in Leiper’s Fork instilled a lifelong love of the outdoors and a deep respect for the land that has shaped my family for generations. Farm life taught me the value of hard work, patience, and the importance of community. Through countless early mornings and long evenings tending to animals, I discovered a sense of purpose that continues to guide me. My passion for wildlife and livestock eventually led me to the world of Boer goats—a journey that began with curiosity and quickly became a defining part of my life. Joining the JABGA Board has given me the opportunity to connect with others who share this enthusiasm and to contribute to a community built on dedication and mutual support. Outside of working and showing goats, I spend my free time hunting, fishing, and hanging out with my friends. I am thankful every day that God has given me this life to live. Serving on the JABGA Board has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my journey so far. It has allowed me not only to advocate for the interests of our region but also to learn from fellow board members whose backgrounds and perspectives continually broaden my own understanding. I am deeply grateful for the mentors who encouraged me early on, and I strive to pay that support forward—whether it’s offering advice to a newcomer in the show ring or collaborating on new educational initiatives. Through my involvement, I have grown to appreciate the power of teamwork and the sense of belonging that comes from working toward a common goal. Each meeting, each event, and each conversation with our members reinforces why this work matters—not just for today’s breeders, but for the future of livestock agriculture as a whole. I am excited to be on the Board of Directors for the JABGA so that I can help fuel the love for Boer goats in new and current members. I want to be here to help and encourage the youth who are working hard to raise and show their Boer goats. Throughout my journey, I have found that the heart of the JABGA community lies in its people—the friendships forged in the barn, the shared triumphs and challenges, and the unwavering support that members offer one another. These relationships have enriched my life in ways that extend far beyond the show ring. Every handshake, every story exchanged over a fence line, and every moment spent teaching and learning has reinforced the sense of camaraderie that sets our organization apart. What inspires me most is seeing young members discover their confidence and skills as they care for their animals, set goals, and celebrate achievements both large and small. Their enthusiasm reminds me that the traditions we uphold today will shape the future of our agricultural landscape. Being part of this vibrant community has offered me countless opportunities to learn and grow—not only as a breeder but also as a mentor and friend. Over the years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that livestock programs have on young people, instilling responsibility, perseverance, and a true appreciation for agriculture. Looking ahead, I hope to continue supporting the next generation through outreach and education, sharing practical knowledge and a genuine enthusiasm for Boer goats. Whether it’s through hosting workshops, judging local shows, or simply lending a hand at a county fair, my goal remains the same: to inspire others to pursue their agricultural dreams and build lasting memories along the way. If you ever have questions about raising or showing Boer goats, or just want to swap stories about farm life, don’t hesitate to reach out. It’s been a privilege to serve, and I look forward to many more years of involvement, friendship, and shared success within the JABGA family.

ABGA is thankful for of our sponsors. They allow the National Show to continue to be the go-to event for the meat goat industry! Sponsors Sponsors ABGA is thankful for of our sponsors. They allow the National Show to continue to be the go-to event for the meat goat industry! THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Diamond Sponsors Platinum Sponsors Gold Plus Sponsors Gold Sponsors Silver Sponsors Bronze Sponsors Red Rock Acres Boer Goats Childers Show Goats Kentucky Farm Bureau Cinch Tartaglia Boer Goats EZid, LLC JC Boer Goats - Julie Carreiro Ribbon Sponsors Logan Hollen Mantodea Farm Clayton and Beth Newton Elk Ridge Boer Goats Lynnzae VanWyk Colton Westfall 2M Boer Goats Eli Merrill Angelheart Farm Rebel Mountain Ranch Boer Goats Kellen Knott Hannah Chaffee Abril Stover Madison Reis National Herdsire Sale Triple W Genetics Felix Villarreal Banner Sponsors 2 Sisters Farm 2M Boer Goats Angelheart Farm Sleepy Hollow Farms Elk Ridge Boer Goats Madi-Trv Boer Goats Redden Bros Rosemeyer Boer Goats Eli Merrill Pine Bank Boer Goats Kellen Knott Lynnzae VanWyk Hannah Chaffee Casada Creations Bailey Brumfield Abril Stover Jackson Harman Tyler Stolipher Triple W Genetics National Herdsire Sale Sand Country Acres Buckle Sponsors Bodacious Boers Logan Hollen MAK Genetics Mantodea Farm 2M Boer Goats Clayton and Beth Newton Angelheart Farm Kane Nuhring Elk Ridge Boer Goats Eli Merrill Kellen Knott Lynnzae VanWyk Colton Westfall Chesnut Springs West Drew Pontious Grand Slam Boers (Carbino Family) Hannah Chaffee Rachel Lopes The Hanna Family Bailey Brumfield Abril Stover Flying M Photography The Cowan Family Terry Taylor Five Fifteen Cattle Co. The Wilhoit Family Srock Wood Works Jackson Harman Boers by Hobby National Herdsire Sale Rowdy Acres Boer Goats Bronze Awards Sponsors Red Rock Acres Boer Goats 2 Sisters Farm Rancho 4 Hermanos 2M Boer Goats Angelheart Farm Madi-Trv Boer Goats Apple Tree Kellen Knott Abril Stover Redden Bros Grace Ellis Sand Country Acres Miscellaneous Sponsors Ken Baty (Peewee Showmanship, Adult Showmanship, Costume Contest) Newton Farms (Pizza Party, Coffee Bar, Exhibitor Numbers) Ale-8 (Pizza Party) For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

American Boer Goat Association: Protecting, promoting, and recording the American Boer Goat breed. Events Calendar Promote your sale on our Events Calendar! List your Boer goat sales with ABGA. Gain free promotion, social media reach, and newsletter features when you include a JABGA Donation Lot. Promote your sale! American Boer Goat Association The American Boer Goat Association will protect the core values and traits that make the Boer goat the premier meat goat breed in America through promotion and recording of the breed. Join today! Boer Banners Announcing 2026 Dakota Meat Goat Buck Performance Test Mar 31, 2026 18 Roll of Honor: Area 1 Regional Show Results Mar 26, 2026 18 Candidates for Board of Directors Mar 18, 2026 166 Load More OUR PARTNERS iCompete Renew your membership, register and transfer animals, download temporary certificates, view show results, and more! Go to iCompete Submit Work Need to submit registration docs, transfer forms, changes to your ABGA account, or additional tasks for the ABGA office to complete? Submit a Work Order Join ABGA Annual Adult Memberships run from January 1 to December 31, and are $75 annually. Join ABGA Renew your membership Renew with your existing email on file with our new member software iCompete. Renew Request DNA Testing Members and non-members can request DNA testing at a set price from ABGA and UC Davis. Request DNA View Show Results View past ABGA & JABGA Sanctioned and Regional Show results on iCompete. See results Office Updates Keep up with announcements, reminders, events, and more from the ABGA office. The office is currently working on work orders received on: April 2, 2026 Updated 4/3/2026 Mar 31, 2026 Announcing 2026 Dakota Meat Goat Buck Performance Test Mar 26, 2026 Roll of Honor: Area 1 Regional Show Results Mar 17, 2026 Board Meeting 3-19-2026 View all Office Updates Today's Date Today's Date

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

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