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American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) Executive Director Caleb Boardman recently attended the National Goat Conference hosted by Langston University, representing the association and connecting with more than 400 producers, educators, and researchers from across the country. The conference provided valuable insights into the challenges facing meat goat producers while also highlighting opportunities for growth in the U.S. market. In addition to promoting ABGA and engaging with industry stakeholders, Boardman established connections with researchers whose work could lead to future collaborative projects. These relationships present an opportunity to bridge the gap between research and the real-world challenges facing breeders and commercial producers, ultimately helping advance meat goat production. While potential projects are still in the exploratory stages, the conversations laid important groundwork for future partnerships. Throughout the conference, several sessions focused on the challenges facing today's producers, but also reinforced the tremendous potential within the meat goat industry. As illustrated in the accompanying graphs, domestic goat inventories have remained relatively stagnant over the past decade, while imports of frozen goat meat have continued to rise. This trend suggests a growing demand for goat meat in the United States that domestic production has yet to fully meet. For ABGA and its members, this presents a significant opportunity. As demand for goat meat continues to grow, the association is well-positioned to help strengthen the industry through education, research partnerships, breed advancement, and support for producers. By building relationships and identifying opportunities for collaboration, ABGA continues to work to position its members for success and to contribute to the long-term growth of the U.S. meat goat industry. The U.S. goat population graph illustrates a long-term shift in the industry’s makeup. Angora goat numbers declined sharply following the ending of the National Wool Act in the mid-90’s, and in conjunction with the importation of the Boer goat into the United States in the early-90’s, meat goats quickly became the largest segment of the population. Meat goat inventory nevertheless remains below its earlier peak, showing that domestic herd expansion has not followed a steady upward path. The three graphs above illustrate that while domestic goat slaughter has remained relatively flat over the past decade, the significant increase in import volume and value shows that domestic demand has increased drastically. Based on a 34-pound carcass, the US is now importing the equivalent of 1.4 million goats per year to meet the growing demand. Capturing more of that opportunity will require attention to production costs, herd productivity, consistent supply, access to processing, and buyer preferences. Additionally, the ABGA will continue to start conversations around legislation at both the state and national levels to level the playing field and increase the market share for domestic producers. Ultimately, as ABGA members continue to breed sound, productive genetics that support efficient commercial meat production, demand for Boer genetics will continue to increase across the commercial sector, providing additional revenue opportunities for all sectors of the membership. By promoting its members, listening to producer concerns, and exploring research partnerships, ABGA is working to help translate these opportunities into progress for the meat goat industry.

JABGA JUNIOR ANIMAL AWARDS PROGRAM UPDATE! During the JABGA Junior Board Face-to-Face Meeting in July, the Junior Board passed the JABGA Animal Awards Program! Beginning September 1, 2026, JABGA points will count toward the Junior Animal Award Program! This means junior members can now work toward earning the following awards: 🏆 Junior Ennoblement 🏆 Junior Sire of Merit 🏆 Junior Doe of Excellence Already have JABGA points on your animal? You’re still eligible! If your animal has earned JABGA points prior to September 1, 2026, those points will still count toward the applicable Junior Animal Award. You do not have to start over with points earned after September 1. IMPORTANT: The qualifications for the JABGA Junior Animal Awards are different from the current ABGA requirements. Please review the JABGA rules carefully to make sure your animal meets the qualifications for the award you are applying for. HOW TO APPLY Once your animal meets the applicable qualifications: Once your animal meets the applicable qualifications: 1️⃣ Complete the appropriate award application form. 2️⃣ Provide payment of the $20 processing fee. 3️⃣ Submit your completed application and payment to shows@abga.org or mail@abga.org to start your work order. 📬 AWARD PROCESSING All awards will be processed and sent out at the beginning of each month for awards earned during the previous month. We are excited to give our junior members even more opportunities to recognize their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments in the Boer goat industry!

One of the issues assigned to the ABGA Breed Improvement Committee was the aging of goats and the need for more objective information about whether an animal's reported age is consistent with its weight and stage of development. Following extensive discussion by the committee and Board of Directors, ABGA determined that the best starting point was to collect reliable, breed-specific growth data. That decision led ABGA to weigh every goat in the junior (0-12 month) age division exhibited at the 2025-2026 Regional Show Series and also the 2026 National Show. The below information is strictly from 2026 Nationals data. Using each animal's show weight, reported date of birth and an estimated birth weight of eight pounds, ABGA calculated an estimated weight per day of age as follows: (Show weight - 8 pounds) / days of age While weights have previously been recorded at nationals, much of that data is missing important pieces of information or complete sections of data. The 2026 data gives ABGA a large set of standardized growth information collected from goats across the United States. Fullblood and Percentage Comparison When the results were separated by registration type, Fullblood animals consistently performed higher, as expected, when measured by average weight per day of age. That pattern held in every age category for both sexes. Across all ages, Fullblood does averaged 0.498 pounds per day, 0.041 higher than the 0.457 average for Percentage does. The difference was also consistent among bucks. Overall, Fullblood bucks averaged 0.633 pound per day, 0.074 higher than the 0.559 average for Percentage bucks. Although the size of the difference varied by age, the direction never changed across the eight age-by-sex comparisons. For the remaining graphs, Fullblood and Percentage animals were combined within each age-and-sex category. The comparisons highlighted here include 210 bucks and 413 does between 0-12 months of age. The clearest pattern was that the calculated rate of gain declined as animals became older. This occurred in both bucks and does. Age Bucks average Does average 0-3 months 0.667 lb/day 0.577 lb/day 3-6 months 0.620 lb/day 0.487 lb/day 6-9 months 0.555 lb/day 0.438 lb/day 9-12 months 0.504 lb/day 0.399 lb/day The median values followed nearly the same pattern, indicating that the averages were not driven solely by a few unusually high- or low-gaining animals. Buck Data Among the 0-3-month bucks, most animals were between 0.50 and 0.79 pound per day. The 0.50-0.59 and 0.60-0.69 categories each contained 18 bucks, while another 17 were in the 0.70-0.79 category. The distribution shifted lower with age. The largest group of 3-6-month bucks was between 0.60 and 0.69, the largest group of 6-9-month bucks was between 0.50 and 0.59, and the largest group of 9-12-month bucks was between 0.40 and 0.49 pound per day. Doe Data The same progression was evident among the does, although their calculated rates were lower than those of the bucks in every age category. The largest group of 0-3-month does was between 0.60 and 0.69 pound per day. Most 3-6-month does were between 0.40 and 0.59, while the majority of both 6-9-month and 9-12-month does were between 0.30 and 0.49 pound per day. Understanding What the Calculation Measures Although these figures have been referred to as average daily gain, it is important to understand the limitations of that terminology. Traditional average daily gain is calculated by weighing an animal at the beginning and end of a defined period. Because ABGA did not have an actual birth weight or an earlier scale weight for each animal, this calculation cannot measure the animal's gain during a specific recent period. For practical purposes, the data functions more like an adjusted weight-per-day-of-age measurement. Subtracting an estimated eight-pound birth weight improves the calculation, but it remains an estimate of average growth over the animal's entire life rather than a direct measurement of gain during its most recent 30, 60 or 90 days. That distinction becomes especially important as animals get older. Young animals generally grow rapidly, but their rate of gain slows as they mature. An older animal's cumulative weight per day of age still includes the faster growth it experienced early in life. If that cumulative average decreases as the animal ages, its actual daily gain during the later portion of its life is likely lower than the lifetime figure shown in these charts. For example, the average calculated figure declined from 0.667 pound per day for 0-3-month bucks to 0.504 pound per day for 9-12-month bucks. That does not mean a typical older buck is currently gaining half a pound every day. Because the calculation includes the buck's faster early growth, its actual rate of gain during the later months would generally be lower than its lifetime average. The same principle applies to does. Their average declined from 0.577 pound per day in the 0-3-month group to 0.399 pound per day in the 9-12-month group. This downward pattern is biologically reasonable and reinforces why animals must be compared with others of the same sex and a similar age. What the Weigh-Backs Showed At the beginning of the National Show, show staff weighed every animal one time on the official show scales, and that measurement became the animal's official weight. The top two animals in each class were then weighed back on the same scales. In total, 117 animals were weighed back from one to five days after their original official weight. Every animal remained within a five-pound weigh-back range, so no animal would have been disqualified—even among those shown as many as five days after the initial weigh-in. Seven animals differed by more than three pounds: two lost four to five pounds and five gained four pounds. ABGA will use this information when determining whether initial weigh-ins, weigh-backs or a combination of the two should be used in the future. Just as importantly, it gives members a strong starting point for understanding the amount of weight movement most animals can be expected to show during Nationals. How ABGA Will Use the Information This first year of data gives ABGA an important foundation, but it should not be treated as a final growth standard. National Show entries represent a selected group of goats managed under many different environments, feeding programs and production systems. The calculations also depend on accurate dates of birth and apply the same estimated birth weight to every animal. Going forward, ABGA can continue collecting this information to develop normal ranges for each age and sex category. Multiple years of data will help the association determine which patterns are consistent and which results may be unique to a particular year, management environment or group of animals. As the database grows, this information can support breed improvement by helping breeders better understand expected growth at different stages of development. It can also help ABGA identify records that fall well outside the normal range for an animal's age and sex. An unusual result would not automatically prove that information is incorrect, but it could provide an objective reason to review the animal's records or gather additional information. The long-term goal is not to establish one rate of gain that every Boer goat must achieve. The goal is to define reasonable, data-supported parameters that recognize the biological differences between bucks and does and the natural decline in growth rate as goats mature. By weighing animals, collecting accurate dates of birth and continuing this analysis over multiple years, ABGA can replace assumptions with breed-specific information. That information can improve selection decisions, strengthen confidence in reported ages and give breeders another practical tool for evaluating growth and improving the Boer goat.

Get Involved and make a difference! Serving on an ABGA committee is a great way to get involved, share your perspective, and help shape the future of the association. Our committees rely on members who are willing to contribute their time, experience, and ideas to strengthen programs, improve member services, and advance the Boer goat industry. Apply now - the deadline is August 15th.

Applications are now open for the 2026 ABGA Judges Certification Program! Course Dates: October 23–25, 2026 Location: Horse Cave, Kentucky Deadline: Applications close August 28, 2026 Cost: $50 application fee + $200 if selected (recently reduced by BOD from $350!) Don’t miss this opportunity to prove your knowledge and become an ABGA-certified judge.

The American Boer Goat Association is pleased to introduce its 2026–2027 officer team! These leaders will help guide the Association in the year ahead, working alongside the Board of Directors to serve our members, strengthen the organization, and continue advancing the Boer goat breed. Please join us in welcoming President Rodney Wilson Jr., Vice President Paige Gunderson, Secretary Ashley Roles, and Treasurer Jeff Gibbs to their leadership roles. We look forward to the year ahead and appreciate their commitment to ABGA and its members.

Beginning immediately, the Board will meet four times each year, with meetings held in January, April, July, and October. Meeting dates will also be established two meetings in advance, providing greater consistency and allowing directors, staff, committees, and members to plan accordingly. This change represents an important step toward proactive governance. Rather than reacting to issues as they arise, the Board will have regular opportunities throughout the year to evaluate financial performance, monitor strategic initiatives, address emerging opportunities and challenges, and make timely decisions that keep the Association moving forward. For members, this means more consistent communication and greater transparency. With a predictable governance calendar, members can expect more regular updates on Board actions, strategic priorities, and the progress being made on behalf of the Association. Quarterly meetings also create greater accountability by allowing the Board to review committee work, organizational performance, and strategic goals on a regular basis. By adopting a structured meeting schedule, the Board is strengthening its ability to lead with purpose, remain responsive to member needs, and ensure the American Boer Goat Association continues to grow through thoughtful, transparent, and forward-looking leadership.

The 2026 American Boer Goat Foundation Educational Summit Inspires Innovation, Collaboration, and a Vision for the Future By the American Boer Goat Foundation For three days in July, the Margaritaville Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri, became more than a conference venue—it became a gathering place for the people committed to advancing the Boer goat industry. Producers, educators, researchers, students, industry partners, and Association leaders came together for the 2026 American Boer Goat Foundation Educational Summit, united by a common purpose: equipping producers with the knowledge, tools, and relationships needed to build stronger, more profitable operations. Centered around the theme, "From Pasture to Profit: Achieving Excellence in Meat Goat Production," the Summit demonstrated that success in today's livestock industry requires more than exceptional genetics. It requires continuous education, innovative technology, sound business planning, strategic marketing, and a willingness to embrace new ideas. Every session, conversation, and networking opportunity reinforced the American Boer Goat Foundation's mission of investing in the future of Boer goat producers through education. The weekend began Thursday evening with an ABGA networking reception that encouraged members, directors, and industry partners to connect in a relaxed atmosphere. Friday's American Boer Goat Association Face-to-Face Board Meeting continued that spirit of collaboration as leaders discussed strategic initiatives designed to strengthen the Association and better serve its members. By Saturday morning, the focus shifted entirely to education as producers gathered for a full day of learning designed to help them move—from pasture to profit. From Pasture: Building Better Herds Through Science The educational program opened with Dr. Dan Quadros of the University of Arkansas, whose presentation challenged producers to think differently about genetic improvement. Rather than focusing solely on phenotype, Dr. Q emphasized the importance of combining genetics, environmental management, and measurable performance data to improve growth, efficiency, reproduction, carcass quality, and overall profitability. His presentation established a theme that echoed throughout the day: data drives progress. Whether evaluating breeding decisions, measuring animal performance, or identifying management opportunities, producers who collect meaningful information are better equipped to make informed decisions that strengthen their operations over time. Expanding Opportunity Beyond Our Borders That theme continued with Brittany Scott of SMART Reproduction, who introduced attendees to the growing international demand for U.S. Boer goat genetics. Drawing from her experience exporting livestock genetics around the world, Scott demonstrated that American producers possess genetics sought after in markets across multiple continents. However, she stressed that today's international buyers expect more than outstanding animals—they expect measurable performance, documented genetics, growth records, and production data that support investment decisions. One of her strongest messages centered on the value of recordkeeping. "If we don't document performance, we can't demonstrate value." She challenged producers to begin viewing their operations not only as breeding programs but as businesses built on measurable results. The ability to provide accurate data, she explained, separates operations that simply raise goats from those capable of competing in international markets. Scott also shared inspiring examples of American genetics improving livestock production around the world, illustrating how exports can improve food security, strengthen agricultural economies, and create new revenue opportunities for U.S. producers. Collaboration Creates Opportunity Education extended beyond formal presentations during the Summit's Import & Export Panel Discussion. Industry professionals Brittany Scott, Tyler Sparks, Doug Edge, and Renee Strickland shared real-world experiences navigating international livestock commerce while answering questions from attendees. The discussion highlighted both the challenges and tremendous opportunities available to producers interested in expanding beyond traditional domestic markets. Perhaps even more valuable than the panel itself were the conversations that continued throughout lunch and the networking sessions. Producers exchanged ideas, asked questions, and built relationships that will continue long after the Summit concluded. Technology Is Transforming the Pasture One of the Summit's most talked-about presentations came from Margaret Chamas, who demonstrated Nofence, GPS-enabled virtual fencing technology that is redefining livestock management. Speaking not as a salesperson but as a producer actively using the technology, Chamas showed attendees how virtual fencing allows producers to create and adjust grazing boundaries from a smartphone while monitoring livestock locations, receiving health and activity alerts, and improving pasture utilization. Beyond fencing, she demonstrated how technology is beginning to provide entirely new management insights. Real-time animal movement, behavioral monitoring, grazing heat maps, and activity tracking are giving producers unprecedented information that can improve health management, pasture utilization, labor efficiency, and overall profitability. As the Summit's Gold Sponsor, Nofence exemplified this year's theme by demonstrating how innovation can help producers improve both stewardship and profitability while reducing labor demands and increasing operational efficiency. Protecting the Farm for the Next Generation Profitability extends beyond today's production numbers. Heather Gessner of South Dakota State University encouraged producers to think about the future through succession planning, estate management, and family communication. Her presentation reminded attendees that preserving a successful operation requires intentional planning. From wills and trusts to LLCs and transition strategies, producers received practical guidance for ensuring their farms continue serving future generations while maintaining family harmony. Understanding the Market Holly Loncarich of Kansas State University shifted the conversation toward economics by examining the current meat goat marketplace. Her presentation encouraged producers to evaluate consumer demand, market trends, pricing strategies, and breeding decisions through a business lens. Rather than chasing short-term opportunities, attendees learned how long-term planning and strategic marketing can improve profitability while positioning their operations for sustained success. Partnering for Producer Success The afternoon concluded with presentations focused on resources available to producers through the American Boer Goat Association and its industry partners. ABGA Executive Director Caleb Boardman shared updates on new and upcoming member programs, educational initiatives, research collaborations, and resources designed to strengthen the Association and support producers across the country. Chris Masella then introduced attendees to Farmbrite, demonstrating how modern livestock management software can simplify breeding records, herd health, inventory management, financial reporting, and production tracking. As producers increasingly rely on performance data to guide decision-making, digital recordkeeping has become another valuable step on the journey from pasture to profit. The Foundation gratefully recognizes Farmbrite, the Summit's Silver Sponsor, for supporting the educational mission of the Summit while helping producers embrace technology that improves both efficiency and profitability. More Than Education While every educational session provided valuable information, one of the Summit's greatest strengths was its atmosphere. The intimate setting at Margaritaville created opportunities for meaningful conversations between presenters and attendees that are often difficult to achieve at larger conferences. Throughout the weekend, producers visited with university researchers, technology developers, industry leaders, sponsors, Association leadership, and fellow breeders, exchanging ideas and building relationships that will continue strengthening the Boer goat industry long after everyone returned home. Celebrating Excellence The educational programming concluded with the American Boer Goat Association Annual Membership Meeting, where members received updates on Association initiatives and engaged directly with leadership before gathering for one of the weekend's most anticipated events—the ABGA Annual Awards Banquet. Held at the Margaritaville Hotel, the banquet celebrated excellence throughout the Boer goat industry by recognizing the accomplishments of breeders, volunteers, and leaders whose dedication continues to strengthen the Association and the breed. Among the evening's most meaningful moments was the presentation of the 2026 ABGA Ambassador of the Breed Award honoring Lary Duncan. Lary's lifelong commitment to the Boer goat industry, his leadership, mentorship, and passion for advancing the breed have left an enduring legacy that continues to influence producers across the country. His recognition served as a reminder that while innovation drives the industry forward, its greatest strength has always been the people willing to invest their time, knowledge, and leadership in others. The evening also celebrated recipients of the ABGA Roll of Honor Program and the National Show Awards. To finish off the night the ABGA recognized the countless volunteers whose dedication makes the Association's programs, shows, and educational initiatives possible. Their service exemplifies the spirit of collaboration that was evident throughout the entire Summit. Looking Ahead As attendees departed Kansas City, they carried home much more than notebooks filled with information. They returned to their farms with practical ideas, new friendships, valuable industry connections, and a renewed commitment to continuous improvement. The 2026 American Boer Goat Foundation Educational Summit demonstrated that achieving excellence in meat goat production is not accomplished through one management practice or one breeding decision. It is achieved through the thoughtful integration of genetics, pasture management, technology, business planning, marketing, education, and collaboration. The American Boer Goat Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to every speaker, volunteer, attendee, exhibitor, and partner who made this year's Summit a success. Special thanks are extended to Nofence, our Gold Sponsor, and Farmbrite, our Silver Sponsor, whose generous support and educational contributions helped make this exceptional learning experience possible. From healthier pastures and stronger genetics to smarter technology and greater profitability, every presentation reinforced this year's message: The journey from pasture to profit begins with education. And through the leadership of the American Boer Goat Foundation, that journey continues to create new opportunities for Boer goat producers across the nation.

A board meeting will take place on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 8:00 AM CST. The meeting will be recorded and made available on the ABGA website within one week following the meeting. 📄 View the meeting agenda and supporting documents here: Download Agenda here