The word Updates floating under the sea UPDATES: Area 2 and Area 4 Regional Shows Location and date changes to upcoming JABGA Regional Shows. The Area 4 Regional show is now in conjunction with Peach State Classic. The date of the show will be moved up to February 28 - March 1, 2025. The Area 2 Regional Show will now be in Des Moines, Iowa. We will keep you updated if there are any further changes or updates.

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

JABGA Regional Show Series Request for Proposals The Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) is now accepting proposals from qualified venues and organizations to host the 2025–2026 JABGA Regional Show Series. This national call seeks experienced livestock show organizers, fairgrounds, and youth livestock associations to partner in delivering high-quality Boer goat show experiences across the U.S. '25 - '26 JABGA Regional Show Series – Request for Proposals Release Date: July 15, 2025 Proposal Deadline: August 15, 2025 Announcement of Selected Hosts: September 1, 2025 Overview: The Junior American Boer Goat Association invites proposals from qualified organizations to host a 2025-26 JABGA Regional Show . The purpose of this RFP is to ensure high-quality, accessible, and well-managed show experiences for junior exhibitors across the United States. Parties Responsibilities: ABGA Responsibilities Minimum 1 ABGA Staff Standard Regional Awards Pack Regional Show Judge Selection Regional Show Judge’s Fees and Travel Marketing and Promotion in conjunction with host Recognition of JABGA Regional Show Series Sponsors Host Responsibilities Facility Volunteers Contest Judges Minimum of 2 per contest, Public Speaking, Sales Talk, Fitting Contest Judges for these contests must not have connections participating in the Regional Show Show Volunteers Additional awards or prizes above the standard Regional Awards Pack ABGA will provide our sponsorship discounts if applicable Facilitate Banquet Meal If additional Open Shows are held in conjunction with Regional ABGA will cover half the travel expenses if a regional show judge is used for both shows Hosts will utilize the Showman.app for both regional and open show entries if desired ABGA must have admin access 50% - Regional Show Entry fees will be returned to ABGA Open Show and Facility fees collected through Showman will be returned to host Open Show Sponsors will not be recognized during the JABGA Regional Show Standard Regional Awards Pack Buckles: 4 Champion Market Showmanship 4 Champion Breeding Showmanship Champion Market Goat Champion Wether Dam Champion Percentage Doe Champion Fullblood Doe Champion Buck Show Banners: 16 Champion and Reserve Showmanship Top 5 Market Goat Top 5 Wether Dam 6 Champion and Reserve Breeding Show 3 Bred and Owned Champions Contest Banners: 20 Top 5 Public Speaking 20 Top 5 Sales Talk 20 Top 5 Goat Judging 20 Top 5 Skillathon 8 Top 2 Overall Division Top 5 High Point Overall 12 Fitting Contest Additional Awards: Top 5 High Point Overall Eligibility: Proposals may be submitted by: State or regional Boer goat associations Agricultural exposition centers or county/state fairgrounds Livestock event coordinators or youth livestock organizations Required Proposal Content: Each proposal must include: Facility Overview Name, address, and description of facility Photos and/or floor plans Arena capacity, pen space, wash racks, restrooms, RV hook-ups, etc. Accessibility for trailers and parking Proposed Show Dates Preferred dates (must fall within September 30, 2025 – May 15, 2026 window) Contingency dates, if available Lodging and Amenities Nearby hotels with rates and availability Food options (on-site or nearby) Camping or RV accommodations Staffing and Volunteers Local support staff and show volunteers Experience with livestock or youth shows Budget and Sponsorship Proposed event budget Local sponsorship commitments or support letters Letters of Support From local 4-H/FFA leaders, ag boards, or sponsors Submission Instructions: Submit completed proposals to: Email: criley@abga.org Subject Line: 2025-26 Regional Show Proposal – [Location Name] Format: PDF preferred (max 15 pages, excluding appendices) Selection Criteria: See Appendix B – Evaluation Rubric Appendix B: JABGA Regional Show Bid Evaluation Rubric Criteria Points Description Facility Quality & Suitability 25 pts Clean, accessible facility with sufficient space for show rings, pens, parking, restrooms, and wash racks. Financial Plan & Sponsorship 25 pts Clear, sustainable budget with sponsorships and/or local funding support. Geographic Representation 20 pts Location fills a geographic gap and improves accessibility for surrounding regions. Experience & Staffing 15 pts Demonstrated experience hosting youth or livestock events. Qualified volunteers/staff identified. Community Support 15 pts Letters of support, community engagement, lodging, and amenities. Total Possible Points: 100 Optional Bonus Points (up to 5 points): Innovative youth engagement or educational components (e.g., clinics, leadership seminars) Evaluation Committee: ABGA Executive Director ABGA Director of Community Engagement JABGA Youth Coordinator Regional Show Committee Chair & Co-Chair JABGA President JABGA Vice President Click to download ↓ Request for Proposal - Regional Shows .pdf Download PDF • 167KB

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. JABGA Vice President Logan Hollen When going into any showmanship class the most important thing you want to do is have confidence. You can grow your confidence by having eye contact with the judge. When having eye contact it allows you to have a connection with the judge, and in hopes, they will remember you and set you apart from the rest. It’s very important to stay focused on where the judge is located in the ring. This is done by keeping eye contact. By knowing where the judge is at all times will let you have a smoother transition when moving around your goat and will help keep you focused on the class. This is definitely something that can be practiced at home with the use of a mirror. The use of a mirror in your barn will also help you with feet placement. Judges are very picky on how feet are placed. This will separate you from 1st place and 2nd place the majority of the time. The quicker you can place feet and be looking back up at the judge is what will push you towards the top of the class.

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.

Junior Ambassador Program Launch The JABGA Junior Ambassador Program empowers members ages 10–15 to build leadership, confidence, and networking skills through mentorship, event involvement, and peer collaboration. Apply between April 17–May 15 to be one of 10 selected youth leaders! Purpose: The Junior Ambassador Program is designed to empower young JABGA members by fostering leadership development and enhancing networking skills. This program aims to provide a supportive environment where participants can build confidence, collaborate with peers, and engage with mentors to grow both personally and professionally. Through hands-on experiences, association involvement, and guided mentorship, the Junior Ambassador Program seeks to inspire the next generation of JABGA leaders to take initiative, communicate effectively, and cultivate meaningful connections that will benefit them throughout their lives. Age Requirement: JABGA members ages 10 -15 as of January 1st of the current year Application and selection process: The application process will open April 17 and close May 15 Applications will be evaluated in a blind selection by the JABGA Board of Directors. 10 Junior Ambassadors will be selected, 2 per JABGA area. In the case that 2 applications are not submitted in a specific area, a third applicant may be selected from the remaining areas. Selected applicants will be announced at the JABGA Awards Ceremony during the National Show. Guidelines for the program: Junior ambassadors will assist in the organization of activities at Regional and National Shows, as well as additional educational events. Junior Ambassadors will also aid in developing JABGA Social Media content. Tele-meetings will be held monthly with two JABGA Board of Directors presiding. Write an essay no less than 300 words. Essay question: You're sitting with a group of your friends telling them how you're gone most weekends with your goats. What do you tell them to help them understand how important it is to you and possibly motivate them to join the JABGA? Apply now!

Area 4 Regional Show: Peach State Classic Boer Goat Show Check out these pictures from the Area 4 Regional Show - Peach State Classic in Perry, Georgia! Check out these photos from the Area 4 Regional Show Peach State Classic Boer Goat Show ! You can see the Peach State Classic Show #1 results here . You can see the Peach State Classic Show #2 results here. You can see the Peach State Classic Show #3 results here. See the contest results below. #ShowsEvents #JABGA #news

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

JAGBA Board member, Logan Hollen, in the showring with her Boer goat. 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

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.

JABGA Area 5 Regional Show Update A change has been made to both the location and date of the Area 5 Regional Show. Dear JABGA members, parents and supporters: After careful consideration, a change has been made to both the location and date of the Area 5 Regional Show. Please see the updated show details below. Dates: November 22-23 Location: Sweetwater, TX Judges: Commercial Does & Market – Justin Burns | Breeding – TBD Show Secretaries: Kelly Murray Kellymurray678@yahoo.com and April Bridget - arb.btl@gmail.com Registration will be open on showman.app by the end of the week. All regional show information can be found at the following link: abga.org/jabga/regional-shows Please reach out if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you in Texas in November! Thanks, Caleb Boardman Executive Director American Boer Goat Association

Maintaining Breed Integrity The Reasons Behind the Breed Standards by Jada Young Many times, in my show career I have asked myself questions. A substantial amount when I was younger was ‘why some things about our breed are the way they are, and what makes those things so important?’ A few examples of that would be the depth of body on an animal, or the precise hooks and pin set on a doe, or even the breed’s characteristic roman nose? Many of these answers can be dated back to before the Boer Goat was brought over to the United States from South Africa in 1993. When looking for these answers we need to take a step back from the show ring and look at the breed from a production standpoint. Our animals were not always made for the show life. They were used to produce meat for slaughter purposes. The main factor in that production was kidding out does to have more potential babies, or slaughter opportunities. This is where the deep body cavity and hooks to pin set come into play. The deeper flanked a doe is, the more desirable she will be because she has more maternal capabilities. This means she will have more room to carry the babies comfortably to full term. The hooks and pin set also play a vital role in the birth of baby goats. If you have a doe that is too narrow in her rear end, there is a higher chance of babies getting stuck, which is a possibility of lost life. When looking at herd production, you want to continue growing, instead of losing vital members of your herd. The next stage of life for a young kid is to grow to their full potential. When a kid was born many years ago back in South Africa, many farmers looked at their body characteristics to determine how much natural muscling the animals will carry when they are older. The roman nose is believed to signify a strong, broad head which is associated with good meat production. This is how farmers would cull their herds to only keep what they believed would be good meat producers. Next time when you are wondering why some of our breed characteristics are in place, ask a fellow member in hopes of learning some of the history behind our association. It is very important to know why our breed characteristics were instilled in the Boer goat all those years ago in South Africa. Jada Young Junior Board of Directors Area 4