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.

2022 Halloween Virtual Costume Parade Ghouls and goblins and goats... oh my! In trick-or-treat spirit, we asked ABGA members to show us their best goat costumes on social media. Ghouls and goblins and goats... oh my! In true trick-or-treat spirit, we asked ABGA members from across the country to show us their best goat costumes on Facebook and Instagram. We want to thank everyone who submitted photos and joined in the Halloween fun. Click on the gallery below to see all of the cute, creative, and clever costumes submissions we received: 2022 Halloween Virtual Costume Parade Photos courtesy of: Cathy Schones Morris, Jessica Shannon Spangler, Amanda Griffith, Kristy Vaughn, Linda Johnson, Nancy Tartaglia, Andrea Luna, Angela and Kevin Manning, Josh Ganoe, Rebecka Knotts, Tracey Jenette LaRue, Laken Stocker-Dahnke. Goats & Goblins 2022 - Princeton, Ind. Photos courtesy of Cindy Dusek. #JABGA #news

2023 JABGA National Show Contest & Overall Regional Series Results Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all the JABGA members who participated! Congratulations to the 2023 JABGA National Show contest winners and thank you to all the JABGA members who participated. We can't wait to see you at next year's National Show! #2023NationalShow

JABGA Nationals and Overall Regional Series Results See the results from the JABGA National Show, and the winners for the JABGA Overall Regional Series. Here are the results from the JABGA National Show: High Point Overall: Cannon Wilhoit High Point Senior Division: Tanner Dahnke High Point Junior Division: Annabelle Kitchens High Point Intermediate Division: Cannon Wilhoit Skill-a-thon Contest – Senior Division: Bella Phillips Skill-a-thon Contest – Junior Division: Annabelle Kitchens Skill-a-thon Contest – Intermediate Division: Cannon Wilhoit Public Speaking Contest – Senior Division: Mikayla Brennan Public Speaking Contest – Junior Division: Annabelle Kitchens Public Speaking Contest – Intermediate Division: Cannon Wilhoit Sales Talk Contest – Senior Division: Clay Orman Sales Talk Contest – Junior Division: Annabelle Kitchens Sales Talk Contest – Intermediate Division: Nollan Smith Judging – Senior Division: Makayla Morris Judging – Junior Division: Emmett Luellen Judging – Intermediate Division: Kaden Brown Fitting Contest Champion – Senior Division: Ashlyn Huff/Kate Schaefer Fitting Contest Reserve – Senior Division: Will Poyner/Cole Jester Fitting Contest Champion – Junior Division: McCoy Luellen/Carson Knott Fitting Contest Reserve – Junior Division: Tory Brincks/Emale Thompson The winners for the JABGA Overall Regional Series are: Overall High Point Grand Champion: Cannon Wilhoit Overall High Point Reserve Champion: Tanner Dahnke Overall High Point – Senior Division: Tanner Dahnke Overall High Point – Junior Division: Annabelle Kitchens Overall High Point – Intermediate Division: Cannon Wilhoit Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all the JABGA members who participated!

What National Agriculture Week Means To Me JABGA Board Member, Alaina Blair, reflects on what National Agriculture Week means to her. By Alaina Blair JABGA Board Member Alaina Blair Agriculture has provided me with vast opportunities and has impacted my life in many great ways: from skills learned and values instilled in me to hard work and responsibility are a way of life. It teaches perseverance, to hold tight to my faith, and know the sun will rise again tomorrow. Agriculture is not only cultivating the land, producing crops, and raising livestock, but it’s being a caregiver. It’s setting roots that run deep with family, history, and community. One day I will become part of a legacy left on the land as the next generation is raised. Agriculture is vital for all, for it produces the necessities that maintain life. ABGA has helped me find my passion and fuels my drive for the Boer goat industry. It’s given me the opportunity to be involved in the industry I so deeply love. Hopefully, one day I will be able to have a livelihood in becoming a veterinarian that specializes in small ruminants and giving back to the industry that has given me so much. Therefore, celebrating National Agriculture Week makes me think of gratitude and harvest time. Gratitude for the backbone of our nation that provides our food and a way of life to be proud of! It’s the past, present, and a promise of the future. It gives me a reason to celebrate the industry I love and settles my soul. Here’s to a lifestyle worth celebrating! #JABGA #news

JABGA Board Elections: Ballots Due by May 1, 2025 Elections for JABGA Board of Directors are open! Vote by May 1, 2025 to shape the future of the JABGA! Elections for the JABGA Board of Directors are here! Here's your chance to help shape the future of JABGA! Don't forget to vote by May 1, 2025 . Scroll down to learn more about the awesome candidates in your area. Jump to ↓ Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4 Area 5 Area 1 Jordan Jelinek I am currently surviving on the Junior American Boer Goat Association Board of Directors, where I am proud to represent Area 1. I graduated high school in 2024, a year ahead of schedule to get a head start in the Boer Goat Industry. I live in Richland, Washington where I currently run a herd of over 130 Boer goats. My herd, JDJ Farms, includes fullbloods, percentages, and wether genetics. I have shown and sold animals all across the United States; additionally, they have exported animals to Hawaii and the Philippines. While juggling the goat herd, I also breed Australian Shepherds as well as serve as the 2024-2025 Washington FFA State Reporter. Between my farm and involvement in FFA, my schedule is filled with prepping my animals for shows and breeding while meeting FFA members across the state. My freshman year I was Washington State's first place Creed Speaker. So, there is no doubt I believe in the future of agriculture. Still unsure of my spot in the agriculture industry, I am interested in taking a deeper look at the process associated with becoming an embryologist after a year of service. While running my own floral shop, my team placed second in the nation at the 2024 FFA National Convention. I cannot be more thrilled to explore new parts of the industry and get involved with more youth and members of the organization. Kayla Whitman Hello for those of you who don’t know me, my name is Kayla Whitman. My family and I own and operate Whitman Ranch Boer Goats located in Penn Valley Ca. I’m currently a Senior in high school. After high school I plan to go to college where I will further my education in the pharmaceutical industry for livestock. I have exhibited my livestock locally at my county fair all the way to the National level. A passion of mine has always been the Boer goat industry and helping young individuals achieve greatness. I have always loved working with the youth so that they can find their passion in industry just as I did. Over the years I have had a chance to work with some amazing people and see all the different tricks and tips that they use in their operation that I was then able to take back to my operation and then share my ideas with others just as I was able to. I want to spread the word about all the different opportunities this amazing organization has to offer to the youth and be able to make so many great memories. I also want to be a good source for people if they have any questions or concerns about anything they may have, whether that is about the breed itself, showmanship, or anything within the ABGA association. If you have any questions, please reach out. Symphony Rouse Hello! My name is Symphony Rouse and I am 18 years old. I am a senior at Foothill High school in Northern California. I have been a JABGA member for 9 years now, and am very passionate about the Boer Goat industry, as well as educating others about the industry. I own a small Boer Goat operation in Northern California with my sister, where our main focus is producing offspring that are in correlation with the breed standard. When I’m not with my goats I enjoy spending time outside. Recently I have started skiing and I also enjoy hiking with my sister. I am very excited to be running for my region's Board of Directors position, and I am looking forward to meeting many new and existing members in years to come! Area 2 Emma Rauschenberg Hey everyone, I'm Emma Rauschenberg from Dallas Center, Iowa, and I'm very excited to be running for the Area 2 seat on the Junior American Boer Goat Association Board of Directors. My family's registered and commercial herd, 6R Boer Goats, has provided me with a rich immersion in the Boer goat industry. For the past ten years, I've enjoyed showing livestock, with the last five years dedicated specifically to Boer goats. Currently, I'm honored to serve as Treasurer for the Junior Iowa Meat Goat Association, where I've gained valuable practical experience and developed my leadership skills. As a sophomore at Kansas State University studying Animal Science with a focus in Production Management, I'm continuing to deepen my understanding of the industry. I'm truly passionate about the Boer goat breed and committed to supporting our agricultural community. I look forward to the opportunity to connect with you all! Area 3 Avery Holman My name is Avery Holman, and I am from Kentucky. I am so excited to be running for the JABGA Board of Directors to represent Area 3! I've been showing goats for thirteen years now, and from age six I have always held a deep love for the Boer breed. Though most of my career has been spent in the market ring, at the end of 2021 I began showing breeding stock for the first time in a few years and immediately gave 100%. My first year back I served on the board for the 2022-2023 term where I was able to meet with leaders in our industry and discuss changes that would help JABGA grow and thrive. In addition to showing and raising goats, I also work for Leggett's YGB Livestock Camps. I am afforded amazing opportunities to travel across the country during the summer coaching showmanship. Currently I serve as our team's faith director. Recently I was featured in the industry leading magazine Stock Show Trendsetters where I was blessed to be able to share my journey with showing and give advice as an industry leader. If elected I aim to grow membership, promote inclusion in all facets of the Boer goat industry, and strive to promote our breed on a variety of platforms. Vote Avery for your Area 3 Representative! Tyler Stolipher Hello, I'm Tyler Stolipher. I am a 16 years old sophomore from Summit Point, WV. My family has been raising goats for 14 years and I have been showing since I've been 5 years old. I am also active and hold leadership roles in FFA, 4-H and Boy Scouts. I am excited for the opportunity be the Region 3 JABGA representative! I look forward to opportunities to work with ABGA directors to make our association better, and to work with the youth to help the become better showman and advocates for the boer goat industry. I would like to be a JABGA director because I would like to travel and meet new people, teach other people what I know and share my knowledge, and have an impact on younger members and their showing career. I show mostly in West Virginia, Virginia, and Marland and because of that I see the same people at every show. If I were to become a director, it would enable me to travel further to shows and therefore meet new people. My family has been raising goats for 14 years and I have been actively showing the past 5 years. During this time, I have learned a lot, picked up some tricks and really enhanced my showman abilities. I would like to help young and inexperienced kids by serving as a role model, giving them tips to help them improve in the ring. It makes it even better when they do better or even win because of your help. Lizzie Hefner Hi, I’m Lizzie Hefner, and I’m 17 years old from Lebanon, Indiana, where I live with my dad, Brian (who has probably stopped you at one point), and my younger sister, Addy. I’ve been showing Boer goats for six years and have been a member of the Indiana Boer Goat Association (IBGA) for five years. As an IBGA Ambassador, I love promoting the Boer goat industry and being involved in the community that has given me so much. I’m especially passionate about helping and serving the next generation of youth in the industry, sharing my knowledge and experiences to encourage their success. I’m also very active in leadership roles. I serve as the President of my 4-H club in Boone County, where I'm entering my ninth year as a member, and I’m the Lebanon FFA Chapter Reporter. Additionally, I’m a member of the National Honor Society (NHS) and am involved in both student and class council at Lebanon High School. When I’m not working on my academics or extracurriculars, you can usually find me in the barn, where my passion for the livestock industry truly shines. Area 4 Brooke Arce Hi! My name is Brooke Arce, and I'm 16 years old. I'm currently a sophomore in high school and am homeschooled. In addition to being homeschooled, I'm also dual-enrolled at IRSC, where I can challenge myself academically and get a head start on my college education. Outside of school, I spend a lot of my time outdoors, and I have a deep passion for showing livestock, with Boer goats being my absolute favorite. I've been raising and showing Boer goats for 8 years, and I've been a member of JABGA for 6 of those years. Being a part of JABGA has given me the chance to connect with other young people who share the same interests and has helped me expand my knowledge in the livestock industry. It has also taught me countless life lessons that I carry with me every day. My mom and I run a small herd of Boer goats in Fellsmere, FL, where we carefully manage and care for our goats. Along with showing livestock, I also love spending time hunting and fishing with my family. I am incredibly passionate about agriculture, with the ultimate goal of becoming a large animal veterinarian. I'm excited to continue learning and growing, both in my academic studies and extracurricular activities. I am committed to expanding my knowledge and skills, not only in the livestock industry but specifically within the Boer goat industry. Evangeline Street Hello, my name is Evangeline Street, and I am running for the JABGA Board to represent Area 4. I am 18 years old, and I am a second semester freshman in college. I am majoring in Nursing and intend to obtain my RN license. I graduated from high school a year early, obtaining my AICE Diploma and the Bright Futures Scholarship for Florida. I was highly active in 4-H for 12 years, and FFA for 5 years. Through the FFA, I was awarded with the State Degree and currently working on obtaining my National American Degree. My goal is to encourage and influence younger children to follow their passion within this industry and become more involved at shows and events. I intend to set up more educational seminars to help the youth and educate the younger generations, getting them more involved and interested in this industry. I hope you all will consider me for this position. Area 5 Rebecca Sullivan Hey y’all! I’m Rebecca Sullivan from Region 5, and I’m serving as the secretary for the Junior Board. Currently, I’m a freshman at Tarleton State University, where I’m pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering with the goal of becoming an Agricultural Engineer. I’ve been a proud member of the JABGA for the past six years, where my journey in showing livestock began in high school. Since then, I’ve worked hard to grow my herd and program. I’ve had the opportunity to showcase my animals at various regional shows, Texas majors, and even national shows. Looking forward to what’s ahead for the JABGA!

JABGA President Cecelia Knott's Showmanship Tip Check out this useful showmanship tip from JABGA Board President, Cecelia Knott. Practice! Practice! Practice! Set goals for yourself. Have someone video you practicing, so you can watch yourself and see how you may need to make some changes. Everyone shows a little differently but watching more experienced showmen is beneficial.

Applications Open for JABGA Board of Directors JABGA is now accepting JABGA Board of Directors nominations until March 1, 2024. The Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) is now accepting applications for the JABGA Board of Directors . Applications completed by the nominee for the JABGA Board of Directors are due to the ABGA office via electronic form or regular mail on or before March 1, 2024. The JABGA Board of Directors works alongside the ABGA Board of Directors to represent JABGA members across five areas of the United States as the main governing body of the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) . JABGA Directors volunteer their personal time and effort in service of JABGA programs like the JABGA Regional Show Series and by promoting core JABGA values like scholarship, leadership, good sportsmanship, and character development. The JABGA Board of Directors also serves as youth ambassadors for the improvement and promotion of the Boer goat breed through the breeding, raising, and exhibition of American Boer Goats. Board seats are open for the following JABGA Areas: Area 1 (Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Montana, Wyoming) Area 2 (North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois) Area 3 (Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, D.C., Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, New York) Area 4 (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina) Area 5 (Colorado, New Mexico, Texas) In accordance with JABGA Bylaws, applicants must be JABGA members in good standing (renewed for 2024 by January 1, 2024) in order to run for or hold a seat on the JABGA Board of Directors. For more information, see the ABGA Bylaws and the JABGA Bylaws . Required: Application (completed) Contact Information page and Certificate of Application (completed) Digital photo Directors Responsibilities page (signed) Responsibility Release, Information Release, Photo Release, Authorization Form Conflict of Interest Statement (completed) Code of Conduct form (completed) Brief statement (less than 250 words) – “Why do you want to be a JABGA Director?” Optional: Applicants may submit a resume that highlights the following: Involvement in JABGA and/or the goat industry School activities 4-H & FFA activities Leadership activities Volunteer work/community service Eligibility Applicants for the JABGA Board of Directors must: Be 16 years of age or older on January 1, 2024 Reside in the JABGA Area for which the applicant is running/elected Have renewed their JABGA membership on or before January 1, 2024 Questions or Concerns? C ontact JABGA Youth Coordinator Hannah Jenkins at jabga@abga.org with any questions or concerns regarding JABGA Board of Directors nominations. Ready to Apply? Applicants should complete the JABGA Board of Directors application below and submit it to the ABGA office via electronic form or regular mail by March 1, 2024. ONLINE FORM: Apply now! DOWNLOAD PDF FORM: 2024 JABGA Director Packet .pdf Download PDF • 184KB About JABGA: The Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) supports ABGA in its mission to improve and promote the Boer breed and encourage the breeding, raising, and exhibition of American Boer Goats. JABGA fosters the personal growth of its youth membership through training in scholarship, leadership, good sportsmanship, and character development as individuals and in groups.

JABGA Member Casey Stevens Researches Goat Meat Casey Stevens’ goal is to change the meat goat industry. Check out her award winning research! An Unknown Staple of Meat | A Study of The Boer Goat Industry Casey Stevens’ goal is to change the meat goat industry. Her research “An Unknown Staple of Meat, A Study of The Meat Goat Industry” came in 4th in the Ag Sociology category at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. You can download and view her study here. Casey_Stevens_An_Unknown_Staple_of_Meat .pdf Download PDF • 962KB

Lillian Hisel !