CLOSED: Now Hiring: JABGA Youth Coordinator The American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) is now hiring a Youth Coordinator for the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA). **As of October 5, 2022, the American Boer Goat Association is no longer accepting applications for the JABGA Youth Coordinator position. Thank you to all applicants who submitted their information!** The American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) is now hiring a Youth Coordinator for the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) . This is a remote position with some travel required. If you are passionate about leadership, education, and personal development for youth and want to work with an expanding nonprofit organization, email your resume and cover letter to officemanager@abga.org or apply on Indeed here . Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) Youth Coordinator Position Overview: This position is fully responsible for organizing the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA). The JABGA Youth Coordinator develops and facilitates programs in various settings to enhance and support education and personal development for youth involved in JABGA. The Youth Coordinator ensures all JABGA projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet quality standards, and secures and implements grants/funding and development programs to support JABGA’s mission. Location & Travel: This position is remote, with a requirement to travel to industry events, all JABGA Regional and National Shows, and occasionally the ABGA office (San Angelo, Texas). Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience. Education: A Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on agricultural education is preferred. Reports To: ABGA Executive Director, Office Manager, Background Check: The ability to pass a comprehensive background check is required. This position adheres to strict conduct and confidentiality standards regarding minors and sensitive information. Prior Experience: Event planning, specifically youth educational and leadership events (required) Working with youth (required) Basic financial management, including developing and monitoring budgets and financial reporting (required) Agricultural extension or agricultural organization/association work (preferred) Grants management (preferred) Project management, including using project management software (Microsoft Teams, OEX) (preferred) Skills: Excellent time management and prioritization skills Stellar written and verbal communication skills Comfortable with high-pressure situations and strict deadlines Attention to detail Ability to learn, understand, and follow complex procedures and regulations Proficiency with desktop computers, Microsoft Office applications (Word, Teams, Excel), and conducting business via email and the Internet Ability to lead and manage a group Ability to anticipate setbacks and plan accordingly Strong sense of relationship building and ability to work in teams Duties: Prepare comprehensive action plans for JABGA projects, directives, and events with guidance from ABGA Executive Director, ABGA Youth Committee Plan and oversee meetings and activities of the JABGA Board of Directors (monthly virtual meetings, annual Face-to-Face meetings) Perform administrative tasks on behalf of JABGA (scheduling, timelines, budgets, contacts, financial inquiries, vendor relations) Represent JABGA and ABGA at various industry events, including “major” livestock shows (NAILE, Fort Worth Livestock Show & Rodeo, Denver Livestock Show, RodeoHouston, the American Royal Livestock Show, OYE, and others), all ABGA and JABGA Regional Shows and National Shows, National FFA Convention Provide routine updates to ABGA Executive Director, Office Manager, and Youth Committee on the success of JABGA policies, events, and directives Inform JABGA members and their parents/guardians on JABGA policies, events, and directives via text, email, video chat, and social media. Manage safety concerns, accidents, injuries, and misconduct of JABGA members and volunteers according to ABGA and JABGA policies and local and national laws. Assist the Youth Committee and Executive Director in identifying and pursuing financial support opportunities (grants) from government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and corporate sponsors to meet JABGA's needs Maintain strict conduct and confidentiality standards regarding minors and sensitive information About the American Boer Goat Association: The American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that focuses on protecting, promoting, and recording the American Boer goat breed. The Boer breed was developed by Dutch farmers in South Africa in the 1900s and was then introduced in the United States in 1993. The American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) was founded the following year. Boer goats are prized for their rapid growth rate, excellent carcass quality, and adaptability to many climates. A docile and highly fertile breed, Boer goats have primarily been used for meat production. Over a century later, these traits set the Boer goat apart in the purebred and commercial segments of the American meat goat industry. With 7,000 members and 45,000 goats registered annually, today’s ABGA offers members marketing, educational, and commercial industry opportunities, along with youth involvement through the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA).   About the Junior American Boer Goat Association: 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 leadership, good sportsmanship, and character development as individuals and in groups. **As of October 5, 2022, the American Boer Goat Association is no longer accepting applications for the JABGA Youth Coordinator position. Thank you to all applicants who submitted their information!** JABGA Youth Coordinator .pdf Download PDF • 85KB #JABGA #news

JABGA Summer Face-to-Face Meeting Recap JABGA’s Summer Face-to-Face meeting featured industry tours, leadership development, and team building across San Antonio, King Ranch, and Corpus Christi, preparing members for an exciting year ahead. The Junior American Boer Goat Association gathered for a productive and memorable summer face-to-face meeting filled with learning, leadership, and fun. Day 1 kicked off in San Antonio with an inside look at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, guided by Mr. Brian Faris, Competitive Director. The group also enjoyed a tour of the Alamo and a ghost tour, blending history with a little adventure. Day 2 was packed with opportunities for growth and education. The morning began at the East Foundation with Mr. Todd Snelgrove, COO, learning how land stewardship is advanced through ranching, science, and education. The afternoon continued with an in-depth tour of King Ranch, where members explored the Santa Gertrudis cattle, Quarter Horse, feed mill/feedlot, and farming operations, followed by visits to the King Ranch Museum and Saddle Shop. The evening wrapped up with dinner in Corpus Christi. Day 3 focused on business, as the Junior Board gathered for discussions and planning to prepare for the year ahead. The meeting was a balance of leadership development, industry insight, and team building, setting the tone for an exciting year for JABGA.

Area 2 JABGA Regional Show: Little Sioux Showdown Check out the results and pics from the Area 2 JABGA Regional Show: Little Sioux Showdown in Spencer, Iowa Check out these photos from the Area 2 Regional Show: Little Sioux Showdown!

Meet McKenna Blair First Coni Ross Memorial Scholarship Recipient “Being chosen as the first-ever Coni Ross scholarship recipient means a lot to me,” said... First Coni Ross Memorial Scholarship Recipient “Being chosen as the first-ever Coni Ross scholarship recipient means a lot to me,” said McKenna Blair, who is from Wagoner, Okla. “I considered her to be the best of the best.” Ranked 7th in her class, McKenna graduated Wagoner High School with a 4.0 GPA in May 2021. She now attends Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Okla. As a double major in Agriculture Education and Agriculture Communications, she has a 4.0 GPA. “I will forever cherish Coni’s impact on my life,” McKenna said. “I can still remember her smiling and walking around the ring doing what she loved most. She brought so much positivity to the barns that always brightened my day.” Known worldwide for her knowledge of Boer goats and her interest in sharing her knowledge with others, McKenna said she hopes to follow in Coni’s footsteps. “I can only hope to, one day, be as knowledgeable about livestock as Coni and expand my own education to help and mold the generations to come,” McKenna said. After she graduates from college, McKenna wants to be an ag educator and build her own Boer goat herd. “Boer goats are beautiful animals,” McKenna said. “There is nothing cuter than a baby goat.” But it goes farther than that for McKenna. McKenna also wants to pay it forward by providing show animals to kids who are interested in showing and building a bond with the younger generations. McKenna said if you look deeper into what the Boer goat offers, there are many reasons to like Boer goats. “At the show level, they teach youth and adults how to manage time as well as how to be good caregivers,” she explained. “I think one of the greatest things Boer goats have to offer is their efficiency to convert forage to meat production. If a person isn’t interested in the show aspect of the Boer goat, the market and farm-to-table aspect is very beneficial and should be utilized more in today's world.”

Lynnzae Van Wyk

Now accepting scholarship applications graphic with graduates throwing up their hats. Now Accepting 2025 Scholarship Applications Apply for the 2025 ABGA Scholarship by April 4, 2025. Open to JABGA/ABGA members under 21. Enhance your education today! The American Boer Goat Association and Junior American Boer Goat Association are now accepting scholarship applications for 2025. Applications will be due to the ABGA office via electronic form or regular mail by April 4, 2025. The American Boer Goat Association scholarship program is designed to encourage the educational enhancement of young Boer goat breeders by awarding annual scholarships. This program is open to any active ABGA or JABGA member, 21 years of age or under, who has been involved in ABGA or JABGA programs. Application Guidelines Applicants must be members of the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) or American Boer Goat Association (ABGA). The applicant must be either a high school senior or a college student (21 years of age or under) as of January 1st of the year the application is submitted. Winners will be recognized at the 2025 ABGA and JABGA National Show. The applicant may receive the scholarship only one time. The recipient will be selected by the ABGA Scholarship Committee members, none of whom have children applying for the ABGA Scholarship. If selected to receive a scholarship by the American Boer Goat Association Scholarship Committee, the scholarship applicant will be required to verify their enrollment in an institution of higher education by September 30, 2025. Upon receipt of enrollment verification, the scholarship award check will be sent to the institution. Failure to meet enrollment requirements in year scholarship is awarded will result in forfeiture of the scholarship. Application Procedure and Instructions You must submit a copy of your final high school and/or college transcript for the Fall 2024 semester. Application material must include two letters of recommendation. The recommendations may come from employers, teachers, ag leaders, junior advisors, pastors, etc. They may not include applicants, parents, ABGA Board of Directors members, or ABGA employees. The two letters of recommendation and transcripts must be submitted together to the American Boer Goat Association. April 4, 2025, is the deadline for submitting the application material. If mailing, materials must be postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service on or before April 4, 2025. Materials postmarked after this date will not be accepted. Applications submitted by email must be received by the ABGA office no later than 11:59:59 PM CST on April 4, 2025. Selection Scholarship recipients will be selected by members of the ABGA Scholarship Committee, none of whom have children applying for the JABGA scholarship program. Each applicant may only receive the scholarship one time. Recognition ABGA scholarship recipients will be recognized at the 2025 ABGA and JABGA National Show in Louisville. Ky. Application Checklist Students wanting to apply for the 2025 ABGA Scholarship program should submit the following materials on or before April 4, 2025. Completed scholarship application Copy of final high school and/or college transcript for the Fall 2024 semester Copy of SAT/ACT scores (if not listed on high school/college transcript) Two (2) letters of recommendation Questions? Please contact Jaelynn Reyes at jaelynn@abga.org with any questions or concerns regarding the ABGA scholarship program. Ready to Apply? Complete the form below to apply for the 2025 ABGA Scholarship program: Apply now!

Hunter Roof

JABGA Age Division Changes The JABGA Board of Directors proposes the age change be implemented on September 1, 2023. Current Junior (4-8 years old) Intermediate (9-13 years old) Senior (14-18 old) Updated Novice (4-7 years old) Junior (8-12 years old) Intermediate (13-16 years old) Senior (17-21 years old) JABGA Board of Directors proposes that the age change be implemented on September 1st, so it would be effective for the start of the 2023-2024 Regional Show Series and all JABGA shows.

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

Sophia Smith