Hello Everyone, I hope that you are having a great start to your 2023 year. This is a great time to be in the livestock industry, with strong prices being reflected in the past couple of years. While prices on inputs have risen, stock prices remain strong across the country for the most part. In December, the ABGA Board of Directors unanimously approved an investment in moving members forward. This investment consists of moving our DNA program to a more advanced technology than we are currently using. This technology is not new, more than 38 breed associations throughout multiple species are currently using this technology. The company utilizing this exciting technology is Neogen. Neogen is currently the largest genomics company in the world. They have multiple offices throughout the United States. Their body of scientists are on the cutting edge of genomics research to further each species they work with and their respected advancement. The main questions: Why should we switch? Why do we care about DNA and what is it about? Livestock breeders have always bred animals based on appearance (the phenotype) with consideration given to pedigrees. Yet there are also the characteristics we cannot see in an animal but are traits that are there anyways (the genotype). Research and results show that breeding only what we can see still results in many unexpected outcomes because of the traits we cannot see. Genomics takes this a step further. It allows mating to be selected with the animal’s genome (both what we see and what we do not) also in mind. Genomics requires a DNA sample taken from the animal itself (blood, follicle, or tissue). This sample is sent to the lab for the DNA to be extracted from that sample. Once completed, markers specifically identified by genomics companies are associated with the individual animal’s profile. These markers are attached to specific locations within the genome. Why should we switch to Neogen? We are currently using the University of California at Davis to perform our DNA platform services. They utilize what is known as microsatellite technology. This technology provides benefits like parentage along with limited markers. It is somewhat outdated in its capabilities and unfortunately has no current way of evolving to perform more advanced services. The SNP technology (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, called “snip”) can selectively access a wider range of the genomic profile than microsatellite technology can. An example is parentage, Microsatellite compares 12-17 markers, SNIP compares a minimum of 78. What does this mean in actual practice? Consistently higher accuracy. Why do we care? In livestock, scientists have identified specific markers located within the animal’s genome and correlated it to a specified trait. Some of these traits are birthweight, weaning weight, disease resistance (some specific diseases), staple length (sheep), production traits (milking ability, calving ease, fertility). These markers have not yet been specifically identified in goats. However, the global increase of goat and goat products as a valuable commodity, have scientists investigating this thoroughly. We will maintain our parentage with the new DNA system; however we will also be granted thousands more markers as well. Better yet, they are included at no additional cost for the test. The potential is endless; SNP technology is evolving to include more and more markers every year. The ability to market animals to producers with genomic information, can provide a tremendous amount of value for you. It is my point of view that in using genomics, we can use the breed standards as leverage. We can take animals that may not qualify for the show ring or be prime breeding type due to breed faults or disqualifications (blue eyes, wry tail, pigmentation, teeth eruption, split testicles), and utilize the value of other important traits when marketed to commercial producers whose interest is market stock. Boer sires identified with genetic technology to contain fast growth, heavier weaning weights, lower birth weights will allow more capture of income when marketed to a sector whose values are less focused on the traits our standard adheres to. ABGA Board Suggestions Below are some suggestions we are looking over to assist the membership as we transition: Grandfather system – Animals that have been previously tested with UC Davis will be grandfathered and honored by ABGA as accurate. Mandatory requirements – I do not foresee any mandatory requirements during the introductory period or transition period for the membership. Things to consider that will more than likely become practice: Mandatory DNA on file for bucks who have semen collected that are alive. Donor females (Embryo Collection, IVF) will have to have DNA on file as well. Kids produced from these donor females will be required to DNA back to these females. Frozen Semen - Frozen semen on dead sires will be grandfathered in. Frozen Embryos – Frozen embryos produced from Sire and Dam that no longer are alive will be grandfathered in. Resulting offspring will be required to have DNA submitted on file. These are merely suggested topics for the board to discuss at length about the program going forward. We hope the takeaway from this is that by moving to this DNA technology it will increase value for you as owners and breeders. Our goal at ABGA is provide benefits to the membership in any way possible. Your success is our number one goal. Respectively, David Carwell – Region 6 Director, DNA Committee Chair

The American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) and Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) are now accepting scholarship applications for 2023. Applications will be due to the ABGA office via electronic form or regular mail (4258 S Jackson St, San Angelo, Texas 76903) by April 1, 2023. 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. Applicants must: Be an active member of the American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) or the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) Be either a high school senior OR a college student (21 years of age and under) as of January 1, 2023. 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. Verification of Enrollment Recipients must verify their enrollment in an institution of higher education with the ABGA office by September 30, 2023. The scholarship award check will be sent to the educational institution upon verification of enrollment. Failure to meet enrollment requirements in 2023 will result in forfeiture of the scholarship. Recognition ABGA scholarship recipients will be recognized at the 2023 ABGA and JABGA National Show in Louisville. Ky. Application Checklist Students wanting to apply for the 2023 ABGA Scholarship program should submit the following materials on or before April 1, 2023. Completed scholarship application ( VIEW HERE ) Copy of final high school and/or college transcript for the Fall 2022 semester Copy of SAT/ACT scores (if not listed on high school/college transcript) Two (2) letters of recommendation Questions or Concerns? Please contact JABGA Youth Coordinator Hannah Seymore at jabga@abga.org with any questions or concerns regarding the ABGA scholarship program. Ready to Apply? Complete the form below to apply for the 2023 ABGA Scholarship program:

The American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) and Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) are now accepting scholarship applications for 2024. Applications will be due to the ABGA office via electronic form or regular mail by April 1, 2024. 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 2024 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, 2024. 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 2023 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 1, 2024, is the deadline for submitting the application material. Materials must be postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service on or before April 1, 2024. 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 PM CST on the submission date (April 1, 2024). 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 2024 ABGA and JABGA National Show in Louisville. Ky. Application Checklist Students wanting to apply for the 2024 ABGA Scholarship program should submit the following materials on or before April 1, 2024. Completed scholarship application Copy of final high school and/or college transcript for the Fall 2023 semester Copy of SAT/ACT scores (if not listed on high school/college transcript) Two (2) letters of recommendation Questions? Please contact JABGA Youth Coordinator Hannah Seymore at jabga@abga.org with any questions or concerns regarding the ABGA scholarship program. Ready to Apply? Complete the form below to apply for the 2024 ABGA Scholarship program: or download the PDF form:

The American Boer Goat Association is now accepting scholarship applications for 2025. Applications will be due to the ABGA office via electronic form 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 JABGA member, 21 years of age or under, who have been involved in ABGA or JABGA programs. Application Guidelines Applicants must be members of the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA).  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.  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 the year the 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 as well as a copy of either your ACT or SAT scores if not listed on your transcript. Application 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, or ABGA employees. The deadline for submitting application materials is April 4, 2025. Applications must be submitted electronically by email or digital form and 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 during the JABGA banquet on Wednesday, June 4th. 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?    Click the button below to apply for the 2025 ABGA Scholarship program:

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.

Dear ABGA members, It is with great excitement that I write this letter to you as the newly named Executive Director for the Association. I am humbled to have been selected by the board of directors to help lead the organization forward in the future and look forward to the growth and opportunities that are in front of us. As you may have read in my bio, I have spent my entire life in Agriculture and this industry is truly my passion. As executive director, it is my duty to lead the organization forward by implementing the strategic plan developed by the board and have a vision for growth and progress that will lead us into the future. My goal will be that each and every decision that is made by myself and the board of directors will be done so with the greater good of the association in mind and find the solutions that best benefits the breed and association members as a whole. First and foremost, my duty will be to serve you as members and ensure that your needs are being met – and this rightfully is the first pillar of the strategic plan. This includes ensuring we have a strong office staff that has the resources necessary to provide members with needed services in an efficient manner. While each of you have a regional representative on the board of directors that I encourage you to communicate with and build a relationship with, know that I am available to discuss issues and opportunities with every member of the association. My goal will be to meet as many of you as possible and understand how the association can help your individual operation. Whether your goal is the showring, raising seedstock, a commercial focus or another niche, your operation and goals will be valued. The second pillar of the association’s strategic plan is youth development. Under the direction of Hannah Jenkins, the JABGA is on a great trajectory, and I will work alongside her to continue to grow and develop opportunities for our youth. Without a strong set of young leaders and motivated JABGA members, our association will not see growth in the coming years. Our young people are literally our future, and we must do our part to motivate, encourage and involve them in the association. I also have a strong vision for developing new and progressive opportunities for the breed and this association. This will include helping to grow the use of DNA, continuing research and develop partnerships with academia and industry stakeholders, writing and securing grant funding for projects that will directly benefit members, and developing marketing strategies that will increase consumer awareness and develop brand recognition for the American Boer Goat. I am a firm believer that complacency is the death of good organizations, and if we aren’t moving forward, then we are falling behind. I am optimistic that the association is in a great position to build on its great history and strong membership base by focusing on growth and capitalizing on opportunities and new technologies that will set ourselves up for success in the coming years.   I look forward to serving you and this membership. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments or concerns at any point in time. Sincerely, Caleb Boardman   Executive Director  307-250-2298  View Caleb Boardman's Bio

See us on page 46 in the May 2022 edition of Goat Rancher magazine.

Did you know that you can digitally submit an ABGA Certificate of Registration for transfers or corrections? It only takes 4 simple steps: Write 'VOID' on the front of the certificate. Write 'VOID' and the animal registration number on the back of the certificate. Take a photo of both sides of the certificate; make sure all four corners and the background are visible in the photos. Submit the photos to the ABGA office using the 'SUBMIT WORK' button on our website, or email them to mail@abga.org.

ABGA members with an email address on file should receive an email invite to renew with ABGA for the 2023 year using iCompete . If you are an ABGA member and did not receive an email invite to renew via iCompete , please contact the ABGA office . Below are instructions to create a new iCompete login and link to your existing ABGA membership: Creating an iCompete Login and Linking to Your ABGA Membership: To link your existing American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) membership to an iCompete login, have your ABGA member number and associated email address ready and follow the steps below: Navigate to https://abga.icompete.net/ in your Internet browser Find the green box "NEW TO ICOMPETE" On mobile, select the red button "Register new account?" Select the green button "Create your iCompete Account Now" In the green box "CREATE ICOMPETE ACCOUNT" : Enter the email address associated with your ABGA membership Create a new password to be used for iCompete (This will be the password you use to access iCompete going forward.) Confirm the new password to be used for iCompete (This will be the password you use to access iCompete going forward.) Click the green button "REGISTER" Return to https://abga.icompete.net/ in your Internet browser Find the blue box "LOGIN TO ICOMPETE" Enter the login credentials (email address and password) you created in Step 4. After logging in, you will link your existing ABGA membership with your new iCompete account : Enter your ABGA member number in the blank field "ABGA Member Ident" Select the green button "+Associate" Enter the email associated with your ABGA membership in the blank field "Email" Enter the postal/ZIP code associated with your ABGA membership in the blank field "PostCode" Select the green button "Validate" You will be notified on the screen of any outstanding balances for ABGA work and/or pending ABGA membership renewals at this point. Outstanding Balances for ABGA Work You cannot renew your ABGA membership through iCompete until all outstanding balances for ABGA work are paid in full. Select the red button "Pay Balance" to pay outstanding balances for ABGA work. Pending ABGA Membership Renewals You cannot access the ABGA iCompete Dashboard ("My Membership", "My Animals", Show Entries") until you renew your ABGA membership. Select the red button "Renew Membership" to renew your ABGA membership . Once outstanding balances are paid and your ABGA membership is renewed, you can access your ABGA iCompete dashboard . (You should receive an email invoice confirming your renewal from iCompete. Check your 'Spam' or 'Junk' folders if you do not immediately see your email invoice.) View these instructions in PDF format: If you are an ABGA member and did not receive an email invite to renew via iCompete , please contact the ABGA office to opt into electronic notifications. If you do not know the ABGA member number or email address associated with your ABGA membership, please contact the ABGA office . Outstanding balances for ABGA work must be paid before members can renew in iCompete . Members must renew for the 2023 year in order to access iCompete. ABGA members will not be able to manage, register, or transfer animals through iCompete until Phase 2 (coming soon). PLEASE CONTACT THE ABGA OFFICE WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS.

ABGA staff joined host Drew Williams on Boer Goat Nation on December 13, 2022, for a live demonstration of the 2023 renewal process using ABGA's new membership software, iCompete . You can watch the Facebook Live broadcast of the podcast below: Boer Goat Nation , hosted by Drew Williams, is a podcast designed to promote the Boer goat breed, the industry, and the hard-working people that make the industry great. Boer Goat Nation is broadcast via Facebook Live every Tuesday night at 7:00 PM CST . You can find them on Facebook HERE . In an effort to improve communication and open engagement with nearly 10,000 ABGA members and industry partners, the ABGA Board of Directors is excited to be partnering with Boer Goat Nation . The Board of Directors has committed to participating in the podcast once a month to share updates and progress within ABGA and JABGA and share highlights from our published minutes from the monthly meetings of the Board of Directors .