The ABGA is taking applications for barn and media interns for the 2024 ABGA & JABGA National Show. 2024 National Show Internship 2024 National Show Internship The ABGA is taking applications for barn and media interns for the 2024 ABGA & JABGA National Show. The ABGA takes great pride in providing exceptional learning opportunities that offer real-world applications. The ABGA hopes that our intern’s knowledge and experience gathered during their time at the National Show continues to be applied to the outside world and to their future endeavors. This is an unpaid internship role. Hotel and food costs will be covered daily. Position: National Show Barn and Media Internship Location: Louisville, Kentucky - Kentucky Exposition Center Dates: June 7-14, 2024 Program Purpose: The purpose of the ABGA and JABGA National Show Internship program is to provide a learning experience for recent high school graduates (18+), college students, college graduates and/or those interested in the American Boer Goat Association. Also, to provide ABGA with assistance in daily tasks during the National Show and to provide social media coverage for the event. Eligibility/Requirements: Applicants must be a 2023 high school graduate (18+) or older. Applicants cannot be exhibitors or competitors at the 2024 ABGA and JABGA National Show. A candidate with prior show experience is a plus. Must be able to provide own means of transportation to the National Show at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Applicants should possess excellent communication skills with a strong work ethic. Self-motivation and the ability to work on a task with minimal supervision is ideal. A positive attitude and organization are beneficial. Applicants must be available to work the entire length of the National Show. Internship Program: Interns will assist the JABGA Board and the ABGA office staff with specified tasks during the weeklong internship. Interns must provide their own way to the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky on June 6th, 2024, and must work through the duration of the event to June 14, 2024. Barn Intern duties include, but are not limited to: Set up of ABGA Office and supplies Assist in the unloading process for exhibitors Work the check in gate during the duration of the show Ensure cleanliness of ringside tables and bleachers Aid in the setup of the JABGA Awards Banquet Gather all show awards the morning of each show Media Intern duties include, but are not limited to: Posting Show updates on social media Taking pictures/video Posting pictures/videos on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok Post all showmanship and division winners on social media. General media coverage of the National Show. How to Apply: Click the button below to apply and submit your resume. Application Resume If you have any question please contact: nationalshow@abga.org For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

The superintendents' efforts are critical to the daily operation and overall success of the show. Thank You, Superintendents! Thank You, Superintendents! The superintendents' efforts are critical to the daily operation and overall success of the show. We extend a massive thank you to our hardworking National Show Superintendents! It's essential to acknowledge and appreciate the significant role they play in ensuring the smooth running of the event. The superintendents' efforts are critical to the daily operation and overall success of the show. Thank you for all your hard work! Wade Rogers, Kensey Cobb, Jesse Kimmel, & Elizabeth Westfall For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

Preorder National Show T-Shirts Preorder National Show T-Shirts PRESALE ENDS MAY 20, 2024 at 11:59 PM CDT Excitement is building for the upcoming national show, and now is your chance to wear your enthusiasm with pride! We're thrilled to announce that the official National Show t-shirts are now available for preorder. This is your opportunity to guarantee that you get your hands on this exclusive merchandise. These t-shirts are the perfect way to show your support and spirit. Presale ends on Monday, May 20, 2024 at 11:59 PM CDT , so don't let time slip away! By preordering, you ensure that your size is reserved for you, avoiding any day-of disappointment if stocks run out. These shirts are not only a fantastic keepsake but also a great way to commemorate your experience at the National Show. For your convenience, t-shirts are available for pickup directly at the National Show office. If you're unable to attend or simply prefer the convenience of having your shirt waiting for you at home, we've got you covered! Delivery is available for an additional fee , ensuring that your national show t-shirt reaches you before the show. Don't miss out on this opportunity to preorder your piece of the National Show today. Let's make this event unforgettable, one t-shirt at a time! To preorder your shirt click the button above or visit: https://gogandy.com/abga-natls24 Once this sale has closed, we will not be able to modify your order, place additional orders nor offer any exchanges. Please double check your items for correct style, color, personalization (if applicable), and size. For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

Our committees at the American Boer Goat Association are an essential part of our organization, dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation. We encourage all members to engage with our committees, as they provide excellent opportunities for development within the Boer goat community. Committee Chair Co-Chair Description Affiliates Paige Gunderson TBD Execute the Affiliates Program approved at the July 2025 Face to Face Meeting Breed Improvement Kyle Tate Josh Stephans Create a plan for the DNA program moving forwardWork on a solution for aged animals Work on a solution for over conditioned animals Performance testing & data collection Finance Zach Westfall Elizabeth Mobley Advise on financial issues Look into potential cost savings opportunities Look into potential income generating opportunities Work with the Executive Director on the budget Judges Terry Burks Caleb Boardman Review, oversee, & evaluate the Judges Certification Program Organize & conduct Judges Certification training sessions at regional & national shows Organize & conduct a Certified Judge update program Update, compile, and complete the Approved Judge list Review the Judges Show Ring Protocol Junior Programs Ashley Roles Jaelynn Namio-Grant Advise the JABGA Board of Directors Provide insight on JABGA programs & rules Assist in fundraising for JABGA programs Assist in planning & implementing educational contests Member Education & Outreach Paige Gunderson Sue Schroeder Develop junior & adult educational content (podcasts, documents, etc.) Plan & execute educational sessions at the National Show Assist the Executive Director in creating outside partnerships National Show Rodney Wilson Jr. Jaelynn Namio-Grant Assist ABGA staff in planning & executing the 2026 National Show Research potential locations for future National Shows Purebred Breed Up Patrick Aliff Rodney Wilson Create a proposal for a Purebred Breed Up Program Rules, Regulations, & Bylaws Zach Westfall Mandy Horn Review all Rules & Regulations, Bylaws, Policies, etc. Work with legal counsel to provide suggestions for additions or changes Sub-committee to review the ennoblement rules & requirements (Patrick Aliff) Show Incentive Programs Kyle Tate Danielle Funk Promote & expand the Registered Wether & Wether Dam Programs Execute the roll out of the Roll Of Honor (ROH) Program Staff & Board Policies Kim Veal Porschea Penn Review, consolidate, and cross check all staff & board policy documents available on the ABGA website Committee Roles & Reponsibilities Purpose: In accordance with Bylaw 8.2, the President, with approval of the Board of Directors (BOD) or the Executive Committee, may designate committees that shall perform such functions as provided during committee designations. Led by: Each committee shall be led by a committee chair, who shall be appointed by the President of the BOD with majority approval of the board. The appointed chair of the committee shall nominate a co-chair of their choosing to be approved by the BOD. Reports to: Committees will report to the BOD and shall never have the power to exercise the authority of the BOD. Committee Member Selection and Quantity: Regular members in good standing of the ABGA may apply for any active committee. The chair and co-chair of the committee shall select members based on the qualifications indicated in the application. Each committee shall consist of no less than 4 total members. At least one, but no more than 50% of the whole committee, shall be currently seated on the BOD. ABGA staff members can be on committees as voting or non-voting members, as designated by the Committee Chair. Any BOD shall reserve the right to attend a committee meeting they are not an active member of in a non-voting capacity. Meeting minutes and recordings: A committee member shall be designated to keep minutes of all meetings. Recordings of the meetings shall also be taken and placed in ABGA designated electronic file. Minutes shall be made available to the BOD upon request. Meeting times and host: Each committee shall meet at least bimonthly. Meetings shall be conducted through a selected online platform as designated by the BOD. Meetings shall be hosted and organized by the Office Manager or committee chair to ensure proper recording and access is available to the ABGA. Meeting schedule policy: Meetings shall be scheduled, and committee members notified a minimum of 5 business days in advance of the meeting unless otherwise needed on a case-by-case basis. Confidentiality agreement: Members of the finance committee, and any other committees, as directed by the President of the ABGA, shall sign and submit a confidentiality agreement, upon acceptance to the committee, and then on an annual basis to the ABGA office. Removal from Committee: Failure to comply with any of these policies will result in removal from the committee in accordance with Bylaw 8.2. Help Shape the Future of the ABGA — Join a Committee! Committees are vital to the growth and success of the American Boer Goat Association. View open roles, responsibilities, and current committee chairs to find where your skills align. If selected, ABGA office staff will reach out to you directly with follow-up instructions. Sign up by August 15, 2025! Apply to Join a Committee Committees Our committees at the American Boer Goat Association are an essential part of our organization, dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation. We encourage all members to engage with our committees, as they provide excellent opportunities for development within the Boer goat community.

Back to All Ambassadors 2025 Roger McSwain I am deeply humbled to be selected as the 2025 Ambassador of the Breed. This award is truly the highest honor anyone in this industry could receive. Like those who have achieved this before me, I am very grateful to my peers for bestowing this prestigious distinction upon me. My wife Jennifer and I own and operate RM Ranch in Cherryville, North Carolina. I have been raising Boer goats and operating this ranch for the last 30 years. My family has been farming the surrounding area since the late 1800's. My father raised Limousin cattle on this very farm and taught me quite a lot as a child about breeding and genetics. In the late 1980s and early 90s I competed in training and showing horses until moving to a species that my two children, Chris and Amber, could participate with. I purchased the first set of Boer goats after my children were old enough to start showing livestock in 1995 from Jack Mauldin I was fortunate to meet Anton Ward in 1998 at the first show I attended, the North Carolina State fair in Raleigh. Anton was instrumental in my earliest understanding of the various aspects of breeding and raising Boer goats. He also introduced me to the various techniques involved in advanced reproduction. Since then, I have been actively participating in advanced reproductive technologies. I was fortunate enough to perform many of these with great pioneers in embryo transfer in the Boer goat’s breed like John and Jackie Edwards. In an effort to further my formal education in the breed, I decided to attempt to pass as a certified judge. I was extremely fortunate to be 1 of 38 people who trained and tested, to become certified judges, under the South African Judges. When I say fortunate, I mean I was one of only three people, from that group of 38, who graduated with a judging license in 2001. Since then, I was lucky to judge shows all over the country including majors such as the Fort Worth Stock show in 2015. In 2012 I traveled internationally to judge goats in Quebec Canada. In 2006 I traveled to South Africa and attended their national show. I also visited various farms where I saw the birthplace of the modern-day Boer goat. It was on these farm tours that I was able to visit Lukas Burger’s farm and see the animals used to create the last imports of frozen embryos sent to the United States. Many of the offspring from those were sent to the Powell-Holman Farm in Texas in 2007. I would later be fortunate enough to acquire some of those foundation genetics for my own herd. One of the most rewarding parts of my Boer goat journey has been the opportunity to learn from many great breeders. Some of which are true ambassadors of the Boer goat breed. Beyond that, the chance to give back, to teach and mentor new breeders has been extremely satisfying to me. Whether their goals are in the show ring, breeding, or understanding breed standards and judging conformation it is truly rewarding to help others succeed in their own Boer goat journey. “Success is shaped by those you surround yourself with. Everything we’ve achieved—whether in production, the show ring, or the sale ring—has been made possible by the support and guidance of others. Many individuals have helped forge our path, and for that, we’re truly grateful.”

Coni Ross Update Coni Ross Update UPDATE: Due to scheduling, the Coni Ross Memorial Production Aged Doe Class will be immediately following the Senior Doe Pairs Class. For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

Open PDF document in a new window Breed Standards The ABGA Breed Standards are an Ideal of Perfection ; a goal to strive towards and attempt to achieve. THE ABGA Breed Standards are tools to be used by breeders to help them improve their own breeding programs and work towards this Ideal of Perfection.

Region 5 Director, Michael Reis Back to Board of Directors Patrick Aliff Region 2 Email With over 25 years dedicated to the Boer goat industry, Patrick Aliff has built a distinguished career as an exhibitor, judge, and champion for agricultural education. His achievements include national recognition in Boer boat exhibitions, including ABGA Nationals, and a reputation as a trusted voice in the field. Patrick is also an ABGA Certified Judge and travels nationwide to officiate sanctioned shows, bringing valuable insight and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards. In addition to his judging role, he works as a farm operations consultant, partnering with breeders to improve production efficiency and achieve success in both the show ring and on the farm. Previous Director Next Director

View penning assignments for the 2024 ABGA & JABGA National Show Penning Assignments Penning Assignments View penning assignments for the 2024 ABGA & JABGA National Show Click the button below to view and download the 2024 ABGA & JABGA penning assignments! View penning assignments For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

The American Boer Goat Association: Protecting, Promoting, and Recording the American Boer Goat Breed. Office Updates Keep up with announcements, reminders, events, and more from the ABGA office. April 9, 2026 2026 Ambassador of the Breed: Lary Duncan Awarded posthumously to honor the legacy of Lary Duncan. April 8, 2026 Fullblood Herd Book Modernization Proposal This proposal modernizes the Fullblood Herd Book by establishing automatic Fullblood recognition for any ABGA registered Boer goat with documented genetics of 99.5% or higher. April 8, 2026 Annual Meeting of the Members This notice serves as official notification to the membership of the upcoming Annual Meeting of the Members. March 31, 2026 Announcing 2026 Dakota Meat Goat Buck Performance Test The 2026 Dakota Meat Goat Buck Performance Test at Hettinger Research Center, North Dakota, will evaluate bucks on post-weaning growth, feed efficiency, and carcass characteristics to help drive breed improvement. March 26, 2026 Roll of Honor: Area 1 Regional Show Results View official JABGA Roll of Honor results from Area 1 Regional Show March 17, 2026 Board Meeting 3-19-2026 A regular Board meeting will take place on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 7:00 PM CST. The meeting will be recorded and made available on the ABGA website within one week following the meeting. March 11, 2026 Statement from BOD to Members March 3, 2026 ABGA National Judges Get to know your ABGA National show judges! March 3, 2026 Announcing our 2026 National show superintendents Get to know your National show superintendents for 2026! February 26, 2026 ABGA Board of Directors Applications - Due March 1 Board seats representing Regions 3, 6, 7, 9, and 11 are up for election in 2026. Applications are now available on the website. Only members in good standing (who have renewed their membership by January 1st) are eligible to run for the ABGA Board of Directors. Completed applications are due March 1st. Additional information about the Board of Directors and regional representation can be found on the ABGA website. February 20, 2026 2026-2027 JABGA Regional Bids Now Open Bidding opens February 20th and closes March 31st February 19, 2026 You Are Cordially Invited to the ABGA Annual Meeting and Banquet

Get to know ABGA National Show Judge, Anton Ward. Anton Ward Anton Ward Get to know ABGA National Show Judge, Anton Ward. Anton Ward, a seasoned livestock judge and agricultural expert, was born and raised in the province of Tranvaal, now known as Limpopo Province, in South Africa. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Animal Science from Pretoria Technicon, which laid the foundation for his extensive career in livestock judging and animal husbandry. Anton moved to the United States in 1993, initially settling in North Carolina, where he lived until 2014 before relocating to Southwest Missouri, where he currently resides. Anton has been judging livestock since 1988, a passion that has seen him traverse numerous arenas across the United States and Canada. His expertise in the field led to his involvement with the American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) from its inception. Over the years, Anton has judged many major livestock shows, demonstrating his profound knowledge and commitment to the industry. His skills and experience have also been instrumental in training most of the early Canadian judges and many in the U.S., ensuring high standards and consistency in livestock judging. Notably, Anton has judged the prestigious ABGA National Show seven times, with his eighth appearance slated for 2024. In addition to raising Boer goats, Anton has also been dedicated to raising beef cattle since 2003. His lifelong dedication to livestock, combined with his extensive experience and training, makes Anton Ward a respected and influential figure in the agricultural community. For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

Back to All Ambassadors 2015 John & Jackie Edwards Preston Faris