ABGA and JABGA are now accepting scholarship applications for the 2023 year. ABGA and JABGA Now Accepting 2023 Scholarship Applications ABGA and JABGA are now accepting scholarship applications for the 2023 year. 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: ABGA Scholarship Application Related Posts

The National Show Judging Survey includes all qualified candidates who applied for consideration, with each judging team submitted directly by the applicants to ensure a fair and transparent selection process. National Show Judges Survey Now Open National Show Judges Survey Now Open The National Show Judging Survey includes all qualified candidates who applied for consideration, with each judging team submitted directly by the applicants to ensure a fair and transparent selection process. Dear ABGA Members, The National Show Judging Survey includes all qualified candidates who applied for consideration, with each judging team submitted directly by the applicants to ensure a fair and transparent selection process. At the July 2025 Face-to-Face Board of Directors Meeting, the Board approved opening the 2026 ABGA and JABGA judges surveys to all 2025 members in good standing. Survey links have been emailed to the address on file. If you did not receive a survey and are a 2025 member in good standing (renewed your membership by January 1, 2025), please check your spam folder. If it has not been received, please email mail@abga.org . When completing your survey, please select one candidate or team per JABGA show and one team for the ABGA Open Show. Only one survey per member number is permitted, and once submitted, your survey cannot be changed. All surveys must be submitted by Friday, December 5, 2025. Thank you for your continued dedication to ABGA and the success of our National Show. Sincerely, American Boer Goat Association For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

Join the American Boer Goat Association's 2026 National Show! Applications for judges open October 20th. Organize your team and review eligibility requirements today! Announcement: 2026 National Show Judges Applications Announcement: 2026 National Show Judges Applications Join the American Boer Goat Association's 2026 National Show! Applications for judges open October 20th. Organize your team and review eligibility requirements today! It’s time to assemble your judging teams! The American Boer Goat Association invites all qualified judges to begin preparing their applications for the 2026 ABGA & JABGA National Shows. Applications open October 20 th . Now is the time to organize your team and review eligibility requirements. Judge Selection Timeline October 20 – Applications Open November 7 – Applications Close November 17 – Surveys for judges' team selections will be distributed to all ABGA members in good standing for the ABGA show, and all JABGA members in good standing for the JABGA Show. December 5 – Surveys Close December 11 – Board of Directors Approval December 12 – Judges Announced Eligibility Requirements Eligibility remains the same as the 2025 National Show, with one addition: Must have evaluated 500+ head collectively in your judging career. Must enter as a team. No regional restrictions. Must have been a judge in good standing as of January 1, 2025. Cannot have judged the same show within the past two years. Note: Any individual selected to judge during the ABGA or JABGA National Show shall have a 30-day moratorium of all ABGA and JABGA shows, pending judges are selected and announced in December. Start preparing your team and watch for applications to open on October 20th! For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

- For youth under 21, the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) is devoted to helping the youth reach their desired potential through education, leadership, scholarship programs, and exhibition opportunities at National, Regional, and Junior Sanctioned Shows. No bio here... < Back JABGA Email All work orders must be submitted to mail@abga.org , or through our Contact page .

Executive Director - Caleb Boardman, a livestock judging coach in Texas, excels in competitions and promotes youth involvement in agriculture with his family. Caleb Boardman lives in Bryan, TX with his wife Kylie and 3 children – Cash (6), Tatum (4) and Tinsley (4). Caleb has spent the past 9 years on faculty at the University of Wyoming and most recently at Texas A&M as the coordinator and head coach of the livestock judging teams. Over that period, his teams won over 25 contests and were Reserve National Champions in 2022 and 2023. He coached 13 academic All-Americans and over 100 individual top-10 finishes. Caleb is originally from Northern Wyoming where he grew up on a large cattle operation focused on SimAngus genetics. Caleb attended Coffeyville Community College in Kansas where was named an All-American Livestock Judge and received his associates degree. He then attended Texas A&M University and was on the 2011 Reserve National Champion Livestock Judging Team and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agribusiness. He continued his education at A&M receiving his Master’s in ruminant nutrition while also serving as the graduate assistant coach, including coaching the 2013 National Champion Team. Caleb and his family own and operate Boardman Livestock focusing on blackface club lambs and enjoy working with families and youth in the showring. Caleb has been fortunate to judge livestock shows of all species in 27 states, including the National Western, OYE, Rodeo Austin and 15 different state fairs. < Back Caleb Boardman Executive Director Email All work orders must be submitted to mail@abga.org , or through our Contact page .

Beyond the Banner: What Showing Goats Teaches Us By: Bella Philips, JABGA Area 2 Board of Director When most people think about livestock shows, they picture banners, ribbons, and champions standing proudly in the ring. Those moments are exciting and rewarding, and they are often what people remember most. However, anyone who has spent time in the goat barn knows that the banner is only a small part of the experience. The real lessons come from late nights, the longs days of preparation, and the people you meet along the way. Showing goats teaches youth responsibility, commitment, and leadership. Lessons that last far beyond the show ring. One of the first things showing goats teaches is responsibility. Livestock rely on their caretakers every single day. Feeding, watering, cleaning pens, and checking on animals quickly becomes part of your daily routine. Unlike many activities, livestock do not wait until it is convenient. They depend on you no matter the weather, your schedule, or how busy life gets. Through these daily tasks, exhibitors learn that their actions directly affect the health and success of their animals. Over time, that responsibility becomes something you take pride in, and it often carries over into other areas of life as well. Showing goats also teaches the value of hard work that happens behind the scenes. What spectators and fellow showman see in the ring only lasts a few minutes, but the preparation leading up to that moment can take months. Practicing showmanship, washing, clipping, and making sure everything is ready for show day requires time and patience. Many of the most important lessons are learned during these quiet moments in the barn. It is where junior members develop discipline and learn that success does not come from one moment, it comes from the effort you put in every day leading up to it. Of course, not every show ends with the result you hoped for. The show ring has a way of teaching lessons about both winning and losing. Sometimes you can work incredibly hard and still not place where you expected. Those moments can be frustrating (trust me I have been there), but they are also opportunities to grow. Exhibitors learn to respect the judge’s decision, congratulate fellow competitors, and focus on what they can improve next time. Learning how to handle both success and disappointment with humility is one of the most valuable lessons the show ring offers. Another important part of the livestock industry is the leadership and mentorship that develops within it. Many exhibitors remember being new to the show ring and learning from those who had more experience. As time goes on, those same exhibitors often find themselves helping younger members learn how to brace a goat, prepare for showmanship, or feel more confident stepping into the ring. Through my own involvement in the goat industry, including serving on the JABGA Junior Board and mentoring younger exhibitors, I have seen how important it is to support the next generation. Helping others succeed is one of the most rewarding parts of being involved in the livestock community. The friendships formed through showing goats are another part of the experience that many exhibitors cherish. Long days spent at shows, helping each other prepare animals for the show ring, and traveling throughout the show season often lead to friendships that last well beyond the final drive. The livestock community is know for being supportive, whether that means lending a can of tail adhesive, offering advice, or simply cheering for a friend in the ring. While banners and awards are exciting achievements, they are not the most meaningful part of the experience. The true value of showing goats come from the lessons learned along the way, the responsibility of caring for livestock, the discipline developed through hard work, the friendships built in the barn, and the leadership skills gained through helping others. Those lessons stay with exhibitors long after the trailers head home from the show. In the end, the banner may hang on the wall, but the experiences and values learned through showing goats are what truly last a lifetime. Related Posts

ABGA judges are respected as experts in the Boer breed, & take great pride in fostering goodwill & competition in the National Show ring. Judges Judges ABGA judges are respected as experts in the Boer breed, & take great pride in fostering goodwill & competition in the National Show ring. ABGA NATIONAL OPEN SHOW Sammy Lerena, MaKayla Richardson Burns, and Anton Ward. JABGA NATIONAL SHOW Terry Burks, Nick Hammett, and Josh Stephans JABGA Bred and Owned National Show and Breeding Showmanship Tom and Jackie Redden JABGA National Market Show, Commercial Doe Show, and Market Showmanship Ryan Rash Meat Goat Evaluation Live Class: JD Harmon Carcass Class: Donnie Brewer For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

Discovering the rewards of showing goats: hard work, passion, community, and personal growth make every moment in the ring worthwhile. The Reward of Pursuing Your Passion Discovering the rewards of showing goats: hard work, passion, community, and personal growth make every moment in the ring worthwhile. The Reward of Pursuing Your Passion For those who are passionate about the goat industry, there is nothing quite like the feeling of showing. It’s a combination of hard work, dedication, and pride that makes every moment in the ring worth it. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or just beginning your journey, the process of preparing and showing goats provides invaluable life lessons, and the hard work always pays off in the end. One of the key responsibilities of showing goats is the commitment it takes to reach success. It’s not just about showing up on the day of the event – months of preparation go into getting a goat ready. Preparation involves daily care, feeding, hair care, and showmanship training to ensure the animal is in its prime for show day. The physical labor can be tiring or feel never-ending, but the lessons learned from the process result in a rewarding experience. It is during these long hours that your passion for the goat breed is truly nurtured. Watching your goat grow and develop through your care and effort is a reminder of why you do what you do—because you love it. Enjoying your passion in the goat industry is about more than just competing; it’s about the bond you form with the animals. There’s a deep satisfaction in seeing the progress and growth that result from your dedication. The early mornings, the late nights, and the countless hours spent training and grooming aren’t seen as a burden but as a labor of love. You learn to enjoy every step of the journey, from the quiet moments spent in the barn to the energy of competition day. This connection between your passion and the work you put in creates an experience that goes beyond trophies and titles—it becomes a way of life. Another important element is the skill-building that comes with the territory. From learning how to handle goats in the ring to understanding the finer points of judging criteria, the experience helps develop knowledge and expertise in animal care and presentation. It requires attention to detail, from ensuring the hair coat is in perfect condition to making sure the animal is comfortable in the environment of the show ring. These skills not only benefit you in competition but also in everyday life, fostering qualities like hard work and the ethic that deems success. Passion drives this learning process, as the desire to improve and excel keeps you motivated and engaged. The joy of mastering these skills and watching your animals perform at their best is unmatched. The camaraderie with other goat exhibitors is another benefit of showing goats. You build friendships with fellow exhibitors, share advice, and celebrate each other's victories. The sense of community that develops within the industry is invaluable, providing support and encouragement when the going gets tough. Being part of a community that shares your passion makes the long hours and hard work feel more worthwhile. It’s not just about individual success; it’s about the collective passion that binds everyone together. The shared love for animals and the lifestyle creates lifelong connections and memories that extend far beyond the show ring. Of course, the real reward comes on show day. Walking into the ring with your goat, knowing the countless hours of work you’ve put in, fills you with a sense of accomplishment. Whether you take home the grand title or not, the pride in seeing your hard work pay off is unmatched. Success in showing goats is not just measured by banners but by the personal growth and satisfaction that come from pursuing your passion. The joy comes not only from the accolades but from knowing you’ve put your heart into every aspect of the journey. The process itself becomes the reward, and each show becomes another opportunity to celebrate the passion you live for. In conclusion, while showing goats requires immense effort, the hard work is undoubtedly worth it. The lessons learned, friendships built, and sense of accomplishment make the entire lifestyle rewarding. There is nothing more fulfilling than pursuing your passion and reaping the rewards in and out of the show ring. This passion is what drives you forward, transforming hard work into joy and challenges into opportunities for growth. Passion makes every part of the journey—every early morning, every late night, every show day—worthwhile. Related Posts Jan 17, 2025 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. Dec 2, 2024 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 Oct 18, 2024 Maintaining Breed Integrity The Reasons Behind the Breed Standards by Jada Young

Coni Ross was a pioneer and has become a legend within the goat industry; raising goats for more than 40 years. Coni Ross Memorial Class Coni Ross Memorial Class Coni Ross was a pioneer and has become a legend within the goat industry; raising goats for more than 40 years. The Coni Ross Memorial Production Aged Doe Class is designed to allow breeders to showcase the production, functionality and longevity within their doe herds. The animals will be evaluated on their ability to maintain these traits during and after being in production and raising multiple sets of offspring. Body Condition: Animals should be either currently in production and/or of the correct breeding body condition to breed and kid with ease. Animals with excess fat deposits will be faulted. Udder: Does must have a teat structure that allows a newborn kid to easily nurse without intervention. (Good udder attachment, no blown teats, etc.). Structural Integrity: Does should be sound on their feet and legs and exhibit the necessary structural traits: such as strong pasterns and wide pen set; to be functional in a breeding and/or pasture setting without intense management. Production Value: Number and quality of offspring raised. Special Rules: Open to all ABGA registered does (Fullblood, Purebred and Percentage) All does must be 5 years or older. Does must show evident signs they have naturally kidded and raised offspring. Does may be exhibited with any natural born kid under 12 months of age at their side to demonstrate the animal’s production ability and value. **Preference given to does with kids who are currently nursing. Exhibitors will be required to provide production records to include: Kidding dates Number of kids born Breeding information (Natural, AI, etc.) Milking and mothering ability Ease of kidding Production Records Form: Download Record Form ↓ Conis Memorial Class Form .pdf Download PDF • 148KB ABOUT CONI ROSS Coni Ross was a pioneer and has become a legend within the goat industry; raising goats for more than 40 years. During her time in the goat industry, Coni served as a director for multiple associations including: American Boer Goat Association, Texas Cashmere Association, and the American Meat Goat Association. She was also a well-respected judge within the ABGA, and judged the ABGA National Show six times throughout her judging career. Coni Ross Coni started raising goats in 1978 with angoras. Then, in the late 1980’s Coni imported 500 cashmere goat embryos from New Zealand, resulting in more than 250 live kids, and was one of the first to have success with embryo transfer in the United States. In 1995, Coni started her herd of Boer goats which eventually grew to more than 1200 head at its peak. Coni focused her breeding efforts to maintain functionality, longevity and mothering ability. She expected goats to thrive in a pasture setting, kid and raise offspring unassisted, all while remaining hardy, thrifty and structurally sound. Along with her dedication to her own herd and the many breed associations that she served; Coni also spent a great deal of her time helping other producers in the goat industry by providing what she called “Goat 911”. She spent countless hours on the phone helping other diagnose and treat goats across the United States. If you ever had the privilege to visit with Coni, you know that she always had her Bluetooth ear piece in and would happily share her more than 40 years of experience, knowledge, and treatment protocols with anyone that called. In 2015, Coni had a vision and sponsored a “5 & Older” class at the ABGA National Show for fullblood bucks and fullblood does to showcase animals that were 5 years and older but still productive and functional. The class has evolved over the years and has become an event to showcase and reward the breeders and animals who continue to maintain the traits that Coni spent her lifetime striving to produce. For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

Check out these pictures from the Area 4 Regional Show - Peach State Classic in Perry, Georgia! 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 Related Posts

ABGA identifies animals by their left and right ear tattoos These tattoos must follow ABGA rules and guidelines. Tattoo Guidelines ABGA identifies animals by their left and right ear tattoos These tattoos must follow ABGA rules and guidelines. Tattoo Uniqueness No animal may be registered with the same right+left ear combination within a 22-year period. Completing the registration application Report the tattoo exactly as it appears on the animal. Do not list un-applied marks. If there was a tattooing mistake, list what is actually on the animal; you may need to add letters/numbers so the tattoo is unique. If a tattoo must be corrected (re-tattoo) Animals that list a sequence already assigned in the registry must be re-tattooed in the right ear with your assigned prefix; the certificate will reflect the re-tattoo. Send the certificate back noting all characters as they appear; ABGA will issue a revised certificate per Rule 712. Rule 712 specifies that a corrected certificate can reflect a re-tattoo. Transfers & sales: verify tattoos before selling Before offering a registered animal for sale or applying for transfer, the seller must verify the animal carries legible permanent identification marks corresponding to its certificate. Show requirements All goats must have legible tattoos consistent with the registration certificate or the animal will be disqualified; point-eligible goats’ tattoos must be read and recorded. Microchip or freeze brand is accepted by ABGA in addition to, or in lieu of, tattoos for shows; owner supplies the scanner. Rules and Regulations Who must be tattooed and when All goats must be tattooed at the time of application for registration. Include tattoo info on the application. External IDs (tags, etc.) are not permanent ID for registration. What counts as permanent identification Permanent identification for registration = tattoos. Microchips are accepted as official ID in addition to or in lieu of tattoos; owner must provide a scanner. Freeze branding is accepted and considered a method of tattoo. Brand the assigned herd prefix in the right ear; it’s recommended to mark the left ear with year letter + serial. Right ear = Herd Prefix (your tattoo sequence) Each applicant is assigned a unique tattoo sequence (exclusive-use policy). Use only your assigned sequence. Place the applicant’s tattoo (herd prefix) in the right ear of every animal you submit for registration. If a pregnant doe is sold, the offspring must carry the herd prefix of the doe’s owner at kidding in the right ear. Left ear = Year letter + serial number Recommended format for the left ear: the year letter of birth + a serial number showing order of birth. A year-letter table (letters I, O, Q, U not used) is provided in Rule 215. Rules and Regulations Year Letter 2026 S 2025 R 2024 P 2023 N 2022 M 2021 L 2020 K 2019 J 2018 H 2017 G 2016 F 2015 E 2014 D 2013 C 2012 B 2011 A 2010 Z 2009 Y 2008 X 2007 W 2006 V 2005 T 2004 S 2003 R 2002 P 2001 N 2000 M 1999 L 1998 K 1997 J 1996 H 1995 G 1994 F 1993 E Rules and Regulations Quick reference Right ear: your herd prefix (tattoo or freeze brand). Left ear (recommended): year letter + serial . (see table/chart above) No duplicate tattoos: no duplicate full tattoo combinations for 22 years. Rules and Regulations Mistake? Report what’s on the animal; re-tattoo if needed; ABGA updates the certificate. Microchip / Freeze brand: accepted as official ID (freeze brand treated as a method of tattoo). Rules and Regulations View rules to correctly identify your goats for ABGA registration, shows, and records. Where to place herd prefix and year/serial, re-tattoo steps, microchips & freeze brands, transfers, and show requirements. Registration and Standards Related Posts & Updates Apr 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. Read More Mar 31, 2025 Native on Appearance Program: Expanding Opportunity for ABGA Members Register Boer does with no pedigree through ABGA’s new Native on Appearance program. Read More May 19, 2023 How to Tattoo Your Goat ABGA Member Dawn Foster of No Step Ranch in Sterling City, Texas takes us through the steps on how to tattoo your goat. Read More Mar 17, 2023 ABGA Broadens Horizons with Wether Incentive Program Ahead of National Show Discover the Boer Goat Advantage (BGA) program by the American Boer Goat Association, offering cash prizes and incentives for wether goat breeders at national and regional shows! Read More

Attend the Area 5 JABGA Regional Show in Comfort, TX, November 14-16, 2025. Celebrate the Boer goat breed with top exhibitors and youth competition. Area 5 Regional Sponsors Gold Gibbs Farm - Taco Party & T-Shirt Sponsor (Guthrie, OK) Casada Creations - Regional Show Series Sponsor Lowes Purple Vision - Regional Show Series Sponsor Newton Farms - Regional Show Series Sponsor Purina - Regional Show Series Sponsor Silver Bluebonnet boers/ABGA Region 3 Director (Azle, TX) Menger Creek Sullivan Supply - Fitting Contest Sponsor Camp Coopertop Menger Creek Ranch (Boerne, TX) Ultras Animal Health Bronze 4-T Ranch Brosig Livestock Docs Probiotics Mindy Young Texas Boer Goat Association 4Spur Genetics DemerBox Ginny Boer Goats MULE Texas Farm Bureau The 1465 Foundation Friend of JABGA Blue Gainey Ranch Gunn Team Wethers Luna's Lucky Boer Goats Patron of JABGA Matthew & Rebecca Bassford Melissa Devine Rhoades Family Windy Acres Boer Goats Area 5 Regional Show – Comfort, TX Get ready to go wild at the Area 5 JABGA Regional Show in Comfort, Texas! This year’s safari-themed event invites junior exhibitors to step into adventure as they compete in showmanship, goat judging, sales talk, skill-at-hon, and more. Join us for a weekend filled with friendly competition, learning, and fun all set against the backdrop of Texas Hill Country charm. Entry Deadline 11/15 - Online Entries Close at Midnight (CDT). *You are able to edit your entries online up until entries close or you are checked in at the show. Enter on Showman.app → View Regional Show Rules View Skill-a-thon Study Guide + more 📍 Location: Kendall County Youth Agriculture & Equestrian Center 648 FM-289 Comfort, TX 78013 📅 Dates: November 14 - 16, 2025 🤠 Judges: Blake Quiggins (Breeding & Market) 📄 Show Secretary: Jaelynn Reyes Kelly Murray 📧 Email: shows@abga.org kellymurray678@yahoo.com 📞 Phone: Jaelynn Reyes: 325-486-ABGA (2242) Ext. 4 Kelly Murray: 325-205-0405