Congratulations JABGA Member Jiles Coble Congratulations to JABGA Board Member Jiles Coble who was selected to the 2021 Georgia National Livestock Ambassador team! Congratulations to Jiles Coble who was selected to the 2021 Georgia National Livestock Ambassador team!

Kate Schaefer sitting on the floor in the showring. 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.

See American Boer Goat Association 2007 National Show Results. 2007 National Show Results Filter by Show Select Show All ABGA Open Show Results All JABGA Show Results

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Member Services Administrator - Corinna Belman joined ABGA in 2021, gaining goat expertise and assisting members. She enjoys family time, dancing, and outdoor activities. Corinna Belman started working with ABGA June 22, 2021, she has gained much knowledge and experience with goats since working at ABGA. She enjoys helping members with questions about registrations and membership. Corinna is also bi-lingual. When not in the office she loves family time, especially her 3 grandchildren, her dog Moe, and dancing. She also loves the outdoors, going camping and fishing. She finds it very relaxing. < Back Corinna Belman Member Services Administrator Email All work orders must be submitted to mail@abga.org , or through our Contact page .

Coni Ross was a pioneer and has become a legend within the goat industry; raising goats for more than 40 years. 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. 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. Born on or before June 1st, 2018. 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 Download Production Records Form: Coni Ross Memorial Class-Production Record Form . Download • 148KB Entry Fee: $10 $5 will be applied towards awards $5 will be applied towards the ABGA Scholarship Enter the National Show #2023NationalShow Coni Ross Memorial Production Aged Doe Class Coni Ross was a pioneer and has become a legend within the goat industry; raising goats for more than 40 years.

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.”

Meet JABGA Area 3 Regional Show Secretary & One of Our National Show Superintendents Being the JABGA Area 3 Regional Show Secretary is all about paying it forward for Adrienne and Joe Kidder. Adrienne & Joe Kidder Being the JABGA Area 3 Regional Show Secretary is all about paying it forward for Adrienne and Joe Kidder. “Our daughter would not be who she is today without all the experiences she gained from the JABGA,” said Adrienne Kidder. “We just wanted to give back with hopes to help other families.” Becoming the Show Secretary started when they were approached by a couple of local breeders and the president of the JABGA about hosting a show. Indiana is known as the Crossroads of America, Adrienne explained. Several major interstate systems cross in Indiana. Adrienne & Hannah Kidder “We all felt it would be the perfect location for a JABGA Regional Show,” said Adrienne, who joined the American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) for her daughter Hannah. After joining the ABGA, they started Kidder Show Stock and their own breeding program. They gathered different bloodlines from some of the best breeders in the business, Adrienne explained. “We love selling our does and bucks to the youth, whether it is to JABGA members, 4-H or FFA members,” she added. “The smile on the kids’ faces and the accomplishments they gain is why we do this.” While doing this, the Kidder family has grown. “The friends that we have met in this industry we consider like family,” Adrienne said. Joe Kidder But this isn’t the only way Joe is involved in the ABGA. He’s also a 2022 National Show Superintendent. Joe said he was first was given the opportunity to be a Superintendent by Jesse Kimmel’s suggestion for him to volunteer. Through that suggestion, Joe was able to get more involved with the National Show. “ Being a National Show Superintendent I feel is an honor,” he said. “It has been a great opportunity to be able to give back to the ABGA and the wonderful breeders of this industry.”

Don’t miss JABGA’s Facebook Live on April 16 at 6 PM CT! Get the latest updates on JABGA news, Junior Ambassador Program, Fire & Ice Sale, Area 2 & 3 Regionals, and more with JABGA leaders and special guests. Get Ready for the JABGA Facebook Live - April 16! Don’t miss JABGA’s Facebook Live on April 16 at 6 PM CT! Get the latest updates on JABGA news, Junior Ambassador Program, Fire & Ice Sale, Area 2 & 3 Regionals, and more with JABGA leaders and special guests. Exciting things are happening at JABGA! Join us LIVE on the JABGA Facebook page this Wednesday, April 16 at 6 PM Central for an exclusive livestream event you won’t want to miss. JABGA President Maddie Reis and Vice President Logan Hollen will be sharing all the latest updates, including: JABGA News and Announcements Junior Ambassador Program details Fire & Ice Sale highlights Area 2 (Iowa) & Area 3 (Indiana) Regional Show previews They’ll be joined by Executive Director Caleb Boardman , Director of Community Engagement Catherine Riley , and Junior Coordinator Jaelynn Reyes to dive deeper into everything happening this season. Whether you're planning to attend the regionals, interested in the Ambassador program, or just want the inside scoop, this livestream is for you! 📅 Mark your calendar and tune in — we can’t wait to see you there! 👍🏻 Follow JABGA on Facebook! Related Posts Feb 14, 2025 JABGA Area Updates The Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) is growing rapidly, prompting us to update our areas for the first time in over a decade. 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. Oct 18, 2024 Maintaining Breed Integrity The Reasons Behind the Breed Standards by Jada Young

American Boer Goat Association members and non-members can request DNA testing at a set price from ABGA and UC Davis. The DNA Program Explained Updates Starting September 1, 2021, all DNA will be voluntary, and all DNA has to be processed through the ABGA office . (Motion unanimously passed by the ABGA Board of Directors). UC Davis' current turnaround time is 15-20 business days from the date the sample is received. If samples require additional testing, no action on your part is required. No updated estimate for when testing will be completed is available. As of January 1, 2022 we are no longer sending DNA stickers. Results will be sent via email, unless requested. If you would like the DNA qualification reflected on your goat's Certificate of Registration, please send the certificate to the ABGA office. A $5 certificate reissue fee will be charged. The future of our DNA Program ... Read More DNA test request for members in good standing (current/renewed membership). Your member number must be included to receive the member price. Payment must be included to receive the DNA Sample Instructions. $35 Per Animal DNA test request for non-members or members with outstanding membership dues. Payment must be included to receive the DNA Sample Instructions. $40 Per Animal INSTRUCTIONS (All required fields must be filled out completely). Identification: All goats' DNA tested through ABGA must have ABGA identification such as their name and identifying marks or tattoo. Parent Verification: If you are requesting parent verification, check the type of verification (either sire, dam, or both), and BE SURE to fill in the Sire and/or Dam registration number and Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) Case ID Number. If you do not have a VGL Case ID number, you must purchase the DNA Sample Instructions for each parent you are verifying. PROCESSING TIME UC Davis will EMAIL your DNA Sample Instructions to your email address within three (3) business days of ONLINE submission to ABGA. If you did not provide an email address, the DNA Sample Instructions will be mailed to you. If you do not receive your DNA Sample Instructions within 3 business days, CHECK YOUR JUNK EMAIL . If it is not there, contact the ABGA office at (325) 486-2242, or email dna@abga.org . PULLING AND SENDING HAIR SAMPLE DNA Sample Instructions include instructions on how to pull the hair for the test and send it to UC Davis. Be sure to get the roots of the hair sample. Be sure to use a clean paper envelope. Be sure to write the goat's information on the envelope [name, registration number, your name]. Send the DNA Sample to UC Davis following the instructions in the DNA Sample Instructions you received. Send the confirmation to ABGA. ABGA Rule 802–I In cases where the submitting party is not the owner of record, an unopened vial, straw, or other container containing semen that has been identified in accordance with Rule 401.B is required for DNA test results to be accepted by ABGA. What does the DNA test do for me? It identifies the specific genetic markers associated with the goat you have tested. It allows for parent verification and future identification of that goat as the parent of any kid(s). It will show on your goat’s registration papers, and on online searches people do that your goat’s identity is verified and recorded through the DNA test. It will allow you to show your goat’s parentage has been verified, if you have requested parent verification. What does the test do for ABGA? It lets us build our database of information on registered goats. Once we have that start we can ask UC Davis to test the samples for more markers that will give us the opportunity to improve our animals. Will DNA be used for research? Yes. UC Davis retains the right to use all samples stored at the VGL for research, whether the tests are performed for individuals, or for individuals through associations. Research and the benefits that it can provide to producers is the main focus of the program for the ABGA. As more members participate in the DNA testing program this will make meaningful research a reality for our animals for the first time. Who owns the DNA sample? All DNA samples are stored at UC Davis, and VGL retains the right to use any samples stored there for research, whether they are done for individuals, or for individuals through registries. For contract customer registries like ABGA, the registry has ultimate ownership of the sample. However, the owner receives the results of the DNA tests requested on their goats. This gives ABGA members the guarantee that should UC Davis decide to dispose of samples processed through ABGA requests, ABGA can move those samples to another facility so they are still available for research that will benefit all members. Should it matter to me that the ABGA shares ownership of the sample? Yes. It gives you the guarantee that your sample is safe, regardless of what UC Davis may decide in the future. It makes it easier and cheaper for members to DNA test their goats, and verify parentage, if they wish to do that. Who gets a copy of the DNA Report listing the Markers? For contract customer registries, like ABGA, the owner of the goat will receive a copy of the results to be kept with the animal, and the registry receives a copy of the results to be stored in the appropriate registry herd book. Does ABGA make the DNA Report on my goat available to anyone else? No, absolutely not. If you want someone to have that information, you must provide it to them yourself. Can I get other animals DNA results? No. Only the owner of the DNA sample can get that information. The member will need to contact the owner of the animal who is also the owner of the DNA to get those results. Can I submit DNA directly to UC Davis? You can submit directly to UC Davis for your own records, but unfortunately ABGA does not accept DNA results that are submitted directly to UC Davis. Can the test tell me if my goat is a percentage or fullblood? No. With current information available, there is no way to tell what percentage Boer is in a goat. Is there an extra fee for parent verification? No. The ABGA included this service in our price of doing the DNA test. Will I be told who the parents are? No. The test will show how close they matched, or didn’t match what you indicated on the form. Can I request parent verification of my goat(s) if I don’t own one of the parents? Yes, but only if you verify parentage through ABGA, the parents are registered and have been DNA tested through ABGA. The goat you are verifying parentage of must have some form of an ABGA registration or listing paper number and then all you need is the goat’s parents’ registration numbers to verify the parentage of your goat. If the goat’s parents have not been DNA tested, you would need to order DNA test sample kits on the parents as well as the goat at the same time. If you verify through UC Davis, and/or your goat’s parents have not been DNA tested through ABGA, you must have the VGL Case ID number from their owner. Do I need to keep a sample of the hair? Both UC Davis and ABGA suggest that when you pull a sample to send in for testing, you pull another sample. Place it in an envelope the same way you do the sample you’re sending in and write the identifying information on the envelope. Store it in a DRY, safe place. The best protection of your sample is to leave it in storage at UC Davis where there are documented safeguards in place. Who Owns the Rights to Do Research on the Sample or Sell those Rights? A sample by itself is worthless for research. However, UC Davis retains research rights on all samples it houses, whether they come from individual customers or contract customer associations, like the ABGA. Here is the language each customer receives from UC Davis: [USE OF DATA. All Research data, including but not limited to, all notebooks, DNA typing protocols, original laboratory records, and any research reports, shall be usable by University in pursuit of its mission of teaching, research and public service. University reserves the right, subject to individual confidentiality requirements, to publish any or all research results developed from such data.] Frequently Asked DNA Questions Request DNA Testing Download Printable Form Complete Online Form

2023 Scholarship Winners Academic excellence, leadership skills, community involvement, and a strong commitment to personal growth. It's always inspiring to see young individuals achieve academic excellence and be rewarded for their hard work. It's important to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that goes into winning a scholarship. It requires not only academic excellence but also leadership skills, community involvement, and a strong commitment to personal growth. Congratulations again to the 2023 Scholarship winners, and may their academic journeys continue to be filled with success and fulfillment. ABGA Scholarship Winners: Helena Almli Madison Reis Baughman Avery Holman Candice Mitchell Drew Pontious Jenna Gronewold Natalye Scholl Carly Olson Peyton Miller Haylee Finley From L to R: Alaina Blair, Avery Holman, Madison Reis, Natalye Scholl, Logan Hollen, & Cecelia Knott. Coni Ross Memorial Scholarship: Alaina Blair Alaina Blair - Coni Ross Memorial Scholarship recipient.

Area 3 JABGA Regional Show: Racing to the Heartland Check out the results and pics from the Area 3 JABGA Regional Show: Racing to the Heartland in Greenfield, Indiana! Check out these photos from the Area 3 JABGA Regional Show: Racing to the Heartland! See Racing to the Heartland Show #1 results HERE . See Racing to the Heartland Show #2 results HERE . See the contest results below.