⚠️ Today is the last day to join a National Show committee! The 2026 ABGA National Show is calling for volunteers to serve on sub-committees. From youth programs to decorations, there’s a place for everyone! 🔗 abga.org/national-show/2026-national-show-committees-sign-up
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- JABGA National Show Contest Day Prep
For our JABGA members, we have some essential information to help you get ready for contest day at Nationals. For our JABGA members, we have some essential information to help you get ready for contest day at the National Show. #2023NationalShow #news JABGA National Show Contest Day Prep For our JABGA members, we have some essential information to help you get ready for contest day at Nationals.
- Meat Goat Evaluation
The goal of this contest is to raise awareness that the goats we raise are part of the food production system. UPDATE: The Carcass Evaluation portion of the Meat Goat Evaluation will take place on Wednesday, June 14 at Brewer Livestock during the National Show. Unfortunately, exhibitors and spectators will not be allowed to attend due to the limited capacity at the facility. Download the Meat Goat Evaluation Record Book below: Meat Goat Evaluation Record Book .pdf Download PDF • 691KB Meat Goat Evaluation Contest Payouts Live Evaluation 1st Place: $350 2nd Place: $300 3rd Place: $250 4th Place: $200 5th Place: $150 Carcass Evaluation 1st Place: $350 2nd Place: $300 3rd Place: $250 4th Place: $200 5th Place: $150 Record Book Evaluation 1st Place: $350 2nd Place: $300 3rd Place: $250 4th Place: $200 5th Place: $150 Overall 1st Place: $1500 2nd Place: $1000 3rd Place: $750 4th Place: $500 5th Place: $250 All exhibitors that complete the Meat Goat Evaluation will be paid market value for their carcass at the time of slaughter. Objective of Meat Goat Evaluation Contest The goal of this contest is to raise awareness that the goats we raise are part of the food production system in some way shape or form. Nearly every goat we raise is eventually eaten by someone and we are all producing a high-quality, lean, nutritious and delicious protein source. With little to no promotion of commercial goats or goat meat, prices are soaring for both and there is great opportunity for commercial goat producers and in particular, Boer producers. No breed can add growth, gain and red meat to the commercial goat industry like the Boer breed. The meat goat evaluation contest allows exhibitors to see first-hand how their projects are turned into a high-quality protein source. We will also collect DNA samples on each goat. They will be run on a 70,000 SNP goat test by Neogen and this will serve as the beginnings of a phenotype and genotype database for the Boer breed. The hope is to eventually collect enough data to identify markers that relate to economically relevant traits and make genetic improvement based on DNA technology. General Contest Rules Exhibitor must be a member of JABGA Contest is open to bucks, does, & wethers Goat must still have milk teeth Must be owned at least 60 days prior to the national show Limited to 1 goat per JABGA exhibitor This is a terminal contest Must participate in all 3 categories to be eligible for prizes and payouts Live Class Rules Animals must be slick sheared above the knees & hocks This is a no fit, blow & go show (no adhesives, powder, or paint) Classes will be divided by weight Minimum live weight of 60 lbs. Goats are subject to a random urine drug test Carcass Class Rules Minimum and maximum for hot carcass weight, 35 to 70 pounds, respectively Carcass must be youthful appearing, no spool joints or excessive dark coloring Carcass shall be free of serious bruises (“old”, not recent), free of injection sites on the Slaughter facility reserves the right to condemn any carcass that does not comply with Scoring & Payout Record book (50 Points Possible) placed 1-10, with payout to top five Carcass class (50 Points Possible) placed 1-10 with payout to top five Live class (50 Points Possible) placed 1-10 with payout to top five Carcass & Live class point system as follows 1st = 50, 2nd = 45, 3rd = 40, ....etc.) Overall contest score is determined by the aggregate total of points earned from each Data Collected During Carcass Class Photos Photos of the whole carcass and close up or ribbed section. Serves as both an educational piece and verification. DNA A tissue sample of each carcass will be submitted to Neogen for genotyping and storage. Age (Mo.) Market goats are usually referred to as kid/cabrito (2-14 mo.), young chevon (14-24 mo.), or aged chevon (over 24 mo.). Live weight (LW) Taken at live show in pounds. Hot Carcass Weight (HCW) Taken after harvest, hide, hooves, head removed, ready for chill (lbs.). Leg Confirmation Score 15 (Prime +) 14 (Prime avg.) 13 (Prime-) 12 (Choice+) 11 (Choice avg.) 10 (Choice-) 9 (Good+) 8 (Good avg.) 7 (Good-). Confirmation Score 1 = Carcasses have a high proportion of meat to bone, are thickly muscled throughout the body with a bulging outside leg,rounded back strip, and a moderately thick outside shoulder. 2 = Carcasses have an average proportion of meat to bone, are moderately muscled throughout the body as indicated by a slightly thick and a slightly pronounced outside leg, a slightly full (flat or slightly shallow) back strip, and a slightly thick to slightly thin outside shoulder. 3 = Carcasses have a low ratio of meat to bone, an inferior meat type conformation. The legs, back, and shoulders are narrow in relation to its length. (Selection No. 3 carcasses resemble skinned jackrabbits). Leg Circumference Measured in cm at widest part of leg (average of both legs). Kidney, pelvic & heart fat (%KPH) As % of HCW, typically .0-5-3.5%. 1% = Small amount primarily in flank area, 2% = heavier in flank, down to navel, 3% = very heavy amount, into chest cavity. Subcutaneous Fat Cover Score (SQF) External fat cover score as 1= minimal/none, 2= fat over rib and shoulder, 3= excessive fat cover. Back Fat (BF) Measured at center of Loin eye on 12th rib (tenths of an inch), adjusted by visual appraisal of entire carcass Minimum and maximum adjusted fat thickness at the 12th rib, .05 inches to .25 inches, respectively. Loin Eye Area (LEA) 12th rib loin eye (Longissimus) area. Use standard 1/20 loin eye grid, measure both sides, average. (Sq. Inches). Body Wall Body wall thickness (includes fat, bone, and lean) measured 1" beyond. Thickness (BWT) loin eye, on both sides and averaged. (tenths of inch). Flank Lean Color A, B, C = A is lightest and pinkest, C is darkest. Calculated Dressing % (DP) (HCW/LW)X100. % Cutability 60.6933-(0.23174 x HCW)+(1.96202 x Loin Eye Area)-(1.57832 x BWT). % Boneless Closely Trimmed Retail Cuts (%BCTRC) Estimated percent boneless, closely trimmed retail cuts (%BCTRC) from the leg, loin, rack, and shoulder are used in ranking. 49.936 - (.0848 x hcw) - (4.376 x 12th rib fat) - (3.530 x BWT) + (2.456 X LEA). Download these Meat Goat Evaluation Rules below: Meat Goat Evaluation Rules .pdf Download PDF • 1.09MB #2023NationalShow Meat Goat Evaluation The goal of this contest is to raise awareness that the goats we raise are part of the food production system.
- Meet 2023 JABGA Meat Goat Evaluation Judge: Nick Hammett
Introducing JABGA National Show Meat Goat Evaluation Judge: Nick Hammett Nick Hammett, along with his family, resides in Ashland, MO. In 2013, they began raising and showcasing ABGA registered goats throughout the country under the name of Cola Show Goats. They rebranded themselves in 2020 as Hammett Showstock, focusing on raising wethers and commercial show doe prospects. Nick's career in the beef industry started after obtaining degrees from the University of Missouri and Colorado State University. He now works for Neogen, where he markets beef cattle genomic testing. His passion is to help producers transform data into sustainable and profitable management decisions, and he hopes to offer these same opportunities to the goat industry. Nick has judged many shows, including the ABGA National Open show in 2018, the National Market and Commercial Doe show in 2021, and the first National Carcass contest in 2022. #2023NationalShow #news Meet 2023 JABGA Meat Goat Evaluation Judge: Nick Hammett Introducing JABGA National Show Meat Goat Evaluation Judge: Nick Hammett
- Meet 2023 National Show Superintendent Tara Hicks
This is not Tara Hicks' first rodeo when it comes to the National Show Superintendent role. Tara Hicks has been selected as one of three 2023 ABGA and JABGA National Show Superintendents. This is not Tara’s first rodeo when it comes to the National Show Superintendent role. She was a 2022 National Show Superintendent and has previously hosted ABGA sanctioned shows. National Show Superintendent, Tara Hicks, with JABGA Director and exhibitor Wyatt Stevens at the 2022 National Show. An ABGA member since 2014 and with over a decade of county fair superintendent experience, the driving force behind Tara’s agricultural involvement is youth exhibitors. “I love working with the youth and helping them develop skills they will use later in life. My absolute favorite thing at any show is Showmanship! I love watching the kids give it their all." Part of what makes Tara’s involvement with the ABGA and JABGA National Show so natural is the event’s evolution and focus to directly benefit JABGA youth exhibitors. Of course, the chance to network with other Boer goat breeders is a big bonus too. "Meeting producers from across the country is awesome also...because I don't make it to enough shows during the year to mingle much.” Tara doesn't only stick to Boer goats. She has a ton of show experience with 4-H, Brown Swiss cattle, registered Polled Hereford cattle, steers, commercial heifers, and market lambs. She owns Rock’N Heart Farms, a 30-acre spread in northwest Arkansas. She calls Rock'N Heart Farms “a little bit of a funny farm.” Rock'N Heart Farms runs around 40 head of goats, several breeds of cattle, and plenty of dogs, horses, and cats. Tara earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Missouri State University and currently works as a breeder supervisor for Simmons Foods, a poultry company that has branched into the pet food sector. #2023NationalShow #news Meet 2023 National Show Superintendent Tara Hicks This is not Tara Hicks' first rodeo when it comes to the National Show Superintendent role.
- Visitor Information
Find information about hotels, dining, and more in Louisville, KY. ABGA Hotel Block List ABGA has blocked off 200 hotel rooms for 2023 National Show exhibitors and attendees. Book your hotel rooms today, because they will go fast! Be sure let your hotel know you're there for the 2023 ABGA & JABGA National Show! Hotels Location Phone # Website Dates Available Book By Date Holiday Inn 447 Farmington Ave. Louisville, KY 40209 502-637-4500 Website 6/07 - 6/17 May 8, 2023 Homewood Suites by Hilton 130 Central Avenue, Louisville, KY 40209 502-380-1990 Website 6/07 - 6/17 May 8, 2023 Hilton Garden Inn - Louisville Airport 2735 Crittenden Dr. Louisville, KY 40209 502-637-2424 Website 6/07 - 6/17 May 15, 2023 Premier Best Western 4110 Dixie Hwy. Louisville, KY 40216 502-448-2020 Website 6/07 - 6/17 May 7, 2023 Four Points by Sheraton - Louisville Airport 2850 Crittenden Dr. Louisville, KY 40209 502-753-5555 Website 6/11 - 6/18 May 12, 2023 Courtyard Louisville Airport 89 Phillips Ln. Louisville, KY 40209 502-368-5678 Website 6/07 - 6/17 May 24, 2023 Towneplace Suites 6601 Paramount Park Dr. Louisville, KY 40213 502-749-6634 Website 6/07 - 6/17 May 8, 2023 Camping & RV Parking Effective March 1, 2023 full payment will be required at the time RV reservations are made. This guarantees a 20/30 amp electrical service (50 amp service is offered on a first come, first serve basis), use of a dump station, place to fill or empty water tanks and access to the restrooms/ shower house located in the RV lot next to RV Office. More info below. Overnight stay in the show barn is permitted. If you are using a tent in the show barn, you must have a fire extinguisher and smoke alarm at your site at all times. CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR RV SPACE TODAY! Louisville is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the 28th most populous city in the United States. Today, the city is known as the home of boxer Muhammad Ali, the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Fried Chicken, the University of Louisville and its Cardinals, Louisville Slugger baseball bats, and three of Kentucky's six Fortune 500 companies. Louisville, Kentucky Kentucky Exposition Center Hotels Near Kentucky Exposition Center You can find additional hotels near the Kentuck Exposition Center below. Hotels listed below may or may not be blocked for the Natonal Show. ABGA recommends you book with the hotels listed above to receive the National Show exhibitor and attendee rates. List taken from gotolouisville.com #2023NationalShow Visitor Information Find information about hotels, dining, and more in Louisville, KY.
- Schedule Update
There has been a slight change to the Show schedule for Monday, June 12: The Market Wether Show will begin 30 minutes following the... There has been a slight change to the Show schedule for Monday, June 12: The Market Wether Show will begin 30 minutes following the conclusion of Junior Showmanship. #2023NationalShow #news Schedule Update There has been a slight change to the Show schedule for Monday, June 12: The Market Wether Show will begin 30 minutes following the...
- 2023 National Show Penning Assignments
Check out the 2023 ABGA & JABGA National Show Penning Assignments. Below is the Penning Assignments for the 2023 ABGA & JABGA National Show. We are currently working on a Penning Chart/Map for a better visual of the layout. In the meantime, please check the list for your name and penning assignment. If you do not see your name on the list, please contact National Show Committee chair, Katherine Klug, at nationalshow2023@abga.org . Our National Show Superintendents made every attempt to pen everyone where they requested. #2023NationalShow #news 2023 National Show Penning Assignments Check out the 2023 ABGA & JABGA National Show Penning Assignments.
- 2023 National Show Drug Testing Policy
View and download the 2023 National Show Drug Testing Policy and download the Medication Report form. March 10, 2023 American Boer Goat Association Board Members, The American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) National Show Committee thoughtfully recommends the following updated Drug Testing Policy and Procedure for the 2023 ABGA National Show. It is recommended by the Committee that the ABGA adapts and enforces a zero-tolerance drug policy in correlation with current industry standards and best practices for overall animal health. In summary, changes to the policy include but are not limited to: The deadline to administer prescription medication and/or therapeutic drugs to any registered or un-registered market animal(s) participating in the ABGA National Show will be Monday, June 5th, 2023. Any prescription drugs required after June 5th, 2023 will require Veterinary administration and signed prescription. Banned substances will include prescription medications, therapeutic drugs, and any off-label substances. All Division Champion(s) and Overall Grand Champion(s) and Reserve Grand Champion(s) and a selected amount of randoms will be drug tested. Drug testing may include but will not be limited to one or more of the following: DNA, hair, urine, blood or other body samples. Drug testing samples will be collected as recommended by the Texas A&M Laboratory Representative to assist in understanding the timeline of administration. The National Show Committee recommends the use of the following reference when describing prescription medication and therapeutic drugs: FARAD.org . This reference should be used as an educational tool when discussing the updates to the ABGA National Show Drug Testing Policy and Procedure to the ABGA membership. We thank you for your time and wisdom as we come together to ensure the ABGA remains inclusive and supportive of our industry. Sincerely, The 2023 ABGA National Show Committee You can download and view the ABGA Drug Testing Policy and Procedures below: ABGA Drug Testing Policy and Procedures 2023-4.11 .pdf Download PDF • 1.31MB Download the Medication Report form below: 2023 ABGA Medication Report .pdf Download PDF • 157KB #2023NationalShow 2023 National Show Drug Testing Policy View and download the 2023 National Show Drug Testing Policy and download the Medication Report form.
- Meet ABGA National Show Judge Chris Fleming
Meet Chris Fleming: A Passionate Livestock Judge with Years of Experience. Meet Chris Fleming: A Passionate Livestock Judge with Years of Experience. ABGA National Show Judge Chris Fleming Chris Fleming hails from Paxton, Illinois, where he graduated from Black Hawk East and Western Illinois University. Together with his wife Linda, Chris owns and manages two businesses - Friendship Farms Kennel and Fleming Livestock. At Fleming Livestock, they raise Market goats and Abeerdean Angus Cattle. Having started raising Boer goats over two decades ago, Chris and Linda have been members of the association for many years and have seen the organization grow over time. Although this will be their first time attending the National show, they have enjoyed viewing the backdrop pictures every year of the winners. Chris is excited to attend with his family to experience the National Show and the companionship of the families and friends they have met in this industry. With over 30 years of experience judging all species of livestock across the US and Mexico, Chris is highly regarded in the industry. Although he took a break from judging to support his children's showing careers, he eventually completed his training in Indiana. His ultimate goal was to judge the National Show where the best of the best compete. Chris is honored to be judged alongside two other outstanding men who share his passion for this industry. Chris and Linda have raised two children, Brady and Skylynn, who are still involved in the Ag industry today. Chris is retired from his 25 years in the pork procurement business and has enjoyed mentoring many young ag youth over his time in the livestock industry. #2023NationalShow Meet ABGA National Show Judge Chris Fleming Meet Chris Fleming: A Passionate Livestock Judge with Years of Experience.
- Meet ABGA National Show Judge: Justin Burns
Justin Burns from Eastland Texas has experience judging market and breeding shows in 27 states. Meet Justin Burns, from Eastland Texas, a proud owner and operator of J and J Livestock. Justin, along with his wife Jennifer and two children, manage a herd of approximately 200 Does and 100 show-type sheep. ABGA National Show Judge: Justin Burns After earning his Bachelor of Science degree from Sacramento State University in California, he became passionate about educating young individuals entering the goat industry. As a result, he has devoted his time, knowledge, and expertise to curating and teaching numerous educational seminars for the livestock sector. With experience judging market and breeding shows in 27 different states, Justin is committed to staying up-to-date on market trends, utilizing superior genetics, and animal evaluation techniques to enhance his herd. His goal is to consistently raise top-quality animals that are competitive in show arenas across the United States. #2023NationalShow #news Meet ABGA National Show Judge: Justin Burns Justin Burns from Eastland Texas has experience judging market and breeding shows in 27 states.
- Meet JABGA Bred and Owned and Breeding Showmanship Judge Jeremy Church
Jeremy Church has been evaluating livestock across multiple species for over 20 years. He has also judged livestock shows in 38 states! Jeremy Church and his wife Amanda own and operate Elk Creek Show Goats in Sentinel Ok where they concentrate their production on high quality Junior show goats and maintain a large group of registered boer goats. JABGA Bred & Owned and Breeding Showmanship Judge, Jeremy Church. They have seen success over the years in the Junior and the open registered show ring across multiple states from coast to coast. They have been active in supporting and expanding the Jr show industry on multiple levels of the industry. Jeremy grew up on a farm/ranch operation in Western Oklahoma where he showed cattle through his years in 4-H and FFA. Jeremy was a member of the Livestock Judging team at Redlands Community College and has been evaluating livestock across multiple species for more than 20 years. Jeremy has had the opportunity to judge shows in 38 states including judging the inaugural commercial doe goat show at the Kansas Jr Livestock Show, Houston Jr Livestock Show, Austin Jr Livestock Show, San Antonio Jr Livestock Show, Missouri Jr Livestock Show, the Ft Worth Stock Show and the JABGA National show just to name a few. Jeremy and Amanda added their first child, Casen, to the family in the summer of 2020 and welcomed their second child, daughter Colynn, in January 2022. #2023NationalShow #news Meet JABGA Bred and Owned and Breeding Showmanship Judge Jeremy Church Jeremy Church has been evaluating livestock across multiple species for over 20 years. He has also judged livestock shows in 38 states!
- National Show 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 Chris Fleming , Corey Billups , and Justin Burns JABGA NATIONAL SHOW: Olivia Rush and Alyssa Dugat JABGA Bred and Owned National Show and Breeding Showmanship Jeremy Church JABGA National Market Show, Commercial Doe Show, and Market Showmanship Crede Garriott Meat Goat Evaluation Blake Quiggens (Show Ring) Nick Hammett (Carcasses) #2023NationalShow National Show Judges ABGA judges are respected as experts in the Boer breed, & take great pride in fostering goodwill & competition in the National Show ring.













