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

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.

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.

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...

The Old Timers Show will take place at the National Show on Friday, June 16th during the lunch break. All funds will benefit the JABGA. The Old Timers Show will take place at the National Show on Friday, June 16th during the lunch break. All funds will benefit the JABGA . Cost: $10 to enter $100 Exempt Pass $50 to get off the list Cannot be entered more than 4 times, per person To enter or purchase Exempt Passes, visit the show office, Monday-Thursday, during office hours. This is a family-friendly event, all participants must act in an appropriate manner. Inappropriate dress, costumes or behavior may be disqualified at any time by ABGA/JABGA Staff or Board Members. #2023NationalShow 2023 Old Timers' Show The Old Timers Show will take place at the National Show on Friday, June 16th during the lunch break. All funds will benefit the JABGA.

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.

Zeb's Passion for Agriculture Rooted in 4-H Participation Zeb James, who hails from East Tennessee, purchased his initial herd of commercial Boer goats in 2002 with a former high school peer. He became a member of the American Boer Goat Association in 2009, along with one of his students who was interested in the goat industry. Zeb's interest in agriculture began when he was young, participating in various 4-H events such as speaking contests, horse and livestock judging, and horticulture competitions. Despite losing access to livestock when his family moved to the city, Zeb remained determined to carry on the tradition of animal agriculture that his grandfather instilled in him. This led him to start his own farm, Russell Sons Farm, which was named after his grandfather who was a renowned figure in the dairy industry. In 2007, Zeb began working as an agricultural teacher and FFA advisor at Creek Wood High School in Middle Tennessee. He loves to help his students with different animal projects including the Broiler Chicken Project; a project where students raise meat chickens for a period of 6-7 weeks before exhibiting them at the end of the grow-out phase. He also helps his students raise and show hogs, chickens and cattle for 4-H and FFA competitions. Zeb also has a passion for goats and has been involved with the ABGA National Show for three years. He says that goats are a great animal for kids and families because they are friendly and easy to handle. He likes that the National Show offers many opportunities for the JABGA members to learn and grow, not just in showing goats but also in other skills like public speaking, judging and sales talk. He says that these skills will help them in their future careers and goat operations. Zeb also enjoys meeting other ABGA members from different states and making new friends. 2023 National Show Superintendent Zeb James (Center). “The friendships formed from the National Show, and even other ABGA shows, are like family members. They are always there to give advice, assistance, and advocate for you and your operation; sometimes they even challenge you on things that later become huge blessings." #2023NationalShow #news Meet 2023 National Show Superintendent Zeb James Zeb's Passion for Agriculture Rooted in 4-H Participation

Get familiar with the facility and barn layout for the 2023 ABGA & JAGBA National Show! #2023NationalShow Facility and Barn Layout Get familiar with the facility and barn layout for the 2023 ABGA & JAGBA National Show!

Pre-order shavings and other Lowe's Pellets & Grain products to be delivered at the National Show! Exhibitors of the 2023 ABGA & JABGA National Show in Louisville, KY June 9th – 18th have the opportunity to pre-order Shavings and Purple Vision Show Feed Products from Lowe’s Pellets & Grain in advance and have them delivered to the Kentucky Exposition Center to save you time and trailer space! To place an order please fill out the form below. All pre-orders will need to be placed and paid in full by Wednesday, June 7th, 2023. To stay up to date on product delivery and other ABGA/JABGA Nationals updates follow Lowe's Pellets & Grain on Facebook ! Our pages can be found by searching Lowe’s Pellets & Grain or Purple Vision Show Feeds. Click the button below to Pre-Order today! Pre-Order Today! Have Questions? Give Lowe's a call! (812) 663-7863 Business Hours: Monday – Friday: 8 A.M. – 5 P.M. EST Saturday: 8 A.M. – 12 P.M. EST #2023NationalShow #news Pre-Order Shavings and More Pre-order shavings and other Lowe's Pellets & Grain products to be delivered at the National Show!

The ABGA takes great pride in providing exceptional learning opportunities that offer real-world applications. The ABGA hopes that our... 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 internship Location: Louisville, Kentucky- Kentucky Exposition Center Dates: June 9-18, 2023 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+) and/or those interested in the American Boer Goat Association. Also, to provide The American Boer Goat Association with assistance in planning and managing show coverage. Eligibility/ Requirements: Applicants must be a 2022 high school graduate (18+) or older. Applicants cannot be exhibitors or competitors at the 2023 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: The intern 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 9th, 2023 , and will work through the duration of the event to June 18, 2023. Specific job roles will be discussed upon acceptance. How to Apply: Click the button below to complete your application and submit your resume! Apply Now! If you have any question please contact: Editor@abga.org , or nationalshow2023@abga.org #2023NationalShow 2023 National Show Internship The ABGA takes great pride in providing exceptional learning opportunities that offer real-world applications. The ABGA hopes that our...

Meet Alyssa Dugat, a resident of Alvin, Texas. Alyssa was nominated to be one of two judges for the JABGA National Show. Meet Alyssa Dugat, a resident of Alvin, Texas. Alyssa was nominated to be one of two judges for the JABGA National Show. JABGA National Show Judge Alyssa Dugat Alyssa has a degree in Baking and Pastry from The Art Institute. She currently works at a boutique bakery where she specializes in special occasion cakes and decorated sugar cookies. Alyssa is also no stranger to the culinary world, having competed on the Food Network Show Cupcake Wars in the early stages of her career. Judging the National Show is a bucket list item for an ABGA judge! I absolutely love working with the youth and the future of the Boer goat industry and there is no better place to do that than the JABGA National Show! - Alyssa Dugat When she's not working, Alyssa and her family love spending time outdoors, particularly saltwater fishing. She looks forward to attending the ABGA National Show every year, where she enjoys the sense of fellowship and camaraderie. #2023NationalShow Meet JABGA National Show Judge Alyssa Dugat Meet Alyssa Dugat, a resident of Alvin, Texas. Alyssa was nominated to be one of two judges for the JABGA National Show.

Corey Billups has been judging Boer goats for the last 9 years. He became an ABGA certified judge in 2016. Corey Billups has been raising and showing boer goats for the last 22 years. What started out as a 4-H project has evolved into a passion for the boer goat industry. Corey is the founder and sale manager for the Legendary Sale. He was active in a local goat association called the Tri-State Goat Producer Association. He served in many positions in this organization including show chairman, Treasurer, and Vice President. 2023 ABGA National Show Judge: Corey Billups Corey has been judging boer goats for the last 9 years. He became an ABGA certified judge in 2016. Corey is very passionate about the youth of the industry. Corey also co-hosts the JABGA Regional Show for the southern region with Kathy Carr. Corey is also part of the show committee for the North American International Livestock Expo (NAILE). Corey holds a double bachelor’s degree in agriculture economics and business management from the University of Kentucky. He also recently completed a Master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Kentucky. Corey is currently employed by the University of Kentucky Healthcare as the Patient Logistics and Transfer Center Director. #2023NationalShow #news Meet ABGA National Show Judge: Corey Billups Corey Billups has been judging Boer goats for the last 9 years. He became an ABGA certified judge in 2016.