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 ⚠️ 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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  • 2023 National Show Costume Contest

    This show is a fun-filled experience for exhibitors as well as spectators! All JABGA members can participate. Both the goat and the... This show is a fun-filled experience for exhibitors as well as spectators! All JABGA members can participate. Both the goat and the exhibitor should dress for the occasion. The Costume Contest will take place at the National Show on Thursday, June 15th during the lunch break. Divisions: Junior Intermediate Senior Two prizes will be given per division: judges choice, and people choice. Exhibitors are required to show their goat in a halter or lead, and must maintain control of their animal at all times. This is a family-friendly event, all participants must act in an appropriate manner. Inappropriate costumes or behavior may be disqualified at any time by ABGA/ JABGA Staff or Board Members. #2023NationalShow 2023 National Show Costume Contest This show is a fun-filled experience for exhibitors as well as spectators! All JABGA members can participate. Both the goat and the...

  • 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.

  • 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. 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.

  • Meet JABGA Nationals Market Show, Commercial Doe Show, and Market Showmanship Judge: Crede Garriot

    Garriott Ranch specializes in producing elite small ruminant livestock and marketing them to Junior show exhibitors coast to coast. Crede Garriott hails from Scottsburg, Indiana where he grew up on an award winning purebred cattle operation that was instrumental in the Maine-Anjou breed. An extra 4-H project of a Boer goat doe evolved into the operation that exists today. Garriott Ranch now specializes in producing elite small ruminant livestock and marketing them to Junior show exhibitors coast to coast. 2023 JABGA National Show Bred & Owned + Breeding Showmanship Judge: Crede Garriot Crede’s passion for the livestock industry led him to seek a profession in fitting which has grown into a career of clipping, photography and consulting. He is excited to give back to the industry that has shaped him and many others. Recognizing the need to educate the next generation of competitive individuals he began hosting Crede Garriott Goat Fitting Clinics. The clinics foster the development of a competitive skill set for the aspiring showman. Seeking to drive the market Crede became a sales representative for Willoughby Livestock. He enjoys bridging the gaps between breeders and exhibitors globally. When not in the barn Crede can be found spending time with his close friends and family or enjoying a classic science fiction novel. #2023NationalShow #news Meet JABGA Nationals Market Show, Commercial Doe Show, and Market Showmanship Judge: Crede Garriot Garriott Ranch specializes in producing elite small ruminant livestock and marketing them to Junior show exhibitors coast to coast.

  • Entry Deadline Important Updates

    The ABGA & JABGA National Show entry deadline is May 22, 2023, at 11:59pm CST. ⚠ The ABGA & JABGA National Show entry deadline is May 22, 2023, at 11:59pm CST. ⚠ Your entries and payment must be submitted by May 22, 2023 (11:59 PM CST) to avoid late fees. Late entries will be accepted after May 22 until June 1, 2023 (11:59pm CST) with added late fees. If your work order was in the office before the Herd Book deadline, but your goat is still not registered, your entry will be honored. Please use “PENDING” as the registration number and complete all other fields for your National Show entry on Showman.app. We are working hard to get your animals registered as soon as possible. If your animal’s registration application was not in the office, or registered by the Herd Book deadline, (May 15, 2023) but was entered in Showman, your animal will NOT be eligible for the National Show. Entries are non-refundable per the National Show Rules . Click here to enter the National Show #2023NationalShow #news Entry Deadline Important Updates The ABGA & JABGA National Show entry deadline is May 22, 2023, at 11:59pm CST.

  • 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 2023 National Show Superintendent Zeb James

    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

  • Facility and Barn Layout

    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!

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