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The Invisible Network: How Every Job Contributes to Agriculture The Invisible Network: How Every Job Contributes to Agriculture By: Rebecca Sullivan, JABGA Area 5 Director Agriculture is often described as the backbone of civilization, but the truth runs deeper. It is not just the foundation of society; it is the industry that every other profession quietly supports. While farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers are the most visible stewards of our food system, the success of agriculture depends on a vast network of people whose jobs may seem unrelated at first glance. Every career contributes to agriculture in some way, forming an interconnected system that keeps the world fed, clothed, and thriving. Modern agriculture is a complex, high‑tech, globally connected industry. It relies on expertise, innovation, and support from nearly every sector. Engineers design irrigation systems, machinery, roads, and bridges that move food from rural to global markets. Scientists develop improved crop varieties, study soil health, and protect plants and animals from disease. Educators train the next generation of agriculturalists, veterinarians, engineers, and environmental leaders. Agriculture is not just fields and livestock; it is a massive economic engine. For every farmer, there are dozens of people upstream and downstream whose work makes production possible Manufacturers build tractors, feed mills, fencing, and processing equipment. Truck drivers and logistics workers move grain, livestock, produce, and supplies across the country. Bankers and financial analysts provide loans, insurance, and risk‑management tools. Every paycheck earned in these industries ultimately supports the agricultural economy, creating a cycle where each job strengthens the system that feeds the world. As global populations rise and environmental pressures intensify, agriculture will depend even more on the contributions of diverse professions. Innovations in renewable energy, water conservation, biotechnology, engineering, and data science will shape the future of food production. The next breakthroughs will not come from agriculture alone; they will come from collaboration across industries. In this way, every job becomes part of agriculture’s story. Every profession plays a role in feeding families, supporting rural communities, and sustaining the land. Agriculture is not an isolated sector; it is a living system supported by millions of people whose jobs may never take them near a farm. From engineers to educators, from scientists to storytellers, from truck drivers to technicians, every profession contributes to the strength and resilience of agriculture. In the end, agriculture is not just the work of farmers. It is the work of all of us. Related Posts

Back to All Ambassadors 2021 Eddie Holland Joetta Boyd Carol DeLobbe Terry Brown MD Shurley Ervin Chavana

Order your Buck Wall banner before 11:59 PM CST on Sunday, May 19. Buck Wall Deadline Extended! Buck Wall Deadline Extended! Order your Buck Wall banner before 11:59 PM CST on Sunday, May 19. We extended the Buck Wall Banner deadline to Sunday, May 19, before 11:59 PM. We will be printing banners Monday, so don't miss out! Showcase your best bucks at the 2024 National Show, and on our virtual Buck Wall! The banner is yours to keep after the National Show! If you purchased a banner and don't see it on the website, please check your email for your proof, or contact nationalshow@abga.org For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

The Public Speaking contest encourages participants to develop communication skills while sharing knowledge about the Boer goat industry and breed. 2025–2026 Regional and National Public Speaking Topics The Public Speaking contest encourages participants to develop communication skills while sharing knowledge about the Boer goat industry and breed. The Public Speaking Contest builds communication skills and confidence while allowing JABGA youth to share knowledge of the Boer goat industry. Each age division has specific topics that promote leadership, critical thinking, and advocacy for agriculture. Novice and Junior divisions may choose either of their two topics and may use the same one at both Regionals and Nationals. Age Division Time Allotted Topics NOVICE (4 – 7 years old) 2-4 minutes What challenge(s) have you faced with your animal(s) and how did you fix it? What is your favorite part of taking care of your goat? JUNIOR (8 – 12 years old) 3-5 minutes Why is responsibility important when raising livestock and how does it impact you as a breeder and/or showman? What traits do you look for when buying your next goat? i.e. for breeding or showing. INTERMEDIATE (13 – 16 years old) 4-6 minutes Regionals What are major challenges goat breeders face today and how do issues like disease, market trends and environmental factors impact their operations Nationals What are different nutritional needs for goats during their different life stages? i.e. kids, show goats, pregnant/nursing does and market goats. SENIOR (17 – 21 years old) 5-7 minutes Regionals How have advancements in Boer goat genetics and modern breeding techniques impacted the goat industry? Nationals Why is it important for youth involved in agriculture to advocate for the JABGA and the industry in today's digital age and how can they do it effectively? Related Posts Oct 25, 2024 2024 - 2025 Regional Show Series: Public Speaking Topics The Public Speaking contest encourages participants to develop communication skills while sharing knowledge about the Boer goat industry and breed. Oct 11, 2022 2022 - 2023 JABGA Public Speaking Contest Updated rules and topics for the 2022-2023 JABGA Regional Show Series Public Speaking contest.

Ghouls and goblins and goats... oh my! In trick-or-treat spirit, we asked ABGA members to show us their best goat costumes on social media. 2022 Halloween Virtual Costume Parade Ghouls and goblins and goats... oh my! In trick-or-treat spirit, we asked ABGA members to show us their best goat costumes on social media. Ghouls and goblins and goats... oh my! In true trick-or-treat spirit, we asked ABGA members from across the country to show us their best goat costumes on Facebook and Instagram. We want to thank everyone who submitted photos and joined in the Halloween fun. Click on the gallery below to see all of the cute, creative, and clever costumes submissions we received: 2022 Halloween Virtual Costume Parade Photos courtesy of: Cathy Schones Morris, Jessica Shannon Spangler, Amanda Griffith, Kristy Vaughn, Linda Johnson, Nancy Tartaglia, Andrea Luna, Angela and Kevin Manning, Josh Ganoe, Rebecka Knotts, Tracey Jenette LaRue, Laken Stocker-Dahnke. Goats & Goblins 2022 - Princeton, Ind. Photos courtesy of Cindy Dusek. #JABGA #news Related Posts

Jordan has grown up in Richland, Washington where she currently runs a herd of over 100 boer goats. Jordan Jelinek Jordan Jelinek is currently surviving on the Junior American Boer Goat Association Board of Directors, where she is proud to represent Area 1. She just graduated high school a year ahead of schedule to get a head start on her life in the Boer Goat Industry. Jelinek has grown up in Richland, Washington where she currently runs a herd of over 100 boer goats. Her herd, JDJ Farms, includes fullbloods, percentages, and wether genetics. She has shown and sold animals all across the United States; additionally, they have exported animals to Hawaii and the Philippines. While juggling the goat herd, Jordan also breeds Australian Shepherds and is heavily involved in the FFA Organization. This is her second year on the Board of Directors. Outside of the goats, Jordan is currently serving on the Washington FFA State Officer team as the 2024-2025 Reporter. Between her farm and involvement in FFA, her schedule is filled with prepping her animals for shows and breeding while meeting FFA members across the state. Her freshman year she was Washington State’s first place Creed Speaker. So there is no doubt she believes in the future of agriculture. Still unsure of her spot in the agriculture industry, Jordan is interested in taking a deeper look at the process associated with becoming an embryologist after her year of service. Jordan Jelinek can not be more thrilled to explore new parts of the industry and get involved with more youth and members of the organization.

Open PDF document in a new window Code of Ethics The American Boer Goat Association (ABGA), Its Board of Directors, Members, Non-Members and/or Agents are committed to conducting ourselves in a professional manner that does not reflect negatively on themselves or the association.

During the JABGA Junior Board Face-to-Face Meeting in July, the Junior Board passed the JABGA Animal Awards Program! Junior Animal Awards Program During the JABGA Junior Board Face-to-Face Meeting in July, the Junior Board passed the JABGA Animal Awards Program! JABGA JUNIOR ANIMAL AWARDS PROGRAM UPDATE! During the JABGA Junior Board Face-to-Face Meeting in July, the Junior Board passed the JABGA Animal Awards Program! Beginning September 1, 2026, JABGA points will count toward the Junior Animal Award Program! This means junior members can now work toward earning the following awards: 🏆 Junior Ennoblement 🏆 Junior Sire of Merit 🏆 Junior Doe of Excellence Already have JABGA points on your animal? You’re still eligible! If your animal has earned JABGA points prior to September 1, 2026, those points will still count toward the applicable Junior Animal Award. You do not have to start over with points earned after September 1. IMPORTANT: The qualifications for the JABGA Junior Animal Awards are different from the current ABGA requirements. Please review the JABGA rules carefully to make sure your animal meets the qualifications for the award you are applying for. See Program Rules HOW TO APPLY Once your animal meets the applicable qualifications: Once your animal meets the applicable qualifications: 1️⃣ Complete the appropriate award application form. 2️⃣ Provide payment of the $20 processing fee. 3️⃣ Submit your completed application and payment to shows@abga.org or mail@abga.org to start your work order. Junior Ennoblement Form Junior Sire of Merit Form Junior Doe of Excellence Form 📬 AWARD PROCESSING All awards will be processed and sent out at the beginning of each month for awards earned during the previous month. We are excited to give our junior members even more opportunities to recognize their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments in the Boer goat industry! Related Posts Aug 12, 2026 Small Changes, Bigger Opportunities: 2026-2027 Loud & Proud Regional Show Series By: Maddie Reis, JABGA President Mar 19, 2026 2026 JABGA Board of Director Candidates Get to know your candidates running for JABGA Board of Directors.

Back to All Ambassadors 2018 Bob Duke

Back to All Ambassadors 2026 Lary Duncan Lary Duncan was a true ambassador of the Boer Goat breed. Whether it be as a breeder, fitter, mentor, or CEO, Lary influenced everyone he came in contact with and was a true innovator and leader for the industry. Alongside his brother Gary and sister-in-law Sandy, he founded Able Acres Boer Goats, which grew into one of the most respected herds in the nation. Never content with good enough, he even developed his own line of goat feed for Show-Rite - a formula that continues to be sold today and likely still carries a bit of Lary's trademark precision. Lary served as CEO of the American Boer Goat Association from 2015-2020. His leadership, vision, and persistence helped elevate the organization to new heights and his influence is still felt to this day. He was a man of immense intelligence, drive, and loyalty - one who expected excellence from himself and those around him. Yet beneath that pursuit of perfection was a dry wit, a generous spirit, and love for his family, his animals, and his community.

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

Madison Reis currently serves as the Reporter for the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA). Reis spent much of her childhood entrenched in agriculture and showing alongside her parents and grandparents in California. Madison Reis Madison Reis currently serves as the President for the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA). She is a senior at California State University: Chico and will be graduating with a bachelor’s degree in animal science: Production & Operations with plans to pursue a career in reproduction within the livestock industry. She would like to focus on genetics, artificial insemination, semen collection, and embryo transfer. Reis spent much of her childhood entrenched in agriculture and showing alongside her grandparents in California. When her grandfather moved into the goat industry shortly before her birth, it was only natural that Reis would take up breeding, raising, and showing registered Boer goats when the time came. In addition to goats, Reis has also shown beef cattle in 4-H. Outside of showing, Reis served as President of her local 4-H club. She has also served one term as the Vice President and Reporter of JABGA. She enjoys spending her free time outdoors, at concerts, or making Dutch Bros runs! As President, Reis is excited to help JABGA build more benefits for its members, and to continue creating a welcoming and invested organization for current and future members.