Back to All Ambassadors 2017 The Ryals Family

Back to All Ambassadors 2025 Roger McSwain I am deeply humbled to be selected as the 2025 Ambassador of the Breed. This award is truly the highest honor anyone in this industry could receive. Like those who have achieved this before me, I am very grateful to my peers for bestowing this prestigious distinction upon me. My wife Jennifer and I own and operate RM Ranch in Cherryville, North Carolina. I have been raising Boer goats and operating this ranch for the last 30 years. My family has been farming the surrounding area since the late 1800's. My father raised Limousin cattle on this very farm and taught me quite a lot as a child about breeding and genetics. In the late 1980s and early 90s I competed in training and showing horses until moving to a species that my two children, Chris and Amber, could participate with. I purchased the first set of Boer goats after my children were old enough to start showing livestock in 1995 from Jack Mauldin I was fortunate to meet Anton Ward in 1998 at the first show I attended, the North Carolina State fair in Raleigh. Anton was instrumental in my earliest understanding of the various aspects of breeding and raising Boer goats. He also introduced me to the various techniques involved in advanced reproduction. Since then, I have been actively participating in advanced reproductive technologies. I was fortunate enough to perform many of these with great pioneers in embryo transfer in the Boer goat’s breed like John and Jackie Edwards. In an effort to further my formal education in the breed, I decided to attempt to pass as a certified judge. I was extremely fortunate to be 1 of 38 people who trained and tested, to become certified judges, under the South African Judges. When I say fortunate, I mean I was one of only three people, from that group of 38, who graduated with a judging license in 2001. Since then, I was lucky to judge shows all over the country including majors such as the Fort Worth Stock show in 2015. In 2012 I traveled internationally to judge goats in Quebec Canada. In 2006 I traveled to South Africa and attended their national show. I also visited various farms where I saw the birthplace of the modern-day Boer goat. It was on these farm tours that I was able to visit Lukas Burger’s farm and see the animals used to create the last imports of frozen embryos sent to the United States. Many of the offspring from those were sent to the Powell-Holman Farm in Texas in 2007. I would later be fortunate enough to acquire some of those foundation genetics for my own herd. One of the most rewarding parts of my Boer goat journey has been the opportunity to learn from many great breeders. Some of which are true ambassadors of the Boer goat breed. Beyond that, the chance to give back, to teach and mentor new breeders has been extremely satisfying to me. Whether their goals are in the show ring, breeding, or understanding breed standards and judging conformation it is truly rewarding to help others succeed in their own Boer goat journey. “Success is shaped by those you surround yourself with. Everything we’ve achieved—whether in production, the show ring, or the sale ring—has been made possible by the support and guidance of others. Many individuals have helped forge our path, and for that, we’re truly grateful.”

You play a crucial role in ensuring that the highest standards are met when it comes to evaluating and awarding exhibitors. Thank You, Judges! Thank You, Judges! You play a crucial role in ensuring that the highest standards are met when it comes to evaluating and awarding exhibitors. Thank you to our esteemed National Show Judges. You play a crucial role in ensuring that the highest standards are met when it comes to evaluating and awarding exhibitors. We appreciate your expertise. ABGA NATIONAL OPEN SHOW Sammy Lerena, MaKayla Richardson Burns, and Anton Ward. JABGA NATIONAL SHOW Terry Burks, Nick Hammett, and Josh Stephans JABGA Bred and Owned National Show and Breeding Showmanship Tom and Jackie Redden JABGA National Market Show, Commercial Doe Show, and Market Showmanship Ryan Rash Meat Goat Evaluation Live Class: JD Harmon Carcass Class: Donnie Brewer For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

Boer Goat Nation, hosted by Drew Williams and Jason Brashear, is a podcast designed to promote the Boer goat breed, the industry, and the hard-working people that make the industry great. Boer Goat Nation is broadcast via Facebook Live every Tuesday night at 7:00 PM CST. Boer Goat Nation, hosted by Drew Williams, is a podcast designed to promote the Boer goat breed, the industry, and the hard-working people that make the industry great. Boer Goat Nation is broadcast via Facebook Live every Tuesday night at 7:00 PM CST. You can find them on Facebook HERE. In an effort to improve communication and open engagement with nearly 10,000 ABGA members and industry partners, the ABGA Board of Directors is excited to be partnering with Boer Goat Nation. The Board of Directors has committed to participating in the podcast once a month to share updates and progress within ABGA and JABGA and share highlights from our published minutes from the monthly meetings of the Board of Directors. You can watch the monthly updates below. Jan 27, 2026 ABGA Board of Directors Applications Now Open Watch the Podcast Dec 6, 2023 ABGA on Boer Goat Nation - Winter Face-to-Face Recap Watch the Podcast Jul 25, 2023 ABGA on Boer Goat Nation - July 25, 2023 Watch the Podcast Jul 17, 2023 ABGA on Boer Goat Nation - Summer Face-to-Face Recap Watch the Podcast Jul 11, 2023 ABGA on Boer Goat Nation - July 11, 2023 Watch the Podcast May 30, 2023 ABGA on Boer Goat Nation - May 30, 2023 Watch the Podcast Mar 28, 2023 ABGA on Boer Goat Nation - March 28 Watch the Podcast Feb 28, 2023 ABGA on Boer Goat Nation - Feb. 28th Watch the Podcast Dec 21, 2022 ABGA on Boer Goat Nation - Dec. 20 Watch the Podcast Dec 14, 2022 ABGA on Boer Goat Nation - Dec. 13 Watch the Podcast Nov 16, 2022 ABGA on Boer Goat Nation - Nov. 15 Watch the Podcast

Meet Lizzie Hefner, a 17-year-old Boer goat enthusiast from Indiana, dedicated to youth leadership and community involvement. Lizzie Hefner Hi, I’m Lizzie Hefner, and I’m 17 years old from Lebanon, Indiana, where I live with my dad, Brian (who has probably stopped you at one point), and my younger sister, Addy. I’ve been showing Boer goats for six years and have been a member of the Indiana Boer Goat Association (IBGA) for five years. As an IBGA Ambassador, I love promoting the Boer goat industry and being involved in the community that has given me so much. I’m especially passionate about helping and serving the next generation of youth in the industry, sharing my knowledge and experiences to encourage their success. I’m also very active in leadership roles. I serve as the President of my 4-H club in Boone County, where I'm entering my ninth year as a member, and I’m the Lebanon FFA Chapter Reporter. Additionally, I’m a member of the National Honor Society (NHS) and am involved in both student and class council at Lebanon High School. When I’m not working on my academics or extracurriculars, you can usually find me in the barn, where my passion for the livestock industry truly shines.

Meet National Show Barn Superintendent, Elizabeth Westfall Elizabeth Westfall Elizabeth Westfall Meet National Show Barn Superintendent, Elizabeth Westfall My name is Elizabeth Westfall, and I reside in Vincennes, IN, with my husband, Zach, and son, Colton. I have worked in public safety and government for the last 20 years. I currently work for the Indiana State Department of Health as a financial analyst, Good Samaritan Hospital as a grant coordinator, and Vincennes University as a professor of Homeland Security. As you can tell from that last statement, I enjoy staying busy and am dedicated to helping others. Our farm has been raising Boer goats for the last five years, and we have grown from a 4-H project of 2 goats to over 35 goats. One of my passions is helping youth and providing education. This year, I was fortunate enough to assist with the inaugural Goat Con event in Indiana, which provided education and training to over 200 participants through the Indiana Boer Goat Association. I am currently volunteering as a co-youth coordinator for the organization. In 2023, I assisted with the ABGA/JABGA National Show, where I contributed to organizing vendors, the invitational sale, and working with facility management. This year, I will be enhancing my contribution to the event as the Barn Superintendent, a role I am honored to serve in for 2024. I'm excited about the upcoming ABGA/JABGA National Show in Louisville, KY. I want to make this an excellent experience for all exhibitors and their families. Nationals is a great time for all of us to come together as an industry and celebrate our accomplishments. I encourage everyone to reflect on what it took to get here and make it an excellent event for everyone involved. For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

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

ABGA has blocked off hotel rooms for 2024 National Show exhibitors and attendees. Book your hotel rooms today! Lodging and Accommodations Lodging and Accommodations ABGA has blocked off hotel rooms for 2024 National Show exhibitors and attendees. Book your hotel rooms today! ABGA has blocked off hotel rooms for 2024 National Show exhibitors and attendees. Book your hotel rooms today, because they will go fast! Be sure to let your hotel know you're there for the 2024 ABGA & JABGA National Show. Hotel Location Phone # Website Dates Available Book By: Comfort Suites 6535 Paramount Park Dr., Louisville, KY, 40213 502-315-8085 Website 6/7/24-6/16/24 May 6, 2024 SpringHill Suites Louisville Airport 820 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY, 40209 502-361-9009 Website 6/6/24-6/17/24 May 16, 2024 Tru by Hilton Louisville Airport 810 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY, 40209 502-792-8800 Website 6/7/24-6/16/24 May 16, 2024 Residence Inn by Marriot - Louisville Airport 700 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY, 40209 502-363-8800 Website 6/7/24-6/16/24 May 16, 2024 Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Airport 2735 Crittenden Drive, Louisville, KY, 40209 502-637-2424 Website 6/7/24-6/16/24 May 7, 2024 For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

The objective of this contest is to gain the ability to work with a team to enhance the show ring performance of the groomed animal. Adult Fitting Competition Adult Fitting Competition The objective of this contest is to gain the ability to work with a team to enhance the show ring performance of the groomed animal. Adult Fitting Competition Saturday Night June 8th Open to anyone $150 for each 2 person team Half of the proceeds go to JABGA, other half go to winning team. People’s choice will also be awarded! Rules: The objective of this contest is to gain the ability to work with a team to enhance the show ring performance of the groomed animal. Each team will consist of no more than TWO INDIVIDUALS. Each team will be responsible for bringing a goat to use in the competition. Animals can be pre-clipped and need to be washed and dried, but no products are allowed on the animal upon entering the competition. All animals will be checked for products before entering the competition area. Each team must provide their own fitting equipment. Once the contest begins, no team member may leave the area and no additional equipment may be brought into the fitting area. All team members and equipment must be in place at least 5 minutes prior to the start of the contest. Each team will be allowed 20 minutes to fit their animal. ALL FITTING TECHNIQUES MUST BE WITHIN THE ACCEPTED PRACTICES OF THE AMERICAN BOER GOAT ASSOCIATION’S SANCTIONED SHOW RULES. Judge will circulate and question participants during the 30 minutes. Points will be awarded as follows: Ability to fit- 25 points. Participation of each team member - 10 points. Organization of supplies & equipment - 5 points. Overall effect - 5 points. Knowledge & response to questions - 5 points. For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

Stay tuned for more information... View Regional Show Rules View Skill-a-thon Study Guide + more 📍 Location: Rolling Hills Equestrian Center: Corning, CA 📅 Dates: March 13 - 15, 2026 🤠 Judges: Jason Brashear (Breeding) Catherine Riley (Market) 📄 Show Secretary: Jaelynn Namio 📧 Email: jaelynn@abga.org 📞 Phone: 325-222-8280

Tentative Schedule 2026 Tentative Schedule 2026 Tentative Schedule Tentative Schedule The 2026 National Show Schedule subject to change. Make your plans to join us for “The Great Safari” in Grand Island this summer! View Schedule For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

Your dedication and effort was invaluable to our team. Thank You, Interns! Thank You, Interns! Your dedication and effort was invaluable to our team. Thank you, interns, for your incredible hard work and long hours. Your dedication and effort was invaluable to our team. For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org