Junior American Boer Goat Association member concentrating. Join JABGA The future of the Boer goat industry in is vested in the youth who are willing to dedicate their time to the production and/or exhibition of Boer goats. To ensure new Junior American Boer Goat Association members have an active adult member listed as their agent, the fillable JABGA New Junior Member Application pdf form must be filled out and emailed to mail@abga.org . JABGA New Junior Member Application .pdf Download PDF • 304KB Save the application to your computer or mobile device, fill and email to mail@abga.org, or print and mail to 4258 South Jackson St. San Angelo, Texas 76903 . #JABGA

Bookkeeper - ABGA Bookkeeper Sheila Richardson Born and raised in Texas, Sheila Richardson loves colloquial sayings, continuous learning, and Texas history. Her daughter Jessica and her son Jacob bring her the greatest joy in life. She spent twenty plus years in the metroplex where she earned both an Associate’s and Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Administration and Human Relations. Most of her career she worked in the IT arena as the Office Manager. Her responsibilities included managing a staff of 130 employees, full-charge accounting, and Human Resources. Currently, Sheila is the Bookkeeper at ABGA. Hobbies include crafting, decorating, gardening, continuous learning, and spending time with her family. < Back Sheila Richardson Bookkeeper Email All work orders must be submitted to mail@abga.org , or through our Contact page .

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​Goat meat has grown in popularity in the US thanks to ethnic markets which center their goat consumption around religious holidays. Holiday Goat Meat Marketing Calendar Goat meat has grown in popularity in the US thanks to ethnic markets which center their goat consumption around religious holidays. Holiday Religion 2025 2026 2027 Chinese New Year Jan 29 Feb 17 Feb 6 Eid ul-Adha - Festival of the Sacrifice Muslim June 6 - 7 May 27 - 30 May 16 - 19 Muharramm/Hajra - Islamic New Year Muslim June 26 - 27 June 16 June 5 Mawlid al-Nabi - Prophet's Birthday Muslim Sept 4 - 5 Aug 25 Aug 14 Ramadan - Month of Fasting Muslim Feb 28 - Mar 29 Feb 17 - Mar 18 Feb 7 - Mar 8 Eid ul-Fitr - Festival of Fast Breaking Muslim Mar 30 - 31 March 19 - 20 March 9 - 10 Pesch (Passover) Jewish April 12 - 20 April 1 - 9 April 21 - 29 Rosh Hashanah Jewish Sept 22 - 24 Sep 11 - 13 Oct 1 - 3 Chanukkah Jewish Dec 14 - 22 Dec 4 - 12 Dec 24 - Jan1 Western (Roman) Easter Christian April 4 April 5 March 28 Easter Orthodox (Greek) Easter Christian April 20 April 12 May 2 Christmas (Western) Christian Dec 25 Dec 25 Dec 25 Epiphany, Feast of the Nativity Christian Jan 6 Jan 6 Jan 6 Many goat producers have succeeded in targeting various ethnic markets by planning their production and breeding schedules around specific religious holidays. The traditions of these holidays vary widely between different religious belief systems and can affect the preferred size, weight, sex, and harvesting method of the animals usually consumed. The holiday calendar below is a great resource for producers to plan the breeding and sale of specific animal groups for slaughter at auction or directly to the consumer. Dependent on the number of days within each religious year, the actual timing of these holidays may shift from year to year. Here’s a guide to the preferred size, weight, sexes, and animals preferred at each holiday (courtesy of Ohio State University and Cornell University ). Christian Holidays Western/Roman Easter: Preferred: Milk-fed goat kids weighing 20-40 lbs Acceptable: Milk-fed goat kids weighing 40-50 lbs Less Acceptable: Milk-fed kids weighing less than 20 lbs Eastern/Greek (Orthodox) Easter: Preferred: Milk-fed goat kids weighing 25-50 lbs Christmas: Preferred: Milk-fed goat kids weighing 50 lbs and under Islamic Holidays Eid ul Adha – The Festival of Sacrifice: Preferred: Unblemished yearling goat kids weighing 60-80 lbs Acceptable: Unblemished yearling goat kids weighing 60-100 lbs Muharram – Islamic New Year: Preferred: Goat kids with milk teeth weighing 60 lbs Acceptable: Goat kids with milk teeth weighing 40-120 lbs Acceptable: unblemished older animals No preference is given to intact or castrated male kids Ramadan: Preferred: Goat kids with milk teeth weighing 60 lbs Acceptable: Goat kids with milk teeth weighing 40-120 lbs Acceptable: unblemished older animals No preference is given to intact or castrated male kids Eid al Fitr – The Breaking of the Ramadan Fast: Preferred: Goat kids with milk teeth weighing 60 lbs Acceptable: Goat kids with milk teeth weighing 40-120 lbs Acceptable: unblemished older animals No preference is given to intact or castrated male kids Jewish Holidays Chanukah: Preferred: Young milk-fed goat kids Strategic Goat Production: Aligning Breeding with Ethnic Market Demands and Religious Holidays Optimize goat production for ethnic markets by aligning breeding with religious holidays for better sales and consumer targeting. Meat and Marketing Related Posts & Updates Oct 4, 2025 USDA Quarterly Grass Fed Lamb and Goat Report View the USDA National Quarterly Grass Fed Lamb and Goat Report. Read More Sep 2, 2022 Goat From Farm to Table With the growing popularity of Caribbean and Indian cuisine in America, goat meat is finding its way into many more recipes. Read More May 13, 2022 Nutrition of Meat Goats Nutrition of Meat Goats. A study by Dr. David Fernandez and Dr. Chelsey Ann Ahrens of University of Arkansas. Read More

- For youth under 21, the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) is devoted to helping the youth reach their desired potential through education, leadership, scholarship programs, and exhibition opportunities at National, Regional, and Junior Sanctioned Shows. No bio here... < Back JABGA Email All work orders must be submitted to mail@abga.org , or through our Contact page .

Only Purebred and Fullblood Boer goats are eligible for ennoblement. ENNOBLEMENTS 10883245 FAA TROUBLE IN VEGAS Doe 9/30/25 Caitlyn Mitchell George & Kory Mitchell 10859942 RICHARDSONS WIZARD OF OZ Buck 9/26/25 Chris, Joyce & Makayla Richardson Chris, Joyce & Makayla Richardson 10935189 ALLI3 TOMMY BOY Buck 9/23/25 Allison Bloedel Allison Bloedel 10939503 AWS1 HOLLYWOOD NIGHTS Buck 9/23/25 Paul & Crystal Roberts Jesse Stover 10892517 MADI/TRV DIRTY VELMA Doe 9/18/25 Trevor & Maddie Clemens Trevor & Maddie Clemens 10956692 MADI-TRV JCKN HALF BAKED Buck 9/18/25 Trevor & Maddie Clemens Trevor & Maddie Clemens and Jason Coin 10958312 MEML HIGH ROLLER Buck 9/18/25 Dana Childers, Cary heyward and David Armstrong Victory Smith 10933322 MADI-TRV BIG OLLY Buck 9/18/25 Trevor & Maddie Clemens Trevor & Maddie Clemens 10909128 PINE BANK L2710 WILD RIDE Doe 9/17/25 Timothy, Arlan, & Becky Humble Timothy, Arlan & Becky Humble 10947790 LUCKY FARMS BOERS GATLING Buck 9/17/25 Brian Clark Matt Loudenbeck 10932428 2M BOER GOATS QUEEN OF THE PARTY Doe 9/17/25 Austin Pope Paul & Kim Morgan 10803494 BOOT JACK BOERS SEE NORA 02J Doe 9/10/25 Theresa Hurtgen Theresa Hurtgen Reg. # Goat's Name Sex Award Date Owner Breeder Load More One of the goals of the first ABGA Board of Directors was to implement a program to recognize the best of the best. Policies and procedures for the Ennobled Herdbook were drafted in 1995 and approved in 1996. Subsequent Boards and several committees labored for another two years to develop the current criteria and procedures for the Ennobled Herdbook. In 2004, ABGA added the Non-Traditional classification to recognize animals that do not meet the color requirements of a Traditional animal. Only Purebred and Fullblood Boer goats are eligible for ennoblement. Those which attain registration into the Ennobled Herdbook provide breeders with visual definitions of the Breed Standards as adopted by the American Boer Goat Association. The Ennoblement program is meant to provide a direction and an incentive for the continual improvement and growth of the Boer goat.

The superintendents' efforts are critical to the daily operation and overall success of the show. Thank You, Superintendents! The superintendents' efforts are critical to the daily operation and overall success of the show. We extend a massive thank you to our hardworking National Show Superintendents! It's essential to acknowledge and appreciate the significant role they play in ensuring the smooth running of the event. The superintendents' efforts are critical to the daily operation and overall success of the show. Thank you for all your hard work! Wade Rogers, Kensey Cobb, Jesse Kimmel, & Elizabeth Westfall For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

The American Boer Goat Association and UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) celebrate 10 years of successful partnership. To enhance breeding programs, ABGA transitions to advanced SNP analysis, leveraging UC Davis VGL's expertise in modern genetic technologies. DNA The American Boer Goat Association and UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) celebrate 10 years of successful partnership. Over 29,000 Boer goats have been DNA tested using STR technology. To enhance breeding programs, ABGA transitions to advanced SNP analysis, leveraging UC Davis VGL's expertise in modern genetic technologies. What's New Request DNA Testing Sample Collection + shipping Transitioning to SNP DNA FAQ What's New As of September 1, 2021, all DNA is voluntary. DNA Voucher Program Update In January 2025, the BOD approved giving members a one-time $50 voucher to be used for SNP DNA testing as part of the $100,000 that is designated for DNA programs. The vouchers were to be used by July 1, 2025, with the board re-evaluating the voucher program and use of the remaining funds during the Summer Face-to-Face Meeting. During this meeting, the ABGA Board of Directors tabled the use of vouchers and remaining funds until further evaluation of the best use of these funds can be determined. We appreciate the participation and interest shown by our members and will continue to keep you informed on future decisions regarding DNA testing support. Watch our DNA FAQ with DNA Chairman Paige Gunderson, DNA Co-chair Kyle Tate, Executive Director Caleb Boardman, and ABGA staff & DNA Coordinator Jaelynn Reyes. Watch now All pending STR tests will need to be fulfilled by April 1, 2024. This is for those that submitted a request for DNA testing but have not sent a sample to UC Davis. If you already have an STR test on file, you can upgrade to an SNP test without needing to submit a new hair sample, provided there is enough sample available for retesting. However, if the sample is degraded or insufficient for additional testing, a new sample will be required. In such cases, the labs will notify you accordingly. Turnaround time can vary depending on the sample volume of the laboratory, the quality of the sample submitted and if repeat testing has to be performed. Typically, from the time the laboratory receives the sample until the parentage is reported it takes around 10-14 business days. Delays can also occur if the sample volume for testing is low as samples need to be processed 24 at a time. ABGA is offering $5 off the next 192 SNP and/or SNP & STR combo tests. Take advantage of this limited-time opportunity to verify and strengthen your herd’s genetics! SNP Test $62 $57 Per Animal SNP is often referred to as “snip.” This newer and more modern type of marker analysis is currently used in today’s industry and genetic market. When a sample is tested with SNPs, there are roughly 200 markers that the lab views to compare with another animal’s markers to determine parent verification. This allows differentiation between full-sibling parents during verification that STR testing could not do. SNP + STR Test $96 $91 Per Animal Parent Qualification requires the parent to be SNP tested. If your offspring's parents were tested prior to February 2025, you must upgrade the parents test to the updated SNP technology or request the STR & SNP combo for your requested offspring. Request DNA Testing Identification All goats' DNA tested through ABGA must be registered, and have ABGA identification such as their name and identifying marks, tattoos, or microchip number. Parent Qualification If you are requesting parent qualification, check Yes under the question Are you requesting Parent Qualification, and complete the Sire and/or Dam name and registration number. Processing Time UC Davis will email your DNA Sample Instructions to your email address within three (3) business days of ONLINE and/or mailed submission to ABGA. If you did not provide an email address, the DNA Sample Instructions will be mailed to you. If you do not receive your DNA Sample Instructions within 3 business days, CHECK YOUR JUNK EMAIL. If it is not there, contact the ABGA office at (325) 486-2242, or email dna@abga.org . UC Davis will process SNP samples once they have fulfilled the 24-sample requirement. Once the SNP Chip is run and no additional testing is needed, please allow 8-10 business days to process and submit the results report to ABGA. Request SNP Testing Download Printable Form Sample Collection & Shipping Hair Hair root from coarse, longer hair often found over withers, chest, rump, tail, back of hind leg, poll, or fetlock is the preferred sample type for goats. 01 Clean (use comb if possible) by removing all loose hair and foreign matter. 02 Use fingers or pliers to grasp approximately 8-10 hairs close to the skin and pull. Pull (do NOT cut) hair strands. Examine the end of hair strands for presence of root bulbs. Hair roots are necessary for DNA testing. If the majority of hair strands lack the root bulbs, discard hair and start again. 03 Repeat until you have approximately 50-60 hairs with root follicles attached. 04 Place the 50-60 hairs with root follicles attached in a paper envelope and seal with the animal’s name, registration number, and your name written on the envelope 05 Repeat steps 1-4 for each additional animal being sampled. Note: Hair should be dry. If hair has excess dirt and debris, please brush out if possible before pulling hairs for sample. Do not cut the hair! The roots contain the DNA for testing. When sampling several animals in the same session, make sure that there are no hair strands in your hands to reduce the possibility of sample contamination. Clean hands and/or pliers if possible. Blood 01 UC Davis accepts blood collected on blood cards or whole blood in an EDTA tube. 02 If you are sending an EDTA tube, please include at least 3 mL of whole blood in and EDTA purple top, and ship overnight. Avoid shipping over weekends and holidays. 03 Label tubes and blood cards with the animal's name and registration number. Semen 01 Semen straws do not need to kept frozen for shipping, but should be shipped with a cold pack and protected similar to a vaccine. 02 Label your straw with the animal's name and registration number. 03 Store the semen straw(s) in a Ziploc type baggie to prevent leaks, and ship in a box to prevent damage to your sample(s). 04 Place the printed bar-coded submission form inside the box with your sample(s), and ship to the address provided to you in your email from UC Davis. Genetic Improvement SNP testing helps identify genetic markers associated with desirable traits such as milk production, growth rate, and disease resistance. This information can be used to select and breed goats with superior genetics. Parentage Verification It accurately determines the parentage of goats, which is crucial for maintaining pedigree records and ensuring the integrity of breeding programs. STR cannot differentiate between twins, or flush mates, while SNP can. Genetic Diversity SNP testing provides insights into the genetic diversity within and between goat populations. This is important for conservation efforts and for maintaining a healthy gene pool. Disease Resistance By identifying genetic variations linked to disease resistance, SNP testing can help in breeding goats that are more resilient to certain diseases, reducing the need for medical interventions. Economic Benefits Improved genetic selection can lead to higher productivity and better-quality products (e.g. meat), which can enhance the profitability of goat farming. Research and Development SNP data contributes to scientific research, helping to understand the genetic basis of various traits and improving breeding strategies. Transitioning to Advanced Genetic Analysis for Better Breeding Outcomes Beginning February 1, 2025, all DNA testing will move to a Single-nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) analysis, commonly pronounced as “snip.” The American Boer Goat Association has been in partnership with UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) for 10 years. Since our contract began, UC Davis VGL has tested and stored data and physical samples for over 29,300 ABGA animals using Short Tandem Repeat (STR) testing. To better serve our member’s breeding programs, the ABGA Board agreed to transition forward to a more comprehensive DNA analysis. SNP analysis represents a modern and advanced type of marker analysis widely utilized in today’s genetic industry and market, and UC Davis VGL has been an expert in SNP testing since the 1990s. While the current STR testing is satisfactory for parentage testing, SNP testing offers many more benefits including more accurate parentage verification and opportunities for future research to determine genomic predictors of tested animals. Benefits of SNP Testing DNA FAQ Is DNA mandatory? Per rule 801: As of September1, 2021, DNA testing will be on a voluntary basis. However, DNA testing must be requested and processed through the ABGA office to be eligible for use with ABGA registration. There may eventually be requirements for A.I. Sires, Walking Sires, Donor Dams, and A.I./E.T. kids, but no timeline has been established for DNA to be required at this time. What is the difference between STR and SNP, and why do we need to use SNPs now? STR (Short Tandem Repeat) analysis are markers that have been historically used to perform parentage verification. When a sample is tested with STR analysis, are compared to those of the parents to verify. SNP (Single-nucleotide Polymorphism) is often referred to as “snip.” It is a different type of marker that can also be used for parentage verification. When a sample is tested using SNPs, there are several hundred to thousands of places in the DNA that are assayed, and these are compared between offspring and parents. In addition, SNP collects over 70,000 different autosomal markers. Why was this DNA plan developed? Testing with SNPs provides for the opportunity to capture more information on each animal than was historically performed with STR testing. This may help to resolve cases of closely related individuals and may also help to build a database to allow further research and enable additional genetic/genomic selection tools If the ABGA elects to start developing expected progeny differences (EPDs)EPD’s, combining these with SNP data will provide a more accurate prediction of the animal's genetic potential. This plan was also developed to adopt technologies and build tools used throughout the livestock industry. The goal is to constantly improve Boer goat’s place in the industry and be able to provide more comprehensive and accurate information to our customers that allows them to be more confident in purchasing decisions. Our goal is to serve all our ABGA members and Boer Goat breeders. We welcome any questions so that we can help and advise you on the best plan for your operation. For more information contact dna@abga.org . What is ABGA doing to support the transition from STR to SNP for members? ABGA allocated $100,000 for the transition from STR to SNP testing. ABGA initially offered a $50 voucher to the first 2,000 members who applied to subsidize the costs of SNP tests. Each membership was limited to one $50 voucher, which had to be used before July 1, 2025. The BOD is currently re-evaluating the best use of the remaining funds. As new information or programs are released, we will continue to update the membership. If my sire/dam was already DNA typed with STR, do I still need to upgrade to SNP? Currently, when a sample is submitted for genotyping or parent verification, it will be tested for a panel of SNP markers. If the sire or dam was DNA typed with a STR profile, then they cannot be compared to an animal with a SNP profile, as these are two different types of markers (explained above). If you need parentage on an animal, it would be in your best interest to upgrade parent animals to a SNP profile, if you have not done so already. In 2025, ABGA is offering a voucher of $50 per customer that can be used for any test, including upgrading from STR to SNP profiles, for the first 2000 customers. Will I need to submit a new sample to upgrade from STR to SNP? Possibly. If you have already submitted a sample to UC Davis, it is likely that the sample can be upgraded from STR to SNP if there is enough remaining sample on file to do so. It is possible for samples to degrade over time. If a sample is degraded or there is insufficient sample remaining to do additional testing, a new sample would be required. The labs will send a notification of this if it does become the case. Will there be other markers beyond SNP that I will need to make another transition to in the future? This seems unlikely, given the nature of SNP markers and what we know about the genome of animals. However, technology advances and there may be other methodologies developed to generate the data. Most laboratories are selecting a core set of markers to use moving forward and likely, as technologies change, these markers will remain the same. Is there the possibility that there could be newer, more advanced, even more accurate technology in the future? Yes. But as it currently stands, SNP analysis are the markers and the methodology that is being used, and it appears it will stay that way for the foreseeable future. What does the DNA test do for me? It identifies the specific genotypes of many markers across the DNA of the goat you have tested. It allows for parent verification and future verification of that goat as the parent of any kid(s). It will show on your goat’s registration papers, and on online searches people do, that your goat’s identity is verified and recorded through the DNA test, preserving the integrity of our breed. It will allow you to show your goat’s parentage has been verified, if you have requested parent verification. Will DNA be used for research? Yes. UC Davis retains the right to use all samples stored at the VGL for research. Research and the benefits that it can provide to producers is the main focus of the program for the ABGA. As more members participate in the DNA testing program, this will make meaningful research a reality for our animals for the first time. Who owns the DNA sample? All DNA samples submitted through the registry are considered the registry’s samples, however, all samples are stored at UC Davis VGL, and the VGL retains the right to use any samples stored for research purposes. For contract customer registries like ABGA, the registry has ultimate ownership of the sample. The animal owner ordering the test receives the results of the DNA tests requested on their goats. This gives ABGA members the guarantee that should UC Davis requests to dispose of samples processed through ABGA requests, ABGA can move those samples to another facility so they are still available for research that will benefit all members. Should it matter to me that the ABGA shares ownership of the sample? Yes. It gives you the guarantee that your sample is safe, regardless of what UC Davis may decide in the future. It makes it easier and cheaper for members to DNA test their goats, and verify parentage, if they wish to do that. Who gets a copy of the DNA Report listing the Markers? For contract customer registries, like ABGA, the owner of the goat will receive a copy of the results to be kept with the animal, and the registry receives a copy of the results to be stored in the appropriate registry herd book. Can I get other animals' DNA results? No. Only the owner of the DNA sample can get that information. The member will need to contact the owner of the animal who is also the owner of the DNA to get those results. The DNA test results will stay with the animal. If you purchased an animal that has DNA on file you may request the DNA report per rule 805 “A copy of the official test report will be released to the current owner of record.” Can I submit DNA directly to UC Davis? You can submit directly to UC Davis for your own records, but unfortunately ABGA does not accept DNA results on samples that are submitted directly to UC Davis. UC Davis does not offer SNP testing directly to breeders. You may only request SNP testing through ABGA. Can the test tell me if my goat is a percentage or fullblood? No. With current information available, there is no way to tell what percentage Boer is in a goat. Is there an extra fee for parent verification? No. The ABGA included this service in our price for doing the DNA test. Will I be told who the parents are? Not exactly. You select who the possible parents are and request to verify parentage. Therefore, the results will show if those selected possible parents qualify as parents or if they are excluded as parents. Can I request parent verification of my goat(s) if I don’t own one of the parents? Yes, but only if you verify parentage through ABGA, the parents are registered and have been DNA tested through ABGA. The goat you are verifying parentage of must have some form of an ABGA registration or listing paper number and then all you need is the goat’s parents’ registration numbers to verify the parentage of your goat. If the goat’s parents have not been DNA tested, you would need to order DNA test sample kits on the parents as well as the goat at the same time. If you verify through UC Davis, and/or your goat’s parents have not been DNA tested through ABGA, you must have the VGL Case ID number from their owner. Do I need to keep a sample of the hair? Both UC Davis and ABGA suggest that when you pull a sample to send in for testing, you pull another sample. Place it in an envelope the same way you do the sample you’re sending in and write the identifying information on the envelope. Store it in a DRY, safe place. The best protection of your sample is to leave it in storage at UC Davis where there are documented safeguards in place. Who owns the rights to do research on the sample or sell those rights? A sample by itself is worthless for research. However, UC Davis retains research rights on all samples it houses, whether they come from individual customers or contract customer associations, like the ABGA. The following language is provided to each customer from UC Davis: USE OF DATA. All Research data, including but not limited to, all notebooks, DNA typing protocols, original laboratory records, and any research reports, shall be usable by university in pursuit of its mission of teaching, research and public service. University reserves the right, subject to individual confidentiality requirements, to publish any or all research results developed from such data. Is there an extra fee for a Parentage Data Search? Yes, $5 Can I pay to submit a semen sample if I am not the current owner? Per Rule 802.c “Only the current owner of the animal can request DNA Testing. Written and signed confirmation from the current owner on record or their descendants will be required for the release to test an animal not belonging to the member requesting to test said animal.” Can I pay to move the DNA UC Davis has stored to be SNP tested if I am not the current owner? Per Rule 802.c “Only the current owner of the animal can request DNA Testing. Written and signed confirmation from the current owner on record or their descendants will be required for the release to test an animal not belonging to the member requesting to test said animal.” On 1/14/2025 the board approved to add the following to rule 802.c “If an animal has previously been tested using STR technology, any current or previous owner of that animal may pay to have the DNA transitioned to SNP technology.” What is the timeline for results? Turnaround time can vary depending on the sample volume of the laboratory, the quality of the sample submitted and if repeat testing has to be performed. Typically, from the time the laboratory receives the sample until the parentage is reported it takes around 10-14 business days. Delays can also occur if the sample volume for testing is low as samples need to be processed 24 at a time.

The JABGA Board of Directors proposes the age change be implemented on September 1, 2023. JABGA Age Division Changes The JABGA Board of Directors proposes the age change be implemented on September 1, 2023. Current Junior (4-8 years old) Intermediate (9-13 years old) Senior (14-18 old) Updated Novice (4-7 years old) Junior (8-12 years old) Intermediate (13-16 years old) Senior (17-21 years old) JABGA Board of Directors proposes that the age change be implemented on September 1st, so it would be effective for the start of the 2023-2024 Regional Show Series and all JABGA shows. 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. Jul 21, 2023 Updated JABGA Speech Topics The updated Speech Topics were passed by the JABGA Board of Directors at the 2023 Summer Face-to Face meeting.

The Reasons Behind the Breed Standards by Jada Young Maintaining Breed Integrity The Reasons Behind the Breed Standards by Jada Young Many times, in my show career I have asked myself questions. A substantial amount when I was younger was ‘why some things about our breed are the way they are, and what makes those things so important?’ A few examples of that would be the depth of body on an animal, or the precise hooks and pin set on a doe, or even the breed’s characteristic roman nose? Many of these answers can be dated back to before the Boer Goat was brought over to the United States from South Africa in 1993. When looking for these answers we need to take a step back from the show ring and look at the breed from a production standpoint. Our animals were not always made for the show life. They were used to produce meat for slaughter purposes. The main factor in that production was kidding out does to have more potential babies, or slaughter opportunities. This is where the deep body cavity and hooks to pin set come into play. The deeper flanked a doe is, the more desirable she will be because she has more maternal capabilities. This means she will have more room to carry the babies comfortably to full term. The hooks and pin set also play a vital role in the birth of baby goats. If you have a doe that is too narrow in her rear end, there is a higher chance of babies getting stuck, which is a possibility of lost life. When looking at herd production, you want to continue growing, instead of losing vital members of your herd. The next stage of life for a young kid is to grow to their full potential. When a kid was born many years ago back in South Africa, many farmers looked at their body characteristics to determine how much natural muscling the animals will carry when they are older. The roman nose is believed to signify a strong, broad head which is associated with good meat production. This is how farmers would cull their herds to only keep what they believed would be good meat producers. Next time when you are wondering why some of our breed characteristics are in place, ask a fellow member in hopes of learning some of the history behind our association. It is very important to know why our breed characteristics were instilled in the Boer goat all those years ago in South Africa. Jada Young Junior Board of Directors Area 4 Related Posts Aug 9, 2024 JABGA Member, Baylee Lamb, Recognized by the state of Oklahoma JABGA Bred & Owned Percentage Doe Grand Champion's hard work and dedication pays off! Mar 26, 2022 What National Agriculture Week Means To Me JABGA Board Member, Alaina Blair, reflects on what National Agriculture Week means to her. Feb 28, 2022 JABGA Member Casey Stevens Researches Goat Meat Casey Stevens’ goal is to change the meat goat industry. Check out her award winning research!

The American Boer Goat Association's Payment Center allows members to add funds to their account electronically via credit card. PAYMENT CENTER Payments made using the form below add credit to your account and can take up to three business days to process. Payment received will be applied to your outstanding balance first. Add Credit

The updated Speech Topics were passed by the JABGA Board of Directors at the 2023 Summer Face-to Face meeting. Updated JABGA Speech Topics The updated Speech Topics were passed by the JABGA Board of Directors at the 2023 Summer Face-to Face meeting. The updated Speech Topics were passed by the JABGA Board of Directors at the 2023 Summer Face-to Face meeting. Novice Regionals: What is your favorite part about showing goats? Nationals: What should you do in the show ring? Junior Regionals: What is the importance of building a bond with your show goat? Nationals: How do you decide what buck to breed your does to? Intermediate Regionals: How can barn/pen construction affect your animals? Nationals: Why/ Why not is record keeping important for the care of your herd? Senior Regionals: What is the importance of a balanced feeding program for your herd? Nationals: Pick a biosecurity issue and how would you overcome it in your herd. 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. Jul 21, 2023 JABGA Age Division Changes The JABGA Board of Directors proposes the age change be implemented on September 1, 2023. Oct 11, 2022 2022 - 2023 JABGA Public Speaking Contest Updated rules and topics for the 2022-2023 JABGA Regional Show Series Public Speaking contest.