Search this site

Regional Show Speech Topics Announced 2026-2027 JABGA Regional Speech Topics Regional Show Speech Topics Announced Related Posts

American Boer Goat Association Secretary, Zach Westfall Back to Board of Directors Zach Westfall Region 8 Email Zach Westfall currently serves as the appointed interim director for Region 8 (formerly Region 9). Zach has had livestock for over 30 years, from working on a cattle farm and cultivating alfalfa fields when he was younger to raising sheep, pigs, and goats on his family farm. Zach has been a proud public servant for the last 20 years in the fire service and law enforcement. He is a captain for the Vincennes City Fire Department. As an administrator, Zach has experience in public policy, project management, grant oversight, investigations, and personnel management. Previous Director Next Director

The Boer goat industry faces challenges like breeding for quality, disease management, and labor commitment. Despite these, the rewards are immense. By Alaina Blair Overcoming Obstacles in the Industry The Boer goat industry faces challenges like breeding for quality, disease management, and labor commitment. Despite these, the rewards are immense. By Alaina Blair There are many obstacles and challenges that affect the Boer goat industry as a whole. These hurdles vary, and some are unforeseen, they can range from getting started in the industry and networking, having the knowledge and understanding of the breed, finding a support system and a mentor, as well as establishing proper care and nutrition. Even though these challenges can be difficult to navigate at times, they are no comparison to the blessings of being a part of this industry brings. In this article, I will focus on what I feel are the primary obstacles in the Boer goat show industry; the challenge of breeding for both quality and consistency, disease and health management, time and labor commitment, and judging standards and subjectivity. Breeding for desired traits can lead to being successful Breeders are increasingly utilizing genetic testing and performance data to make informed breeding decisions. This not only helps in selecting show-quality characteristics, such as muscle development and size but also ensures the long-term health and vitality of the herd. Solution: Sharing knowledge and collaborating with other breeders is essential to continuing the advancement of the breed. Disease and Health Management Like all livestock industries, Boer goat breeders face the constant challenge of managing diseases and parasites that can affect the health of their goats. While Boer goats are generally hardy animals, stress from showing, transportation, and environmental changes can compromise their immune systems, making them susceptible to illness. Solution: Prevention is crucial. Regular vaccinations, deworming programs, and maintaining a clean, low-stress environment are essential for keeping goats healthy and show-ready. Breeders are also becoming more proactive in monitoring goat health by conducting regular veterinary checks, which helps catch potential issues before they become major setbacks. Time and Labor Commitment Show preparation is time-consuming and requires a significant investment of both labor and resources. Breeding for high-quality show animals is an ongoing process, and raising them to their peak potential involves careful nutrition, exercise, grooming, and training. This level of commitment can be difficult to sustain, particularly for small-scale breeders with limited resources. Solution: Support networks and mentorship programs can provide guidance and help breeders share the workload. Collaborating with other show participants, pooling resources for shared facilities or equipment, and leveraging social media to build a community around the Boer goat industry can help alleviate some of the pressures faced by breeders. Judging Standards and Subjectivity Another challenge within the Boer goat show industry is the subjectivity of judging. While guidelines exist for evaluating Boer goats, the interpretation of those standards can vary from one judge to another. This can lead to inconsistencies in scoring and some frustration among breeders who feel that their goats were not evaluated fairly. Solution: Education and transparency are key. Judges who are well-versed in the genetics and ideal conformation of Boer goats help to establish a more consistent and fair judging process. Likewise, breeders benefit from understanding the judging criteria and aligning their breeding programs with these standards to increase their chances of success in competitions. Breeders should also consider characteristics that are important to them because at the end of the day, the breeder should be happy with what they are raising and seeing in “their barn”. While the Boer goat show industry faces its share of challenges, the passion and dedication of its participants continue to drive its growth and evolution. By embracing new technologies, staying informed about best practices in animal care, and working together as a community, breeders can overcome obstacles and contribute to the continued success and sustainability of the industry. The Boer goat show world is not without its difficulties, but with perseverance and innovation, success is always within reach. Related Posts Oct 18, 2024 Maintaining Breed Integrity The Reasons Behind the Breed Standards by Jada Young 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.

Region 12 Director, Chuck Fitzwater Back to Board of Directors Rodney Wilson Jr. President, Region 10 Email Born and raised in Georgetown, Delaware, Rodney Wilson Jr. now resides in Montrose, West Virginia, where his passion for agriculture and education continues to thrive. His journey with goats began in 2008 as a 4-H project, eventually evolving into a successful FFA supervised agricultural experience, culminating in earning the prestigious American FFA Degree. Today, Rodney owns and operates Wilson Acres , a family-run operation based in Delaware, managing a herd of approximately 100-head of registered show stock. A solid academic foundation complements his hands-on experience with livestock management. Rodney holds a bachelor's degree from Delaware State University and a master’s degree in Biology with an emphasis in education from Grand Canyon University. Professionally, Rodney serves as the Clinical Coordinator and Nursing Program Technologist at West Virginia Junior College. In this role, he combines his love for education with the opportunity to mentor students as they grow and achieve their goals. Rodney’s passion for the American Boer Goat Association stems from his journey with raising goats, which has fueled his passion for mentoring youth. Rodney believes the goat industry offers unique opportunities for hands-on learning, self-development, and growth, which have deeply influenced his life. His dedication to mentoring youth and fostering self-development within the industry underscores his commitment to the ABGA’s mission. In 2022, Rodney founded the Mid-Atlantic Buckle Series, a collection of eight sanctioned shows designed to spotlight and support youth in the industry, fostering a stronger and brighter future. Recently certified as an ABGA judge, Rodney brings his expertise and enthusiasm to the show ring and beyond. Serving as the Region 12 Director of the ABGA Board of Directors is an honor he deeply values, and he is eager to represent his region with dedication and integrity while contributing to the growth and success of the industry. Previous Director Next Director

Louisville, Kentucky 2025 National Show Results Louisville, Kentucky Filter by Show ABGA JABGA JABGA Bred & Owned JABGA Wether Type 10983118 - JDHN PUBLIC DISTURBANCE Jackson Harman ABGA Overall Grand Champion + Champion Junior Fullblood Buck 10951095 - WINDY ACRES TRAIN STATION Wyatt Stevens ABGA Overall Reserve Grand Champion + Champion Senior Fullblood Buck 10987593 - BMACK POWER DRIVE Bmack Farms ABGA Reserve Champion Junior Fullblood Buck 10958278 - RMA2 CRUISE CONTROL John and Gale Parrish ABGA Champion Yearling Fullblood Buck 10956849 - TKGB KING OF HEARTS Piper Fisher ABGA Reserve Champion Yearling Fullblood Buck 10877502 - TKGB TROUBLESHOOTER Piper Fisher ABGA Reserve Champion Senior Fullblood Buck Trevor & Maddie Clemens ABGA Grand Best Pair of Buck Kids Brandon Leconte ABGA Reserve Best Pair of Buck Kids Trevor & Maddie Clemens ABGA Grand Best Pair of Bucks One Year & Older Locust Haven Farm ABGA Reserve Best Pair of Bucks One Year & Older Amber Schroeder ABGA Grand Best Buck/Doe Pair Jackson Harman ABGA Reserve Best Buck/Doe Pair View All ABGA Results All JABGA Show Results For more information or questions, contact criley@abga.org

The Junior American Boer Goat Association holds a special place in the heart of Jodi Scholl, our JABGA Area 2 Regional Show Secretary. Get To Know JABGA Area 2 Regional Show Secretary The Junior American Boer Goat Association holds a special place in the heart of Jodi Scholl, our JABGA Area 2 Regional Show Secretary. “We all love to help the youth and promote Boer goats.” The Junior American Boer Goat Association holds a special place in the heart of Jodi Scholl, our JABGA Area 2 Regional Show Secretary. “It's where I saw my daughter bloom in her personality and find her niche after a life altering accident,” Jodi explained. “She has now served on the JABGA board for three years. I believe that if we give our youth the tools they need, they will thrive.” That’s exactly what she’s doing with the JABGA Area 2 Regional Show. She said the livestock industry is such a powerful tool to keep kids involved and teaches so much more than showing. The JABGA highlights some of those skills with the contest and activities they do at the regionals and nationals. “We have a great group of friends that help run our shows,” Jodi explained. “We all love to help the youth and promote Boer goats.” While it’s a lot of work, they have a great time doing this, she added. “Life is just more fun when you are around ‘family’,” Jodi said. Along with a group of individuals that helps run her shows, Jodi said she had access to a facility that was not utilized enough. “We thought it would be a great place for an ABGA show, and it just came together the first year,” Jodi explained. “We each took a job that we had strengths with. Mine just happened to be organizing, so that's how I got to be show secretary that I share with Lori Wickman.” That was 5 years ago, and the rest, you could say, is history. “We now have three separate shows that we have turned into a series, The Little Sioux Showdown Triple Crown,” Jodi said. “We try to do something new and different each year. This could not be done without the help of my amazing committee! While she joined the ABGA in 2011 so her daughter could be in the JABGA, Jodi said she’s found opportunities within the ABGA that have helped her operation. She’s also had the chance to get to know so many people. “I have two more children who are starting to really get involved with the JABGA,” Jodi said. “I hope to see the same growth in them as I did my oldest.” This is important to Jodi because she was also raised in the agriculture industry. “I grew up on a family farm where we had a cow calf operation, farrow to finish operation, and row crop,” she added. “I was always outside with my Dad helping with things on the farm. I was involved in FFA during high school.” Some things never change. “My husband and I with our three kids have been highly involved in agriculture,” Jodi said. “We have a small cow calf operation, our son has a small sheep herd, and we have around 100 head of goats at all times. I am still highly involved with my family farm helping my folks with their row crop. I definitely would not want to raise my kids any other way!” Related Posts

Back to All Ambassadors 2023 Randy & Cindy Dusek Lazy S-T Ranch has been a family ranch for over a 100 year. In 1995, we decided to buy goats due to Boer influence on the goat meat market. We started with just a commercial herd of the biggest Spanish does that we could find, and percentage bucks. We needed goats that could cover a lot of ground. The goats needed to have great mothering abilities, cover hundreds of acres, and handle the elements. We gathered goats by horse and four-wheel drive vehicles. When we decided to start a registered herd, we only had a shoestring budget. We could only afford to buy colored goats. Most of the full blood breeders didn’t want the colored goats, or non-traditional as they were known as at this time. In 2003 we attended our first ABGA National Show. Everyone told us not to take those red goats because those South African judges wouldn’t use them. We were very blessed and walked away with the Reserve National pair of Percentage Junior Does, and the Reserve National Percentage Produce of Dam. We have focused on producing quality-colored goats including Red Racer (Ennobled, & 2006 ABGA National Reserve Champion Buck), Red Ryder (Ennobled), Outback Jack (Ennobled), RipChord (Ennobled), Rip Torn (Ennobled), Bon Joli/Lazy S-T Crackerjack (Ennobled), Bon Joli/Lazy S-T Sir Spotsalot (Ennobled), Bon Joli/Lazy S-T Copperhead, and Lazy S-T Coppertox. We have three bucks in the top 100 by progeny points since the beginning of 2023. We have been married for 25 years and have been blessed with three kids, a wonderful daughter-in-law and five grandsons. We couldn’t have done this without our family, friends, and customers. It is such an honor to receive the Ambassador of the Bred Award. We would like to thank everyone that nominated us. The goat industry is a great family. Randy & Cindy Dusek

A boer goat being brushed at an American Boer Goat Association event. JABGA Bylaws The Junior American Boer Goat Association is an affiliate of the American Boer Goat Association and is established under Section 1.4 of the Bylaws of the Association.

Get to know JABGA National Show Judge, Nick Hammett Nick Hammett Nick Hammett Get to know JABGA National Show Judge, Nick Hammett Nick Hammett, along with his wife Rebekah, son Cole, and daughter Lauren, make their home in Ashland, Missouri. Seeking a family activity in the livestock industry, they started as COLA Show Goats in 2013 raising and showing ABGA registered goats around the country. In 2020 they re-branded themselves as Hammett Showstock, focusing on raising wethers and commercial show doe prospects. Nick Hammett After obtaining degrees from the University of Missouri and Colorado State University, Nick has spent his career in the beef industry. Nick currently works for Neogen, marketing beef cattle genomic testing. He particularly enjoys assisting producers in turning data into sustainable and profitable management decisions and hopes to assist the goat industry in developing those same opportunities. Nick Judged the ABGA National Open show in 2018, the National Market and Commercial Doe show in 2021 and the first two ABGA National Carcass contests in 2022 and 2023. For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

Junior American Boer Goat Association board members working at a desk. Scholarship To benefit young people with big dreams and create a positive influence on their future, the ABGA offers scholarships to junior members. The American Boer Goat Association Scholarship Program is designed to encourage the educational enhancement of young Boer goat breeders by awarding annual scholarships. This program is open to any active ABGA or JABGA member, 21 years of age or under, who has been involved in ABGA or JABGA programs. Scholarship Winners 2025 Evangeline Street Kayla Whitman Leah Walters Maddie Boyd Paige Dupps Wyatt Stevens Kiley Hahn Olivia Rosemeyer 2024 Madison Reese Baughman Jacob Christopher Wickard Aleyna Chevonnne Cuttlers Casey Jo Stevens Trell Amoss Hannah Chaffee Rebecca Sullivan Cassie Falley Samantha Sullivan 2023 Avery Holman Haylee Finley Jenna Gronewold Peyton Miller Candice Mitchell Andrew Pontious Maddie Baughman Carly Olson Natalye Scholl 2022 Randall Koke Aidan Bartholomew Ross Rosemeyer Karen Lewis Cecelia Knott Audrey Smith Kate Davis Logan Hollen Thalia Ochoa Katelyn Schaefer Bella Sargent 2021 Camille Darllek Colter Darllek Sarah Rehmeyer Isabella Philips McKenna Blair Levi Dulmes Matthew Sinclair Garin Cooper Cherokee Zarate Coni Ross Memorial Scholarship Emma Poling 2020 Clint Demmitt Eden Basford Emily Acevedo Grace Coulston Lorelei Row Tiffany Sunday Zach Finholdt 2019 Tyler Peterson Jacob Tipton Seth Goodwin Kailee Jo Jones Jaylee Jordan Jaelynn Therring Trey Chavana Emily Acevedo Liv Brusseau Maggie Miller 2018 Allison Binkley Franklin Burner Jeremy Ellis Makenzie Flach Jona Fletcher Samantha Philips Rachel Rolando Morganne Savage Marissa Schultz Nick Smith 2017 Trevor Blagrave Reilly Butler Katelyn Cark Will Cornelius Katelyn Evans Nicole Falk Madison Fenton Heather Hubler Mikayla Wetherell Kylee Zapalac 2016 Cali Harper Carlee Critchelow Dani Mangus Hunter Martin Jenna Jordan Mikayla Winter Paige Pitick Taeah Fisher Trevor Clemens Adam Segura Memorial Scholarship Morgan Bridges 2015 Cheyenne Trammell Noah Teel Nick Pitlick Noah Riding Michael Wetherell Mary Sherrill Mary Kate Harrod Lynsey Rector Kent Hollingworth Cody Wafford Bethany Gochenour 2014 Amy Moran Austin Davis Wyan Overturf Deborah Heth Madessa Huffer-Dye Anna Schmidt Braxton Luchini Kaden Merriman Sara Fielder Kristen Liepold Hunter Tauzen 2013 Amy Moran Austin Davis Wyan Overturf Deborah Heth Madessa Huffer-Dye Anna Schmidt Braxton Luchini Kaden Merriman Sara Fielder Kristen Liepold Hunter Tauzen Adam Segura Memorial Scholarship Evie Gates 2012 Bailey Ann Begherm Alexis Spain Briley Darcy Leanne Brown Ashley Taylor Causey Trevor Malik Corboy Jordan Edward Fledderjohann Paul Bradley Glover Garrett Taylor Hancock Kyla Kalinowski Ross Alesandro Trevino 2011 Alyse Gabrielle Armstrong Tanner Beard Riggs Florence Larissa Liska Cooper Martin Paige Tyne Redifer Justin Alexander Stuart Weston C Tietze Carson Everett Washington Hayden Cole Wyatt Adam Segura Memorial Scholarship Linda Danielle McRae 2003 Courtney Cowden Brown Colin Chance Chopelas Codi M. Bruton Kendra Ann Kallenberger Kevin William Erickson Thomas Jacob Epting

More Goat Meat in America’s Kitchens By Emma Kay Rauschenberg I would like to address the challenge of the low consumption of goat meat in America’s family’s diet. This starts with increasing usage in the home kitchen. In addition to the home kitchen, I believe that goat meat could be brought in more effectively into restaurants supply chain to be included in dishes served there too. Goat meat is a highly nutritious and flavorful meat that has been consumed in large quantities for centuries in many parts of the eastern world. However, in America, it remains a less popular meat compared to beef, pork, and chicken. Even though goat meat has numerous health benefits and is more sustainable than many other types of meat. To continue with its health benefits that many outsides of industry may not know, goat meat is the healthiest choice of all red meats like beef, lamb, or pork. It is a great source of protein, with one 3-ounce serving providing around 25 grams of protein. Goat meat is also low in fat, especially saturated fat, which is associated with an increased risk of heart disease as well as hypertension and kidney disease. Additionally, goat meat contains higher amounts of iron, vitamin B12, and potassium compared to other meats such as chicken and beef. This makes it an excellent choice for people looking to improve their health and nutrition while trying something that is not as popular in our country. Furthermore, goat meat is more sustainable than many other types of meat. Goats are known to be hardy animals that can thrive in harsh environments, and they require less land, water, and feed compared to cattle or hogs. As many of us know goat meat is a more sustainable option, especially in areas where resources are scarce. In addition, goats have a lower carbon footprint compared to cows, which makes them a more environmentally friendly option. Regardless of the numerous benefits of goat meat, it remains less popular in America due to a lack of awareness and availability. Many Americans are not familiar with goat meat and may not know how to prepare it in the kitchen. A point often overlooked, goat meat is not as widely available as beef, pork, or chicken in grocery stores and restaurants. However, this is slowly changing as more people become aware of the health and sustainability benefits of goat meat. One idea for changing the thoughts regarding goat meat is we could look nationwide at creating similar market campaigns such as the Beef Industry did with its “Beef it’s What for Dinner” campaign or the Pork Producers have done with its “Pork the Other White Meat”, I believe we can increase awareness even more. The “Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner” did help per capita beef consumption, so I believe some like this could help goat consumption as well. Increased education and awareness should lead to increase usage in our American kitchen’s. Some of my ideas for getting more visibility is promoting it on television cooking shows such as Iowa Ingredient, illustrated more in cookbooks, increasing usage by famous chefs so they include it in their creative dishes. Increasing awareness and promotion of goat meat usage in America’s kitchens would drive higher demand, while improving profits for meat goat producers. Using some of the ideas mentioned to promote goat meat in America’s kitchens will help the overall goat industry grow. Related Posts Apr 8, 2026 Beyond the Banner: What Showing Goats Teaches Us By: Bella Philips, JABGA Area 2 Board of Director

The American Boer Goat Association: Protecting, Promoting, and Recording the American Boer Goat Breed. Ambassador of the Breed The American Boer Goat Association honors and appreciates individuals who contribute to promoting the American Boer Goat Breed. Every year, our members nominate candidates for the ABGA's Ambassador of the Breed, who are then recognized at the ABGA & JABGA National Show. Ambassador of the Breed Nominations are now closed. A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for this year's Ambassador of the Breed! Your participation plays a vital role in celebrating the individuals who are making a real difference in promoting and advancing our breed. Nominations are now officially closed, and we’re excited to announce the winner very soon! 🎉The recipient of this honor will be recognized at the 2025 ABGA & JABGA National Show in Louisville, Kentucky. Your voice helps shine a light on the leaders and role models within our community. Thank you for being part of this important tradition! Congratulations to our past and future Ambassadors of the Breed! 2026 Lary Duncan See more 2025 Roger McSwain See more 2024 Terry & Sue Taylor See more 2023 Randy & Cindy Dusek See more 2022 Don Smith See more 2021 Eddie Holland Joetta Boyd Carol DeLobbe Terry Brown MD Shurley Ervin Chavana See more 2020 No nominees due to COVID19 See more 2019 Coni Ross Fred Homeyer Joe Tipton See more 2018 Bob Duke See more 2017 The Ryals Family See more 2016 Jim & Lynn Farmer See more 2015 John & Jackie Edwards Preston Faris See more 2025 Ambassador of the Breed Nominate Your Candidate! Get Started! We are taking nominations for this year’s Ambassador of The Breed! Nominations must be received by March 28, 2025. Current Board members are ineligible for nomination and/or to nominate a candidate. Only one (1) person, partnership, or family will be eligible per year.