⚠️ 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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- Open Meeting 05-13-2025
An open Board meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 7:00 PM CST. All ABGA members are welcome to attend. Click the button to attend the meeting on Microsoft Teams: You can also find board meeting dates and meeting links on our Events Calendar on our homepage . Agenda
- 2025 Annual Membership Meeting
📆 June 3, 2025 ⌚ 6 PM Eastern Time 📌 Kentucky Exposition Center | Louisville, KY 📄 Agenda Statement to the Membership We would like to acknowledge an oversight on our part regarding the reminder for submitting agenda items for the upcoming Annual Membership Meeting. According to our bylaws, the Secretary must provide notice to the membership 90 days prior to and a reminder that members must submit proposed agenda items no later than 60 days prior to the meeting. Unfortunately, a timely reminder was not issued this year, and we sincerely apologize for this lapse. In light of this, and to ensure all members have an opportunity to voice their thoughts, we will include an Open Forum section in the meeting agenda. During this time, any member in attendance will have the opportunity to present items or topics for general discussion. If your proposed item requires review or action by the Board of Directors, we encourage you to submit it ahead of the meeting so the Board can properly evaluate it prior to discussion. We appreciate your understanding and continued engagement as we work together to improve communication and transparency. Respectfully submitted, Rodney Wilson Jr. Secretary- Region 10 Director American Boer Goat Association Annual Membership Meeting Agenda Call to Order Roll Call- Introduction of Directors Adoption of Agenda Recognition of Retiring Directors Approval of Minutes Treasurer’s Report Office Update Executive Director Update Director of Community Engagement Update Committee Reports Open Member Forum Adjournment
- Applications Open for '25-'26 JABGA Board of Directors
The Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) is now accepting applications for the JABGA Board of Directors . Applications completed by the nominee for the JABGA Board of Directors are due to the ABGA office via electronic form on or before March 1, 2025. The JABGA Board of Directors works alongside the ABGA Board of Directors to represent JABGA members across five areas of the United States as the main governing body of the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA). JABGA Directors volunteer their personal time and effort in service of JABGA programs like the JABGA Regional Show Series and by promoting core JABGA values like scholarship, leadership, good sportsmanship, and character development. The JABGA Board of Directors also serves as youth ambassadors for the improvement and promotion of the Boer goat breed through the breeding, raising, and exhibition of American Boer Goats. Applications are to be approved by Youth Liaison and Director of Community Engagement Once approved and requirements are met then applicant will be placed on their area ballot Ballots are to be sent out by area electronically “A” Directors are to be elected on even years “B” Directors are to be elected on odd years If a director is turning 21/22 during their term, they must finish their term. They do not age out . Officers are elected at the JABGA Face-to-Face – Held in the summer July/August. Board seats are open for the following JABGA "B" Areas: Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4 Area 5 Updated JABGA Area map - effective 2025 In accordance with JABGA Bylaws, applicants must be JABGA members in good standing (renewed for 2025 by January 1, 2025) in order to run for or hold a seat on the JABGA Board of Directors. For more information, see the ABGA Bylaws and the JABGA Bylaws . Required: Application (completed) Contact Information page and Certificate of Application (completed) Digital photo Directors Responsibilities page (signed) Responsibility Release, Information Release, Photo Release, Authorization Form Conflict of Interest Statement (completed) Code of Conduct form (completed) Brief statement (less than 250 words) – “Why do you want to be a JABGA Director?” Involvement in JABGA and/or the goat industry School activities 4-H & FFA activities Leadership activities Volunteer work/community service Eligibility Applicants for the JABGA Board of Directors must: Be 16 years of age or older on January 1, 2025 Reside in the JABGA Area for which the applicant is running/elected Have renewed their JABGA membership on or before January 1, 2025 Questions or Concerns? Contact JABGA Liaison, Jaelynn Reyes ( jaelynn@abga.org ) with any questions or concerns regarding JABGA Board of Directors nominations. Ready to Apply? Applicants should complete the JABGA Board of Directors application below and submit it to the ABGA office via electronic form or regular mail by March 1, 2025.
- Congratulations to the 2025 Ambassador of the Breed: 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.”
- Get Ready for the JABGA Facebook Live – April 16!
Exciting things are happening at JABGA! Join us LIVE on the JABGA Facebook page this Wednesday, April 16 at 6 PM Central for an exclusive livestream event you won’t want to miss. JABGA President Maddie Reis and Vice President Logan Hollen will be sharing all the latest updates, including: JABGA News and Announcements Junior Ambassador Program details Fire & Ice Sale highlights Area 2 (Iowa) & Area 3 (Indiana) Regional Show previews They’ll be joined by Executive Director Caleb Boardman , Director of Community Engagement Catherine Riley , and Junior Coordinator Jaelynn Reyes to dive deeper into everything happening this season. Whether you're planning to attend the regionals, interested in the Ambassador program, or just want the inside scoop, this livestream is for you! 📅 Mark your calendar and tune in — we can’t wait to see you there! 👍🏻 Follow JABGA on Facebook!
- Open Meeting 04-15-2025
An open Board meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 7:00 PM CST. All ABGA members are welcome to attend. Click the button to attend the meeting on Microsoft Teams: You can also find board meeting dates and meeting links on our Events Calendar on our homepage . Agenda
- Live Coverage Service Memo
Confused About Service Memos? Let’s Clear It Up! Have you been asked for a Service Memo and aren’t sure what it is or where to find one? Let’s break it down according to ABGA Rules & Regulations. What is “Service”? In ABGA terms, service means a mating — either natural or by artificial insemination — whether or not it results in a pregnancy. What is a Service Memo? A Service Memo is a form signed by the owner (or lessee) of a buck that documents when a doe was serviced or exposed. It must include: Buck and doe names and registration numbers Doe’s right and left ear tattoos Contact information for both parties Signatures from both the buck and doe owners 👉 If you own both the buck and doe, no Service Memo is needed. When is a Service Memo Required? Different Owners at Time of Service: If the sire is not owned (or leased) by the dam’s owner at the time of mating, a Service Memo is needed. If bred in a pasture and no exact date is known, simply write "pasture" for the date. Leased Bucks: Lessees can sign Service Memos for services that happen during the lease. Purchased Bred Doe: If you buy a bred doe, you’ll need a Service Memo from the previous owner to register the kids. Always ask if the doe was bred before purchase, and get the service details recorded on the back of the registration certificate before transfer. Quick Tip: If a doe is transferred after service but before kidding, and the service wasn’t recorded during the transfer, you’ll still need a Service Memo from the breeder to register the offspring. Back of Certificate of Registration with completed Service information. Now that you’re familiar with Service Memos, be sure to keep a copy on hand. As your herd grows, so will the need for Service Memos. You can download a Live Coverage Service Memo here: You can also find the Live Coverage Service Memo, along with all our other forms on our website. abga.org/forms .
- Open Meeting 04-8-2025
An open Board meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM CST. All ABGA members are welcome to attend. Click the button to attend the meeting on Microsoft Teams: You can also find board meeting dates and meeting links on our Events Calendar on our homepage . Agenda
- Board Elections: Ballots Due by May 1, 2025
Elections for the ABGA Board of Directors are here! Members in Regions 1, 2, 7, 8, and 10 will have the opportunity to vote for their next representative. This is a key moment to help shape the future of the organization. Be sure to cast your vote before the May 1, 2025, deadline—and scroll down to learn more about the candidates running in your region. Jump to: Region 1 Region 2 Region 7 Region 8 Region 10 The Director positions for Regions 3 and 6 are open for the 2025 election, but no candidates have applied. According to ABGA Bylaw 5.3.e, “If any region fails to elect one or more of its designated Director candidates, suitable interim Director(s) shall be appointed from such region by the President of the Association with the approval of a majority of the Board for a term of one (1) year ” To maintain representation for each region, the goal is to appoint a Region 3 and 6 Director at the May meeting, with duties beginning in July. Members interested in serving—or nominating someone—should contact President Rosalinda Vizina at region1@abga.org by May 1, 2025 . Region 1 Ashley Roles (Ashley Roles is the sole qualified candidate for Region 1) Ashley Roles and family I am excited to announce that I have submitted my application to represent Region 1 on the American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) Board of Directors. My parents would tell you that I was born in a barn. It might have been a sheep barn, but a barn, nonetheless. I was blessed with learning the ins and outs of the show and commercial industry as I had amazing mentors such as Terry Brown and Becky Crighton. I was active in 4-H since the 4th grade and served as a national 4-H ambassador. As of today, I am still involved in 4-H and serve as the Oregon State Fair Meat Goat Superintendent. I served both on the state level and national level in both Oregon Romney Breeders Association and the American Romney Breeders Association. Currently, I teach local youth about herd management through seminars set up by our local 4-H clubs or through Purina. Additionally, I enjoy and travel the Pacific Northwest (PNW) judging market animals at local fairs and/or jackpot shows. I was introduced to the Boer goats in 2008 at the Oregon Meat Goat Producers show and education seminar. I showed in USBGA shows until the ABGA made its way out west, and I joined in 2010. Since 2008, I have run my own herd of Boer goats. My goal has always been to produce high quality stock that can produce something for every kind of customer, from a 4-H kid that is selling at county fair or a doe that can compete at nationals. Currently, I own Culver Family Farm with Tim White, our daughters Lucy and Ella, along with my parents, Scott and Teresa Culver. The last time I counted we had over 180 head of goats and that number just keeps on growing. We sold out of the sheep about 4 years ago and started up Culver Family Farm Transportation Services LLC. This business has allowed me to gain knowledge and perspectives from different farms across the United States. Not to mention to meet and network with some amazing folks. My daytime job is working as a critical care nurse and I have been loving this career for over 10 years; with the last five of that being a charge nurse. I have served on numerous committees at work including policies and procedures, practice committees, and house-wide committees. I also enjoying serving as a preceptor and mentor to nursing students and new nurses. With all these experiences, I believe they have prepared me to represent the ABGA membership. The goat industry is what I work so hard for to promote and engage with in the (PNW). I know full well how the decisions made by the board impacts the breeders, exhibitors, shows, and youth development. It is really important to me to keep the industry growing and always have a positive outlook, where we want people to engage various capacities. If Lucy and Ella choose this lifestyle, I want them to have something to look forward to in the industry. Mostly, I want the voices of Region 1 members to be heard here in the PNW, from the smallest hobby herd to the biggest commercial breeders. If you should have any questions, or concerns, please feel free to reach out so we can talk about how I can best serve Region 1 and the ABGA. Region 2 Patrick Aliff (Patrick Aliff is the sole qualified candidate for Region 2) Patrick Aliff Elect Patrick Aliff to the ABGA Board of Directors. As a dedicated advocate for breeders and a passionate supporter of the American Boer Goat Association, I am committed to fostering strong member relations, improving communication, and ensuring that every breeder’s voice is heard. My goal is to enhance the global recognition of the Boer goat industry while prioritizing the success and sustainability of our members. If elected, I will work tirelessly to develop initiatives that promote breeder education, strengthen networking opportunities, and improve overall member retention. By fostering a more connected and engaged community, we can ensure the continued growth and success of our association. I would be honored to have your support in this election. Together, we can build a stronger future for ABGA and its members! Region 7 Kyle Tate (Kyle Tate is the sole qualified candidate for Region 7) Kyle Tate I grew up on a large registered Angus and Boer operation in Southwest MO. I attended Redlands Community College and Oklahoma State University, obtaining my BS in Animal Science- Biotechnology with an emphasis in ruminant reproduction. After graduating, I worked for one of the nations leading EPD and performance Angus operations as well as a leading reproduction company at the forfront of developing small ruminant IVF. I have since returned home to my family's 500 head Angus operation and currently run around 40 registered does and wether dams. I have been raising Boers for over 20 years and have been a certified ABGA judge for 9. Region 8 Sherri Inman Sherri Inman Sherri Inman is a certified sanctioned judge with the ABGA for 20 years. I've been a 4-H Leader, Show Coordinator, volunteered on the County Extension for the Boer Goats in Henry county Indiana. I have experience in promoting, Sales, Shows, Heard Management, Embryo Transfer. Other Experiences are Business Owner and Secretary, Management, Insurance Agent and Construction Management. This has given me good Business sense and experience. I've had the opportunity to work in this industry and travel throughout the United States sorting and evaluating goats, interacting and Promoting the Boer goat industry. My passion is working with our youth in the JABGA, 4-H, FFA volunteering at the FFA national convention representing the ABGA. My experiences have been endless in this industry, it's giving me many more experiences and opportunities than I ever expected over 20 years. those Experiences have given me the Confidence that I know I can represent Indiana and Kentucky for our Region 8 Board of Directors to grow and give great insight for our industry. I would appreciate your time and Vote to give me this opportunity to represent our Region 8 Board of Directors. Thank you for your support! Sherri Inman Zach Westfall Zach Westfall 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. Reason for running Zach's commitment to the American Boer Goat Association is rooted in his passion for the rules, helping youth, and growing the industry. He is committed to finding solutions to gaps in communication and industry standards. Zach has volunteered alongside his wife and son at numerous ABGA events and is the Indiana Boer Goat Association Treasurer. He looks forward to continuing the work on the ABGA Board of Directors as an elected director. Region 10 Rodney Wilson Jr. (Rodney Wilson Jr. is the sole qualified candidate for Region 10) Rodney Wilson Jr. 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 10 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.
- A message from the President: Region 11 Update
March 17, 2025 Members of the American Boer Goat Association. A message from the President. On March 11, 2025, Cameron Drew resigned as the Director from Region 11. As part of the redistricting, we temporarily had two Directors in this Region. Tyler Sparks is the remaining Director for Region 11 and will be representing our members in the states of CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, OH, PA, RI and VT. With great appreciation, Rosalinda Vizina ABGA President
- Open Meeting 03-11-2025
An open Board meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 7:00 PM CST. All ABGA members are welcome to attend. Click the button to attend the meeting on Microsoft Teams: You can also find board meeting dates and meeting links on our Events Calendar on our homepage . Agenda
- 2025 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. Nominate your candidate, or family, you believe deserves to be this year's Ambassador of the Breed! Please nominate your candidate by Friday, March 28, 2025 by 11:59:59 CST. Click here to view all past Ambassadors of the Breed!










