Meet McKenna Blair First Coni Ross Memorial Scholarship Recipient “Being chosen as the first-ever Coni Ross scholarship recipient means a lot to me,” said... First Coni Ross Memorial Scholarship Recipient “Being chosen as the first-ever Coni Ross scholarship recipient means a lot to me,” said McKenna Blair, who is from Wagoner, Okla. “I considered her to be the best of the best.” Ranked 7th in her class, McKenna graduated Wagoner High School with a 4.0 GPA in May 2021. She now attends Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Okla. As a double major in Agriculture Education and Agriculture Communications, she has a 4.0 GPA. “I will forever cherish Coni’s impact on my life,” McKenna said. “I can still remember her smiling and walking around the ring doing what she loved most. She brought so much positivity to the barns that always brightened my day.” Known worldwide for her knowledge of Boer goats and her interest in sharing her knowledge with others, McKenna said she hopes to follow in Coni’s footsteps. “I can only hope to, one day, be as knowledgeable about livestock as Coni and expand my own education to help and mold the generations to come,” McKenna said. After she graduates from college, McKenna wants to be an ag educator and build her own Boer goat herd. “Boer goats are beautiful animals,” McKenna said. “There is nothing cuter than a baby goat.” But it goes farther than that for McKenna. McKenna also wants to pay it forward by providing show animals to kids who are interested in showing and building a bond with the younger generations. McKenna said if you look deeper into what the Boer goat offers, there are many reasons to like Boer goats. “At the show level, they teach youth and adults how to manage time as well as how to be good caregivers,” she explained. “I think one of the greatest things Boer goats have to offer is their efficiency to convert forage to meat production. If a person isn’t interested in the show aspect of the Boer goat, the market and farm-to-table aspect is very beneficial and should be utilized more in today's world.”

The JABGA will be having a coloring contest for all junior members in the novice and junior age divisions. JABGA Coloring Contest The JABGA will be having a coloring contest for all junior members in the novice and junior age divisions. More information coming soon For more information or questions, contact criley@abga.org

Justin Burns of J and J Livestock in Eastland, Texas, judges shows nationwide, and educates youth in the livestock industry. JABGA Wether-Type Judge: Justin Burns Justin Burns of J and J Livestock in Eastland, Texas, judges shows nationwide, and educates youth in the livestock industry. Justin Burns is from Eastland, Texas where he, his wife Jennifer and two kids own and operate J and J Livestock. He and his family currently run a herd of about 200 Does and 100 show type sheep. He has judged market and breeding shows is 37 states. He continues to educate himself on the current market trends, uses superior genetics, and animal evaluation to improve his herd in-order to raise the best quality animals that are competitive in show arenas across the United States. Completing his Bachelor Science Degree from Sacramento State University in CA fueled his desire to educate the youth entering the goat industry so he's dedicated his time, knowledge, and experience to organizing and teaching several educational seminars for the livestock industry. For more information or questions, contact criley@abga.org

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.

Junior American Boer Goat Association 2025 Area 1 Regional Show flier Thank You Area 1 Regional Show Participants! Thank you to all exhibitors, sponsors, judges, and volunteers that participated on making the Area 1 Regional Show a success! Thank you to everyone that participated in the Area 1 Regional Show in Merced, California. Thank you to all exhibitors, spectators, parents, and volunteers! Oktoberfest Thank you to Oktoberfest, Sue Hobby, the Hobby Family, and the Oktoberfest team for your organization, support, and all your efforts in making this event happen. Thank You to Our Judge We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our livestock judge, Terry Burks , for his invaluable expertise. Your knowledge and experience have greatly contributed to the success of our event. Thank you once again, Terry Burks! Thank you JABGA Board Thank you to the JABGA Board for your help, with a special thanks to Area 1 Director and JABGA President, Maddie Reis! Thank You to Our Photographer Thank you to Lacy Ann Photography for your stunning perspective! You can view and purchase Area 1 photos on Lacy's website by clicking the button below: View Photos Heartfelt Thanks to Our Sponsors We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our wonderful sponsors for their generous financial support. Your commitment and belief in our mission make a significant difference and enable us to achieve our goals. Your contributions not only provide essential resources but also inspire us to continue our work with passion and dedication. We truly appreciate your partnership and support! DIAMOND SPONSOR GOLD SPONSOR SILVER SPONSORS JDJ Livestock • Mar Sumabat • Pintail Farm BRONZE SPONSORS Boers by Hobby • IJ Farms Boer Goats • Joe Airoso • John Alvara

Kate Schaefer sitting on the floor in the showring. The Reward of Pursuing Your Passion Discovering the rewards of showing goats: hard work, passion, community, and personal growth make every moment in the ring worthwhile. The Reward of Pursuing Your Passion For those who are passionate about the goat industry, there is nothing quite like the feeling of showing. It’s a combination of hard work, dedication, and pride that makes every moment in the ring worth it. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or just beginning your journey, the process of preparing and showing goats provides invaluable life lessons, and the hard work always pays off in the end. One of the key responsibilities of showing goats is the commitment it takes to reach success. It’s not just about showing up on the day of the event – months of preparation go into getting a goat ready. Preparation involves daily care, feeding, hair care, and showmanship training to ensure the animal is in its prime for show day. The physical labor can be tiring or feel never-ending, but the lessons learned from the process result in a rewarding experience. It is during these long hours that your passion for the goat breed is truly nurtured. Watching your goat grow and develop through your care and effort is a reminder of why you do what you do—because you love it. Enjoying your passion in the goat industry is about more than just competing; it’s about the bond you form with the animals. There’s a deep satisfaction in seeing the progress and growth that result from your dedication. The early mornings, the late nights, and the countless hours spent training and grooming aren’t seen as a burden but as a labor of love. You learn to enjoy every step of the journey, from the quiet moments spent in the barn to the energy of competition day. This connection between your passion and the work you put in creates an experience that goes beyond trophies and titles—it becomes a way of life. Another important element is the skill-building that comes with the territory. From learning how to handle goats in the ring to understanding the finer points of judging criteria, the experience helps develop knowledge and expertise in animal care and presentation. It requires attention to detail, from ensuring the hair coat is in perfect condition to making sure the animal is comfortable in the environment of the show ring. These skills not only benefit you in competition but also in everyday life, fostering qualities like hard work and the ethic that deems success. Passion drives this learning process, as the desire to improve and excel keeps you motivated and engaged. The joy of mastering these skills and watching your animals perform at their best is unmatched. The camaraderie with other goat exhibitors is another benefit of showing goats. You build friendships with fellow exhibitors, share advice, and celebrate each other's victories. The sense of community that develops within the industry is invaluable, providing support and encouragement when the going gets tough. Being part of a community that shares your passion makes the long hours and hard work feel more worthwhile. It’s not just about individual success; it’s about the collective passion that binds everyone together. The shared love for animals and the lifestyle creates lifelong connections and memories that extend far beyond the show ring. Of course, the real reward comes on show day. Walking into the ring with your goat, knowing the countless hours of work you’ve put in, fills you with a sense of accomplishment. Whether you take home the grand title or not, the pride in seeing your hard work pay off is unmatched. Success in showing goats is not just measured by banners but by the personal growth and satisfaction that come from pursuing your passion. The joy comes not only from the accolades but from knowing you’ve put your heart into every aspect of the journey. The process itself becomes the reward, and each show becomes another opportunity to celebrate the passion you live for. In conclusion, while showing goats requires immense effort, the hard work is undoubtedly worth it. The lessons learned, friendships built, and sense of accomplishment make the entire lifestyle rewarding. There is nothing more fulfilling than pursuing your passion and reaping the rewards in and out of the show ring. This passion is what drives you forward, transforming hard work into joy and challenges into opportunities for growth. Passion makes every part of the journey—every early morning, every late night, every show day—worthwhile.

Junior Ambassador Program The JABGA Junior Ambassador Program empowers members ages 10–15 to build leadership, confidence, and networking skills through mentorship, event involvement, and peer collaboration. Apply between April 17–May 15 to be one of 10 selected youth leaders! Purpose: The Junior Ambassador Program is designed to empower young JABGA members by fostering leadership development and enhancing networking skills. This program aims to provide a supportive environment where participants can build confidence, collaborate with peers, and engage with mentors to grow both personally and professionally. Through hands-on experiences, association involvement, and guided mentorship, the Junior Ambassador Program seeks to inspire the next generation of JABGA leaders to take initiative, communicate effectively, and cultivate meaningful connections that will benefit them throughout their lives. Age Requirement: JABGA members ages 10 -15 as of January 1st of the current year Application and selection process: The application process will open April 17 and close May 15 Applications will be evaluated in a blind selection by the JABGA Board of Directors. 10 Junior Ambassadors will be selected, 2 per JABGA area. In the case that 2 applications are not submitted in a specific area, a third applicant may be selected from the remaining areas. Selected applicants will be announced at the JABGA Awards Ceremony during the National Show. Guidelines for the program: Junior ambassadors will assist in the organization of activities at Regional and National Shows, as well as additional educational events. Junior Ambassadors will also aid in developing JABGA Social Media content. Tele-meetings will be held monthly with two JABGA Board of Directors presiding. Write an essay no less than 300 words. Essay question: You're sitting with a group of your friends telling them how you're gone most weekends with your goats. What do you tell them to help them understand how important it is to you and possibly motivate them to join the JABGA? Apply now!

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

Become an intern at ABGA National Show in Louisville, KY (May 28 - June 8, 2025). National Show Internship Opportunities Become an intern at ABGA National Show in Louisville, KY (May 28 - June 8, 2025). The ABGA takes great pride in providing exceptional learning opportunities that offer real-world applications. The ABGA hopes that our intern’s knowledge and experience gathered during their time at the National Show continues to be applied to the outside world and to their future endeavors. This is an unpaid internship role. Hotel and food costs will be covered daily. Position: National Show General Internship (3) and National Show Media Internship (1) Location: Louisville, Kentucky - Kentucky Exposition Center Dates: May 28 - June 8, 2025 Applications Due: April 15, 2025 Program Purpose:   The purpose of the ABGA and JABGA National Show Internship program is to provide a learning experience for recent high school graduates (18+), college students, college graduates and/or those interested in the American Boer Goat Association. Interns will gain experience in conducting and executing a National Show as well as gain exposure and network with agriculture leaders from across the United States. Interns will be expected to provide ABGA with assistance in daily tasks during the National Show and to provide social media coverage for the event.   Eligibility/Requirements: Applicants must be a 2024 high school graduate (18+) or older. Applicants cannot be exhibitors or competitors at the 2025 ABGA and JABGA National Show. A candidate with prior show experience is a plus. Must be able to provide your own means of transportation to the National Show at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Applicants should possess excellent communication skills with a strong work ethic. Self-motivation and the ability to work on a task with minimal supervision is ideal. A positive attitude and organizational skills are beneficial. Applicants must be available to work the entire length of the National Show. Internship Program: Interns will assist the JABGA Board and the ABGA office staff with specified tasks during the weeklong internship. Interns must provide their own way to the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky on May 28, 2025, and must work through the duration of the event to June 7, 2025. General Show Intern duties include, but are not limited to:  Set up of ABGA Office and supplies   Assist in the unloading process for exhibitors   Work the check-in gate during the arrival times of exhibitors Ensure cleanliness of ringside tables and bleachers   Aid in the setting up of the JABGA Awards Banquet Gather all show awards the morning of each show Assist with make-up ring and show results Media Intern duties include, but are not limited to:   Posting Show updates on social media  Taking pictures/video  Posting pictures/videos on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok  Post all showmanship and division winners on social media.   General media coverage of the National Show. How to Apply: Click the button below to apply and submit your resume. Application Resume Apply now! If you have any questions, please contact: criley@abga.org For more information or questions, contact criley@abga.org

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

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.

Congratulations to Abby Miner for her winning logo design! Abby is the owner of Stalks & Stock Company, an online apparel store and graphic design service. Presenting the 2025 National Show logo winner! Congratulations to Abby Miner for her winning logo design! Abby is the owner of Stalks & Stock Company, an online apparel store and graphic design service. Congratulations to Abby Miner for her winning logo design! Abby Miner is the owner of Stalks & Stock Company, an online apparel store and graphic design service specializing in farm and ranch logos. In her free time Abby enjoys working alongside her husband Dylan and in-laws on the family Angus operation, Miner Cattle. Abby's favorite place to be is cheering on her two daughter's, Paisley and Maggy, ringside of a cattle or Boer Goat show! For more information or questions, contact criley@abga.org