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.

Madison Reis spent much of her childhood entrenched in agriculture and showing alongside her grandparents in California. Meet JABGA President: Madison Reis Madison Reis spent much of her childhood entrenched in agriculture and showing alongside her grandparents in California. I first got into the goat world and stepped into the ring for the first time when I was around two years old. I had no clue what I was doing, but I held on to the end of the show lead and helped my gammo show that doe the best I could. Since that moment I have never looked back, and I took off and ran with goats. All the kids I went to school with growing up were interested and passionate about sports, but my heart and passion lay with the goats and the show ring. Every chance I got I was at the ranch with my grandparents doing whatever needed to be done around the barn. The older I got the more passionate I became about the Boer goat industry. I wanted to go to every show I could in order to work on my showmanship skills and to continue to better my herd and show string. By doing this I met so many amazing people and built a goat community across multiple states. Looking back when I was younger, I was just as passionate to help the youngers kids and watch them succeed as I am now. As I grew older, that passion just kept burning brighter and brighter, and I wanted to become more involved within the industry. The show community we have in California is a very tight knit group, and I have grown up showing with the kids within that community. I am one of the oldest junior members, and I have always wanted to set a good example for the younger members. This is where I really started to want to be more involved in JABGA so I could help more junior members. I have always been a helping hand, and people know that they can trust me to help with their kids or animals. In 2022 I applied to be on the Board of Directors for the JABGA, which was another way for me to become more involved and fulfill my passion for this association. Luckily, I was able to become a director and representative for JABGA Area 1. My first year on the Board of Directors I ran for an officer position to really show my passion and commitment to the association and its members. My second year on the board I was elected Vice President. Fast forward to the present in 2024 I reapplied to be on the Board of Directors, and luckily, I got reelected to be a director. I also was nominated and elected to be the President of JABGA. Looking back now my younger self would be so proud of how far I have come in this industry and the experiences and opportunities I have had all thanks to Boer goats and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Learn more about Madison Reis. Related Posts Jan 22, 2024 Applications Open for JABGA Board of Directors JABGA is now accepting JABGA Board of Directors nominations until March 1, 2024. Jul 9, 2022 Congratulations to the 2022-2023 JABGA Board of Directors Officers! The JABGA Board of Directors selected 2022-2023 officers as part of their annual Face-to-Face meeting on July 7, 2022. Feb 17, 2022 JABGA President Cecelia Knott's Showmanship Tip Check out this useful showmanship tip from JABGA Board President, Cecelia Knott.

Get to know ABGA National Show Judge Makayla Richardson Burns Makayla Richardson Burns Get to know ABGA National Show Judge Makayla Richardson Burns Hello, my name is MaKayla Burns. I am 28 years old and I have been a part of the Boer Goat Industry since I could remember, stepping into a show ring when I was just 3 years old, showing dairy goats. I am now married to my husband, Dustin Burns, and we have 3 kids, Jase, Evelynand Lainey, and we are now building our own herd as a family, known as Burns Premier Show Stock. I am formerly a “Richardson”, of Richardsons Boer Goats. My parents, Chris & Joyce Richardson raised my sister and I with goats starting with dairy goats, which they purchased to raise my baby sister with, who was allergic to cows milk. In the 90s, formula options were difficult, and our pediatrician actually recommended my mom to buy some goats and milk them. We then started showing dairy goats, but not long into that adventure, we were introduced to the meat goats, the Boer breed specifically and we switched directions, when my sister was old enough to no longer need the milk. She did eventually grow out of the allergy. Starting in Boer goats in 1999, I strongly remember making the long trip to Texas several times, where my parents befriended many of the founding members and breeders of the ABGA and started heavy into building our own herd, pulling genetics from all over the USA and learning a ton about the breed. I have fond memories of meeting several people, including but definitely not limited to, The Downen family (Downen Livestock), Jim & Lynn Farmer (Farmers Stock Exchange), Kallie Kohls (N&K Ranches), The Whitehead family of T4 Ranch, and The Ryals family (Rocking R Boer Goats), as well as seeing some of the most iconic and legendary bucks and does that have been a foundation in building the livestock out there today. My mother started becoming heavily involved with bringing the Boer breed to light in our state of Kentucky. Introducing it to our state fair board for the Kentucky State Fair, eventually allowing us to hold sanctioned shows at our state fair, hosting a South African Judges Training at our home with Lukas Burger & Louis Van Rensburg, working closely with them, learning how to evaluate the goats and hosting shows in our state at our local fairgrounds, bringing in breeders from all over the USA, including Texas, Missouri, Tennessee and more to help support the growth of the breed in our area. We continued traveling for years showing, attending sales, and meeting new people, all of which I hold as very fond memories growing up in this world of the Boer goat. I have since become heavily involved and passionate with the industry, and it’s become a part of my everyday life. I decided to become an ABGA judge, to further my endeavor with educating and evaluating the Boer goat. Passionate about education, and supporting our youth, I felt that was a way for me to give back from all my experiences and knowledge I have learned throughout the years and along the way, and be able to share with others who find the show ring home. I have learned a lot as a kid, being able to listen, observe, and soak in everything I could from some of the ABGA’s firsts, as well as view points from the South African Judges my mom brought to our home, which I owe a lot of my foundation thinking to them for their shared education with us. I have literally grown up within the industry and have been able to witness the evolvement of the breed as well as the enormous growth of breeders involvement in the ABGA. I hope to continue on with helping that growth, and when it comes to judging and evaluating these beautiful animals, I have set a goal with each show I set to judge, and that is to teach something new, to at least one person before I leave that show. It has been an incredible journey in life with being a part of the American Boer Goat Association, and it is something I am excited about bringing my growing family into as well, allowing our children to be involved with the JABGA and all the opportunities that come with it. For more information or questions, contact Rodney Wilson, National Show Chair, region.10@abga.org

Finding a mentor in a new program, like JABGA, provides guidance, builds experience, and fosters shared passion to achieve your goals. Being a Mentor by Logan Hollen Finding a mentor in a new program, like JABGA, provides guidance, builds experience, and fosters shared passion to achieve your goals. When joining any program or association it can be easy to feel as though you are always one step behind. Everyone already has a routine and a set way of doing their selected tasks. How can you find yourself within a new program or association? From my own experience I would say that finding a mentor can be very beneficial. I have had the pleasure of growing up in the Junior American Boer Goat Association atmosphere and while growing up in this association I have met so many people who have kept me focused and on track to meet my goals. By having these teachers in my life, I have reached many of my set goals but more importantly I have created a strong and set path that helped me reach those goals. With a mentor you are not only learning but experiencing what they have gone through in the past and present. This alone gives you more experience to then build a stronger program of your own. I have had the opportunity to be a mentor myself while working on the JABGA board of directors. It has been a wonderful experience getting to meet so many young individuals that have fallen in love with the same association that I fell in love with many years ago. At the end of the day, we all have the same goals and passion and by being a mentor you can give the experience to help others reach those goals pushed by their own passion. So, the next time you find yourself needing a guide or looking for a push in the right direction just remember that this association is filled with people who want to see you succeed! Logan Hollen JABGA Vice President Area 3 Related Posts Oct 18, 2024 Maintaining Breed Integrity The Reasons Behind the Breed Standards by Jada Young Apr 2, 2022 Confidence and Eye Contact "When going into any showmanship class the most important thing you want to do is have confidence," says JABGA Vice President Logan Hollen. Mar 31, 2022 What is Agriculture? Read what JABGA Vice President, Logan Hollen, wrote about agriculture for National Agriculture Week.

The Public Speaking contest encourages participants to develop communication skills while sharing knowledge about the Boer goat industry and breed. 2025–2026 Regional and National Public Speaking Topics The Public Speaking contest encourages participants to develop communication skills while sharing knowledge about the Boer goat industry and breed. The Public Speaking Contest builds communication skills and confidence while allowing JABGA youth to share knowledge of the Boer goat industry. Each age division has specific topics that promote leadership, critical thinking, and advocacy for agriculture. Novice and Junior divisions may choose either of their two topics and may use the same one at both Regionals and Nationals. Age Division Time Allotted Topics NOVICE (4 – 7 years old) 2-4 minutes What challenge(s) have you faced with your animal(s) and how did you fix it? What is your favorite part of taking care of your goat? JUNIOR (8 – 12 years old) 3-5 minutes Why is responsibility important when raising livestock and how does it impact you as a breeder and/or showman? What traits do you look for when buying your next goat? i.e. for breeding or showing. INTERMEDIATE (13 – 16 years old) 4-6 minutes Regionals What are major challenges goat breeders face today and how do issues like disease, market trends and environmental factors impact their operations Nationals What are different nutritional needs for goats during their different life stages? i.e. kids, show goats, pregnant/nursing does and market goats. SENIOR (17 – 21 years old) 5-7 minutes Regionals How have advancements in Boer goat genetics and modern breeding techniques impacted the goat industry? Nationals Why is it important for youth involved in agriculture to advocate for the JABGA and the industry in today's digital age and how can they do it effectively? 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. Oct 11, 2022 2022 - 2023 JABGA Public Speaking Contest Updated rules and topics for the 2022-2023 JABGA Regional Show Series Public Speaking contest.

Check out the results and pics from the Area 2 JABGA Regional Show: Little Sioux Showdown in Spencer, Iowa Area 2 JABGA Regional Show: Little Sioux Showdown Check out the results and pics from the Area 2 JABGA Regional Show: Little Sioux Showdown in Spencer, Iowa Check out these photos from the Area 2 Regional Show: Little Sioux Showdown! Related Posts

American Boer Goat Association Secretary, Zach Westfall Back to Board of Directors Zach Westfall Treasurer, 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

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

Jordan has grown up in Richland, Washington where she currently runs a herd of over 100 boer goats. Jordan Jelinek Jordan Jelinek is currently surviving on the Junior American Boer Goat Association Board of Directors, where she is proud to represent Area 1. She just graduated high school a year ahead of schedule to get a head start on her life in the Boer Goat Industry. Jelinek has grown up in Richland, Washington where she currently runs a herd of over 100 boer goats. Her herd, JDJ Farms, includes fullbloods, percentages, and wether genetics. She has shown and sold animals all across the United States; additionally, they have exported animals to Hawaii and the Philippines. While juggling the goat herd, Jordan also breeds Australian Shepherds and is heavily involved in the FFA Organization. This is her second year on the Board of Directors. Outside of the goats, Jordan is currently serving on the Washington FFA State Officer team as the 2024-2025 Reporter. Between her farm and involvement in FFA, her schedule is filled with prepping her animals for shows and breeding while meeting FFA members across the state. Her freshman year she was Washington State’s first place Creed Speaker. So there is no doubt she believes in the future of agriculture. Still unsure of her spot in the agriculture industry, Jordan is interested in taking a deeper look at the process associated with becoming an embryologist after her year of service. Jordan Jelinek can not be more thrilled to explore new parts of the industry and get involved with more youth and members of the organization.

JABGA Bred & Owned Percentage Doe Grand Champion's hard work and dedication pays off! JABGA Member, Baylee Lamb, Recognized by the state of Oklahoma JABGA Bred & Owned Percentage Doe Grand Champion's hard work and dedication pays off! Baylee Lamb , the 2024 JABGA Nationals Bred & Owned Percentage Doe Grand Champion exhibitor, received an invitation from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry to the State Capitol in recognition of her achievements at the 2024 JABGA National Show. During her visit, she had the opportunity to meet Governor Kevin Stitt, members of the Oklahoma State Legislature, explore the Capitol, and tour the Governor's Mansion. Lamb was among 48 Junior National Champions representing various breed associations. The exhibitors were recognized on Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt's social media pages. Congratulations, Baylee, on all your accomplishments, and here's to many more in the future! Related Posts 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! Feb 17, 2022 JABGA President Cecelia Knott's Showmanship Tip Check out this useful showmanship tip from JABGA Board President, Cecelia Knott. Feb 17, 2022 Congratulations JABGA Member Jiles Coble Congratulations to JABGA Board Member Jiles Coble who was selected to the 2021 Georgia National Livestock Ambassador team!

The third and final day of our JABGA Board of Directors Face-to-Face meeting in San Angelo, Texas is all wrapped up! 2022 JABGA Face-to-Face: Day 3 The third and final day of our JABGA Board of Directors Face-to-Face meeting in San Angelo, Texas is all wrapped up! The third and final day of our Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) Board of Directors Face-to-Face meeting in San Angelo, Texas is all wrapped up! JABGA directors kicked off the day with a tour of Denis Ranch Feedlot, in Vancourt; a small ruminant feed mill and custom feeder established in 1973. They house over 15,000 sheep and goats owned by independent producers. John Duke Hudson, a commercial meat goat broker and feeder, spoke about the feed mixes the mill produces and the efficiencies in health and growth they are trying to capitalize on. From there, the group traveled to the Rocking Chair Ranch owned by Loyd Whitehead. Ranch managers, Randy Wood, and Philip Vinson, along with Whitehead, guided the directors as they worked through pens of 5/8 3/8 Spanish Boer Cross goats. Discussions focused on crossbred versus purebred stock, management considerations, and Boer goat breed characteristics. The group also toured the sale ring space and spent time conversing about the challenges and opportunities facing the Boer breed, as well as the industry at large. JABGA extends its thanks to the generous people of the Rocking Chair Ranch and Denis Ranch for their hospitality and willingness to share their experiences and wealth of knowledge in animal agriculture. Directors resumed their business meeting at the American Boer Goat Association offices in the afternoon and capped off the trip with a hibachi dinner. #JABGA #news Related Posts

Region 13 Director, Brad Mackey Back to Board of Directors Brad Mackey Region 9 Email Bio coming soon. Previous Director Next Director