To Our Valued Members of the American Boer Goat Association,

On behalf of the ABGA Board of Directors and staff, we want to extend our sincere gratitude for your continued dedication and passion for our Association, and more importantly the Boer goat breed. As your President and Executive Director, we are honored to serve an organization built by its great members.

As we look ahead to the coming year, we want to take a moment to reaffirm our commitment to transparency, progress, and member involvement. These are not just meant to be empty words, but a pledge to you as members that will guide our leadership and the foundation of the work we are doing each day on your behalf.

Transparency

We believe a strong, united organization begins with trust. We also acknowledge that trust between members, the staff and the board has been strained over a prolonged period, and that trust is built on actions and not words. We are committed to open communication, sharing the “why” behind board decisions, and providing regular updates about the direction of the association. You deserve to know what’s happening and how it affects your operation, your animals, and the future of the breed. You will see new communication methods regarding board decisions coming soon, as well as new guidelines being implemented to provide members with information about upcoming business on the agenda before the meeting happens. This will provide members with the opportunity to share their thoughts with their directors ahead of meetings.

We also want to directly address the board’s recent decision not to livestream the face-to-face meeting or future board meetings. We understand that, for some, this may feel like a step backward in transparency. Please know this decision was not made lightly. After reviewing past experiences, the board believes that not livestreaming the meetings will create a more productive and focused environment for discussion, planning, and decision-making during the meetings. That said, this decision does not signal a retreat from transparency. We are committed to working closely as a board and staff team to ensure members receive timely, clear, and comprehensive updates from the meeting. We’re also actively working to minimize past technical issues and improve communication overall—so that what is shared is both accessible and reliable.

Progress

From improving registry services through enhanced customer service in the office, to continuing to improve the functionality and usability of iCompete and modernizing technology, to increasing marketing reach and strengthening youth programs, our focus is on continuous improvement. We are working to ensure that ABGA not only meets the needs of today's breeders but is well positioned for the future of the industry. Innovation and growth are essential to keeping our breed and association thriving in an evolving market.

Positive Member Engagement

Our members are the heart of this association, and your voices help shape our path forward. We acknowledge the growing engagement we see across social media and other platforms. These spaces offer powerful tools for sharing knowledge, celebrating wins, and fostering community.

However, as we continue to promote open and productive dialogue, we encourage everyone to contribute in a way that fosters respect, support, and shared purpose. Let’s use these platforms to educate, uplift, and build—focusing on solutions, not divisions. Constructive conversations build strong foundations; negativity only distracts from the progress we all want to see. We challenge you as a member to be part of the positive change for this Association. This is not asking you to agree with every decision, nor to try and muffle your voice. Rather it’s a call to do so in a professional, positive manner that encourages progress and solutions. This will always be more productive than just complaining and spreading negativity. As Teddy Roosevelt once said, “Complaining about a problem without posing a solution is called whining.” 

Additionally, we remind you of the below sections in our Code of Ethics that each member agrees to:

• Treats all members with respect, courtesy, consideration, and compassion. Avoids insults, name calling, or use offensive language that is likely to hurt, offend, or set a bad example for the American Boer Goat Association.

• To handle our communications, (including those through social media), operations or business transactions in a manner that promotes a positive image for the American Boer Goat Association.

Member Support and Involvement

We invite you to take part – join a committee, attend ABGA events, get involved at your state or local level, mentor new breeders, or simply reach out with your thoughts. Your input helps us make more informed decisions and keeps the ABGA moving in a direction that reflects the values and needs of our members.

This association was built by passionate individuals with a shared vision—and together, we can ensure its continued success. Let’s work hand in hand to advance the Boer goat breed we all love so much and strengthen the legacy of the ABGA.

Thank you for your trust, your involvement, and your continued commitment to excellence. We’re excited for what lies ahead and are proud to serve you.

With gratitude,

Tyler Sparks, President

Caleb Boardman, Executive Director