During the Board of Directors meeting October 23^rd, alterations were made to the original Junior division proposal that was passed and published earlier this month. This will be in place for Regional Shows and the National Show only. Regular sanctioned shows will show by age division only as has always been the case.

The key highlights are listed below, as well as additional answers to address what we felt may be frequently asked questions.

• Return to the original age breaks of 0-3, 3-6, 6-9 and 9-12

• Class breaks within ages will be split by weight

• ADG and DOB will still be published in the show book and provided to judges

• Weights will be declared by exhibitors, and a weigh back will be done on top 10

• Market and Wether Dam classes will also have a declared weight and weigh back

• Wether Dams will self-declare their teeth division, and will be checked at the scale during weigh backs

Q: Why did the board modify their original proposal?

A: There was a lot of feedback from members on both sides of the aisle on this issue, and the board heard these concerns and re-addressed it. The new protocol still addresses issues with aging, while also ensuring that performance and strengths of the Boer breed can be rewarded within classes. The board also realizes that breeding for nationals has already concluded, and accordingly, this allows for members to exhibit animals in the class that they bred for.

Q: What does “Declared Weight” and “Weigh Back” mean?

A: Rather than having show staff weigh each animal entered in the show, the exhibitor will be responsible for submitting a weight on their animal. Scales will be available in the barns for use throughout the week to ensure exhibitors have an accurate weight on their animal. The top 10 animals (or all animals that are pulled by the judges if greater than 10) in each class will then be required to be weighed in the ring. They will have to weigh within a set range of their declared weight.

Q: Why did the board vote to do weigh backs instead of weigh-ins?

A: Declared weights and weigh backs help address several issues. 1 – It ensures that animals are showing at accurate weights. With a weigh-in only, exhibitors could significantly “hold” their animal to reduce weight and get in a lighter class, and then “re-fill” them between weigh-ins and the show. 2 – It is healthier on the animals. By having declared weights and weigh backs should prevent withholding feed and water to get in a lighter class. 3 – It will make the registration and check-in process smoother for exhibitors as they will not have to stand in-line to weigh their animal.

Q: What if an animal shows at multiple shows throughout the week? Example – An animal that is entered in the JABGA bred and owned show, the JABGA show and the ABGA show?   

A: Specifics for this scenario are still being finalized and will be published in the National Show rules, but there will be an opportunity for that animal to have a weight submitted for each show they are entered in. This will ensure that if an animal’s weight fluctuates through the week, the weight can be adjusted for the following shows.

Q: When will the weigh back occur?

A: Again, specifics are still being worked through, but the initial plan is to weigh after the judges have made their initial cuts and checked for cull-faults. This would likely happen while the animals are waiting in line to be viewed in the turn-loose ring.

Q: When will weight cards be due?

A: This is also still being determined and will be published in the National Show Rules.

Q: What happens if an animal does not weigh within the acceptable range for the declared weight that was turned in?

A: This would be a term called “weighing out.” If this happens, that animal would be DQ’d from the class.

Q: What if I don’t know how to mouth my wether dam to check her teeth and determine what division she should be in?

A: We will have numerous educational resources available for exhibitors. You can always ask a seasoned exhibitor/breeder for guidance on this as well. Most producers are willing to help JABGA members learn!

Q: What will be the allowed range for the weigh back?

A: This is still being determined. The board of directors and staff are currently working on a plan that will be fair for all exhibitors. Official rules and specific examples will be published in the national show rules.

Q: Will the judges be required to use the data provided to them?

A: No. It will be up to each judge’s discretion on how much emphasis they place on the weight and date of birth data.