Back to Board of Directors Sam Knott Treasurer, Region 8 Email Sam Knott serves as the Treasurer and sits on the Finance Committee of the American Boer Goat Association (ABGA). Knott grew up in southeast Pennsylvania and was heavily involved in 4-H in his childhood. It was clear from the start that farming and production agriculture would continue to be a big part of his personal life and professional career. Knott earned an associate degree in Farm management and a bachelor’s degree in Agri-Business from Bob Jones University. He has worked in various leadership roles for several agricultural-based companies that support the American farmer. While at Bob Jones University, Knott met his wife Carrie, and the two were married in 2001. “She never dreamed she would be a professional goat farmer,” Knott says. The couple have four children, all of whom were born in different states: Cecelia, Micah, Carson, and Kellen. Cecelia currently serves as President of the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA). Knott and his wife purchased their first Boer goats in 2013, joined ABGA that same year, and now run over 200 head of animals on Boston School Manor Farm in Central Illinois. No one within their family had previously owned Boer goats, but the Knott family has enjoyed raising and showing Boers and making friends across the country through ABGA. One of Knott’s long-term goals within ABGA is to become an ABGA Certified Judge. Outside of ABGA, Knott currently serves as Vice President of the Illinois Goat Producers Association. When not crossing the country to show Boer goats, Knott enjoys watching his sons participate in basketball, football, and baseball, and hunting whitetail deer. Knott is also an accomplished barber and enjoys giving haircuts (human haircuts, that is). Knott is excited to represent ABGA Region 8 on the Board of Directors and improve the ABGA experience for members going forward, as well as find consistent and positive ways to promote ABGA and grow its success as an organization. Previous Director Next Director

ABGA SANCTIONED SHOW PROGRAM (All show support is at the discretion of ABGA) The Sanctioned Show Program is designed to encourage the exhibition, marketing and promotion of ABGA percentage, purebred, and full blood Boer goats. Any show receiving ABGA sanctioning must be open to all ABGA registered Boer goats that meet the requirements of the ABGA show rules. Ennoblement points earned at ABGA Sanctioned shows will not be awarded until after the show results are received at the ABGA office. The American Boer Goat Association, its officers, directors, agents, employees, and volunteers (hereafter collectively known as “ABGA”) shall not be held responsible for any loss, injury, or damage in connection with, arising out of, or incident to the above show. I further and hereby expressly waive all rights to claim against ABGA, and release ABGA from any liability whatsoever with respect to any injury to person, damage to, or loss of property from any cause whatsoever (expressly including ABGA’s negligence). ABGA Sanctioned Shows will abide by and remain in accordance with the ABGA Sanctioned Show Rules and have an updated copy of the ABGA Rules and Regulations available if any problem or question should arise during the show. ABGA Sanctioned Shows will submit a copy of scheduled classes and applicable entity rules to ABGA, per the ABGA Rules and Regulations. See Rule 1400 (I) v, provide an ABGA approved judge to judge the show, and report the judge’s name to the ABGA office no less than 30 days prior to the entry deadline. Original registration certificates are required, except that a copy of a registration application, stamped with the date received by ABGA, can be accepted for kids less than 3 months of age. Animals over the age of 3 months must be verified as registered in the ABGA database at the time of the above show. An animal that may be verified as registered in the web-based database of ABGA will be accepted in lieu of a registration certificate. Verification must be provided by the exhibitor in either digital or print to the show secretary. JABGA ownership must be verified using the transfer history on the animal pedigree if the certificate is not provided. Goats registered in a frozen or suspended account are ineligible to exhibit in an ABGA Sanctioned Show. In accordance with the ABGA Sanctioned Show Rules, the Show Secretary must submit show results to the ABGA office to be verified within 30 days of the conclusion of the show. The report must include the following: class, list of animals in class with placings, animal’s name, animal’s (ABGA) registration number, identifying tattoos (left and right), or microchip number, and the owner’s name. ABGA has the right to decline or revoke sanctioning for this show at any time. The ABGA office will send notification of sanctioning approval or denial to the Show Secretary. This notification may be made to the Show Secretary’s email address, if provided. SHOWS INDEPENDENT OF A FAIR OR LIVESTOCK EXPOSITION Upon request, ABGA will provide division rosettes to ABGA Sanctioned shows that are independent of a fair or livestock exposition. Upon request, ABGA will provide Boer goat and ABGA promotional materials to be displayed and handed out at the show. SHOWS BY A FAIR OR LIVESTOCK EXPOSITION ABGA will provide monetary support for shows connected to a fair or livestock exposition, within the following criteria: The Sponsoring Organization must be a fair or livestock exposition. The event must be a multi-species event. Minimum prior year’s gate attendance 200,000 (documentation must be provided by the requesting organization). Must provide a proposed class breakdown if the class breakdowns differ from the ABGA Class List. Funding limited to one show per calendar year per fair or livestock exposition. ABGA and JABGA Sanctioned Show Application .pdf Download PDF • 324KB

IMPORTANT UPDATES! JABGA Exhibitors must provide their birthdates when entering the National Show on Showman . Please login to showman.app to add or edit your Junior Exhibitors birthdate. JABGA Exhibitors entered into the Showmanship and Contest classes MUST wear shirts provided by Cowpokes Work & Western while competing in these events. If you haven't provided your shirt size in Showman , you still have time to update your entry. Login to your Showman account to add or edit your shirt size. #2023NationalShow #news UPDATE: JABGA National Show Exhibitors Important Updates for JABGA National Show Exhibitors

Jeremy Church and his wife Amanda own and operate Elk Creek Show Goats in Sentinel Ok where they concentrate their production on high quality Junior show goats and maintain a large group of registered boer goats. JABGA Bred & Owned and Breeding Showmanship Judge, Jeremy Church. They have seen success over the years in the Junior and the open registered show ring across multiple states from coast to coast. They have been active in supporting and expanding the Jr show industry on multiple levels of the industry. Jeremy grew up on a farm/ranch operation in Western Oklahoma where he showed cattle through his years in 4-H and FFA. Jeremy was a member of the Livestock Judging team at Redlands Community College and has been evaluating livestock across multiple species for more than 20 years. Jeremy has had the opportunity to judge shows in 38 states including judging the inaugural commercial doe goat show at the Kansas Jr Livestock Show, Houston Jr Livestock Show, Austin Jr Livestock Show, San Antonio Jr Livestock Show, Missouri Jr Livestock Show, the Ft Worth Stock Show and the JABGA National show just to name a few. Jeremy and Amanda added their first child, Casen, to the family in the summer of 2020 and welcomed their second child, daughter Colynn, in January 2022. #2023NationalShow #news Meet JABGA Bred and Owned and Breeding Showmanship Judge Jeremy Church Jeremy Church has been evaluating livestock across multiple species for over 20 years. He has also judged livestock shows in 38 states!

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!

2022 Halloween Virtual Costume Parade Ghouls and goblins and goats... oh my! In trick-or-treat spirit, we asked ABGA members to show us their best goat costumes on social media. Ghouls and goblins and goats... oh my! In true trick-or-treat spirit, we asked ABGA members from across the country to show us their best goat costumes on Facebook and Instagram. We want to thank everyone who submitted photos and joined in the Halloween fun. Click on the gallery below to see all of the cute, creative, and clever costumes submissions we received: 2022 Halloween Virtual Costume Parade Photos courtesy of: Cathy Schones Morris, Jessica Shannon Spangler, Amanda Griffith, Kristy Vaughn, Linda Johnson, Nancy Tartaglia, Andrea Luna, Angela and Kevin Manning, Josh Ganoe, Rebecka Knotts, Tracey Jenette LaRue, Laken Stocker-Dahnke. Goats & Goblins 2022 - Princeton, Ind. Photos courtesy of Cindy Dusek. #JABGA #news

Rebecca Sullivan Rebecca's love for agriculture began in the eighth grade. That's when she also began to show breeding goats. Growing up my family was not involved in agriculture in any way, shape, or form. The first time I was introduced to agriculture was during my 8th grade year when I took my first agriculture class. Since then, I began to show breeding goats and I became more involved in the FFA. Outside of showing I currently serve as the secretary for the Aledo FFA chapter, and I compete in many competitions throughout the FFA. In my free time, I enjoy reading, outdoor activities, and hanging out with friends. After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in agricultural engineering. I am excited to serve on the JABGA board of directors to help continue the work of this great organization and to influence the next generation.

ABGA and JABGA Now Accepting 2024 Scholarship Applications ABGA and JABGA are now accepting scholarship applications for the 2024 year. The American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) and Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) are now accepting scholarship applications for 2024. Applications will be due to the ABGA office via electronic form or regular mail by April 1, 2024. The American Boer Goat Association scholarship program is designed to encourage the educational enhancement of young Boer goat breeders by awarding annual scholarships. This program is open to any active ABGA or JABGA member, 21 years of age or under, who has been involved in ABGA or JABGA programs. Application Guidelines Applicants must be members of the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) or American Boer Goat Association (ABGA). The applicant must be either a high school senior or a college student (21 years of age or under) as of January 1st of the year the application is submitted. Winners will be recognized at the 2024 ABGA and JABGA National Show. The applicant may receive the scholarship only one time. The recipient will be selected by the ABGA Scholarship Committee members, none of whom have children applying for the ABGA Scholarship. If selected to receive a scholarship by the American Boer Goat Association Scholarship Committee, the scholarship applicant will be required to verify their enrollment in an institution of higher education by September 30, 2024. Upon receipt of enrollment verification, the scholarship award check will be sent to the institution. Failure to meet enrollment requirements in year scholarship is awarded will result in forfeiture of the scholarship. Application Procedure and Instructions You must submit a copy of your final high school and/or college transcript for the Fall 2023 Semester. Application material must include two letters of recommendation. The recommendations may come from employers, teachers, ag leaders, junior advisors, pastors, etc. They may not include applicants, parents, ABGA Board of Directors members, or ABGA employees. The two letters of recommendation and transcripts must be submitted together to the American Boer Goat Association. April 1, 2024, is the deadline for submitting the application material. Materials must be postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service on or before April 1, 2024. Materials postmarked after this date will not be accepted. Applications submitted by email must be received by the ABGA office no later than 11:59 PM CST on the submission date (April 1, 2024). Selection Scholarship recipients will be selected by members of the ABGA Scholarship Committee, none of whom have children applying for the JABGA scholarship program. Each applicant may only receive the scholarship one time. Recognition ABGA scholarship recipients will be recognized at the 2024 ABGA and JABGA National Show in Louisville. Ky. Application Checklist Students wanting to apply for the 2024 ABGA Scholarship program should submit the following materials on or before April 1, 2024. Completed scholarship application Copy of final high school and/or college transcript for the Fall 2023 semester Copy of SAT/ACT scores (if not listed on high school/college transcript) Two (2) letters of recommendation Questions? Please contact JABGA Youth Coordinator Hannah Seymore at jabga@abga.org with any questions or concerns regarding the ABGA scholarship program. Ready to Apply? Complete the form below to apply for the 2024 ABGA Scholarship program: Apply now! or download the PDF form: 2024 Scholarship Application .pdf Download PDF • 165KB

Scholarship To benefit young people with big dreams and create a positive influence on their future, the ABGA offers scholarships to junior members. The American Boer Goat Association Scholarship Program is designed to encourage the educational enhancement of young Boer goat breeders by awarding annual scholarships. This program is open to any active ABGA or JABGA member, 21 years of age or under, who has been involved in ABGA or JABGA programs.

Coni Ross was a pioneer and has become a legend within the goat industry; raising goats for more than 40 years. During her time in the goat industry, Coni served as a director for multiple associations including: American Boer Goat Association, Texas Cashmere Association, and the American Meat Goat Association. She was also a well-respected judge within the ABGA, and judged the ABGA National Show six times throughout her judging career. Coni Ross Coni started raising goats in 1978 with angoras. Then, in the late 1980’s Coni imported 500 cashmere goat embryos from New Zealand, resulting in more than 250 live kids, and was one of the first to have success with embryo transfer in the United States. In 1995, Coni started her herd of Boer goats which eventually grew to more than 1200 head at its peak. Coni focused her breeding efforts to maintain functionality, longevity and mothering ability. She expected goats to thrive in a pasture setting, kid and raise offspring unassisted, all while remaining hardy, thrifty and structurally sound. Along with her dedication to her own herd and the many breed associations that she served; Coni also spent a great deal of her time helping other producers in the goat industry by providing what she called “Goat 911”. She spent countless hours on the phone helping other diagnose and treat goats across the United States. If you ever had the privilege to visit with Coni, you know that she always had her Bluetooth ear piece in and would happily share her more than 40 years of experience, knowledge, and treatment protocols with anyone that called. In 2015, Coni had a vision and sponsored a “5 & Older” class at the ABGA National Show for fullblood bucks and fullblood does to showcase animals that were 5 years and older but still productive and functional. The class has evolved over the years and has become an event to showcase and reward the breeders and animals who continue to maintain the traits that Coni spent her lifetime striving to produce. The Coni Ross Memorial Production Aged Doe Class is designed to allow breeders to showcase the production, functionality and longevity within their doe herds. The animals will be evaluated on their ability to maintain these traits during and after being in production and raising multiple sets of offspring. Body Condition: Animals should be either currently in production and/or of the correct breeding body condition to breed and kid with ease. Animals with excess fat deposits will be faulted. Udder: Does must have a teat structure that allows a newborn kid to easily nurse without intervention. (Good udder attachment, no blown teats, etc.). Structural Integrity: Does should be sound on their feet and legs and exhibit the necessary structural traits: such as strong pasterns and wide pen set; to be functional in a breeding and/or pasture setting without intense management. Production Value: Number and quality of offspring raised. Special Rules: Open to all ABGA registered does (Fullblood, Purebred and Percentage) All does must be 5 years or older. Born on or before June 1st, 2018. Does must show evident signs they have naturally kidded and raised offspring. Does may be exhibited with any natural born kid under 12 months of age at their side to demonstrate the animal’s production ability and value. **Preference given to does with kids who are currently nursing. Exhibitors will be required to provide production records to include: Kidding dates Number of kids born Breeding information (Natural, AI, etc.) Milking and mothering ability Ease of kidding Download Production Records Form: Coni Ross Memorial Class-Production Record Form . Download • 148KB Entry Fee: $10 $5 will be applied towards awards $5 will be applied towards the ABGA Scholarship Enter the National Show #2023NationalShow Coni Ross Memorial Production Aged Doe Class Coni Ross was a pioneer and has become a legend within the goat industry; raising goats for more than 40 years.

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JABGA Nationals and Overall Regional Series Results See the results from the JABGA National Show, and the winners for the JABGA Overall Regional Series. Here are the results from the JABGA National Show: High Point Overall: Cannon Wilhoit High Point Senior Division: Tanner Dahnke High Point Junior Division: Annabelle Kitchens High Point Intermediate Division: Cannon Wilhoit Skill-a-thon Contest – Senior Division: Bella Phillips Skill-a-thon Contest – Junior Division: Annabelle Kitchens Skill-a-thon Contest – Intermediate Division: Cannon Wilhoit Public Speaking Contest – Senior Division: Mikayla Brennan Public Speaking Contest – Junior Division: Annabelle Kitchens Public Speaking Contest – Intermediate Division: Cannon Wilhoit Sales Talk Contest – Senior Division: Clay Orman Sales Talk Contest – Junior Division: Annabelle Kitchens Sales Talk Contest – Intermediate Division: Nollan Smith Judging – Senior Division: Makayla Morris Judging – Junior Division: Emmett Luellen Judging – Intermediate Division: Kaden Brown Fitting Contest Champion – Senior Division: Ashlyn Huff/Kate Schaefer Fitting Contest Reserve – Senior Division: Will Poyner/Cole Jester Fitting Contest Champion – Junior Division: McCoy Luellen/Carson Knott Fitting Contest Reserve – Junior Division: Tory Brincks/Emale Thompson The winners for the JABGA Overall Regional Series are: Overall High Point Grand Champion: Cannon Wilhoit Overall High Point Reserve Champion: Tanner Dahnke Overall High Point – Senior Division: Tanner Dahnke Overall High Point – Junior Division: Annabelle Kitchens Overall High Point – Intermediate Division: Cannon Wilhoit Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all the JABGA members who participated!