ABGA and JABGA Now Accepting 2024 Scholarship Applications Read More ABGA and JABGA are now accepting scholarship applications for the 2024 year. Applications Open for JABGA Board of Directors Read More JABGA is now accepting JABGA Board of Directors nominations until March 1, 2024. Updated JABGA Speech Topics Read More The updated Speech Topics were passed by the JABGA Board of Directors at the 2023 Summer Face-to Face meeting. JABGA Age Division Changes Read More The JABGA Board of Directors proposes the age change be implemented on September 1, 2023. 2023 JABGA National Show Contest & Overall Regional Series Results Read More Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all the JABGA members who participated! 2023 Scholarship Winners Read More Academic excellence, leadership skills, community involvement, and a strong commitment to personal growth. Load More Check out what's new and upcoming with the Junior American Boer Goat Association. News & Updates

OUR STORY STARTED MORE THAN 100 YEARS AGO The Boer goat was developed by Dutch farmers in South Africa in the early 1900s. They were brought to the United States in 1993. The American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) was founded that same year. A unique breed, it is popular for its amazing meat production. The Boer goat has a rapid growth rate, excellent carcass qualities and is highly adaptive to different environments. Docile and highly fertile, these traits set the Boer goat apart in the purebred and commercial segments of the American meat goat industry. Today, the ABGA offers a variety of opportunities in marketing, education, and the commercial industry and for youth through the Junior American Boer Goat Association. ABGA is the largest Boer goat association in the world with more than 7,000 members. The association registers more than 45,000 head annually. OUR HISTORY

ABGA has blocked off hotel rooms for 2024 National Show exhibitors and attendees. Book your hotel rooms today, because they will go fast! Be sure to let your hotel know you're there for the 2024 ABGA & JABGA National Show. Hotel Location Phone # Website Dates Available Book By: Comfort Suites 6535 Paramount Park Dr., Louisville, KY, 40213 502-315-8085 Website 6/7/24-6/16/24 May 6, 2024 SpringHill Suites Louisville Airport 820 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY, 40209 502-361-9009 Website 6/6/24-6/17/24 May 16, 2024 Tru by Hilton Louisville Airport 810 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY, 40209 502-792-8800 Website 6/7/24-6/16/24 May 16, 2024 Residence Inn by Marriot - Louisville Airport 700 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY, 40209 502-363-8800 Website 6/7/24-6/16/24 May 16, 2024 Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Airport 2735 Crittenden Drive, Louisville, KY, 40209 502-637-2424 Website 6/7/24-6/16/24 May 7, 2024 For more information or questions, contact: nationalshow@abga.org Lodging and Accommodations ABGA has blocked off hotel rooms for 2024 National Show exhibitors and attendees. Book your hotel rooms today!

Late fees will be applied after May 22nd. The last day to submit online entries is Jun 1st. Entries are not accepted the day of show. You can edit your entries online until Jun 1st. You can watch instruction on how to enter a show on Showman below. #2023NationalShow National Show Entry 2023 ABGA & JAGBA National Show entry is now open on Showman.app

Below is the Penning Assignments for the 2023 ABGA & JABGA National Show. We are currently working on a Penning Chart/Map for a better visual of the layout. In the meantime, please check the list for your name and penning assignment. If you do not see your name on the list, please contact National Show Committee chair, Katherine Klug, at nationalshow2023@abga.org . Our National Show Superintendents made every attempt to pen everyone where they requested. #2023NationalShow #news 2023 National Show Penning Assignments Check out the 2023 ABGA & JABGA National Show Penning Assignments.

SAN ANGELO, TEXAS --- The American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) is pleased to announce the selection of three Superintendents for the 2023 ABGA and JABGA National Show . The 2023 National Show will be held at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky., on June 10-18, 2023. Jesse Kimmel , Tara Hicks , and Zeb James were selected by ABGA's National Show Committee from an applicant pool of seven individuals and approved by the ABGA Board of Directors at their regular monthly meeting on January 10, 2023 . John Blackstock and Joe Airoso were selected as alternates. Superintendents play an important part in the success of the ABGA and JABGA National Show by ensuring exhibitors adhere to ABGA National Show Rules and welcoming exhibitors to the show ring. Because of the nature of the position, ABGA and JABGA are thankful for the time and dedication of these individuals before, during, and after the National Show. Learn more about the 2023 ABGA and JABGA National Show HERE . #2023NationalShow Meet the 2023 ABGA and JABGA National Show Superintendents ABGA is pleased to announce Jessee Kimmel, Tara Hicks, and Zeb James as Superintendents for the 2023 ABGA and JABGA National Show.

Zeb James, who hails from East Tennessee, purchased his initial herd of commercial Boer goats in 2002 with a former high school peer. He became a member of the American Boer Goat Association in 2009, along with one of his students who was interested in the goat industry. Zeb's interest in agriculture began when he was young, participating in various 4-H events such as speaking contests, horse and livestock judging, and horticulture competitions. Despite losing access to livestock when his family moved to the city, Zeb remained determined to carry on the tradition of animal agriculture that his grandfather instilled in him. This led him to start his own farm, Russell Sons Farm, which was named after his grandfather who was a renowned figure in the dairy industry. In 2007, Zeb began working as an agricultural teacher and FFA advisor at Creek Wood High School in Middle Tennessee. He loves to help his students with different animal projects including the Broiler Chicken Project; a project where students raise meat chickens for a period of 6-7 weeks before exhibiting them at the end of the grow-out phase. He also helps his students raise and show hogs, chickens and cattle for 4-H and FFA competitions. Zeb also has a passion for goats and has been involved with the ABGA National Show for three years. He says that goats are a great animal for kids and families because they are friendly and easy to handle. He likes that the National Show offers many opportunities for the JABGA members to learn and grow, not just in showing goats but also in other skills like public speaking, judging and sales talk. He says that these skills will help them in their future careers and goat operations. Zeb also enjoys meeting other ABGA members from different states and making new friends. 2023 National Show Superintendent Zeb James (Center). “The friendships formed from the National Show, and even other ABGA shows, are like family members. They are always there to give advice, assistance, and advocate for you and your operation; sometimes they even challenge you on things that later become huge blessings." #2023NationalShow #news Meet 2023 National Show Superintendent Zeb James Zeb's Passion for Agriculture Rooted in 4-H Participation

1998 National Show Results Filter by Show Select Show All ABGA Open Show Results All JABGA Show Results

Download the Meat Goat Evaluation Record Book Objective of Meat Goat Evaluation Contest The goal of this contest is to raise awareness that the goats we raise are part of the food production system in some way shape or form. Nearly every goat we raise is eventually eaten by someone and we are all producing a high-quality, lean, nutritious and delicious protein source. With little to no promotion of commercial goats or goat meat, prices are soaring for both and there is great opportunity for commercial goat producers and in particular, Boer producers. No breed can add growth, gain and red meat to the commercial goat industry like the Boer breed. The meat goat evaluation contest allows exhibitors to see first-hand how their projects are turned into a high-quality protein source. We will also collect DNA samples on each goat. They will be run on a 70,000 SNP goat test by Neogen and this will serve as the beginnings of a phenotype and genotype database for the Boer breed. The hope is to eventually collect enough data to identify markers that relate to economically relevant traits and make genetic improvement based on DNA technology. General Contest Rules Exhibitor must be a member of JABGA Contest is open to bucks, does, & wethers Goat must still have milk teeth Must be owned at least 60 days prior to the national show Limited to 1 goat per JABGA exhibitor This is a terminal contest Must participate in all 3 categories to be eligible for prizes and payouts Live Class Rules Animals must be slick sheared above the knees & hocks This is a no fit, blow & go show (no adhesives, powder, or paint) Classes will be divided by weight Minimum live weight of 75 lbs. Goats are subject to a random urine drug test Carcass Class Rules Carcass must be youthful appearing, no spool joints or excessive dark coloring Carcass shall be free of serious bruises (“old”, not recent), free of injection sites on the more valuable carcass parts - leg, loin, rack and shoulder (neck excluded) and free of any evidence of surgical altering of the live goat Slaughter facility reserves the right to condemn any carcass that does not comply with USDA standards Scoring & Payout Record book (50 Points Possible) placed 1-10, with payout to top five Carcass class (50 Points Possible) placed 1-10 with payout to top five Live class (50 Points Possible) placed 1-10 with payout to top five Carcass & Live class point system as follows 1st=50, 2nd=45, 3rd=40,....etc.) Overall contest score is determined by the aggregate total of points earned from each category Carcass Class Evaluation Criteria Carcass rankings will be determined through a combination of collected data and visual appraisal Data Collected During Carcass Class Photos Photos of the whole carcass and close up or ribbed section. Serves as both an educational piece and verification. DNA A tissue sample of each carcass will be submitted to Neogen for genotyping and storage. Age (Months) Market goats are usually referred to as kid/cabrito (2-14 months), young chevon (14-24 months), or aged chevon (over 24 months). Live weight (LW) Taken at live show in pounds Hot Carcass Weight (HCW) Taken after harvest, hide, hooves, head removed, ready for chill (lbs.) Leg Confirmation Score 15 (Prime +) 14 (Prime avg.) 13 (Prime-) 12 (Choice+) 11 (Choice avg.) 10 (Choice-) 9 (Good+) 8 (Good avg.) 7 (Good-) Confirmation Score 1 = Carcasses have a high proportion of meat to bone, are thickly muscled throughout the body with a bulging outside leg, rounded back strip, and a moderately thick outside shoulder. 2 = Carcasses have an average proportion of meat to bone, are moderately muscled throughout the body as indicated by a slightly thick and a slightly pronounced outside leg, a slightly full (flat or slightly shallow) back strip, and a slightly thick to slightly thin outside shoulder. 3 = Carcasses have a low ratio of meat to bone, an inferior meat type conformation. The legs, back, and shoulders are narrow in relation to its length. (Selection No. 3 carcasses resemble skinned jackrabbits) Leg Circumference Measured in cm at widest part of leg (average of both legs) Kidney, pelvic & heart fat (%KPH) As % of HCW, typically .0-5-3.5%. 1% = Small amount primarily in flank area 2% = heavier in flank, down to navel 3% = very heavy amount, into chest cavity Subcutaneous Fat Cover Score (SQF) External fat cover score as 1= minimal/none. 2= fat over rib and shoulder. 3= excessive fat cover. Back Fat (BF) Measured at center of Loin eye on 12th rib (tenths of an inch), adjusted by visual appraisal of entire carcass. Minimum and maximum adjusted fat thickness at the 12th rib, .05 inches to .25 inches, respectively. Loin Eye Area (LEA) 12th rib loin eye (Longissimus) area. Use standard 1/20 loin eye grid, measure both sides, average. (Sq. Inches) Body Wall Body wall thickness (includes fat, bone, and lean) measured 1" beyond Thickness (BWT) Loin eye, on both sides and averaged. (tenths of inch) Flank Lean Color A, B, C = A is lightest and pinkest, C is darkest Calculated Dressing % (DP) (HCW/LW) X100. % Cutability 60.6933 - (0.23174 x HCW) + (1.96202 x Loin Eye Area) - (1.57832 x BWT) 60.6933 - (0.23174 x HCW) + (1.96202 x Loin Eye Area) - (1.57832 x BWT Estimated percent boneless, closely trimmed retail cuts (%BCTRC) from the leg, loin, rack, and shoulder are used in ranking. 49.936 - (.0848 x hcw) - (4.376 x 12th rib fat) - (3.530 x BWT) + (2.456 X LEA) For more information or questions, contact: nationalshow@abga.org Meat Goat Evaluation The goal of this contest is to raise awareness that the goats we raise are part of the food production system.

The DNA Program Explained Updates Starting September 1, 2021, all DNA will be voluntary, and all DNA has to be processed through the ABGA office . (Motion unanimously passed by the ABGA Board of Directors). UC Davis' current turnaround time is 15-20 business days from the date the sample is received. If samples require additional testing, no action on your part is required. No updated estimate for when testing will be completed is available. As of January 1, 2022 we are no longer sending DNA stickers. Results will be sent via email, unless requested. If you would like the DNA qualification reflected on your goat's Certificate of Registration, please send the certificate to the ABGA office. A $5 certificate reissue fee will be charged. The future of our DNA Program ... Read More DNA test request for members in good standing (current/renewed membership). Your member number must be included to receive the member price. Payment must be included to receive the DNA Sample Instructions. $35 Per Animal DNA test request for non-members or members with outstanding membership dues. Payment must be included to receive the DNA Sample Instructions. $40 Per Animal INSTRUCTIONS (All required fields must be filled out completely). Identification: All goats' DNA tested through ABGA must have ABGA identification such as their name and identifying marks or tattoo. Parent Verification: If you are requesting parent verification, check the type of verification (either sire, dam, or both), and BE SURE to fill in the Sire and/or Dam registration number and Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) Case ID Number. If you do not have a VGL Case ID number, you must purchase the DNA Sample Instructions for each parent you are verifying. ​ ​ PROCESSING TIME UC Davis will EMAIL your DNA Sample Instructions to your email address within three (3) business days of ONLINE submission to ABGA. If you did not provide an email address, the DNA Sample Instructions will be mailed to you. If you do not receive your DNA Sample Instructions within 3 business days, CHECK YOUR JUNK EMAIL . If it is not there, contact the ABGA office at (325) 486-2242, or email dna@abga.org . ​PULLING AND SENDING HAIR SAMPLE DNA Sample Instructions include instructions on how to pull the hair for the test and send it to UC Davis. Be sure to get the roots of the hair sample. Be sure to use a clean paper envelope. Be sure to write the goat's information on the envelope [name, registration number, your name]. Send the DNA Sample to UC Davis following the instructions in the DNA Sample Instructions you received. Send the confirmation to ABGA. ​ ABGA Rule 802–I In cases where the submitting party is not the owner of record, an unopened vial, straw, or other container containing semen that has been identified in accordance with Rule 401.B is required for DNA test results to be accepted by ABGA. What does the DNA test do for me? It identifies the specific genetic markers associated with the goat you have tested. It allows for parent verification and future identification of that goat as the parent of any kid(s). It will show on your goat’s registration papers, and on online searches people do that your goat’s identity is verified and recorded through the DNA test. It will allow you to show your goat’s parentage has been verified, if you have requested parent verification. What does the test do for ABGA? It lets us build our database of information on registered goats. Once we have that start we can ask UC Davis to test the samples for more markers that will give us the opportunity to improve our animals. Will DNA be used for research? Yes. UC Davis retains the right to use all samples stored at the VGL for research, whether the tests are performed for individuals, or for individuals through associations. Research and the benefits that it can provide to producers is the main focus of the program for the ABGA. As more members participate in the DNA testing program this will make meaningful research a reality for our animals for the first time. Who owns the DNA sample? All DNA samples are stored at UC Davis, and VGL retains the right to use any samples stored there for research, whether they are done for individuals, or for individuals through registries. For contract customer registries like ABGA, the registry has ultimate ownership of the sample. However, the owner receives the results of the DNA tests requested on their goats. This gives ABGA members the guarantee that should UC Davis decide to dispose of samples processed through ABGA requests, ABGA can move those samples to another facility so they are still available for research that will benefit all members. Should it matter to me that the ABGA shares ownership of the sample? Yes. It gives you the guarantee that your sample is safe, regardless of what UC Davis may decide in the future. It makes it easier and cheaper for members to DNA test their goats, and verify parentage, if they wish to do that. ​ Who gets a copy of the DNA Report listing the Markers? For contract customer registries, like ABGA, the owner of the goat will receive a copy of the results to be kept with the animal, and the registry receives a copy of the results to be stored in the appropriate registry herd book. Does ABGA make the DNA Report on my goat available to anyone else? No, absolutely not. If you want someone to have that information, you must provide it to them yourself. Can I get other animals DNA results? No. Only the owner of the DNA sample can get that information. The member will need to contact the owner of the animal who is also the owner of the DNA to get those results. Can I submit DNA directly to UC Davis? You can submit directly to UC Davis for your own records, but unfortunately ABGA does not accept DNA results that are submitted directly to UC Davis. ​Can the test tell me if my goat is a percentage or fullblood? No. With current information available, there is no way to tell what percentage Boer is in a goat. Is there an extra fee for parent verification? No. The ABGA included this service in our price of doing the DNA test. Will I be told who the parents are? No. The test will show how close they matched, or didn’t match what you indicated on the form. Can I request parent verification of my goat(s) if I don’t own one of the parents? Yes, but only if you verify parentage through ABGA, the parents are registered and have been DNA tested through ABGA. The goat you are verifying parentage of must have some form of an ABGA registration or listing paper number and then all you need is the goat’s parents’ registration numbers to verify the parentage of your goat. If the goat’s parents have not been DNA tested, you would need to order DNA test sample kits on the parents as well as the goat at the same time. If you verify through UC Davis, and/or your goat’s parents have not been DNA tested through ABGA, you must have the VGL Case ID number from their owner. Do I need to keep a sample of the hair? Both UC Davis and ABGA suggest that when you pull a sample to send in for testing, you pull another sample. Place it in an envelope the same way you do the sample you’re sending in and write the identifying information on the envelope. Store it in a DRY, safe place. The best protection of your sample is to leave it in storage at UC Davis where there are documented safeguards in place. Who Owns the Rights to Do Research on the Sample or Sell those Rights? A sample by itself is worthless for research. However, UC Davis retains research rights on all samples it houses, whether they come from individual customers or contract customer associations, like the ABGA. Here is the language each customer receives from UC Davis: [USE OF DATA. All Research data, including but not limited to, all notebooks, DNA typing protocols, original laboratory records, and any research reports, shall be usable by University in pursuit of its mission of teaching, research and public service. University reserves the right, subject to individual confidentiality requirements, to publish any or all research results developed from such data.] Frequently Asked DNA Questions Request DNA Testing Download Printable Form Complete Online Form

Jaelynn Reyes was born and raised in the great state of Texas. She grew up in McAllen and moved to the Austin area when she was 10 years old. Jaelynn was a city girl and had no exposure to agriculture till eighth grade. During her high school years, she was heavily involved in FFA and raised/showed market goats and lambs. She continued her education at Angelo State University majoring in Agriculture Science and Leadership. She was heavily involved in the agriculture department as President of Collegiate FFA, a member of Block & Bridle, Meat Food Science Association and Texas Trophy Hunters Association. She was a part of the 2021 ASU Collegiate Meat Judging Team as well as worked at the school ranch as a Food Safety Product Development Lab employee. Jaelynn continued having a heavy presence in the livestock industry as she started her own livestock consulting business to mentor students that live in urban settings. Jaelynn has interned at some of the biggest major shows in Texas, volunteer on a local/county level and judge/officiate some Leadership and Career Development Events. During her senior year Jaelynn started working as a part time registration clerk and DNA assistant. She was offered a full-time position as the DNA & Shows coordinator upon graduating. Jaelynn graduated December of 2023 with her bachelor's degree in Agricultural Science and Leadership. < Back Jaelynn Reyes DNA & Show Coordinator Email All work orders must be submitted to mail@abga.org , or through our Contact page .

The American Boer Goat Association would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our endcap sponsors. Your unwavering support and generosity towards ABGA and JABGA during the National Show, has been invaluable. We couldn't have achieved success without each and every one of you. ENDCAP SPONSORS 2M Boer Goats Radiant Reds Redden Bros Custom Color Boer Goats Custom Fitting and Photography Flying L Ranch Boer Goats / Shamrock Farm Boer Goats Boston School Manor Farm Newton Farms KT Boer Goats Finch Goat Farm Cactus Boer Goats B-Mack Farms /Mackey Family Farms Blue Gainey Ranch Gibbs Farms Wetherell Farm & Hilltop Farm Kody Goats Double D Boers Clear Creek Farms Advanced Boer Genetics , Pine Bank Boer Goats , & Hazelbaker Boer Goats C&J Scholl Farms Stuart & Love Farms Shepherd Creek Ranch Boers By Hobby / I-80 Alliance Big Blue Boers & Johns Boer Goats Paint Creek Show Goats Russell Sons Farm Elk Ridge Livestock Tommy Gammons Southerland Acre Boer Goats Yoakum Livestock Klein Kraal Farm Boer Goats Neil York Dust Devil Ranch Culver Family Farm & Culver Family Farm Transportation Services, LLC Locust Haven Farm Rosemeyer Boer Goats Newton Boers Eden Basford Johns Boer Goats Wilson Acres Throckmorton Show Goats Frank Poling FuBerry Farms Boer Goats Hidden River Livestock , B3 Boer Goats, & Apple Tree Livestock Company #2023NationalShow Thank You 2023 National Show End Cap Sponsors We couldn't have achieved success without each and every one of you.