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.

Area 1 JABGA Regional Show: Goat Gala Check out the contest results and pics from the Area 1 JABGA Regional Show, Goat Gala in Merced, California! Check out these photos from the Area 1 JABGA Regional Show - Goat Gala! Photos by Lacy Ann Photography . See the contest results below. Related Posts

JABGA Regional Show Judges Needed Are you an ABGA show expert? Do you want to be part of JABGA’s Regional Show program? You may be the next JABGA Regional Show Host! Are you an ABGA show expert? Do you want to be part of JABGA’s acclaimed Regional Show program? You may be the next JABGA Regional Show Host! ABGA is currently looking for interested ABGA members to host regional shows in Area 1, Area 3, Area 4, and Area 5 for the 2022 season and all areas for the 2023-2024 season. You must be an ABGA member in good standing, have previous ABGA sanctioned show experience, and reside in the JABGA Area where the Regional Show is held to be a JABGA Regional Show host. JABGA Regional Show hosts will be responsible for the following, among other duties: Establish show budget and date with ABGA office staff and Youth Committee chairs Select and secure show venue Create show schedule with ABGA office staff and Youth Committee chairs Select and secure show judge from ABGA’s Approved Judges list Secure additional sponsors outside of the ABGA budget Arrange show judge’s travel with ABGA office staff Select and coordinate show volunteers (including but not limited to ring staff, volunteer contest judges, and show announcer) Providing scales for weigh-in (market and commercial doe shows) Coordinate exposition space for sponsors and vendors Validate JABGA ownership and Bred & Owned entries Plan and facilitate awards banquet If you are interested in hosting a JABGA Regional Show, please contact shows@abga.org . The JABGA regional show areas are broken down by state as follows: Area 1: Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, Alaska, Hawaii, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Montana Area 2: Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota Area 3: Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine Area 4: Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Puerto Rico Area 5: Colorado, New Mexico, Texas For more information about the JABGA Regional Show program, click here. For more information about ABGA sanctioned show rules, click here. For more information about JABGA sanctioned show rules, click here. #JABGA #news Related Posts

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.

ABGA and JABGA Now Accepting 2023 Scholarship Applications ABGA and JABGA are now accepting scholarship applications for the 2023 year. The American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) and Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) are now accepting scholarship applications for 2023. Applications will be due to the ABGA office via electronic form or regular mail (4258 S Jackson St, San Angelo, Texas 76903) by April 1, 2023. 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. Applicants must: Be an active member of the American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) or the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) Be either a high school senior OR a college student (21 years of age and under) as of January 1, 2023. 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. Verification of Enrollment Recipients must verify their enrollment in an institution of higher education with the ABGA office by September 30, 2023. The scholarship award check will be sent to the educational institution upon verification of enrollment. Failure to meet enrollment requirements in 2023 will result in forfeiture of the scholarship. Recognition ABGA scholarship recipients will be recognized at the 2023 ABGA and JABGA National Show in Louisville. Ky. Application Checklist Students wanting to apply for the 2023 ABGA Scholarship program should submit the following materials on or before April 1, 2023. Completed scholarship application ( VIEW HERE ) Copy of final high school and/or college transcript for the Fall 2022 semester Copy of SAT/ACT scores (if not listed on high school/college transcript) Two (2) letters of recommendation Questions or Concerns? 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 2023 ABGA Scholarship program: ABGA Scholarship Application Related Posts

What is Agriculture? Read what JABGA Vice President, Logan Hollen, wrote about agriculture for National Agriculture Week. JABGA Vice President Logan Hollen What is Agriculture? As a girl growing up in Kentucky, I have been surrounded by ag my whole life. Throughout the past 18 years on this earth, I have learned what agricultural means to me. The foundation of the world is agriculture. Ag gives you everything – from the clothes on your back to the lights in your house. A few months ago, I found myself in front of a freshman ag class teaching them what agricultural is. After the lesson I left them with one last thing to remember, “without agricultural, we have nothing, without agriculture, we are nothing”. The American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) is a great representation of what agriculture is. This organization teaches young students about the importance of animals and how to properly care for them. We need more organizations such as the ABGA to share the importance of agriculture. I strive to share the importance of ag and continue to share with others why we must keep ag the focal point in everyday life. Related Posts

CLOSED: Now Hiring: JABGA Youth Coordinator The American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) is now hiring a Youth Coordinator for the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA). **As of October 5, 2022, the American Boer Goat Association is no longer accepting applications for the JABGA Youth Coordinator position. Thank you to all applicants who submitted their information!** The American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) is now hiring a Youth Coordinator for the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) . This is a remote position with some travel required. If you are passionate about leadership, education, and personal development for youth and want to work with an expanding nonprofit organization, email your resume and cover letter to officemanager@abga.org or apply on Indeed here . Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) Youth Coordinator Position Overview: This position is fully responsible for organizing the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA). The JABGA Youth Coordinator develops and facilitates programs in various settings to enhance and support education and personal development for youth involved in JABGA. The Youth Coordinator ensures all JABGA projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet quality standards, and secures and implements grants/funding and development programs to support JABGA’s mission. Location & Travel: This position is remote, with a requirement to travel to industry events, all JABGA Regional and National Shows, and occasionally the ABGA office (San Angelo, Texas). Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience. Education: A Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on agricultural education is preferred. Reports To: ABGA Executive Director, Office Manager, Background Check: The ability to pass a comprehensive background check is required. This position adheres to strict conduct and confidentiality standards regarding minors and sensitive information. Prior Experience: Event planning, specifically youth educational and leadership events (required) Working with youth (required) Basic financial management, including developing and monitoring budgets and financial reporting (required) Agricultural extension or agricultural organization/association work (preferred) Grants management (preferred) Project management, including using project management software (Microsoft Teams, OEX) (preferred) Skills: Excellent time management and prioritization skills Stellar written and verbal communication skills Comfortable with high-pressure situations and strict deadlines Attention to detail Ability to learn, understand, and follow complex procedures and regulations Proficiency with desktop computers, Microsoft Office applications (Word, Teams, Excel), and conducting business via email and the Internet Ability to lead and manage a group Ability to anticipate setbacks and plan accordingly Strong sense of relationship building and ability to work in teams Duties: Prepare comprehensive action plans for JABGA projects, directives, and events with guidance from ABGA Executive Director, ABGA Youth Committee Plan and oversee meetings and activities of the JABGA Board of Directors (monthly virtual meetings, annual Face-to-Face meetings) Perform administrative tasks on behalf of JABGA (scheduling, timelines, budgets, contacts, financial inquiries, vendor relations) Represent JABGA and ABGA at various industry events, including “major” livestock shows (NAILE, Fort Worth Livestock Show & Rodeo, Denver Livestock Show, RodeoHouston, the American Royal Livestock Show, OYE, and others), all ABGA and JABGA Regional Shows and National Shows, National FFA Convention Provide routine updates to ABGA Executive Director, Office Manager, and Youth Committee on the success of JABGA policies, events, and directives Inform JABGA members and their parents/guardians on JABGA policies, events, and directives via text, email, video chat, and social media. Manage safety concerns, accidents, injuries, and misconduct of JABGA members and volunteers according to ABGA and JABGA policies and local and national laws. Assist the Youth Committee and Executive Director in identifying and pursuing financial support opportunities (grants) from government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and corporate sponsors to meet JABGA's needs Maintain strict conduct and confidentiality standards regarding minors and sensitive information About the American Boer Goat Association: The American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that focuses on protecting, promoting, and recording the American Boer goat breed. The Boer breed was developed by Dutch farmers in South Africa in the 1900s and was then introduced in the United States in 1993. The American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) was founded the following year. Boer goats are prized for their rapid growth rate, excellent carcass quality, and adaptability to many climates. A docile and highly fertile breed, Boer goats have primarily been used for meat production. Over a century later, these traits set the Boer goat apart in the purebred and commercial segments of the American meat goat industry. With 7,000 members and 45,000 goats registered annually, today’s ABGA offers members marketing, educational, and commercial industry opportunities, along with youth involvement through the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA).   About the Junior American Boer Goat Association: The Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) supports ABGA in its mission to improve and promote the Boer breed and encourage the breeding, raising, and exhibition of American Boer Goats. JABGA fosters the personal growth of its youth membership through training in leadership, good sportsmanship, and character development as individuals and in groups. **As of October 5, 2022, the American Boer Goat Association is no longer accepting applications for the JABGA Youth Coordinator position. Thank you to all applicants who submitted their information!** JABGA Youth Coordinator .pdf Download PDF • 85KB #JABGA #news Related Posts

2022 JABGA Face-to-Face: Day 1 Day One of our Junior American Boer Goat Association Board of Directors Face-to-Face meeting is complete! Day One of our Junior American Boer Goat Association Board of Directors Face-to-Face meeting is complete! Our JABGA Board members spent their first full day breaking the ice -- getting acquainted with each other and the ABGA office, writing National Show thank-you notes, and viewing a leadership TED Talk (video below). This sparked an afternoon of conversation: "What does JABGA mean to you? How do you see JABGA moving into the future? What would you like to see at the 2023 JABGA National Show?" The group finished out the night with pizza. Our JABGA Board of Directors has a fun-filled (and busy!) few days ahead of them! UP NEXT: a tour of the Angelo State University Meat Lab and Management, Instruction, and Research Center. #JABGA #news Related Posts

What National Agriculture Week Means To Me JABGA Board Member, Alaina Blair, reflects on what National Agriculture Week means to her. By Alaina Blair JABGA Board Member Alaina Blair Agriculture has provided me with vast opportunities and has impacted my life in many great ways: from skills learned and values instilled in me to hard work and responsibility are a way of life. It teaches perseverance, to hold tight to my faith, and know the sun will rise again tomorrow. Agriculture is not only cultivating the land, producing crops, and raising livestock, but it’s being a caregiver. It’s setting roots that run deep with family, history, and community. One day I will become part of a legacy left on the land as the next generation is raised. Agriculture is vital for all, for it produces the necessities that maintain life. ABGA has helped me find my passion and fuels my drive for the Boer goat industry. It’s given me the opportunity to be involved in the industry I so deeply love. Hopefully, one day I will be able to have a livelihood in becoming a veterinarian that specializes in small ruminants and giving back to the industry that has given me so much. Therefore, celebrating National Agriculture Week makes me think of gratitude and harvest time. Gratitude for the backbone of our nation that provides our food and a way of life to be proud of! It’s the past, present, and a promise of the future. It gives me a reason to celebrate the industry I love and settles my soul. Here’s to a lifestyle worth celebrating! #JABGA #news Related Posts

Meet McKenna Blair First Coni Ross Memorial Scholarship Recipient “Being chosen as the first-ever Coni Ross scholarship recipient means a lot to me,” said... First Coni Ross Memorial Scholarship Recipient “Being chosen as the first-ever Coni Ross scholarship recipient means a lot to me,” said McKenna Blair, who is from Wagoner, Okla. “I considered her to be the best of the best.” Ranked 7th in her class, McKenna graduated Wagoner High School with a 4.0 GPA in May 2021. She now attends Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Okla. As a double major in Agriculture Education and Agriculture Communications, she has a 4.0 GPA. “I will forever cherish Coni’s impact on my life,” McKenna said. “I can still remember her smiling and walking around the ring doing what she loved most. She brought so much positivity to the barns that always brightened my day.” Known worldwide for her knowledge of Boer goats and her interest in sharing her knowledge with others, McKenna said she hopes to follow in Coni’s footsteps. “I can only hope to, one day, be as knowledgeable about livestock as Coni and expand my own education to help and mold the generations to come,” McKenna said. After she graduates from college, McKenna wants to be an ag educator and build her own Boer goat herd. “Boer goats are beautiful animals,” McKenna said. “There is nothing cuter than a baby goat.” But it goes farther than that for McKenna. McKenna also wants to pay it forward by providing show animals to kids who are interested in showing and building a bond with the younger generations. McKenna said if you look deeper into what the Boer goat offers, there are many reasons to like Boer goats. “At the show level, they teach youth and adults how to manage time as well as how to be good caregivers,” she explained. “I think one of the greatest things Boer goats have to offer is their efficiency to convert forage to meat production. If a person isn’t interested in the show aspect of the Boer goat, the market and farm-to-table aspect is very beneficial and should be utilized more in today's world.” Related Posts

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!

JABGA President Cecelia Knott's Showmanship Tip Check out this useful showmanship tip from JABGA Board President, Cecelia Knott. Practice! Practice! Practice! Set goals for yourself. Have someone video you practicing, so you can watch yourself and see how you may need to make some changes. Everyone shows a little differently but watching more experienced showmen is beneficial. Related Posts