Overcoming Obstacles in the Industry The Boer goat industry faces challenges like breeding for quality, disease management, and labor commitment. Despite these, the rewards are immense. By Alaina Blair There are many obstacles and challenges that affect the Boer goat industry as a whole. These hurdles vary, and some are unforeseen, they can range from getting started in the industry and networking, having the knowledge and understanding of the breed, finding a support system and a mentor, as well as establishing proper care and nutrition. Even though these challenges can be difficult to navigate at times, they are no comparison to the blessings of being a part of this industry brings. In this article, I will focus on what I feel are the primary obstacles in the Boer goat show industry; the challenge of breeding for both quality and consistency, disease and health management, time and labor commitment, and judging standards and subjectivity. Breeding for desired traits can lead to being successful Breeders are increasingly utilizing genetic testing and performance data to make informed breeding decisions. This not only helps in selecting show-quality characteristics, such as muscle development and size but also ensures the long-term health and vitality of the herd. Solution: Sharing knowledge and collaborating with other breeders is essential to continuing the advancement of the breed. Disease and Health Management Like all livestock industries, Boer goat breeders face the constant challenge of managing diseases and parasites that can affect the health of their goats. While Boer goats are generally hardy animals, stress from showing, transportation, and environmental changes can compromise their immune systems, making them susceptible to illness. Solution: Prevention is crucial. Regular vaccinations, deworming programs, and maintaining a clean, low-stress environment are essential for keeping goats healthy and show-ready. Breeders are also becoming more proactive in monitoring goat health by conducting regular veterinary checks, which helps catch potential issues before they become major setbacks. Time and Labor Commitment Show preparation is time-consuming and requires a significant investment of both labor and resources. Breeding for high-quality show animals is an ongoing process, and raising them to their peak potential involves careful nutrition, exercise, grooming, and training. This level of commitment can be difficult to sustain, particularly for small-scale breeders with limited resources. Solution: Support networks and mentorship programs can provide guidance and help breeders share the workload. Collaborating with other show participants, pooling resources for shared facilities or equipment, and leveraging social media to build a community around the Boer goat industry can help alleviate some of the pressures faced by breeders. Judging Standards and Subjectivity Another challenge within the Boer goat show industry is the subjectivity of judging. While guidelines exist for evaluating Boer goats, the interpretation of those standards can vary from one judge to another. This can lead to inconsistencies in scoring and some frustration among breeders who feel that their goats were not evaluated fairly. Solution: Education and transparency are key. Judges who are well-versed in the genetics and ideal conformation of Boer goats help to establish a more consistent and fair judging process. Likewise, breeders benefit from understanding the judging criteria and aligning their breeding programs with these standards to increase their chances of success in competitions. Breeders should also consider characteristics that are important to them because at the end of the day, the breeder should be happy with what they are raising and seeing in “their barn”. While the Boer goat show industry faces its share of challenges, the passion and dedication of its participants continue to drive its growth and evolution. By embracing new technologies, staying informed about best practices in animal care, and working together as a community, breeders can overcome obstacles and contribute to the continued success and sustainability of the industry. The Boer goat show world is not without its difficulties, but with perseverance and innovation, success is always within reach.

Diana Scarbrough is a Registration Clerk here at ABGA. She’s been at ABGA for over a year. She enjoys working at ABGA every day, and feels her coworkers are more like her family. Everyday in the office is always a new adventure. Diana has been married to her husband Brian for 18 years and has 4 grown kids. Her hobbies are listening to music, watching movies, and hanging out with her dogs Duke & Boba Fett. < Back Diana Scarbrough Registrations Clerk Email All work orders must be submitted to mail@abga.org , or through our Contact page .

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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.

2024 Costume Contest This show is a fun-filled experience for exhibitors as well as spectators. All JABGA members can participate. Both the goat and the exhibitor should dress for the occasion. The Costume Contest will take place Tuesday, June 11th during the lunch break. Divisions: Junior (4-12) Senior (13-21) Two prizes will be given per division: judges choice, and people choice. Exhibitors are required to show their goat in a halter or lead, and must maintain control of their animal at all times. This is a family-friendly event, all participants must act in an appropriate manner. Inappropriate costumes or behavior may be disqualified at any time by ABGA/ JABGA Staff or Board Members. Photos by Pearl's Pics For more information or questions, contact: nationalshow@abga.org Costume Contest This show is a fun-filled experience for exhibitors as well as spectators! All JABGA members can participate. Photo by Pearl's Pics .

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! We want to extend a sincere thank you to ALL of our sponsors for their generous support. The success of the 2024 National Show would not have been possible without your contribution. We look forward to your continued support in the upcoming years! Diamond Sponsors Platinum Sponsors Gold Plus Sponsors Gold Sponsors Silver Sponsors Bronze Sponsors Red Rock Acres Boer Goats Childers Show Goats Kentucky Farm Bureau Cinch Tartaglia Boer Goats EZid, LLC JC Boer Goats - Julie Carreiro Ribbon Sponsors Logan Hollen Mantodea Farm Clayton and Beth Newton Elk Ridge Boer Goats Lynnzae VanWyk Colton Westfall 2M Boer Goats Eli Merrill Angelheart Farm Rebel Mountain Ranch Boer Goats Kellen Knott Hannah Chaffee Abril Stover Madison Reis National Herdsire Sale Triple W Genetics Felix Villarreal Banner Sponsors 2 Sisters Farm 2M Boer Goats Angelheart Farm Sleepy Hollow Farms Elk Ridge Boer Goats Madi-Trv Boer Goats Redden Bros Rosemeyer Boer Goats Eli Merrill Pine Bank Boer Goats Kellen Knott Lynnzae VanWyk Hannah Chaffee Casada Creations Bailey Brumfield Abril Stover Jackson Harman Tyler Stolipher Triple W Genetics National Herdsire Sale Sand Country Acres Buckle Sponsors Bodacious Boers Logan Hollen MAK Genetics Mantodea Farm 2M Boer Goats Clayton and Beth Newton Angelheart Farm Kane Nuhring Elk Ridge Boer Goats Eli Merrill Kellen Knott Lynnzae VanWyk Colton Westfall Chesnut Springs West Drew Pontious Grand Slam Boers (Carbino Family) Hannah Chaffee Rachel Lopes The Hanna Family Bailey Brumfield Abril Stover Flying M Photography The Cowan Family Terry Taylor Five Fifteen Cattle Co. The Wilhoit Family Srock Wood Works Jackson Harman Boers by Hobby National Herdsire Sale Rowdy Acres Boer Goats Bronze Awards Sponsors Red Rock Acres Boer Goats 2 Sisters Farm Rancho 4 Hermanos 2M Boer Goats Angelheart Farm Madi-Trv Boer Goats Apple Tree Kellen Knott Abril Stover Redden Bros Grace Ellis Sand Country Acres Miscellaneous Sponsors Ken Baty (Peewee Showmanship, Adult Showmanship, Costume Contest) Newton Farms (Pizza Party, Coffee Bar, Exhibitor Numbers) Ale-8 (Pizza Party) For more information or questions, contact: nationalshow@abga.org Thank You, Sponsors Thank you, sponsors!

Corinna Belman started working with ABGA June 22, 2021, she has gained much knowledge and experience with goats since working at ABGA. She enjoys helping members with questions about registrations and membership. Corinna is also bi-lingual. When not in the office she loves family time, especially her 3 grandchildren, her dog Moe, and dancing. She also loves the outdoors, going camping and fishing. She finds it very relaxing. < Back Corinna Belman Member Services Administrator Email All work orders must be submitted to mail@abga.org , or through our Contact page .

Meet JABGA Area 3 Regional Show Secretary & One of Our National Show Superintendents Being the JABGA Area 3 Regional Show Secretary is all about paying it forward for Adrienne and Joe Kidder. Adrienne & Joe Kidder Being the JABGA Area 3 Regional Show Secretary is all about paying it forward for Adrienne and Joe Kidder. “Our daughter would not be who she is today without all the experiences she gained from the JABGA,” said Adrienne Kidder. “We just wanted to give back with hopes to help other families.” Becoming the Show Secretary started when they were approached by a couple of local breeders and the president of the JABGA about hosting a show. Indiana is known as the Crossroads of America, Adrienne explained. Several major interstate systems cross in Indiana. Adrienne & Hannah Kidder “We all felt it would be the perfect location for a JABGA Regional Show,” said Adrienne, who joined the American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) for her daughter Hannah. After joining the ABGA, they started Kidder Show Stock and their own breeding program. They gathered different bloodlines from some of the best breeders in the business, Adrienne explained. “We love selling our does and bucks to the youth, whether it is to JABGA members, 4-H or FFA members,” she added. “The smile on the kids’ faces and the accomplishments they gain is why we do this.” While doing this, the Kidder family has grown. “The friends that we have met in this industry we consider like family,” Adrienne said. Joe Kidder But this isn’t the only way Joe is involved in the ABGA. He’s also a 2022 National Show Superintendent. Joe said he was first was given the opportunity to be a Superintendent by Jesse Kimmel’s suggestion for him to volunteer. Through that suggestion, Joe was able to get more involved with the National Show. “ Being a National Show Superintendent I feel is an honor,” he said. “It has been a great opportunity to be able to give back to the ABGA and the wonderful breeders of this industry.”

PERFORMANCE TESTING (From Rule 1200 in the ABGA Rules & Regulations). A. ABGA Performance Test Requirements i. The performance test must be open to buck kids only. ii. The test must be conducted under the supervision of a disinterested agency, such as a State Agricultural Institution, State Extension Agency, etc. iii. The test must be between 60 and 90 days long. iv. Bucks must be less than 6 months old at the start of the test. v. The test must be open to all who wish to participate and have qualifying animals. vi. Testing procedures and any requested deviations from these requirements must be submitted in writing to the ABGA Board of Directors for approval at least 3 months prior to the start of the test. vii. A final Test Report, including the total number of animals on test well as the total number of ABGA registered animals on test, will be submitted by the test supervision to the ABGA Office withing 90 days of the conclusion of the test. viii. The final test report must include the following data for each AGBA registered animal on test: a. ABGA Registration number. b. Name, as registered with ABGA. c. Tattoos d. Date of Birth. e. Owner. f. Date weighed and animal weight at the start of the test period. g. Date weighed and animal weight at the end of the test period. h. Calculated Average Daily Gain (ADG) used to determine ADG ranking. ix. It is suggested but not required that when available, the following end of test data also be included in the final test report for each ABGA registered animal on test: a. Birth type. b. Rib eye area. c. Loin eye area. d. Rear leg circumference. e. Fat thickness. f. Scrotal circumference. g. Height at withers. h. Feed efficiency. i. final animal index score. x. It is suggested but not required that at least 4 animals by one sire be entered in the same test. B. Performance Test Support (All performance test support is at the discretion of ABGA) i. Performance test support will be available only to performance tests approved by ABGA in accordance with Rule 1200.A after January 1, 2014. ii. ABGA will provide monetary support to the testing agency to be allocated to awards. iii. ABGA will provide cash payouts for the top performing ABGA registered Fullblood or Purebred bucks entered in ABGA approved performance tests. C. Ennobled Herd Book Points i. Only bucks entered under their ABGA registration number in an approved Performance Test, will be eligible to earn points from a Performance Test as described in the ABGA Criteria for Ennoblement of a Boer Goat. (See Rule 1000, Ennoblement Program). ii. Points for approved Performance Tests will be awarded to top performing Fullblood or Purebred bucks based on their Average Daily Gain (ADG) ranking among the other Fullblood and Purebred bucks on test, according to the following chart: iii. Additional points for ABGA approved Performance Tests will be awarded to top performing bucks, based on individual Average Daily Gain (ADG), using the following schedule: a. Bucks gaining 0.55 lbs./day to less than 0.60 lbs./day shall be awarded 1 point. b. Bucks gaining 0.60 lbs./day to less than 0.65 lbs./day shall be awarded 2 points. c. Bucks gaining 0.65 lbs./day to less than 0.70 lbs./day shall be awarded 3 points. d. Bucks gaining 0.70 lbs./day to less than 0.75 lbs./day shall be awarded 4 points. e. Bucks gaining 0.75 lbs./day to less than 0.80 lbs./day shall be awarded 5 points. f. Bucks gaining 0.80 lbs./day or more shall be awarded 6 points, plus an additional 1 point for each additional 0.01 lbs./day over 0.80 lbs./day. iv. Example: If a buck is ranked 1st on test with an ADG of 0.92 lbs./day in an approved Performance Test having a total of 20 Fullblood or Purebred bucks on test, he shall be awarded 10 points as allowed in 1200.C.ii, as well as an additional 18 points as allowed in 1200.C.iii, for a total of 28 points.

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 " Unlock a Lock" event will return in 2024. Junior members need to participate in all four contests on Saturday, June 8th – including Skill-a-thon, Public Speaking, Sales Talk, and Goat Judging – to qualify for a chance to "Unlock a Lock" and win different prizes. Unlock a Lock will take place on Monday, June 10 during the lunch hour. Prizes include Airpods, fitting mats, Sullivan Supply accessories, and more! View JABGA Contest Rules For more information or questions, contact: nationalshow@abga.org Unlock a Lock The "Unlock a Lock" event will return in 2024.

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