Terry Burks is a retired Professor of English Studies from Chifeng University in The People’s Republic of China. Prior to that, he was employed by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture in the Division of Show and Fair Promotion where he served as the educational coordinator and worked as a federal livestockgrader. Terry taught adult agriculture for 8 years in the Kentucky Community College system and was also the owner of Dynasty Club Lambs & Meat Goats. Terry received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in the area of Animal Science from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Terry has judged over 1200 Junior and open livestock shows in 43 states.  Some of his shows include Houston, San Antonio, Fort Worth, Dallas, San Angelo, Austin, The North American International, The American Royal, The National Western, The Great Western, The Cow Palace, The Dixie National, Aksarben, Tulsa, the Oklahoma Youth Expo, The Arizona National, The Pennsylvania Farm Show, The Keystone International, The Atlantic National, The Western Bonanza, The Grand Stand, The Fall Classic and the Belt Buckle Bonanza.  He has judged State Fairs in 28 different states and has also judged numerous County, Regional and Jackpot shows nationwide. Terry has served on numerous judging committees across the US including the National 4-H, Jr. College and Sr. College Contests at the NAILE, as well as serving as the sheep/goat chairman for the National FFA Livestock Judging CDE. Terry and his wife Alice live in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Sammy Lerena and his wife, Taylor, reside in Lipan, Texas. They are the proud owners of Red Oak Ranch, and currently manage a herd of about 150 head. Sammy has been a member of ABGA since 2006 and achieved Certified Judge status in the spring of 2014. As a judge, he has officiated competitions in more than 24 states, including prestigious events like the ABGA National Show, Yellow Rose Classic at Ft Worth Stockshow, North American in Louisville, and the Houston Livestock Show. Apart from breeding competitive show goats, Sammy also runs a business focused on small ruminant reproduction.

Hello, my name is MaKayla Burns. I am 28 years old and I have been a part of the Boer Goat Industry since I could remember, stepping into a show ring when I was just 3 years old, showing dairy goats. I am now married to my husband, Dustin Burns, and we have 3 kids, Jase, Evelynand Lainey, and we are now building our own herd as a family, known as Burns Premier Show Stock. I am formerly a “Richardson”, of Richardsons Boer Goats. My parents, Chris & Joyce Richardson raised my sister and I with goats starting with dairy goats, which they purchased to raise my baby sister with, who was allergic to cows milk. In the 90s, formula options were difficult, and our pediatrician actually recommended my mom to buy some goats and milk them. We then started showing dairy goats, but not long into that adventure, we were introduced to the meat goats, the Boer breed specifically and we switched directions, when my sister was old enough to no longer need the milk. She did eventually grow out of the allergy. Starting in Boer goats in 1999, I strongly remember making the long trip to Texas several times, where my parents befriended many of the founding members and breeders of the ABGA and started heavy into building our own herd, pulling genetics from all over the USA and learning a ton about the breed. I have fond memories of meeting several people, including but definitely not limited to, The Downen family (Downen Livestock), Jim & Lynn Farmer (Farmers Stock Exchange), Kallie Kohls (N&K Ranches), The Whitehead family of T4 Ranch, and The Ryals family (Rocking R Boer Goats), as well as seeing some of the most iconic and legendary bucks and does that have been a foundation in building the livestock out there today. My mother started becoming heavily involved with bringing the Boer breed to light in our state of Kentucky. Introducing it to our state fair board for the Kentucky State Fair, eventually allowing us to hold sanctioned shows at our state fair, hosting a South African Judges Training at our home with Lukas Burger & Louis Van Rensburg, working closely with them, learning how to evaluate the goats and hosting shows in our state at our local fairgrounds, bringing in breeders from all over the USA, including Texas, Missouri, Tennessee and more to help support the growth of the breed in our area. We continued traveling for years showing, attending sales, and meeting new people, all of which I hold as very fond memories growing up in this world of the Boer goat. I have since become heavily involved and passionate with the industry, and it’s become a part of my everyday life. I decided to become an ABGA judge, to further my endeavor with educating and evaluating the Boer goat. Passionate about education, and supporting our youth, I felt that was a way for me to give back from all my experiences and knowledge I have learned throughout the years and along the way, and be able to share with others who find the show ring home. I have learned a lot as a kid, being able to listen, observe, and soak in everything I could from some of the ABGA’s firsts, as well as view points from the South African Judges my mom brought to our home, which I owe a lot of my foundation thinking to them for their shared education with us. I have literally grown up within the industry and have been able to witness the evolvement of the breed as well as the enormous growth of breeders involvement in the ABGA. I hope to continue on with helping that growth, and when it comes to judging and evaluating these beautiful animals, I have set a goal with each show I set to judge, and that is to teach something new, to at least one person before I leave that show. It has been an incredible journey in life with being a part of the American Boer Goat Association, and it is something I am excited about bringing my growing family into as well, allowing our children to be involved with the JABGA and all the opportunities that come with it.

PRESALE ENDS MAY 20, 2024 at 11:59 PM CDT Excitement is building for the upcoming national show, and now is your chance to wear your enthusiasm with pride! We're thrilled to announce that the official National Show t-shirts are now available for preorder. This is your opportunity to guarantee that you get your hands on this exclusive merchandise. These t-shirts are the perfect way to show your support and spirit. Presale ends on Monday, May 20, 2024 at 11:59 PM CDT, so don't let time slip away! By preordering, you ensure that your size is reserved for you, avoiding any day-of disappointment if stocks run out. These shirts are not only a fantastic keepsake but also a great way to commemorate your experience at the National Show. For your convenience, t-shirts are available for pickup directly at the National Show office. If you're unable to attend or simply prefer the convenience of having your shirt waiting for you at home, we've got you covered! Delivery is available for an additional fee, ensuring that your national show t-shirt reaches you before the show. Don't miss out on this opportunity to preorder your piece of the National Show today. Let's make this event unforgettable, one t-shirt at a time! To preorder your shirt click the button above or visit: https://gogandy.com/abga-natls24 Once this sale has closed, we will not be able to modify your order, place additional orders nor offer any exchanges. Please double check your items for correct style, color, personalization (if applicable), and size.

We are no longer taking nominations for this year’s Ambassador of The Breed. Thank you for your nominations. The American Boer Goat Association honors and appreciates individuals who contribute to promoting the American Boer Goat Breed. Every year, our members nominate candidates for the ABGA's Ambassador of the Breed, who are then recognized at the ABGA & JABGA National Show.

With Spring here, it’s time to talk about barbequing! Here’s a recipe from ABGA member Paula Parker. "I begin with a 50-80 pound goat, depending on the number of people I have to feed. Butcher a day to 4 days before cooking. Always remember that cutting the glands out while processing makes for a nice mild flavored meat. Groin + in front of the shoulder where it goes into the neck." Parker Family Marinade and Basting Sop 1 quart cooking oil 1 quart vinegar 1 pint mustard 2-3 ounces whiskey Place ingredients in a squeeze bottle and shake well. Bar-B-Que Goat Marinate overnight or at least 2 hours before smoking. Wet meat down thoroughly with basting sop. Season meat before putting on to smoke with plenty of Smoke fajita Seasoning Mix. (I use LOWE’S Store Brand.) I add plenty more pepper to it. Smoke at 200-250 degrees F for 2 hours for a smaller goat and up to 4 hours for a larger goat. Start with the bone side down. Halfway through smoke time, drizzle with basting sop on both sides and flip. Continue smoking. Remove meat from pit and place in an 18-quart roaster oven with ¼ cup or less water to retain moisture. Put into a preheated, 225 degree F oven. Cook for 4-6 hours, or until meats begins falling off the bone. Allow meat to cool before deboning and cutting into chunks. Pour liquid over meat until juicy but not sloppy. Serve as a tortilla roll-up or on a hamburger bun.

The remaining ringside tables & end caps go up for auction on April 17, 2024 on Herd Builder Pro. There are only three (3) end caps and one (1) ringside table available! Click the link below for more information. https://www.herdbuilderproauctions.com/auction/24961

If you’re hosting a get-together or need to bring an appetizer to a party, we have the recipe for you: Appetizer Goat Kabobs. This is former JABGA Area 4 Director Issac Ridding's recipe. It was featured in our JABGA's cookbook. Bon appetite! INGREDIENTS: 2 lb. goat meat cut into squares 1/2 cup of lemon juice 1/2 cup of vegetable oil 1/4 cup of soy sauce 3 tablespoons of fresh parsley 2 tablespoons of chopped onion 1/2 teaspoon of salt 1/2 teaspoon of pepper 1 clove garlic, minced DIRECTIONS: Mix all ingredients together. Marinate 2-3 hours. Thread goat on wooden skewers. Broil 3-4 minutes, 6 inches from heat, on each side. Baste occasionally with reserved marinade.

The American Boer Goat Association is thrilled to announce their collaboration with Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay in Louisville, Kentucky. To receive a discount on tickets, scan the QR code provided or check out KentuckyKingdom.com and follow the simple steps below. Take advantage of this offer on any regular operating day in 2024 and don't forget to use the code ABGA24 at checkout to claim your discount!

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: or download the PDF form:

2024 JABGA National Show Age Eligibility To be eligible to show, the junior exhibitor must be at least 4 years of age on the day of the show. The maximum exhibitor age is 21 years of age on July 1, 2023. Age divisions for showmanship and contests will be determined based on the contestant’s age on July 1, 2023. Novice Division: 4-7 years of age Junior Division: 8-12 years of age Intermediate Division: 13-16 years of age Senior Division: 17-21 years of age

The ABGA takes great pride in providing exceptional learning opportunities that offer real-world applications. The ABGA hopes that our intern’s knowledge and experience gathered during their time at the National Show continues to be applied to the outside world and to their future endeavors. This is an unpaid internship role. Hotel and food costs will be covered daily. Position: National Show Barn and Media Internship Location: Louisville, Kentucky - Kentucky Exposition Center Dates: June 7-14, 2024 Program Purpose: The purpose of the ABGA and JABGA National Show Internship program is to provide a learning experience for recent high school graduates (18+), college students, college graduates and/or those interested in the American Boer Goat Association. Also, to provide ABGA with assistance in daily tasks during the National Show and to provide social media coverage for the event. Eligibility/Requirements: Applicants must be a 2023 high school graduate (18+) or older. Applicants cannot be exhibitors or competitors at the 2024 ABGA and JABGA National Show. A candidate with prior show experience is a plus. Must be able to provide own means of transportation to the National Show at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Applicants should possess excellent communication skills with a strong work ethic. Self-motivation and the ability to work on a task with minimal supervision is ideal. A positive attitude and organization are beneficial. Applicants must be available to work the entire length of the National Show. Internship Program: Interns will assist the JABGA Board and the ABGA office staff with specified tasks during the weeklong internship. Interns must provide their own way to the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky on June 6th, 2024, and must work through the duration of the event to June 14, 2024. Barn Intern duties include, but are not limited to: Set up of ABGA Office and supplies Assist in the unloading process for exhibitors Work the check in gate during the duration of the show Ensure cleanliness of ringside tables and bleachers Aid in the setup of the JABGA Awards Banquet Gather all show awards the morning of each show Media Intern duties include, but are not limited to: Posting Show updates on social media Taking pictures/video Posting pictures/videos on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok Post all showmanship and division winners on social media. General media coverage of the National Show. How to Apply: Click the button below to apply and submit your resume. Application Resume If you have any question please contact: nationalshow@abga.org