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

Ballots for the 2024 National Show Judges have been emailed. Watch the tutorial on how to vote using the electronic voting system. To be eligible to receive a ballot, you must be a member in good standing (renewed by January 1st, 2024) and an exhibitor in the 2022 and/or 2023 National Shows. If you have not received your ballot and meet the criteria to be eligible to vote, please send an email to mail@abga.org

In honor of Valentine's Day, here are some cute (and punny!) e-Valentines to send to your sweetheart... or your best barn buddy. Download these e-Valentines below: "The Baaaaaaaaa-chelor" Download here: "I Goat You Babe" Download here: "HERD you were looking for a Valentine" Download here: "I'm Never Boer-d" Download here: "I'm Not Kidding" Download here: "A-BOER-Able" Download here:

Many goat producers have succeeded in targeting various ethnic markets by planning their production and breeding schedules around specific religious holidays. The traditions of these holidays vary widely between different religious belief systems and can affect the preferred size, weight, sex, and harvesting method of the animals usually consumed. The holiday calendar below is a great resource for producers to plan the breeding and sale of specific animal groups for slaughter at auction or directly to the consumer. Dependent on the number of days within each religious year, the actual timing of these holidays may shift from year to year. Here’s a guide to the preferred size, weight, sexes, and animals preferred at each holiday (courtesy of Ohio State University and Cornell University): Christian Holidays: Western/Roman Easter: Preferred: Milk-fed goat kids weighing 20-40 lbs Acceptable: Milk-fed goat kids weighing 40-50 lbs Less Acceptable: Milk-fed kids weighing less than 20 lbs Eastern/Greek (Orthodox) Easter: Preferred: Milk-fed goat kids weighing 25-50 lbs Christmas: Preferred: Milk-fed goat kids weighing 50 lbs and under Islamic Holidays: Eid ul Adha – The Festival of Sacrifice: Preferred: Unblemished yearling goat kids weighing 60-80 lbs Acceptable: Unblemished yearling goat kids weighing 60-100 lbs Muharram – Islamic New Year: Preferred: Goat kids with milk teeth weighing 60 lbs Acceptable: Goat kids with milk teeth weighing 40-120 lbs Acceptable: unblemished older animals No preference is given to intact or castrated male kids Ramadan: Preferred: Goat kids with milk teeth weighing 60 lbs Acceptable: Goat kids with milk teeth weighing 40-120 lbs Acceptable: unblemished older animals No preference is given to intact or castrated male kids Eid al Fitr – The Breaking of the Ramadan Fast: Preferred: Goat kids with milk teeth weighing 60 lbs Acceptable: Goat kids with milk teeth weighing 40-120 lbs Acceptable: unblemished older animals No preference is given to intact or castrated male kids Jewish Holidays: Chanukah: Preferred: Young milk-fed goat kids

The Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) is now accepting applications for the JABGA Board of Directors. Applications completed by the nominee for the JABGA Board of Directors are due to the ABGA office via electronic form or regular mail on or before March 1, 2024. The JABGA Board of Directors works alongside the ABGA Board of Directors to represent JABGA members across five areas of the United States as the main governing body of the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA). JABGA Directors volunteer their personal time and effort in service of JABGA programs like the JABGA Regional Show Series and by promoting core JABGA values like scholarship, leadership, good sportsmanship, and character development. The JABGA Board of Directors also serves as youth ambassadors for the improvement and promotion of the Boer goat breed through the breeding, raising, and exhibition of American Boer Goats. Board seats are open for the following JABGA Areas: Area 1 (Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Montana, Wyoming) Area 2 (North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois) Area 3 (Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, D.C., Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, New York) Area 4 (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina) Area 5 (Colorado, New Mexico, Texas) In accordance with JABGA Bylaws, applicants must be JABGA members in good standing (renewed for 2024 by January 1, 2024) in order to run for or hold a seat on the JABGA Board of Directors. For more information, see the ABGA Bylaws and the JABGA Bylaws. Required: Application (completed) Contact Information page and Certificate of Application (completed) Digital photo Directors Responsibilities page (signed) Responsibility Release, Information Release, Photo Release, Authorization Form Conflict of Interest Statement (completed) Code of Conduct form (completed) Brief statement (less than 250 words) – “Why do you want to be a JABGA Director?” Optional: Applicants may submit a resume that highlights the following: Involvement in JABGA and/or the goat industry School activities 4-H & FFA activities Leadership activities Volunteer work/community service Eligibility Applicants for the JABGA Board of Directors must: Be 16 years of age or older on January 1, 2024 Reside in the JABGA Area for which the applicant is running/elected Have renewed their JABGA membership on or before January 1, 2024 Questions or Concerns? Contact JABGA Youth Coordinator Hannah Jenkins at jabga@abga.org with any questions or concerns regarding JABGA Board of Directors nominations. Ready to Apply? Applicants should complete the JABGA Board of Directors application below and submit it to the ABGA office via electronic form or regular mail by March 1, 2024. ONLINE FORM: DOWNLOAD PDF FORM: About JABGA: 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 scholarship, leadership, good sportsmanship, and character development as individuals and in groups.

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 Cirttenden Drive, Louisville, KY, 40209 502-637-2424 Website 6/7/24-6/16/24 May 7, 2024