Although its roots are in South Africa, the Boer goat is no stranger to the American meat goat industry. The American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) breeders will showcase their breeding programs this summer at the ABGA National Show. All events will take place at the spectacular Ike Hamilton Arena in Monroe, Louisiana, June 6-9. Expectations are high for a large turnout of goats and breeders with Monroe being chosen as the site for the show. More than 1000 head are expected to show during the three days of judging and all shows will be judged by a panel of three judges; one American judge (David Wolfe) and two South African judges (Jackie Jordaan and Danie Schoeman).
All animals will arrive on Thursday, June 6, as will all vendors in the trade show. The shows kick off at 8:00 a.m., Friday morning, with the Open Percentage Doe Show. The Annual Membership meeting, which is the voting member's opportunity to decide the future of the association, will follow the Open Percentage Doe show. The newly elected members of the ABGA Board of Directors will also be introduced at this time.
Saturday plays host to the Open Fullblood Doe Show starting at 8:00 a.m. Sunday sees the Open Fullblood Buck show start at 8:00 a.m. The events for the day, as well as for the National Show, will culminate with the announcement and presentation of the Donald Bird Memorial Premium Breeders Trophy, awarded annually to the breeder whose goats accumulate the most points in the Fullblood show.
The American Boer Goat Association is the original and largest registry in the United States for Boer goat genetics. With 4188 Active members and 561 Junior members, ABGA registered over 45,000 head during the 2001 calendar year. For more information about ABGA, upcoming events or to join, contact ABGA, 232 West Beauregard, Suite 104, San Angelo, Texas, 76903; call (915) 486-2242; fax (915) 486-2637; email abga@wcc.net; or visit the website at www.abga.org.
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