American Goat Society (AGS)

Goats are more than just farm animals; they’re part of a tradition that spans centuries. For breeders and enthusiasts, maintaining quality, health, and proper lineage in goats is crucial. This is where AGS, the American Goat Society, comes in. We’ll explore what AGS is, why it’s important, and how it can help you succeed as a goat breeder.

What is the American Goat Society (AGS)?

The American Goat Society (AGS) is a national organization dedicated to promoting the breeding, registration, and welfare of purebred goats in the United States. AGS is a United States corporation based in Pipe Creek, Texas, and is managed by the Kowalik family. The organization was founded in New York City in 1935 by goat breeders committed to preserving and improving the pedigrees and production records of purebred dairy goats.

AGS works to maintain breed integrity, provide educational resources, and connect goat owners across the country.

The American Goat Society Inc. registers purebred dairy goats from nine recognized breeds.

Breeds registered include:

• Alpine

• LaMancha

• Nigerian Dwarf

• Nubian

• Oberhasli

• Pygmy

• Saanen

• Sable

• Toggenburg

AGS was founded in 1935 by a group of dairy goat breeders who wanted the assurance that their pedigreed dairy goats would be handled as purebreds, not as grades.

What AGS Offers to Goat Owners.

1. Low-Cost Registrations and Membership

The American Goat Society (AGS) offers low-cost registrations and memberships, making it simple and affordable for breeders and enthusiasts to officially register their goats. Joining AGS connects you with a respected community and provides access to valuable resources and networking opportunities, enhancing your presence in the goat breeding world.Find all necessary forms for registration, transfers, and registering your permanent herd name and tattoo sequence on the official AGS Forms & Brochures page.

2. Official DHIR Program

The American Goat Society’s Official DHIR (Dairy Herd Improvement Registry) Program provides goat owners with a reliable system to monitor and improve milk production and quality. Through regular, standardized testing, participants can accurately track milk yields, composition, and overall herd performance, giving them valuable insights into the productivity of individual animals and the herd as a whole. The program also helps maintain precise herd records, which are essential for making informed breeding and management decisions, ensuring consistency and accountability in dairy operations. By following the DHIR program, goat owners can align their practices with industry standards, improve milk quality, and optimize herd efficiency, ultimately supporting both the economic and operational success of their dairy endeavors.

3. Code of Ethics for Judges, Exhibitors, and Directors

The American Goat Society (AGS) enforces a comprehensive Code of Ethics for judges, exhibitors, and directors to ensure that every aspect of goat shows, competitions, and organizational activities is conducted with fairness, integrity, and professionalism. This code sets clear expectations for behavior, decision-making, and accountability, guiding judges in impartial evaluation, exhibitors in honest presentation of their animals, and directors in transparent management of society operations. By adhering to these ethical standards, AGS creates a consistent and trustworthy environment where all members can participate confidently, knowing that rules are applied uniformly and that the welfare of animals and the reputation of the community are always prioritized.

4. Affordable Show Sanctions

AGS supports affordable show sanctions to make participation in sanctioned events accessible and manageable for breeders of all sizes. These sanctions allow members to host or compete in shows where animals are judged according to official standards, providing a structured platform for fair competition and public recognition. By keeping costs reasonable, AGS ensures that financial constraints do not prevent breeders from showcasing their animals, networking with peers, or gaining valuable experience in the competitive goat community. Affordable show sanctions help promote growth, encourage wider participation, and strengthen the overall culture of excellence and integrity within the society.

5. Providing Information and Education

One of AGS’s main goals is to educate goat owners. They offer guides, manuals, and articles on topics like goat care, nutrition, health, breeding, and showing. Whether someone is a first-time goat owner or an experienced breeder, AGS provides the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and improve herd management. Love your herd, and enjoy the goat-raising experience even more.

6. AGS offers the Classification Program

The American Goat Society’s Classification Program offers professional evaluation of goats to ensure that breed standards and quality are consistently maintained. Expert classifiers carefully assess each animal’s conformation, physical traits, and breed-specific characteristics, providing breeders with a clear understanding of their herd’s strengths and areas needing improvement. These evaluations serve as a valuable tool for informed breeding decisions, helping owners enhance genetic quality, maintain uniformity within the breed, and uphold high standards recognized throughout the goat community. By participating in the Classification Program, breeders gain trusted, objective feedback that supports both the development of superior herds and the long-term reputation of their breeding operations.

Why AGS is a Valuable Resource

• The American Goat Society (AGS) is an invaluable resource for goat owners because it helps maintain accurate pedigree and herd records. By registering your goats with AGS, you can track their lineage, monitor genetics, and ensure that each generation of your herd meets breed standards. Accurate records are essential not only for maintaining the integrity of your herd but also for planning future breeding programs and maximizing the value of your animals.

• AGS also provides guidance on best practices for goat health and breeding. Members gain access to information on proper nutrition, disease prevention, vaccination schedules, and ethical breeding methods. By following these recommendations, breeders can raise strong, healthy goats that are productive and have excellent temperament. This support ensures that your herd thrives and reduces the risk of common health issues.

• Another major benefit of AGS is the opportunity to connect with trusted breeders and goat owners. Being part of the AGS network allows members to share knowledge, ask questions, and learn from experienced breeders. This community support can be invaluable, especially for new goat owners or those looking to improve herd quality, as it provides guidance, mentorship, and access to a wider network of resources.

• AGS also encourages members to participate in shows and competitions, where goats are evaluated based on conformation, milk production, and overall quality. These events offer breeders a chance to showcase their animals, learn from judging standards, and measure their herd against others. Participation in shows motivates breeders to maintain high standards and continually improve their goats.

Overall, AGS helps goat owners improve herd quality, productivity, and overall animal welfare. By using the resources, guidelines, and community support offered by AGS, breeders can ensure their goats are healthy, well-bred, and productive, whether they are being raised for milk, cheese, or showing.

American Goats Society (AGS) Services.

Memberships

Membership in the American Goat Society (AGS) provides access to a network of goat breeders, enthusiasts, and experts. Members receive newsletters, educational resources, and updates on breeding standards, animal health, and industry best practices. Membership allows participation in AGS programs, voting on society matters, and involvement in community events. It fosters connections, knowledge sharing, and professional growth, giving members a sense of belonging and influence within the goat breeding community.

Registrations

AGS offers goat registration services to officially record animals within recognized breed standards. Registration ensures that breeders have documented proof of pedigree, which is essential for breeding, showing, and selling animals. The process maintains accurate herd records, establishes animal identity through herd names and tattoos, and protects the integrity of breed lineage. Registered goats also gain credibility in the community, making this service vital for responsible and professional breeders.

DHI Testing (Dairy Herd Improvement Program)

The DHIR Program allows goat owners to monitor milk production and quality in a systematic way. It tracks yields, milk composition, and herd performance over time, helping breeders make informed management and breeding decisions. The program also promotes consistency and accuracy in herd records, ensuring that productivity is documented to recognized industry standards. Participation helps optimize herd efficiency, supports quality improvement, and adds credibility to a breeder’s dairy operations.

Show Sanction

AGS provides official sanctioning for goat shows, establishing guidelines and standards for fair competition. This service ensures that shows meet professional criteria for judging, class structure, and record keeping. Sanctioned shows allow breeders to exhibit their animals in a recognized forum, gain acknowledgment for achievements, and participate in structured competitions. It also encourages community engagement, networking, and the sharing of breeding expertise among participants.

Supplies & Merchandise

AGS provides members with access to various supplies and merchandise to support herd management, education, and promotion of the society. This includes forms for registration, herd records, and show organization, as well as educational brochures and tools for measuring and identifying goats. Merchandise helps members maintain organized, professional operations and also promotes the AGS brand and community engagement.

Judges Training

AGS offers training and licensure programs for judges who evaluate animals at sanctioned shows. This service teaches the rules of competition, animal evaluation techniques, conformation scoring, and ethical standards. Well-trained judges ensure consistency, fairness, and professionalism in all shows, enhancing the credibility of competition results. The program also supports professional development for judges and strengthens overall confidence in the evaluation process within the breeding community.

How to Access the American Goat Society (AGS)

Accessing the resources provided by the American Goat Society (AGS) is simple and straightforward. The first step is to visit their official website at https://www.americangoatsociety.com. Their website is well-organized and provides a wealth of information for goat owners, breeders, and enthusiasts.

From there, you can explore the following key pages:

• Membership, Registration, and Transfer Fees: Find a full breakdown of the costs for all services, including discounted member rates, on the official Fees & Services page.

• Official Forms: Download registration applications, transfer records, service memos, and more from the Forms & Brochures section.

Once on the site, you can explore a variety of registration forms, guides, and educational resources. The registration forms allow you to officially document your goats’ pedigrees, which is essential for maintaining accurate herd records and participating in breeding programs. The guides and educational materials cover topics such as goat care, feeding, breeding practices, and health management, making it easier for both new and experienced goat owners to raise healthy, productive goats.

If you have specific questions about breeding, registration, or shows, AGS provides multiple ways to get in touch. You can contact them through the website or by phone/email for personalized support. Their team is knowledgeable and ready to assist with guidance on registering goats, participating in competitions, or understanding breed standards. By using these resources, goat owners can take full advantage of the support and knowledge that AGS offers to improve the quality, health, and success of their herds.

Whether you are starting a herd or improving an existing one, the American Goat Society is a trusted partner for goat breeders. Explore their services today and take your goat-raising to the next level.