Speakers

INDUSTRY EXPERTS

Boer Goat and Meat Goat Judges

Boer Goat Congress

Anton Ward

Anton Ward, a native of the Tranvaal Province in South Africa—now known as Limpopo Province—has led a life deeply rooted in agriculture and livestock. Born and raised in this vibrant region, Anton’s journey eventually brought him to the United States, where he has made significant contributions to the livestock industry. From 1993 to 2014, he resided in North Carolina before relocating to Southwest Missouri, where he continues to live today.

Anton’s academic foundation lies in agriculture, having earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a focus on Animal Science from Pretoria Technicon in South Africa. His expertise in livestock evaluation began in 1988, and since then, he has established himself as a respected figure in the field. Before his move to the United States in 1993, Anton raised Boer Goats in South Africa, a passion he carried with him across the Atlantic. For nearly three decades, from 1993 to 2020, he continued to raise and promote Boer Goats in the U.S., eventually transitioning to beef cattle production.

Anton’s influence extends far beyond his own farms. He has been an integral part of the American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) since its inception, playing a pivotal role in shaping the organization and its standards. His expertise has been sought after at numerous prestigious events, including judging the ABGA National Show an impressive eight times, most recently in 2024. Additionally, he has judged major livestock shows across the United States and Canada, earning a reputation for his keen eye and unwavering dedication to the industry.

What truly sets Anton apart is his commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering growth within the livestock community. Over the years, he has dedicated a significant portion of his life to educating others, creating valuable learning opportunities for aspiring judges and breeders. In the early years of the Boer goat industry in Canada, Anton was instrumental in training the majority of the country’s judges. His influence also extends to the United States, where he has worked with various associations to train and mentor judges, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

Through his decades of experience, Anton Ward has not only built a legacy as a skilled livestock judge and breeder but also as a mentor and educator, enriching the lives of countless individuals within the agricultural community. His passion for livestock and dedication to excellence continue to inspire those around him.

Rodney Wilson Jr.

Born and raised in Georgetown, Delaware, Rodney Wilson Jr. now resides in Montrose, West Virginia, where his passion for agriculture and education continues to thrive. His journey with goats began in 2008 as a 4-H project, eventually evolving into a successful FFA supervised agricultural experience, culminating in earning the prestigious American FFA Degree.

Today, Rodney owns and operates Wilson Acres, a family-run operation based in Delaware, managing a herd of approximately 100-head of registered show stock. A solid academic foundation complements his hands-on experience with livestock management. Rodney holds a bachelor’s degree from Delaware State University and a master’s degree in Biology with an emphasis in education from Grand Canyon University.

Professionally, Rodney serves as the Clinical Coordinator and Nursing Program Technologist at West Virginia Junior College. In this role, he combines his love for education with the opportunity to mentor students as they grow and achieve their goals.

Rodney’s passion for agriculture stems from his journey with raising goats, which has fueled his passion for mentoring youth. Rodney believes the goat industry offers unique opportunities for hands-on learning, self-development, and growth, which have deeply influenced his life. His dedication to mentoring youth and fostering self-development within the industry underscores his commitment.

In 2024 he certified as an ABGA judge. He is currently serving as the Region 12 Director and Secretary of the ABGA Board of Directors, an honor he deeply values, and he eagerly represents his region with dedication and integrity while contributing to the growth and success of the industry.

Reproduction Day Master Class-Lincoln University

Dr. Homero Salinas

Small Ruminant Specialist.

Mohan Acharya, PhD

Mohan Acharya, PhD started as a State Extension Specialist in small ruminants at Lincoln University of
Missouri since 2022. Most of his prior works were related with organic method for
parasite control in small ruminants. Regarding his education background, he completed
MSc (Animal Science) and PhD (Animal Science) from University of Arkansas,
Department of Animal Science in collaboration with USDA Agricultural Research
Services, Booneville, Arkansas. His primary focus is on sustainable parasite control in
small ruminants such as use of copper oxide wire particles, smart use of chemical
dewormers, genetic selection of parasite resistant sheep/goat, management practices to
minimize need of anthelmintic treatment, pasture management, minimization of
anthelmintic resistance and use of tannin-rich forages (for example Sericea lespedeza).
Mohon is also involved partly in other areas in small ruminants such nutrition and
reproduction.

Jamie Stewart, DVM, PhD, MS, DACT

Assistant Professor – Production Management Medicine

Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Jamie Stewart is an Assistant Professor in the Production Management Medicine (PMM) section at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Stewart received her DVM from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. She then remained at the UofI to complete a joint large animal internship and Master’s program from 2013-15, followed by a joint large animal Theriogenology residency and PhD program. Dr. Stewart became board certified as a Diplomate in the American College of Theriogenology in 2017 and received her PhD in 2019.  Dr. Stewart’s appointment at Virginia Tech, where she has been since 2018, is a mixture of clinical duty, teaching in the vet school curriculum, and research. Her clinical duties range from primary sick animal work to secondary and tertiary reproduction consultation and referral cases for large animals. She especially enjoys working on breeding management of small ruminant herds, which is what the majority of her research focuses on. Her projects have ranged from improving breeding soundness examination in bucks/rams to late gestation management of ewes/does and neonates. The majority of her teaching appointment focuses on reproduction in the veterinary school curriculum, which ranges from basic reproductive physiology in the core curriculum to advanced Theriogenology (reproduction medicine) elective courses that she leads, which includes overseeing the 3^rd year sheep c-section lab. Dr. Stewart has published research in a variety of journals and has contributed to text books such as the Merck Veterinary Manual and Blackwell’s Five-Minute Veterinary Consult-Ruminant. She is currently working as a co-contributor on the Theriogenology section in the upcoming Pugh’s Sheep, Goat, and Cervid Medicine textbook (expected publication in 2027).

Research Interests:

• Understanding the role of seminal plasma proteins on male and female ruminant fertility
• Comparing semen cryopreservation protocols across species
• Improving advanced reproductive techniques in ovine, caprine, and cervid species
• Advancing breeding soundness examination techniques in ruminants

Dr. Yalonda Burton

Yalonda Burton graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1997 with her Bachelor of Science and in 2000 with her DVM. She opened her own rural mixed animal practice in May of 2000 and has been the owner/veterinarian at Patterson Animal Hospital for 25 years. She grew to love small ruminant medicine and has a passion for working with goats and sheep.
Dr. Burton lives in Stilwell on a 300 acre farm with her husband and youngest daughter, Brianna where they currently raise dairy cattle, beef cattle and dairy goats. They raise registered stock in all 3 livestock industries and enjoy utilizing advanced reproductive techniques to further the herd genetics. Her 4 daughters were very active in livestock shows with multiple species, including rabbits, sheep, beef cattle, dairy cattle, pigs, chickens, boer goats but most extensively dairy goats. Her older daughters are off to college. Grace Burton is studying at Northeastern State University. Kenzie Burton is studying at Oklahoma State University, and Katie Burton is studying at Oklahoma University.
She has served on the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association board for multiple terms including director, president elect, vice president and president. She is currently on the board again as the District 2 Director.
Dr. Burton is an active member of the American Dairy Goat Association attending multiple Annual Conventions and Nationals shows across multiple states. Her and her daughters have traveled to 5 national shows and enjoy the trip across country almost as much as the show itself. She is the chair of 2 ADGA sanctioned shows each year and enjoys her time with dairy goat breeders and youth.
As we know farming leaves little spare time so you will likely find Dr. Burton either spending her time at her clinic, on her farm or at a livestock show.

Stanton Warren – Reproductive Specialty Group

Market and Dairy Youth Goat Camps

Market Youth Goat Camp Instructor: Evie Gates

Evie Gates is a dedicated professional with a lifelong passion for the goat industry, rooted in her early experiences as a youth exhibitor in the Oklahoma Youth Meat Goat show arena. Her career began with showing market goats, where she excelled in showmanship and later transitioned into the breeding side of Boer goats. As a youth, Evie was highly active in the American Boer Goat Association (ABGA), serving as the reporter on the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) Board of Directors for four years. This role provided her with invaluable leadership experience and a deep understanding of the industry’s inner workings, further solidified by her annual volunteer work at the ABGA National Show. Throughout her youth career, Evie achieved numerous awards at local, regional, state, and national levels in showmanship, breeding, and market shows, establishing a strong foundation for her future contributions to the industry.

For the past eight years, Evie has served as the Small Ruminant Advisor for Advantage Feeders, where she has leveraged her expertise to support and guide producers in optimizing their operations. In addition to her role with Advantage Feeders, Evie is a respected livestock photographer, consultant, and advisor to breeders, helping them achieve success in their programs. Her commitment to advancing the goat industry led her to create the Goat Expo in 2018, with its inaugural event held in 2019. This initiative reflects her dedication to providing a platform for education, networking, and innovation within the industry.

Evie’s passion for mentorship and education is evident in her work with both youth and adults. She has been invited to present clinics on showing, grooming, and best practices across the United States, sharing the knowledge and techniques she has honed over the years. Her ability to connect with young exhibitors and teach them the skills necessary to succeed, while instilling the values of good stewardship, has made her a trusted figure among parents and industry professionals alike. Those who have worked with Evie often remark on her ability to inspire excellence in a kind and supportive manner, helping young people thrive in the industry.

Evie Gates is deeply committed to the growth and sustainability of the goat industry. She believes that empowering individuals with the skills, knowledge, and passion to succeed not only strengthens the industry but also contributes to the broader agricultural community. Through her work as an advisor, educator, mentor, and event organizer, Evie continues to make a lasting impact, ensuring that future generations are equipped to carry the industry forward. Her unwavering dedication to education, innovation, and mentorship underscores her role as a leader and advocate for the future of agriculture.

Dairy Youth Goat Camp Instructor: Brianna Burton

Brianna showed in her first ADGA show at only 4 years old, including showing in showmanship. That same year one of her home bred does won Best In Show at the Tulsa State Fair. She has been competing in showmanship and ADGA shows ever since. Brianna has a combined herd with her 3 sisters and parents with 80 goats in the herd. She helps manage the herd with breeding decisions and management of the various age levels and stages of growth. She routinely travels with her mom and 3 other sisters to various shows each year. She attends shows throughout the spring and summer in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas and Missouri. She has traveled to multiple national shows including Kentucky twice, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
While Bri has excelled with her herd in ADGA shows, including multiple permanent champions in her own does and earning both champion status and milk stars, her real passion is showmanship. She spends countless hours working and preparing for showmanship classes and has been grateful to learn from some of the best mentors in the industry. Her greatest accomplishment was in 2024 when she competed in 7 showmanship classes and was champion all 7 times. In addition to that, she also managed to be honored the Oklahoma Circuit Intermediate Champion Showman as well as the ADGA National Show Intermediate II Champion Showman, to reach a goal she had set many years ago.
Outside of goats, Brianna spends a lot of time playing varsity soccer. She has won many awards, including the most improved player and the “SelfLess” award, named after her late soccer coach. She excels academically being a straight A student and is currently ranked 3rd in her junior class of 152.
Brianna is her county 4H Vice President and a member of her FFA Chapter. She works at Patterson Animal Hospital and has also enrolled in college for this year. Brianna loves sharing her knowledge of goats with other youth members and hopes she can bring something for everyone to take home and use in their next competition.

It’s Fitting Grooming and Showmanship for Adults

Dairy Goat Instructor

Ruthie Green

Ruthie Green will serve as the instructor for the “It’s Fitting” Dairy Goat session, focusing on adult participants in the dairy goat industry. With over 25 years of experience, Ruthie has established herself as a knowledgeable and generous figure in the dairy goat community. She has successfully exhibited her goats at the American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA) Nationals and various shows across the United States, showcasing her expertise and dedication to the craft. Ruthie operates Cozy Creek Dairy Goats, where she has cultivated a deep understanding of dairy goat care, breeding, and presentation.

A resident of Eldorado Springs, Missouri, Ruthie has been actively involved in dairy goats for nearly three decades and has served as a judge for over ten years. She raises a diverse herd of Nubians, Alpines, Sables, and recorded grades, totaling 40 goats. Alongside her husband, Shannon, who is also an avid exhibitor, Ruthie has achieved significant success in both national and local shows, earning numerous championships with their herd.

Ruthie is passionate about sharing her knowledge and inspiring others to develop a love for the dairy goat industry. She takes great joy in mentoring the next generation, teaching them the skills and values needed to succeed. Her commitment to education and her hands-on experience make her an ideal instructor for the “It’s Fitting” session, where she will undoubtedly provide valuable insights and guidance to participants.

Boer Show Goat Instructor

Kelly Edwards

Kelly Edwards will serve as the instructor for the “It’s Fitting” Boer/Meat Goat session, focusing on adult participants in the Boer and meat goat industry. A 45-year-old resident of Stephenville, Texas, and the mother of five accomplished individuals, Kelly brings over three decades of experience to her role. Her journey in the goat industry began at the age of 12 when she started showing wether goats. During the Boer goat boom, her family became deeply involved, operating as a quarantine station and later specializing in advanced reproduction services such as artificial insemination (AI), embryo transfer (ET), and semen collection. Over the years, they expanded their activities to include raising, showing, and selling Boer goats, achieving significant success and establishing a strong reputation in the industry.

In recent years, Kelly has shifted her focus from raising goats to full-time roles that allow her to share her expertise and passion with others. She teaches showmanship, prepares goats for shows, sales, and photography, and offers consulting services for goat programs. Additionally, she sells livestock insurance, utilizing her extensive knowledge to support and guide others in the industry. Her true passion lies in mentoring individuals, particularly children, who share her enthusiasm for all aspects of the goat industry, whether it involves wethers or registered goats.

Kelly is deeply committed to advancing the goat industry and equipping future generations with the skills and knowledge needed to sustain and grow it. She believes that empowering individuals with the right tools not only strengthens the industry but also contributes to the broader agricultural community. Through her dedication to education, mentorship, and the development of industry best practices, Kelly demonstrates an unwavering commitment to fostering a thriving and sustainable future for agriculture. Her work reflects a genuine passion for helping others succeed and ensuring the continued growth of the industry she holds dear.

It’s Fitting Market Goat Instructor

Calli Berwald

Calli Berwald is a passionate and accomplished 17-year-old from north-central Wisconsin who has been immersed in the world of livestock showing for nearly her entire life. With nine years of experience in 4-H and over a decade of showing animals, Calli has become a well-known name in the show arena. She has excelled with a variety of species, including dairy and beef cattle, dairy and meat goats, dogs, and sheep.

Calli’s dedication to the goat industry is evident through her involvement as the Junior President of the Wisconsin Meat Goat Association and her role as the junior representative for her local youth market animal show and sale. Her expertise in fitting and clipping has earned her numerous accolades, including wins at prestigious events such as the Youth Goat Bowl (YGB) two years in a row, Iowa Best of the Barns, Never Boring Goat Show, and a 5th-place finish at the Kansas City Show.

Currently, Calli focuses on market goats and has a deep passion for the industry. She loves the artistry of fitting and clipping and is eager to share her knowledge with others. Calli is thrilled to have the opportunity to teach youth and parents how to succeed in the show ring and is committed to helping others reach their full potential.

Fiber Fun and the Cashmere Goat

Dorothy “Dotty” McClure

Dorothy McClure is a proud Midwest farm girl living in Riverton, Kansas, where she and her husband, Austin, have made their home since September 2016. Their farm is a lively haven filled with chickens, dogs, cats, Angora rabbits, and a growing herd of cashmere goats and llamas. Dorothy’s journey with goats began in Joplin, Missouri, where she first fell in love with cashmere goats. However, city limits weren’t goat-friendly, and after a visit from the game warden, her goats temporarily returned to their breeder until Dorothy could bring them to her farm in the country. Once settled, she reintroduced four cashmere goats in 2017, including the two from her Joplin days. Today, her herd has flourished, ranging from 60 to 100 goats depending on the season, alongside a small group of llamas.

Though Dorothy was involved in FFA as a kid, goats were entirely new to her when she started. She quickly discovered a deep love for these animals, particularly cashmere goats, which she describes as hardy, mild-tempered, and versatile. Each goat has its own unique personality, and Dorothy finds endless joy in caring for them.

Farming is a central part of Dorothy’s life, and she embraces the hard work it requires. Her farm is not only a source of joy and comfort but also a reflection of her passion for fiber-producing animals. This ties seamlessly into her love for fiber arts, including knitting, crocheting, spinning, weaving, combing, and dyeing. Dorothy’s appreciation for handmade crafts began in childhood, inspired by her mom and grandmothers, who introduced her to a wide variety of creative pursuits. Some of her fondest memories are of the time spent crafting alongside these influential women.

As Dorothy looks to the future, she hopes to share her knowledge and passion with younger generations. She is deeply committed to educating children and young adults about the animals she raises and the importance of sustainable farming and fiber arts. For Dorothy, life on the farm is a labor of love, and she is dedicated to preserving and passing on the traditions and values that have shaped her journey.

Tomielle Lane

Area Educator II, 4H & Positive Youth Development

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Since 2021, Tomielle Lane has served as an Area Educator for 4-H Positive Youth Development with Lincoln University Cooperative Extension in St. Louis, Missouri, where she passionately bridges education, agriculture, and media to empower the next generation. A proud 2014 graduate of Lincoln University (HBCU), Ms. Lane embodies the institution’s legacy of leadership and service, carrying forward its mission through her dedication to youth mentorship, agricultural advocacy, and storytelling.

Born and raised in Sikeston, Missouri, Ms. Lane’s deep-rooted connection to agriculture began in the cornfields of the Bootheel, where she developed an appreciation for the land, community, and time-honored traditions. As a young volunteer, she played an integral role in her Sunset neighborhood, participating in harvest customs like picking fresh collard greens and sharing them with neighbors—a practice that instilled in her the values of generosity, hard work, and cultural pride. Her early experiences not only shaped her love for agriculture but also inspired her to amplify the voices of those who cultivate the earth.

With a background in broadcasting and journalism, Ms. Lane has masterfully merged her storytelling skills with her agricultural expertise. She has documented the resilience and innovation of Black farmers across Missouri, particularly those pioneering small-scale urban farming initiatives. Through her work, she highlights the intersection of sustainability, equity, and community resilience, ensuring these vital narratives reach broader audiences.

As an educator, Ms. Lane is committed to empowering youth with the tools to tell their own stories. She leads dynamic programs in journalism, photography, YouTube content creation, podcasting, video editing, and filmmaking, equipping students with both technical skills and the confidence to express themselves. Her teaching philosophy centers on accessibility and opportunity—she believes every young person deserves the chance to explore their potential and see their experiences reflected in media.

Driven by the principle of “putting it forward,” Ms. Lane goes beyond traditional instruction, fostering environments where students feel seen, heard, and inspired. Whether guiding them through the creative process of filmmaking or encouraging them to investigate agricultural science, she ensures that Lincoln University’s Extension programs serve as gateways to discovery, innovation, and leadership.

Looking ahead, Tomielle Lane remains a steadfast advocate for youth development, agricultural education, and equitable storytelling. Her work stands as a testament to the power of combining passion with purpose—proving that when young people are given the right tools and encouragement, they can cultivate not only crops but also brighter futures for themselves and their communities.

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Making Goat Milk Soap

Julia Lutz

A Journey from Kansas City to Goat Milk Soap Artistry

Julia’s story is as rich and fascinating as the soaps she creates. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Julia moved to Clear Lake, Iowa, at the age of three. She graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1984 and went on to earn a degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville. For 27 years, Julia dedicated her career to serving others, working for the Missouri Department of Mental Health in Kansas City before retiring in 2020.

Today, Julia lives on a picturesque acreage near Green Castle, Missouri, with her husband, Bill. Together, they tend to a small herd of Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goats, which sparked Julia’s passion for goat milk soap making. Her daughter, a student at Truman State University, and their three dogs complete their lively household.