If you breed Boer goats – whether you’re running a well-established stud or just starting out – the Wānaka A&P Show is a great place to get involved, learn, and connect with others who share your passion.
We spoke with John Binney, convener of the Wānaka A&P Show Boer Goat section, President of the NZ Boer Goat Breeders Association, and owner of Criffel Boers. For John, the value of showing goes well beyond the competition itself.
“Bringing goats to the Show gives breeders the chance to talk with others, share challenges and solutions, and broaden everyone’s pool of knowledge,” he says. “It’s about measuring your flock against others, but just as importantly, learning from each other.”
A standout feature of the Boer goat section is the approachable judging style. Exhibitors are encouraged to ask questions and gain insight into why animals place where they do.
“Our judges are very open to spending time with exhibitors,” John explains. “They’re happy to explain what they’re looking for, which traits matter most, and why those traits are important.”
Judging is based on the New Zealand Boer Goat standard, closely aligned with international benchmarks. These standards have evolved over time, shaped by what early breeders identified as essential for soundness, health and productivity.
“The Boer goat is a meat animal,” says John. “The aim is to breed animals that are structurally correct, healthy and efficient – animals that deliver quality meat and good nutrition. Showing helps keep those goals front of mind.”
On Friday 13 March, judging will take place in the Boer Goat Arena from 11.00am, with classes designed to suit breeders at all stages.
The programme includes kid, junior and senior classes for both does and bucks, with champions awarded across age groups before progressing to Grand Champion Doe and Buck, and ultimately the Supreme Champion Boer Goat. There are also progeny classes, including Dam and Kid and Sire Progeny, which highlight consistency, muscling and breeding outcomes across a herd.
Whether you’re keen to benchmark your stock, learn directly from experienced judges, or simply be part of a knowledgeable and welcoming community, John encourages all Boer goat breeders to get involved.
“Everyone benefits when more breeders bring animals along,” he says. “It strengthens the breed and helps all of us produce better, happier, healthier goats.”
Caption: John and #720 took out the Supreme Boer Goat title at the Royal A&P Show in 2025. Pictured are Judge Carole Axton (Queensland, Australia) pictured with John Binney of Criffel Boers, Wānaka, exhibiting CRU720 (36 months+ buck), alongside Brent Chamberlain, President of the Royal A&P Show of New Zealand.
Hosted by the Canterbury A&P Association.
📸 Photo courtesy of the Royal A&P Show of New Zealand.
Caption: #720 charmed the crowd at the 2025 Wanaka A&P Show, and he’ll be returning in 2026 too. Be sure to say hello to this best-in-show Boer!