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Learn more about this hard-working, committed organization that has been dedicated to preserving purebred herd books for over 85 years, while remaining progressive enough to recognize the dairy abilities of the miniature breeds. AGS is committed to promoting the Dairy Goat Industry and supporting breeders that want to maintain the form and function of purebred dairy goats.

The American Goat Society, Inc. was founded in 1935, some thirty years after AMGRA (later ADGA) because hundreds of goat breeders wanted the assurance that their pedigreed dairy goats would be handled as purebreds, not as grades. In 1937, AGS merged with the International Dairy Goat Record Association, which had been established in 1925: so some of the pedigree records of AGS go back more than 85 years. Incorporated in 1936, the American Goat Society is a democratic, member-run organization, committed to the support and advancement of the US dairy goat industry. AGS has a long history of innovation and pioneering:

  • AGS was the first organization to register purebred goats exclusively.
  • AGS was the first to supply two generations of pedigrees on the registration certificate.
  • AGS brought the first two national shows.
  • AGS was the first to offer classification of dairy goats.
Today, AGS remains committed to serving its members and the dairy goat industry through programs that focus on the functionality of the dairy goat in all its shapes and sizes.

What do I receive as an AGS member?

In addition to reduced rates for services offered, you will receive the AGS members hand book, the annual member Roster as well as 4 issues of the Voice of AGS newsletter (also available electronically). A permanently reserved herd name and tattoo sequence is also available to members.

The AGS board of directors is made up of 13 elected members. This board works hard each year to make policy decisions for the organization based on input from committees and members.

What AGS offers you:

  • Low cost registrations and transfers
  • Official DHIR program at reasonable rates
  • Judges, Directors, and Exhibitors Code of Ethics
  • Classification (first in the dairy goat industry)
  • Show Sanctions that are affordable
  • National Show (first in the dairy goat industry)
  • Judges Training
  • Member publications (Member’s Handbook, Roster, Voice newsletter, and brochures)
  • Friendly office staff that own and raise goats and understand the issues our members face
  • Comprehensive website
  • An organization that was founded by and for dairy goat breeders and realizes that the members ARE the organization
  • A great group of People!

AGS Scholarships

The AGS offers educational scholarships for those enrolling in an accredited college or university. Scholarships are awarded annually based on applications received. These scholarships are available to AGS members and children of AGS members.

DHIR Milk Testing

As a dairy goat registry that places an emphasis on productive, functional animals, AGS is proud of its milk testing program. AGS offers Advanced Registry (AR) recognition of dairy goats that have met minimum production requirements by means of official DHI or DHIR production testing. In conjunction with AR status, the AGS star (*D) program provides production information for those animals that have met the production requirements for either continuous test or one-day test.

Official Classification

AGS began a classification program early in its history, in the early 1940’s. In contrast to judging, which compares each animal with what is in the show ring that day, classification is an objective evaluation comparing the animal to the ideal on each section of the AGS scorecard. Classifiers are selected by the board from among the most experienced judges, with one having been a classifier since 1966.

Breeds Registered by the American Goat Society

The Society maintains purebred herd books for the following dairy breeds:

  • French Alpine
  • La Mancha
  • Nubian
  • Nigerian Dwarf
  • Oberhasli
  • Pygmy (the AGS pygmy is quite different from the typical NPGA pygmy seen today)
  • Saanen
  • Sable
  • Toggenburg
  • The miniature breeds (primarily the Nigerian) comprise a large and dynamic part of the registrations of AGS and continue to grow rapidly.


Membership Application
Membership is from January 1 to December 31 of each year.
Renewals from Oct.1 to Dec.31 are eligible for $5.00 discount.


 Individual Membership - $20.00
 Family Membership - $30.00
 Junior Membership - $10.00
 Senior Membership (over 65) - $15.00


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What breed(s) of goats do you have?
French Alpine
La Mancha
Nubian
Nigerian Dwarf
Oberhasli
Pygmy
Saanen
Sable
Toggenburg
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All persons listed on family memberships are eligible to register goats under their name and to sign official AGS paperwork associated with show wins, etc. The family membership has ONE vote in AGS elections or membership voting in response to questions raised by the Board of Directors. Family Membership holders are not eligible to hold a judge's license; however ONE adult family member may run for Directorship.

Purebred DAIRY GOAT Registry