KGPA 2025 Annual Business Meeting Minutes
The 2025 Annual Business Meeting for KGPA was held on October 25, 2025 at the London Community Center. ​
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Introduction and Welcome- President Beth Johnson
Minutes from 2024 KGPA Annual Business Meeting as presented by Bea Powell was approved.
Treasurer’s Report as presented by Kay DeMoss was approved.​​
Dr. Beth Johnson, Kentucky State Vet Office, Screw Worm
Joe Bentley, Bentley Brothers Farm, on goat exports.
The following people were elected as Board of Directors.
Malissa Combs-3 Year Term
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As long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted a farm and goats were always part of that plan. So in May of 2022 when my husband got on board and said “I think we need to get some goats” I didn’t give him time to change his mind. That very weekend I brought my first 4 home to Bath County. And as anyone familiar with “goat math” knows, that number escalated quickly! I currently run a commercial Boer herd of 22 head, though at times I’ve managed as many as 40. From the very beginning, I dove into learning, joining the Ky Goat Producers Association and taking classes to build my knowledge and improve my herd.
In just a few short years, I’ve not only developed a deep passion for raising goats but also seen how many misconceptions exist about their needs and proper care. I’m excited to work with the association to help move the industry forward, promote best practices, and share accurate information with producers and the public. One of my biggest goals is to support the growth and improvement of Kentucky’s goat population.
Shawn Harper- 3 Year Term
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Shawn Harper is an Adult Agriculture Instructor in Graves County where he teaches Small Ruminant classes in addition to his other work. He has served on the KGPA board in the previously and served as president twice. He has also served on the Sheep and Goat Development board and is currently on the Sheep and Goat Check-off board. Shawn is a proponent of education and has taught several classes across the state. He and his wife Ginny, live outside of Benton where they raise goats, sheep, horses and other livestock and fowl. Shawn is willing to serve to assist in the growth of the organization and helping producers across Kentucky.
Clarissa Feeback- 2 Year Term
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My husband and I bought our first 12 goats in 2005 as a fun project to share with our kids. Like many good things, it grew faster than we expected—before long, we were managing a herd of over 70 in Nicholas County. Over time, we made a conscious shift from quantity to quality, and today I maintain a herd of about 30 breeding goats for both show and commercial purposes. While it’s still a joyful and rewarding endeavor, I’ve become deeply committed to learning and improving every aspect of my operation. I attend as many clinics as possible, always eager to expand my knowledge in nutrition, husbandry, housing, and anything else that helps me streamline and strengthen herd management. Once I sell our goat kids to show families, I continue to stay involved throughout their projects—offering guidance on health, nutrition, and show preparation. Supporting youth and helping them succeed is one of the most fulfilling parts of what I do. I believe in the power of education, community, and shared experience. I’d be honored to serve on the board of the Kentucky Goat Producers Association to help grow our membership, support producer involvement, and bring fresh ideas to the table—so we can continue building a strong, inclusive, and forward-thinking goat community across the state.
Bea Powell
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Since we started our goat journey almost 10 years ago, I was fortunate to find the KY Sheep & Goat Association. I went through the one year Small Ruminant classes and honestly, I haven't stop learning ever since! We have a small farm in Owen County. We began with Nigerian Dwarfs focusing on breeding and milk/cheese. After a few heart breaking losses, we moved into Boers. We do have three retired Nigerians still on the farm. Our Boer herd has grown from two to 16 over the last four years. We are now providing direct to consumer high quality meat. I joined the KGPA Board of Directors three years ago and appreciate their willingness to help goat producers across our state. We also reach out to county extension agents, stockyards, and the general public to promote the improvement of breeding, health, marketing and productivity of all classes of goats in Kentucky. I would appreciate your vote to remain on the Board for an additional three years.
J Pat Stewart
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With a deep passion for goat farming and extensive experience in the field, Pat brings invaluable expertise and enthusiasm to the table. As an active member of the KGPA and a current board member, Pat has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the advancement of goat farming in Kentucky. With a herd of over 40 goats, Pat has a wealth of practical knowledge and hands-on experience that uniquely qualifies him to contribute to our organization's goals. Pat is not only committed to raising goats but is also a strong advocate for promoting goat farming throughout the state. His efforts in marketing and outreach have been instrumental in increasing the visibility and appreciation of goat farming. By joining the board, Pat aims to further enhance these initiatives, working tirelessly to market goats effectively and inspire others to embrace goat farming. Pat’s passion for the industry and his proven track record of service make him an outstanding candidate for continued leadership on the KGPA Board.