What Is Linear Appraisal?
ADGA’s Linear Appraisal program provides an objective evaluation of individual type traits that affect a dairy goat’s structural and functional durability.
Each trait is evaluated independently across its biological range. The information can help breeders better understand the strengths and weaknesses within their herd, compare related animals, and make more informed breeding decisions.
The program evaluates:
- 15 primary linear traits
- Eight structural categories
- Functional conformation in mature does and bucks
- Traits that are economically important and sufficiently heritable to support genetic improvement
Linear Appraisal does not replace a breeder’s knowledge of their animals. It provides an additional, standardized source of information that can be used by seedstock breeders, hobby herds, and commercial producers.
How Do I Apply?
The 2026 Linear Appraisal application must be submitted or postmarked by January 31, 2027.
Late applications require an additional $75 fee and may not be accommodated in the schedule. Members interested in applying after the deadline should contact the ADGA office for availability.
ADGA does not consider local ADGA-sanctioned show schedules when planning appraisal trips. No appraisal trips will be scheduled during the ADGA National Show or Annual Convention.
2027 Linear Appraisal
The sign-up form must be submitted or postmarked no later than January 31, 2027. Late applications require an additional $75.00 fee and may not be accommodated in the schedule. Please contact the office for more information on late applications.
ADGA does not schedule Linear Appraisal trips with regard to any ADGA-sanctioned show that may be in the area. No appraisal trips will be scheduled during the National Show or Convention.
Where Will Appraisal Trips Be Offered?
The 2027 schedule is underway and will be available later this year. The 2026 schedule was as follows:
| Region | Planned Schedule |
|---|---|
| Florida | Early April |
| Texas (Houston/Austin area) | Early April |
| Texas (Dallas/Fort Worth area) | Late April |
| Southern Georgia, Northern Florida | Late May |
| Central California (south of Sacramento) | Early May |
| Central California (north of Santa Barbara) | Late May |
| Missouri (southern) | Late May |
| Western Washington (northwest) | Early July |
| Missouri (central/northern) | Late July |
| Western Washington (southwest) | Late July |
| Western Oregon (Portland area) | Early August |
| Southern Minnesota, Western Iowa, Eastern South Dakota, Eastern Nebraska | Early July |
| Southern Oregon/Northernmost California | Early August |
| Northern California (north of Sacramento) | August TBD |
| Maryland | Mid September |
| North Carolina, South Carolina | Early October |
Members bordering a scheduled region may still be considered for inclusion on that trip.
The schedule is tentative and depends on the number and location of applicants, available stops, and appraiser availability.
How Much Does Linear Appraisal Cost?
Current application, stop, and animal fees are listed in the ADGA Schedule of Rates.
Transport herds are charged $20 for each goat appraised. These charges may be applied toward the minimum stop fee.
What Happens if My Herd Cannot Be Scheduled?
Anyone interested in Linear Appraisal may apply, even if their region is not listed on the tentative schedule.
If ADGA cannot accommodate a herd during 2026, the application fee will be refunded to the member’s account by the end of the year.
Herds that applied in 2025 but could not be scheduled must submit a new application for 2026. Those application fees have already been refunded.
Herds that were offered a 2025 appraisal trip but declined or canceled forfeited the application fee and must submit a new application for 2026.
Why Are Some Areas Not Scheduled Every Year?
ADGA has fewer than 10 part-time appraisers responsible for evaluating approximately 10,000 animals in 1,000 herds each year.
Appraisers are rotated among regions to support consistent and accurate genetic evaluations. Areas may not appear on the tentative schedule when they:
- Were appraised the previous year
- Have been appraised for several consecutive years
- Traditionally have too few stops to create a complete trip
Can I Request a Special Session?
Special Sessions may be considered for areas that do not have a scheduled appraisal trip.
The requesting herd or group is responsible for the full cost of the session, including the appraiser’s travel expenses to and from the location.
Special Sessions:
- Will not be approved in areas with scheduled trips between May and September
- May be requested in unscheduled areas from September through May
- Depend on appraiser availability
- May be planned within a date range, but ADGA selects the appraiser
Linear Appraisal Resources
Use the following resources to better understand the program, prepare your herd, and interpret appraisal results: