Linear Appraisal

The ADGA linear appraisal system evaluates individual type traits that affect structural and functional durability in order to take full advantage of the potential for genetic improvement through selection. ADGA’s linear system:

Evaluates each animal & trait individually
Evaluates each trait from one observed biological extreme to the other
Includes traits that have economic importance and are at a minimum, moderately heritable

The linear appraisal system includes 15 primary traits, along with 8 structural categories, scored by the appraiser to evaluate functional conformation on mature does and bucks.

Producers have the information to make a more accurate selection of breeding stock than ever before. Because of this, the responsibility and the opportunity for breed improvement are directly upon breeders.

The seedstock breeder, hobbyist & the commercial producer can all benefit from stock based on fact; not just guesswork as the “eye” sees it.

2025 Linear Appraisal

The sign-up form is available to be submitted or postmarked no later than January 31, 2025. Late applications must be submitted or postmarked by April 15, 2025 and require an additional $75.00 fee. Please contact the office for more information on late applications.

2025 Tentative Linear Appraisal Schedule:

MAP

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 National Show or Convention.

Click Here for the 2026 Linear Appraisal Map

The 2026 Linear Appraisal map is shared for reference. If additional trips are added in 2026, the New England states will be prioritized for the extra trip.

Early applications will be billed to your account if you are attending a session in a state shaded in color on the coverage map. If you apply to host or transport to a session in a state that is shaded in grey your application will not be processed until ADGA can confirm a trip will happen in that area and your herd can be included. If additional trips are added in 2025, the Pacific Northwest will be prioritized for the extra trip.

How much does Linear Appraisal Cost?

See the Schedule of rates for more information.

Please note: the fee for Linear Appraisal transport herds changed to a $20/goat appraised and can be part of the minimum stop fee.

There are less than 10 part time Appraisers who are tasked with evaluating 10,000 animals from 1000 herds each year. To achieve genetic evaluation accuracy, it is important Appraisers be rotated by regions each year. On the tentative Linear Appraisal map, the regions shaded in grey were either scored last year, multiple years in a row, or traditionally have less than 5 stops available to create a trip. If you border an area shaded in color, but reside in a gray shaded area, it’s possible your herd can still be included on a trip.

Anyone interested in Linear Appraisal can apply and if your herd cannot be accommodated the Linear Appraisal application will be refunded to your account by the end of 2025.

Herds that applied in 2024 and could not be scheduled have already been refunded and a new application for 2025 must be made. Herds that were offered to be included on a trip in 2024 but declined or cancelled have forfeited the linear application fee and must reapply for 2025.

Find out more information regarding scheduling a Special Session

Special Sessions are responsible for the full expense of the session including all Appraiser travel to and from your session.

Special Sessions will not be granted to areas shaded in color during the months of May-September.
Areas in grey can request a Special Session September-May but would only be granted if there is Appraiser availability.