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.

2026 Linear Appraisal

The sign-up form must be submitted or postmarked no later than January 31, 2026. 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.

Linear Appraisal Trips 2026

Region	Tentative Schedule
Florida	April
South Central Texas
Southern Georgia, Northern Florida	May
Central California
Missouri	June
Western Washington
Western Oregon
Southern Minnesota, Western Iowa, Eastern South Dakota, Eastern Nebraska
Southern Oregon, Northern California	July
Maryland
Eastern North Carolina, South Carolina	August

Next areas to be prioritized if trips are added
Arizona
New York
Ohio
Kentucky
Wisconsin

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 fewer than 10 part-time Appraisers who are tasked with evaluating 10,000 animals from 1,000 herds each year. To achieve genetic evaluation accuracy, it is important that Appraisers be rotated by regions each year. On the tentative Linear Appraisal schedule, the regions not included were either scored last year, multiple years in a row, or traditionally have less than five stops available to create a trip. If you border an area included on the schedule, 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 2026.

Herds that applied in 2025 and could not be scheduled have already been refunded and a new application for 2026 must be made. Herds that were offered to be included on a trip in 2025 but declined or cancelled have forfeited the linear application fee and must reapply for 2026.

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 with scheduled trips from May to September.
Areas without trips scheduled can request a Special Session, September-May, but would only be granted if there is Appraiser availability.