From the desk of ABBA Executive Vice President Chris Shivers

Monthly updates from Chris can be found in this section. Click the following links to read monthly ABBA updates from Chris Shivers:

• March 2012
• April 2012
• May 2012

Sire Summary and Trait Leader update available on ABBA Web site

An updated list of the ABBA’s Trait Leaders and a Sire Summary is now available on the ABBA’s web site under the “Brahman Information” tab. This list includes information up to the Summer of 2012. To request a hard copy of the report, contact the ABBA office.

Click here to be redirected to the ABBA web site page that contains the new Sire Summary update.

Posted May 9

First annual Deep South Brahman Association Sale garners interest

The first annual Deep South Brahman Association (DSBA) registered Brahman and F-1 sale was held Saturday, May 5 in Hattiesburg, Miss. at the Southeast Mississippi Livestock Auction.  Registered Brahman bulls and females as well as Certified and Golden Certified F-1 females were among the sale line-up. This first-ever sale drew a large following on sale day. The 72 registered Brahman cattle that were consigned to the sale averaged $2,476.38 per head.  

Included in the registered Brahman group were 26 haltered Brahman heifers and bulls. The high selling lot was out of this set, a haltered female earning consignor Valley B Enterprises of Cleveland, Tenn. $9,250. She was purchased by Dyess Farms of Carson, Miss. Twelve head of haltered registered Brahman heifers averaged $3,300 and 14 haltered registered Brahman bulls averaged $2,200. Five registered Brahman pairs averaged $2,600, 12 registered Brahman bred females averaged $2,700 and 29 open registered Brahman females averaged $2,100.

Unique to this sale, 8 lots of semen were donated to Deep South Junior Brahman Association (DSJBA). Each semen buyer received five straws high quality registered Brahman semen to use in their own herds. Through this benefit, the DSJBA earned $1,900.

Posted May 7

Beef Improvement Federation recognizes value of Bos indicus genetics

The 44th Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Annual Meeting and Research Symposium was held April 18 - 21 in Houston and was co-hosted by the American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) and Texas AgriLife Extension. The conference is considered the beef industry's premier event. Over 300 industry professionals, researchers, academia and ranchers gathered from across the nation to report on and discuss the most recent beef industry research, and to work to make this research applicable to the ranching world. The ABBA is pleased to have had this year's meeting focus on the influence of Bos indicus genetics in the United States. The conference concluded with two optional bus tours that visited South Texas or Gulf Coast ranches. Two ABBA member ranches were part of this tour.

Each year, the BIF selects one outstanding seedstock producer and one outstanding commercial producer to receive recognition at its annual meeting. This year, the ABBA is pleased to announce V8 Ranch of Boling, Texas as the recipient of the BIF Seedstock Producer of the Year award. V8 Ranch was recognized Friday, April 20 at the 44th BIF Annual Meeting and Research Symposium's award lunch.

The ABBA is also delighted to have nominated Kempfer Cattle Company of Saint Cloud, Fla. as its nominee for the BIF's Commercial Producer of the Year award. Kempfer was recognized Thursday, April 19 at the conference's awards lunch.

V8 Ranch was selected from 12 seedstock producer nominees, and Kempfer Cattle Company competed in a category of eight other producer nominees. The ABBA is proud to support association members in receiving this esteemed recognition.

Through this event, Bos indicus genetics, and especially Brahman cattle have been recognized for their value in the U.S. beef industry. This is another major step in promoting the benefits of Brahman and Brahman F-1 crosses to the country's most prominent beef industry representatives, the people who will educate and influence our nation's cattlemen.

2012 BIF Annual Meeting & Research Symposium Proceedings

Updated April 23

Carcass Evaluation Program steers re-implanted, data updates

On March 26, the American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) headed to Graham Land and Cattle Co. in Gonzales, Texas to re-implant its carcass program steers and to collect data.

One hundred fourteen (114) head of steers representing 11 breeders in three states went into the Gonzales feed yard in December and were started on an intermediate grow ration. On March 26, the steers were re-implanted and weighed. Steers were then split into two groups based on their weights, and were started on a finishing ration.

One group, weighing 750 pounds and above, is expected to finish and be harvested in roughly 120 days. The other lighter-weight group, weighing 749 pounds and under, should finish and be harvested in 170 days. Carcass data will be collected on these cattle at harvest. The data will be added to the genetic evaluation, and used to calculate carcass EPD’s for six traits.

Blood samples were also collected March 26, and will be used to further validate DNA markers for carcass traits.

Statistics:
114 head • 11 breeders • 3 states

Averages-
Frame Score:                Medium
Muscle Score:               2 (Scores range from 1 to 4; 1 being the heaviest muscled, 4 being the lightest)
In Weight:                     504 lbs
Re-Implant Weight:       789 lbs
Days on Feed:              110 days
Average Daily Gain:       2.5 lbs

Packed crowd for the 14th Annual LBA F-1 and Brahman Sale

Saturday, March 24 played host to the annual Louisiana Brahman Association (LBA) Brahman and F-1 Sale held in Carencro, La. The sale followed the trend of this spring's Brahman and F-1 sales, drawing a large crowd, selling quality ABBA program females and returning profits to ABBA members.

Cattle sold well at this year's sale. Registered Brahmans sold as follows: pairs averaged $2,320 per head, breds averaged $2,400 per head and open and exposed females averaged for $2,232 per head. Certified and Golden Certified F-1 females followed the same pattern with pairs bringing an average of $2,800 per head, bred females averaging $2,303 per head and open females averaging for $1,663 per head.

Triple Son Farms of Cut Off, La. and Centerville, Texas received honors for consigning the champion Certified and Golden Certified F-1 pairs. The champion Certified and Golden Certified F-1 bred pen was consigned by Seven L Cattle of Roanoke, La. and the champion Certified and Golden Certified F-1 open pen award was given to consignor Robert Doucet Cattle Company of Jennings, La.

25th ABBA F-1 and TBA Brahman Sale boasts quality, profitabilty

The 25th Annual American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) National F-1 and Texas Brahman Association (TBA) Brahman Sale, held Saturday, March 17 at Caldwell Livestock Commission in Caldwell, Texas boasted exceptional prices as cattlemen across the South work to restock and enhance their herds.  This year’s sale was dedicated to the memory of James A. (Jim) Theeck of Brenham, Texas.

Area cattlemen gathered in Caldwell, Texas on Saturday at 1 p.m. to place their bids on the nation’s most elite Brahman F-1 females. The quality of this sale was highly anticipated; the auction hall was standing room only at the sale’s commencement. This year’s consignments included Golden Certified and Certified F-1 females, the ABBA’s new F-1+ PLUS program females, as well as registered and purebred Brahmans. 

Two pens of Certified Brahman x Hereford F-1 pairs tied as the sale’s high selling lots, bringing $3,700 per head to John Malazzo Farms of Caldwell, Texas. John Malazzo Farms had a very successful day, not only consigning the two high-selling lots, but also receiving honors for consigning the sale’s Champion F-1 pairs and Champion F-1 exposed heifers.

Reata Ranch of Bay City, Texas also took home honors for consigning the Champion F-1 open pen.

This sale was considered by many one of the deepest sets of cattle they’d seen this year. In the Golden Certified and Certified division, pairs averaged $3,060.00, breds averaged $2,050.00, exposed averaged $2,125.00 and opens averaged $1,330.00. The F-1+ PLUS division sold only open females, averaging $1,117.05. In the registered Brahman division, pairs averaged $2,420.00, breds averaged $1,991.23, exposed females averaged $1,860.00 and open females averaged $2,260.00. Two pairs of purebred non-registered Brahman females averaged $2,150.00, purebred bred females averaged $1,750.00 and open purebred Brahmans averaged $1,780.00.

The sale followed this spring’s trend of increased prices on ABBA program cattle. Cattlemen have confidence in the environmental adaptability, increased milk production and higher fertility of F-1 females and appreciate the heat and disease resistance that F-1 females have inherited from their Brahman parents, especially after enduring recent drought conditions.

ABBA thanks supporters for a successful 2012 International Show

The American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) would like to extend a thank you to everyone who had a hand in making the 2012 International Show a success.

The ABBA would like to thank the following individuals for their support in making the show catalog available:

Daniec Land and Cattle Company, Inc.
Kelly and Donita Barnard
Dr. Ricky and Myra Hughes
Bonchasse Land and Cattle Company
Sen. Javier Souto
Smith Brahmans
Schneider Brahmans, LLC
Tommy and Shirley Stadler
Partin & Partin Heart Bar Ranch
Lynn and W.B. Due, Jr.
Heritage Cattle Company – Judd and Gayla Cullers
J.D. Hudgins, Inc.

Horsegate Ranch
Wittig Ranch
C Bar J Ranch
Dubina Rose Ranch, Ltd.
Bull’s Eye Ranch
Lanny and Sheila Sullins
David Matula
L2 Ranch
Ramsey Ranch
Miami International Ag. & Cattle Show
Broken Triangle Cattle Marketing

Thank you to those who donated and purchased semen from the 2012 International Brahman Semen Sale. All proceeds from the semen sale go to the ABBA Research and Breed Improvement Committee.

Donors:
J.D. Hudgins, Inc. – Forgason Division
J.D. Hudgins, Inc. – Koonce Division
La Muneca Cattle Company
J.D. Hudgins, Inc. – Hudgins Division
HK Cattle
J.D Hudgins, Inc. – Locke Division
JT Brahmans – Jim Bob and Lauren Trant
D Bar Ranch
J.D. Hudgins, Inc. – Leslie Hudgins
Santa Elena Ranch
J.D. Hudgins – Forgason Cattle Co.

Buyers:
Schneider Brahmans
Loren Pratt
Schulte Cattle Co.
Roughneck Ranch
Debbie Quient
Horsestomp Ranch
Sam Good
4C Ranch – Doug Caffey
John Goode

The ABBA would also like to thank Brushy Creek Custom Sires and the 2012 World Brahman Congress for their sponsorship of the International Sale’s presale cocktail hour.

Thank you to our generous shuttle sponsors: Appel Ford, Bennett Farms – Pat Cone, J.D. Hudgins, Inc. and the Texas Brahman Association!

Thank you to all of the ABBA supporters!

Posted Mar. 9

2012 International Champions selected by judge Chris Sankey

The 2012 International Brahman Show was sorted by Kansas native, Chris Sankey on Thursday, March 1 and Friday, March 2 in Houston. The following represent the Grand and Reserve Grand Champion bulls and females from the 2012 International Brahman Show. Congratulations to this year's winners!

International Champion Red Female - CT Lady Rhineaux Ray 8/9 owned by Wesley Thibodeaux of Church Point, La.

Houston Commercial Sale lucrative to ABBA program members

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo 45th Annual All Breed Range Bull and Commercial Female Sales held February 29 and March 3 proved lucrative to American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) program members.

ABBA cattle were well represented. Certified and Golden Certified F-1 program members averaged $2,274.07 on their female pens. By division, 12 pens of Certified and Golden Certified F-1 pairs averaged $2,970.83, two bred Certified and Golden Certified F-1 females averaged $1,900 and 13 lots of open Certified and Golden Certified F-1s brought an average of $1,688.46.

Registered Brahmans also fared well; a total of eight pens of open registered females sold for an average of $2,187.50. Seven registered Brahman bulls were auctioned off on the bull side averaging $3,835.71. Brahmans were the highest averaging breed in the bull sale.  

The female sale’s high selling lot, which was also the Overall Grand Champion of the female sale, was a set of Golden Certified F-1 Brahman x Hereford pairs that brought $4,000 to consignor Diamond H Cattle Company of Brenham, Texas. The high selling bull, a registered Brahman called Mr. Dubina Rose 42/0 was consigned by Dubina Rose Ranch of Schulenburg, Texas and brought $5,500.

The Houston All Breed Range Bull and Commercial Female Sale results illustrate the profitability of ABBA program cattle. Not only does registering purebred Brahman cattle improve profit margins in the commercial realm, but certifying Brahman F-1 cattle will also bring increased revenue to sellers.

Tic Tac Toe Ranch of Frost, Texas

High Grading Bull - Mr. Suva Martin 631

Royal K Ranch of Snook, Texas

Champion Brahman heifers

ABBA launches new Genomically Enhanced Tenderness EPD

The American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) is pleased to launch its new genomically enhanced Tenderness Expected Progeny Difference (EPD). This new EPD combines both actual harvest data and GeneSTAR DNA results to generate the most accurate Tenderness EPD ever offered by the ABBA.

Since 2003, the ABBA has utilized a general Tenderness EPD that was strictly based off of the Warner-Bratzler Shear Force test when applied to actual carcasses. Now, GeneSTAR DNA results have been applied to this original test, and have consequently increased the accuracy of the EPD.

This is just one of the many tools that the ABBA uses to help generate revenue for ABBA members and to increase the marketability of the Brahman breed.

Posted Mar 6

Show Animals of the Year receive recognition in Houston

The American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) announced the 2011 Show Animals of the Year during the 2012 International Brahman Show in Houston on March 1 and 2.

Miss Susan Reese owned by Reese Ranch of Normangee, Texas received the Show Female of the Year honor for the grey division. CT Lady Rhineaux Ray owned by Wesley Thibodeaux of Church Point, La., was awarded Red Show Female of the year. 

SCD Didor Esto 623 owned by Samuel C. Duplantis of Erath, La. was awarded the Show Bull of the Year for the grey division. KF Mr. Passport Success owned by K-Bar Farms of Amite, La., took the title of Red Show Bull of the year. 

The ABBA Show Animal of the Year honor is awarded to an outstanding individual in each of the following categories: Grey Bull, Grey Female, Red Bull and Red Female. Criteria for the award is based on points accumulated at ABBA approved shows beginning July 1 and ending June 30 the following year.

Posted Mar 2

International Show dedicated to "Bubba" Hudgins

On March 1, the American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) dedicated the 2012 International Brahman Show in Houston to Leslie “Bubba” Hudgins of Hungerford, Texas.    

Since 1986, the ABBA has dedicated its National or International Show to a deserving individual. Hudgins attended his first International Brahman Show in 1948 and has owned or shown cattle at all but one Houston Livestock Show since then, producing a number of international champions.

Although the show was dedicated in his honor, Hudgins credits much of his success to the commercial beef industry, and Hudgins’

Brahman work has not just been domestic. He’s traveled the world promoting, evaluating and marketing cattle, and has formed lasting relationship through his experiences.

“It is only fitting that the 2012 International Brahman Show be dedicated to Bubba Hudgins in front of this international audience at this prestigious event,” said ABBA executive vice president, Chris Shivers. “It goes without saying he is deserving of this honor, and today he is able to share it with his many friends.”

The ABBA is proud to dedicate the 2012 International Brahman Show to Bubba Hudgins.

Posted Mar 2

Records set at 30th Annual International Brahman sale

The 30th Annual International Brahman Sale, held on February 29 in Houston, set records. Twenty two leading females were auctioned off and sold to buyers representing six states and three countries.

This elite sale grossed $269,250 and females sold for an unprecedented average of $12,238.63. The $31,000 high selling lot, JDH Ms Dawn Manso 870/7, was consigned by J.D. Hudgins – Hudgins Division of Hungerford, Texas. Ganaderia Rosa del Alba of Mexico was the lucky purchaser of the high seller.

Two special International Sale lots benefitted the American Junior Brahman Association (AJBA). Lot 1, Ms DF 154/1 was this year’s AJBA Foundation Female, and was donated by Dyess Farms of Mississippi.  The heifer was sold to a committee of buyers for $12,500, and all of the proceeds raised from this lot willl go to the AJBA.

The buyer group included Adrian Land, Legget Ranch, Bennett Farms, Moreno Farms (Kelvin Moreno), Hinton Farms, Marty Graham, Debrah and Brandy Barnes, ACD and J Farms (Annette Chancellor), Circle T Farms (Troy Thibideaux and Family), Chance Hinton, John and Salina Locke, J.D. Hudgins – J. Forgason Division (Mark Forgason), Bryant Red Brahmans (Kevin Bryant), Joyce Custom Fitters, Big John Good, J.D. Hudgins – Locke Division, J.D. Hudgins – Goudeaux Division, Wyatt Kolb, Larry and Jill Kolb, J and R Farms, Whitlock Cattle Company, Satterfield Ranch, Silent G Ranch, Dyess Farms, Andrew Abrameit and Cattle in Motion.

The other special lot which will also benefit the AJBA was a pair of full quill ostrich boots donated by Rios of Mercedes Boot Company. The boots sold for an impressive $1,000.  The AJBA would like to thank all of their supporters for donating and purchasing these special lots.

Not only were live cattle sold at the annual International Brahman Sale, but 12 exclusive lots of semen were auctioned off as well. Semen sold to three states, and all proceeds from the donated semen will go toward the American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) Research and Breed Improvement Committee fund.

The 30th Annual International Sale was a great opportunity to spread elite Brahman genetics both domestically and internationally, and the ABBA is proud to have sponsored another successful event.

ABBA recognizes Register of Renown award recipients

American Brahman Breeders Association Register of Renown award winners were announced February 29 at the 2012 International Brahman Show in Houston.

The Register of Renown program is designed to recognize sires and dams of show ring winners at ABBA approved shows. To obtain the status of Register of Renown, cows must gain a minimum of 40 points earned by two or more of her produce, whereas bulls must gain a minimum of 150 points earned by five or more of his get.

Individuals on the following list received Register of Renown status during the 2011 year, and were recognized at the 2012 International Brahman Show:

+JDH Mr Brandon Manso
J.D. Hudgins –Locke Division, Hungerford, Texas

+Cross Fire 02/2
Cannon Creek Ranch, Cameron, Texas
Barney Joe Allen, Franklin, Texas

+JDH Sir Jerome Manso
Evan Acedo, San Tan Valley, Ariz.

+MDS Doc’s Pride 196
Marcus D. Shackelford, Wauchula, Fla.

+SCD Didor Esto 302
Samuel C. Duplantis, Erath, La.

+Mr. V8 380/6
Jim S. Williams, Boling, Texas

+JDH Annissa Manso
J.D. Hudgins – Hudgins Division, Hungerford, Texas

+Miss V8 14/6
V8 Ranch, Hungerford, Texas

+Miss Temple Hill 132
Amanda M. Hill, Bude, Miss.

+Miss International 134/2
K-C Ranch, Cameron, Texas

+Miss Fontenot 21
Bob Rich, Prague, Okla.

+Miss V8 209/6
V8 Ranch, Hungerford, Texas
Carlos Lee, Aguadulce Cocle, Panama

+-GS Missy Sugar 289
Ron & Linda Salo, Fort White, Fla.

+RLB Miss Sunny 01
Matthew R. Pounds, Mathews, Ala.

+Lady H Amy 733
Heritage Cattle Company, Hungerford, Texas
Jorge Leal, Guatemala City, GTM
Ray Sandoval, League City, Texas
Raimundo Riojas y Leal, GTM

+Lady H Mariposa Mans
Heritage Cattle Company, Hungerford, Texas

+KF MS American Passport
Clint James Galiano, Amite, La.
 
+Lady H Marina Manso 792
Jacob M. Valenta, Alleyton, Texas

+Lady H Alexi Manso 790
Heritage Cattle Company, Hungerford, Texas
Underwood Ranch, Sealy, Texas

+FCC A Rose Isa Sting 500
Paden Allen, Bryan, Texas

+Miss JS Rogue 494/5
Jessica Smith, Maringouin, La.

+Miss V8 551/6
Payton Sloan Powell, Hungerford, Texas

+Miss V8 501/6
Adrian I. Land II, Branford, Fla.
Jim S. Williams, Boling, Texas

+“Shania”
H.J. Braswell, Scurry, Texas

+Miss HVR 6/860
Darby Oden, Marshall, Texas
Happy Valley Ranch, Hallsville, Texas

+Miss V8 797/6
Rachel Ann Williams - Cutrer, Wharton, Texas

Register of Renown recipients accept awards at the 2012 International Brahman Show.

Maternal Merit Dam winners announced

Awards for American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) Maternal Merit Dams were presented February 29 at the 2012 International Brahman Show in Houston.

J.D. Hudgins - J. Forgason Division of Hungerford, Texas,  Rex W. Hudgins of Hungerford, Texas, Loren C. and Edward C. Pratt of Maricopa, Ariz., and Texas A & M University were all honored for producing Elite Maternal Merit Dams, and Loren C. and Edward C. Pratt also received recognition for producing a Supreme Maternal Merit Dam.

The following lists females that received the award:
J.D. Hudgins - J. Forgason Division - =JDH Lady Manso 282/4 (Elite)
Rex W. Hudgins - =JDH Ms Westin Manso 478 (Elite)
Loren C. and Edward C. Pratt - =Miss 6X Sunland 183/4 (Supreme)
                                              =Miss 6X Sunland 288/6 (Elite)
                                              =Miss 6X Sunland 290/6 (Elite)
                                              =Miss 6X Sunland 293/6 (Elite)
                                              =Miss 6X Sunland 297/6 (Elite)
                                              =Miss 6X Sunland 306/6 (Elite)
Texas A & M University - =Miss Taes 3058 (Elite)
                                     =Miss Taes 5039 (Elite)
                                     =Miss Taes 6019 (Elite)

Loren Pratt and Mark Forgason accept Maternal Merit Dam awards.

Criteria for the Maternal Merit Dam award are as follows. Females must have calved before 36 months of age, maintained a regular calving interval, maintained a Most Probably Producing Ability (MPPA) of 101 or better and have produced three calves having performance records that have been raised among five or more contemporaries.

These basic requirements qualify cows for the Elite Maternal Performance Dam award. Those who achieve the previous requirements, but have weaned four calves and maintained a MPPA of 105 or better, will be named Supreme Maternal Performance Dams. 

Posted Mar 1  

Maternal Performance Sire winners announced

The American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) recognized Loren C. and Edward C. Pratt of Maricopa, Ariz., and Texas A & M University for producing bulls receiving the Maternal Performance Sire award silver honors February 29 at the International Brahman Show in Houston.

Loren and Edward Pratt were presented the award on behalf of their bull (=) Mr 6X Sunland 995. Texas A & M University received the award for bull (=)Mr. Taes 9040.

The Maternal Performance Sire program recognizes the bulls that produce Maternal Merit Dams. Bulls must have produced

females that are awarded the Maternal Merit Dam award by meeting the following criteria: Calving before 36 months of age; maintaining a regular calving interval; maintaining a Most Probable Producing Ability (MPPA) of 101 or better; and having had at least three calves with performance records that have been raised with five or more contemporaries.

The bulls that received honors produced between three and five Maternal Merit Dams, gaining them silver recognition under the ABBA program. Bulls that produce more than six Maternal Merit Dams are awarded gold recognition.

Posted Mar 1

Loren C. Pratt accepts his Maternal Performance Sire Award

ABBA Executive Committee members announced

The American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) Board of Directors elected its executive committee members on February 29 during the ABBA annual membership meeting.

This year’s executive committee is as follows:

Past President – Billy Dan Lindley
President – Bob Hudgins
Vice President – Dr. Ricky Hughes
Secretary/Treasurer – Tommy Stadler

Arnold Saunders
Danny Acevedo
Rachel Cutrer
George Kempfer
John Coleman Locke
Jim-Bob Trant

Posted Feb 29

Back (l to r): Armelinda Ibarra, Arnold Saunders, Danny Acevedo, Rachel Cutrer, George Kempfer, John Coleman Locke, Jim-Bob Trant, ABBA Executive Vice President Chris Shivers.

Front (l to r): Past President Billy Dan Lindley, President Bob Hudgins, Vice President Dr. Ricky Hughes, Secretary/Treasurer Tommy Stadler.

 “Not much happens in the Brahman world that Marcus isn’t involved in or aware of,” said Wendell Shronk as he presented Shackelford with the honor. “…he’s always been a great ambassador for the breed."

Beginning in 1983, the ABBA has recognized outstanding members who have made and impact on the Brahman breed. Shackelford will join 30 other influential Brahman breeders, marketers, enthusiasts and influencers in the ABBA Hall of Fame.

The ABBA is proud to induct Shackelford into this esteemed position.

Posted Feb 29

Marcus Shackelford joins the ABBA Hall of Fame as its 31st member.

Senator Javier Souto of Miami, Fla., was awarded the 2011 Brahman Friend of the Year award at the American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) annual membership meeting Wednesday, February 29 in Houston.

Senator Souto’s work in developing the Miami International Agriculture and Cattle show and promoting Brahman cattle in his travels has truly made him a friend of the ABBA. Each year the ABBA recognizes an outstanding individual or organization who promotes the Brahman breed and the ABBA.

“He is a promoter of the breed, a promoter of the [Miami International] Stock Show, and is a very dedicated person to the Brahman breed,” said ABBA President Bob Hudgins.

Posted Feb 29

Senator Javier Souto accepts the ABBA Friend of the Year award.

ABBA recognizes Pedro Vallarino Cox as International Friend of the Year

The American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) 2011 International Brahman Friend of the Year award was presented to Pedro Vallarino Cox of Panama City, Panama, on Wednesday, February 29 at the ABBA’s annual membership meeting in Houston. 

Cox’s promotion of the World Brahman Congress, which will be held July 2-7, 2012 in Panama City, Panama, along with Cox’s international support of the Brahman breed, has made him a well deserved recipient of the ABBA’s International Friend of the Year award.

“He has tried to mold all the countries together," said ABBA President, Bob Hudgins. "In other words, bring the different breeders and different cattlemen together through this World Congress."

Posted Feb 29

Pedro Vallarino Cox and Panama's Secretery of Agriculture accept Vallarino Cox's ABBA International Friend of the Year award.

ABBA members and program participants profit at San Antonio sale

American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) registered Brahman and F-1 program cattle were well represented at the San Antonio Livestock Show All Breeds Commercial Bull and Female Sale held Wednesday, February 15 in San Antonio, Texas.

The two high selling lots were representatives of the ABBA, and included both registered Brahman females and cattle certified through the ABBA F-1 Certification Program.

A set of five registered Brahman bred heifers offered for sale by Double TT Cattle of Brenham, Texas was the overall high selling pen, which brought $4,400 per head. The high selling commercial female lot, also the second high-selling pen overall, was a set of Golden Certified F-1 Brahman x Hereford pairs that sold for $3,400 per head. This set was offered by H&M Cattle Company of Wharton, Texas.

A total of six Brahman bulls were also sold, averaging $3,383.33. The high selling Brahman bull was consigned by Schneider Brahmans of Boerne, Texas, and brought $5,300.

The San Antonio Sale results illustrate the benefits of registering purebred Brahman cattle with the ABBA, and certifying F-1 females through the ABBA’s F-1 Certification Program. Registered Brahman females brought an average of $674.17 over non-registered Brahman cattle. Golden Certified and Certified F-1 females brought an average of $535.49 over non-program F-1 cattle, and brought $798.46 over non-F-1 commercial cattle.

Winners from the San Antonio All Breeds Commercial Bull and Female sale are as follows:

Ray Thaler, Double T Cattle, Brenham, Texas

Champion Pen of Registered Brahman Bred Females - Overall High Selling Pen

Schneider Brahmans, Boerne, Texas

Champion and High Selling Brahman Bull

Bradley Hodde, Diamond H Cattle Co., Brenham, Texas

Champion Pen of Golden Certified/Certified F-1 Pairs

Bradley Hodde, Diamond H Cattle Co., Brenham, Texas

Champion Pen of Golden Certified/Certified F-1 Bred Heifers

Glen Richardson, Sonora, Texas

Champion Pen of Golden Certified/Certified F-1 Open Heifers

Plans for the celebration of the XVI World Brahman Congress to be held in Panama City are underway.  This international event will bring Brahman cattlemen from all over the world together for a week of exciting activities.  Plans include a Welcome Cocktail, Technical Conferences, Ranch Tours, City and Shopping Tours, Brahman Cattle Show and a Closing Ceremony.

This is a great opportunity for ABBA members to attend a world event in a forum designed to bring Brahman producers together to exchange ideas and practices for the development of the Brahman breed on a global level.  The ABBA Board of Directors has decided to host a Summer Board meeting in conjunction with this event and a U.S. delegation is being organized. The ABBA delegation will travel July 1 – 8, 2012 on a non-stop Continental Airlines flight.  Registration and hotel accommodations for all participants can be made directly with ABBA.

If you are interested in joining the ABBA delegation, please contact Armelinda Ibarra at Armelinda@brahman.org.  A limited amount of seats have been reserved at a special rate of $891.60 per person (taxes & surcharges included).  Please call to reserve your seats now.  Seats are available on a first come, first serve basis.

July 1st
Depart Houston @ 8:45 a.m.  
Arrive Panama @ 12:55 p.m.

July 8th
Depart Panama @ 9:55 a.m. 
Arrive Houston @ 2:15 p.m.

If you are unable to travel on these exact dates, you can still be included in the group rate provided that you either depart or return on one of these dates. 

.Posted Feb. 2

New F-1 Plus certification available

The American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) announced the introduction of a new F-1 Plus program at the association’s annual Winter Board Meeting on Jan. 16 in Fort Worth, Texas. The F-1 Plus program offers certifications for progeny of Golden Certified and Certified F-1 females.

“F-1 Plus is a multi faceted program that will provide marketing opportunities for our F-1 program participants as well as their customers,” said ABBA Executive Vice President, Chris Shivers. “This too will allow us to capitalize on a program that will fit any environment.”

Along with environmental adaptability, the built in efficiency, growth and carcass quality of F-1 Plus certified cattle will allow them to fit a wide array of marketing programs.

The ABBA is accepting F-1 Plus certifications for cattle with varying percentages of Brahman influence. Having a Golden Certified F-1 or Certified F-1 dam is the basic requirement for calves to qualify for the program. They must contain at least 25 percent Brahman genetics passed through the F-1 cow to receive certification.

For further information, contact Chris Shivers at cshivers@brahman.org.

Posted Jan. 24

The list of ABBA approved show judges for the 2012-2013 season were announced Jan. 16 at the American Brahman Breeders Association annual board meeting.

Click here to download the official judges list.

Posted Jan. 19

Several Rio Grande Valley Brahman breeders met on Jan. 10 at La Muneca Ranch with Chris Shivers from the ABBA and formed The RGV Brahman and F-1 Association.  The following are the new officers and board members : Mike England – President, Carlos X. Guerra Jr. – Vice President, Jana Acevedo – Secretary, Sam Sparks III – Treasurer with Pedee Abrigo, Israel Davila and Javier Moreno serving as Directors.

The group plans to meet quarterly at different ranches in their four-county area to get to know eachothers' breeding programs better.  They plan to host a Showmanship Clinic and Show for all Junior Brahman exhibitors at the RGV Junior Show in March.

More plans are intended, including creating the first ever Registered Brahman Steer Show at the 2013 RGV Steer Show with steers bred and sold by RGV Brahman & F-1 Association members, starting a Junior Association and a scholarship program, and having joint bull and steer tests, educational field days, a co-op advertising program and create ways to offer QUALITY Brahman and F-1 cattle in QUANTITY to encourage more buyers to visit the RGV. 

"Our main goal is to promote the Brahman breed and assist our members in creating events and markets for our cattle,” states Carlos X. Guerra Jr.

Posted Jan. 18

Jordan Storey awarded semen through AJBA Herd Builder program

Jordan Storey accepts the AJBA Herd Builder award from Lauren Good at the 2012 Fort Worth Stock Show. (l to r): ABBA Executive Vice President, Chris Shivers, Lauren Good, Jordan Storey, AJBA Youth Activities Chair, Rachel Cutrer.

Jordan Storey of Idabel, Okla. was awarded the 2012 AJBA Herd Builder award donated by Steve and Amy Good of G2 Ranch in Mansfield, Texas. The award was presented on Jan. 17 at the Fort Worth Stock Show.

This is the second year the Good Family donated to this program, presenting Jordan with 5 straws of semen. The AJBA Herd Builder award gives AJBA members the opportunity to grow and improve their breeding programs.

The American Junior Brahman Association would like to thank Steve & Amy Good for their generous donation.

Posted Jan. 18

USLGE international branded livestock cost share funding program to promote U.S. livestock exports

This is an excellent program for individual breeders that have an interest in promoting their international marketing efforts.

Click here to download the FAS proposal.

Members can request a complete copy of the USLGE FY2012 Market Access Program Application and Guidelines, from U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc., 413 N. Broadway, Suite C, Salem, IL 62881, Phone: (618) 548-9154, Fax: (618) 548-9709,
Email: uslge@uslge.org

ABBA completes 10th year of carcass evaluation program

The American Brahman Breeders Association recently concluded its Tenth Annual Carcass Evaluation Program and the results showed continued progress and improvement.

This program was begun in 2001 as an effort to cooperatively market steer calves and secondly to gather information for the breeders to assess their herds for carcass quality which ultimately lead to genetic improvement.  Since this program began over 2,000 head representing over 300 sires have been analyzed and resulted in ABBA launching Carcass EPD’s for six traits.
The recently completed project consisted of 96 progeny from five breeders in three states.  The results from the Registered Brahman steers was favorable yielding the following average results:

2012 International Show weight & measure parameters 

Click Here to download the document.

Brahman breeders have always been very in tuned with the beef industry especially relating to the quality and handling of cattle.  ABBA is pleased to help promote the NCBA BQA Program. 

Click Here to watch this video to learn more about these BQA opportunities.

Welcome new members! ABBA would like to welcome our members who joined the ABBA in April, 2012! These members are:

• H.F. Bean – Texas
• M.L. Cattle – Texas
• Jason and Stephanie Vallet – Texas
• Debra Harlach – Texas
• Samuel J. Webb – Texas
• Curk Smart – Maryland

Brahman Publications
Please visit the links below for more information about publications featuring Brahman cattle:

- The American Brahman Review
- The Brahman Journal
- BrahmanUSA Blog