THE BRAHMAN BULLETIN

Stay in the Know

The 2025 International Brahman Show has come to a close, and what an incredible event it was! As we reflect on the achievements, standout cattle, and unforgettable moments, join us in looking back at the highlights that made this year’s show one to remember!

International Brahman Show Dedicated to Ava Barker

This year, the International Brahman Show was proudly dedicated to Ava Barker, previous owner of Brushy Creek Sires in recognition of her years of dedication to the Brahman breed. Ava’s unwavering support, from breeding excellence to sponsoring numerous events, has left a lasting impact on the industry and its future generations. We are grateful for her contributions and honored to celebrate her commitment to the breed.

ABBA Elects New Executive Committee

During the 2025 Annual Membership Meeting in Houston, the American Brahman Breeders Association Board of Directors elected its new Officers and Executive Committee. Leading the association this year is President David Miller, Vice President Catherine Neumayr, and Secretary/Treasurer Carolyn Falgout. 

Joining them are committee members Mark Forgason (Immediate Past President), Amy Wilder, Gary Buchholz, Steve Hudgins, Pasquale Swaner, Hatch Smith (not pictured) and David Domsch (not pictured). This dedicated team is committed to guiding the ABBA forward and ensuring a strong future for the Brahman breed.

We appreciate their leadership and look forward to a successful year ahead!

ABBA Hosts Successful International Brahman Sale

The American Brahman Breeders Association held its International Sale on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 in conjunction with the International Brahman Show Activities at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. This elite sale that provided members an opportunity to market and purchase superior genetics was well received by those in attendance and online. The sale consisted of 13 lots of Brahman genetics from breeders in Florida, Georgia, and Texas. The sale arena was packed with over 300 people in attendance with a total of 194 registered buyers in person and online through DV Auction.

The following were the sale averages by category:

Overall: $25,730.77

4 Bred Females: $31,000.00

9 Open Females: $23,389.00

These elite offerings were sold to 10 different breeders from Florida, Georgia, Texas, Mexico, and Venezuela. Circle F Farms of Baxley, Georgia and Southern Comfort Ranch of Arcadia, Florida were the Volume Buyers with two lots purchased.  

The high selling lot of the evening was a consignment by Moreno Ranches that sold to Ganaderia Alondra of Veracruz, Mexico for $65,000.

The sale was managed by Infinity Cattle Services of Houston, Texas with Leo Casas of Beeville, Texas serving as the auctioneer. 

2025 Awards & Honors

The HK Memorial Trophy is presented each year in memory of Mr. Henry Clay Koontz. This award was first introduced in 1986 following the tragic passing of Mr. Koontz, a long-time breeder and passionate promoter of Brahman cattle.

The trophy itself is a bronze casting of the National Champion Bull, HK Mr. America 61/9, better known as Millionaire. This legendary bull has had one of the most significant impacts on the Brahman breed in history.

Each year, the HK Memorial Trophy is awarded to the ranch or individual who accumulates the most points at the previous year’s International Brahman Show.

For 2025, we are proud to present the HK Memorial Trophy to J.D. Hudgins, Inc.

The ABBA Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose influence has significantly contributed to the growth, advancement, and success of the Brahman breed.

This year, we are honored to induct Shirley Watts into the Hall of Fame in recognition of her outstanding dedication and impact on the breed.

Watts is a respected figure in the Brahman industry, known for her expertise, dedication, and historic contributions. A renowned judge, she has traveled both domestically and internationally to evaluate Brahman cattle, making history in 1998 as the first woman to judge the International Brahman Show.

Watts is also a driving force behind Tic Tac Toe Ranch, one of the top Brahman breeding operations in the industry. Over the years, the ranch evolved, ultimately leading to the legendary bull Mr. Suva 203, who became the #1 Brahman bull of all time and laid the foundation for the herd as it exists today.

Under Watts’ leadership, Tic Tac Toe Ranch continues to thrive, currently ranking 4th in total registrations with the American Brahman Breeders Association. Her impact on the Brahman breed is undeniable, and her legacy continues to shape the future of Brahman genetics.

photo by: Next Level Images

The International Brahman Friend of the Year award honors an individual who has played a vital role in promoting and expanding the influence of the Brahman breed on a global scale. This recognition is given to those who have fostered international relationships, supported breeders worldwide, and contributed to the success and growth of Brahman cattle beyond the United States.

This year, we are proud to recognize Nando & Sylvia Hauck of Germany as the 2025 International Brahman Friend of the Year for their dedication and invaluable contributions to the global Brahman community.

The ABBA Sponsor of the Year award recognizes individuals and organizations whose generous support has been instrumental in the success of the American Brahman Breeders Association and its events. Their contributions help sustain and enhance ABBA programs, providing opportunities for breeders and exhibitors while promoting the growth of the Brahman breed.

Because 2024 was such a monumental year for ABBA, as we celebrated 100 years, we want to extend our gratitude by recognizing the top five donors who played a significant role in supporting this milestone. Their commitment and generosity have helped make this historic year a success, ensuring the continued growth and promotion of the Brahman breed.

This year, we are proud to honor:

• J.D. Hudgins, Inc.
• KI Cattle Company
• Moreno Ranches, Inc.
• Southern Comfort Ranch
• V8 Ranch

as the 2024 ABBA Sponsors of the Year, in appreciation of their outstanding dedication and contributions to ABBA and the Brahman industry. Collectively, these five sponsors contributed over $250,000, playing a crucial role in supporting ABBA’s centennial celebration and its continued mission.

We sincerely thank them for their generosity and unwavering support!

The ABBA Performance Breeder of the Year award recognizes a breeder who prioritizes genetic excellence, herd improvement, and data-driven breeding decisions that contribute to the advancement of the Brahman breed.

This year, we are proud to recognize ST Genetics of Navasota, TX as the 2025 ABBA Performance Breeder of the Year for their dedication to breeding superior cattle and their significant impact on the industry.

The ABBA Register of Renown is one of the most prestigious honors in the American Brahman Breeders Association, recognizing sires and dams whose progeny have excelled in the show ring. This award is earned through the accumulation of show points by their offspring in ABBA-approved events, highlighting the lasting impact of these genetics on the breed.

The ABBA Maternal Merit Award is a prestigious recognition given to Brahman females that exemplify superior maternal performance. This designation is earned through their ability to consistently produce high-quality offspring while meeting strict fertility and productivity criteria set by ABBA. These cows play a crucial role in advancing the breed by demonstrating excellence in reproduction, longevity, and overall maternal efficiency.

REDSMITH WELLER MANSO 46/2

Owners: RedSmith Genetics & C E Cattle

photo by: Next Level Images

POLLED FOUNDATION 11/1 (PP)

Owner: J Parker Farms

photo by: Next Level Images

CT MS MADAM’S PRIDE

Owner: Gracie Hensgens

CT LADY ELLEANOR RHINEAUX

Owner: Broussard Cattle Co

The ABBA Board of Directors Service Pin is presented to individuals who have dedicated their time and leadership to serving on the ABBA Board of Directors. Their commitment and contributions have played a vital role in shaping the association, guiding important decisions, and supporting the growth of the Brahman breed.

4-Year Service Pins:

Charolette Smith

Sam Sparks

Teresa Moreno

Angel Eveline

Danny Villamil

8-Year Service Pins:

Michael England

Carolyn Falgout

12-Year Service Pins:

Terry Novak

Ricky Hammonds

28-Year Service Pin:

Steve Hudgins

44-Year Service Pin:

Marcus Shackelford

International Brahman Show Results

backdrop photos by: Next Level Images

Thank You to Our International Guests!

We extend a heartfelt thank you to all our international visitors who joined us at the 2025 International Brahman Show. It was an honor to connect with fellow Brahman lovers from around the world, sharing conversations, insights, and a mutual passion for this incredible breed. Your presence made the event even more special, and we truly appreciate the time you spent with us. Safe travels, and we look forward to seeing you again!

Brahman Bucks Sale Top 3 Pens

The first Brahman Bucks event of the year was held in Nixon, Texas by South Texas Cattle Marketing on March 1. The market was strong with top end dollar spent on great F1 cattle.

Congratulations to our top 3 pens:

1st

Pen #33

True F1 Tiger-Stripe 1st calf heifer pairs calves by Angus bull

Hale Ranch

2nd

Pen #F2

Golden Certified True F1 open Tiger-Stripe heifers

2J Livestock, LLC

3rd

Pen #2

True F1 Tiger-Stripe 1st calf heifer pairs calves by Angus bull bred back Angus (3n1) calves avg. 463

El Ranch

ABBA Reminders

We always experience a high volume of calls and do our best to answer each one as quickly as possible. However, if we are unavailable, please email us! Sending your requests to the correct email ensure we can respond promptly and efficiently.

You can find the ABBA Rules and Show Rules for all ABBA sanctioned shows HERE.

The Digital Beef User Manual is a great tool to use when registering, transferring, paying, etc. on Digital Beef. You can find the manual HERE.

Click HERE to be directed to our Forms page, where you’ll find useful resources such as registration applications, transfer forms, correction request forms, and more.