The American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) named Dr. Joe Paschal Executive Vice President, starting December 1. Paschal joined ABBA after his recent retirement as a professor and livestock specialist for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. 

“This is truly a great day for the Brahman breed,” said president Barry Smith, after the unanimous board approval to hire Paschal to lead ABBA, which is approaching their 100th anniversary in 2024. 

“For the last four decades, Dr. Paschal has been an innovator and visionary leader in directing research and educational programs documenting the efficiency and economic impact of Brahman and Brahman-influenced cattle,” Smith said.  

Paschal brings 40 years of experience to the table, including providing educational programming in over 26 countries to help producers improve their ranching operations. He also conducted the Texas A&M University Ranch to Rail South program, which specifically evaluated the feedlot performance of Brahman and Brahman influence steers. He was instrumental in developing the initial Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) for the ABBA and for creating the ABBA National Cattle Evaluation. For decades, he has assisted in conducting and evaluating the ABBA Steer Feedout and Bull Gain Test Programs.

“I am truly excited to be able to work for the world’s greatest breed of cattle,” Paschal said. “I have spent over 45 years of my professional career doing research on the breed and working with breeders. There are so many opportunities for success!” 

In addition to his research expertise, Paschal is a globally recognized beef cattle evaluator. He has judged Brahman cattle and many other breeds in the United States, Mexico, and Central and South America.

Paschal is the recipient of the Continuing Service Award from the Beef Improvement Federation and the Superior Service and Distinguished Service Awards from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. He is the only person to have been awarded the prestigious ABBA “Brahman Friend of the Year” Award twice.

Paschal received his Ph.D. in animal breeding from Texas A&M University. He and his family will reside at their ranch in Brenham, Texas.