From AJBA to ABBA: Building on Your Brahman Journey

From the desk of Paul Maulsby ABBA Executive Vice President

The AJBA program is more than just showing cattle — it’s a foundation. Through leadership opportunities, competitions, and hands-on experiences, juniors gain invaluable education and build lifelong networks. These experiences instill confidence, character, and a deeper appreciation for the Brahman breed.

But your AJBA journey is just the beginning. The transition to ABBA membership allows you to carry those lessons forward and put them into action as breeders, leaders, and advocates for the breed on a larger stage. Whether it’s building your herd, serving on committees, participating in sales, or mentoring the next generation, your role in ABBA will shape not only your own success but the continued strength and global impact of Brahman cattle.

To our AJBA members: take pride in what you’ve accomplished and look forward with excitement. Your time in AJBA has prepared you well — and the best is yet to come as you step into ABBA.

Ways to Stay Involved After AJBA

• Join ABBA – Transition to adult membership and keep building your herd.

• Mentor Juniors – Give back by helping the next generation of AJBA members.

• Show & Compete – Stay active in ABBA-sanctioned shows and events.

• Get Involved in Committees – Share your ideas and shape the future of the breed.

• Expand Your Network – Connect with breeders nationally and internationally.

• Continue Learning – Attend ABBA educational programs and webinars.

Your AJBA experience is just the beginning—ABBA is where you carry it forward.

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2025 AJBA All American Better Beef Results

The results are in! Congratulations to the champions of the 2025 All American Better Beef Contest!

Grand Champion High Scanning Bull – 007 CANAL AL MANSO 45, exhibited by Isaac Cole Duhon

Reserve – KR MR RED MONTE, exhibited by Emma Blackmon

Grand Champion High Scanning Female – MISS S7 134/2 (P), exhibited by Aubery Devillier

Reserve – 6W MS CAMILLE 511, exhibited by Wyatt James Duhon

Grand Champion Retail Product Bull – 007 CANAL AL MANSO 45, exhibited by Isaac Cole Duhon

Reserve – MR JS JOHNNY B GOODE, exhibited by Olivia Pourciau

Grand Champion Retail Product Female – 6W MS CAMILLE 511, exhibited by Wyatt James Duhon

Reserve – REDSMITH MS POPCORN MANSO, exhibited by Addisyn Sanders

Grand Champion Marbling Bull – MR TCC MADDOX BOUDREAUX 53/4, exhibited by Mason Andrus

Reserve – ECC POLLED JOHNNY BOY 913/4 (P), exhibited by Addyson Tullis

Grand Champion Marbling Female – FC MS. 116/4, exhibited by Caley Sanders

Reserve – REDSMITH MS POPCORN MANSO, exhibited by Addisyn Sanders

Huge congratulations to all our exhibitors for their hard work and dedication to showcasing the value of Brahman cattle in beef production!

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Reminder: Start the registration/DNA Process Early!

To avoid delays in registration or show eligibility:

ATTENTION JUNIORS! MAKE SURE YOU PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR VALIDATION DATES IN YOUR STATE

We always suggest that you start your registrations/DNA at least three months prior to any scheduled show. This large window of time allows you to one, get a head start, and two get DNA completed if needed. 

Registrations 

Being able to complete your registrations in a timely manner is important, especially if you are going to be showing at Texas majors or the national show.  

DNA 

As we approach the National Show, we want to remind all members of the important DNA requirements for sire and dam eligibility, calf registration, and participation in ABBA events. 

Sire Requirements 

• All AI Sires and Walking Sires must have DNA on file before any 2025 or later-born calves can be registered. 

Donor Dam Requirements 

• All Donor Dams must have DNA on file before any 2024 or later-born calves can be registered. 

Calf Requirements 

• Natural Service Calves (born in 2025 or later): 
• Sire must have DNA on file prior to registration. 
• AI Calves (born in 2025): 
• DNA must be on file prior to participation in any ABBA-sponsored event. 
• ET Calves (born in 2024 or later): 
• DNA must be on file prior to registration. 

Below we have outlined the timeline for registrations if DNA is needed to complete the registration process: 

Road Blocks:

• Poor Sample Quality – Requires resampling
• Mismatch with Expected Sire/Dam – Qualities to a different parent than reported
• Incomplete Parent Profile – Sire of dam cannot be qualitied due to only having STR data on file
• Sample Loss or Delay – Sample damaged, destroyed, or delayed during mailing
• Laboratory Processing Delays – Extended turnaround times from the lab
• Volume at Lab – High submission volume can cause slowdowns
• Sample Quality – Poor samples delay
• Time of Year – Spring and Summer can bring longer delays due to high volume

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Join Us for the 2025 National Brahman Show!

ATTENTION JUNIOR MEMBERS! MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE DETAILS FOR THE NATIONAL JUNIOR SHOW!

Mark your calendars for November 4–8 as the National Brahman Show returns to the Brazos County Expo in Bryan, Texas. This premier event brings together top breeders, exhibitors, and industry leaders from across the country to showcase the finest American Brahman cattle.

The week concludes with the Junior Show on Saturday, November 8, where our juniors will take center stage. It’s a special opportunity for young cattlemen and women to showcase their hard work and passion for the breed at one of the most significant events in the Brahman industry.

To view this years schedule, hotel information, and more visit our website!

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Congratulations to Our Scholarship Recipients!

One of the highlights of this year’s All American was recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of our junior members through scholarship awards. These scholarships not only honor the hard work and dedication of today’s youth but also serve as an investment in their future education and leadership within the Brahman breed.

The ABBA Scholarships, valued at $1,000 each, were presented to Addisyn Worrell, Charles Eddie Payne Wilson, Pops Guerra, and Isaac Duhon.

The AJBA Scholarships, valued at $500 each, were awarded to Laura Cooper, Jennifer Mask, Adelyn Smith, Sydni Schley, Providence Ezell, Jaylen Tesch, Reagan Lane, Hollis Deckert, Lauren Bolcik, and Khloe Joyce.

These young men and women represent the bright future of the Brahman breed, and we congratulate each of them for their achievements in the classroom, in the show ring, and throughout their communities.

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If the Crown Fits, Wear It with Pride

Chloe Grimm

ABBA, Director of Communications & Digital Content

In the world of junior livestock programs, leadership, tradition, and representation go hand in hand. For the American Junior Brahman Association, the roles of Queen and Princess embody these qualities with grace and elegance. Each year, two young women step into their reign as ambassadors of the AJBA—and if the crown fits, they wear it with pride.

The queen has long been a leading representative for the AJBA, showcasing the organization on the national level at various events. This tradition began in 1982, when Ms. Beverly Lott of Louisiana was crowned as the first AJBA Queen during the All American held in Baton Rouge. Since then, the crown has been passed down to ladies aged fourteen and older who exemplifies poise and passion for the Brahman breed.

But what is a Queen without a Princess? In 1986, the AJBA introduced the Princess contest to involve younger girls and give them the opportunity to grow as leaders alongside the Queen. At the seventh All American, held in Jackson, Mississippi, Ms. Jennifer Collins of Texas made history as the first ever AJBA Princess. This role continues to provide a way for future leaders to gain confidence and experience through service, allowing girls aged 8 to 13 to participate.

Both roles are selected each year at the AJBA All American, in which contestants must exhibit cattle, compete in the public speaking and showmanship contest, and participate in an interview. Upon receiving their crowns, these young ladies are tasked with presenting awards and being in all backdrop photos at the major AJBA and ABBA sanctioned shows. But above the flashing cameras and gold trophies, the first priority of the Queen and Princess is representing the AJBA.

With the All American wrapping up recently, two young ladies have been crowned as the American Junior Brahman Association Queen and Princess. They now take on the responsibility of serving as a leader, ambassador, and upholding a 38-year-old tradition. We are excited to introduce Harper Perkins of Oklahoma as our 2025 AJBA Princess and Ainslea Hayes of Texas as our 2025 AJBA Queen.

The titles of AJBA Queen and Princess are not handed out lightly. They are earned through dedication, leadership, and a passion for the Brahman breed. While only two young ladies wear the crown each year, the opportunities to grow, lead, and serve exists for every member. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about a shiny crown—it’s about what you do when it’s your turn to wear it. And when the moment comes, if the crown fits, wear it with pride.

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AJBA Member Spotlight Form

We want to feature YOU in our upcoming AJBA social media posts! This is a great way to spotlight our members, share your story, and let others get to know the juniors who make AJBA so special.

It only takes a few minutes to fill out the form — your answers may be used in future highlight posts on AJBA’s Facebook and Instagram.

Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/oZ6GYi5rPmt3wvz59

Don’t miss this chance to be in the spotlight!

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Introducing the 2026 ABBA Sire Directory

The highly anticipated ABBA Sire Directory is back! This powerful marketing tool promotes top Brahman sires to a global audience of breeders, buyers, and industry leaders.

It’s never too early to start promoting your program! As a junior member, the bulls in your program are just as sought after as those of any breeder. Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase them in this year’s Sire Directory!

With options ranging from full-page features to breeder listings, the directory will be available in print and digital formats — including English, Spanish, and Thai — ensuring broad, international reach. Copies will be distributed at major events, in new member packets, online, and via ABBA e-blasts.

Each ad purchase includes 5 printed copies and year-round digital access on the ABBA website.

Space is limited — secure your spot today!

Submission deadline: September 26, 2025

View the Sire Directory Template Here

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Meet the New ’25-’26 AJBA Leadership

During the 2025 AJBA All American, the next generation of youth leaders was chosen to guide the association. We are excited to introduce our newly elected officers and directors, who will serve the AJBA and help shape the future of Brahman youth programs. Congratulations to all, and thank you for your commitment to representing your peers and promoting the AJBA mission!

Vice President

Makenzy Driver, TX

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Keep in Touch!

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