The Official News of The ABBA

Performance Begins with Phenotypes: Building the Future of the American Brahman

From the Desk of the Executive Vice President, R. Paul Maulsby

As our industry continues to embrace genomic technology and advanced genetic evaluation, one principle remains unchanged: genetic progress begins with phenotypic data.

Every birth weight recorded, every weaning weight submitted, every ultrasound scan completed, and every fertility record documented strengthens our ability to identify superior genetics. These real-world performance records are the foundation upon which Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) are built and continually refined.

If I’m being candid, I don’t believe we, as an industry across most beef breeds, do a good enough job of collecting and submitting phenotypic data. It is an area where we all have an opportunity to improve. The more complete and accurate the information we collect, the more valuable our genetic evaluations become—not only for our own herds but for the breed as a whole.

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Honoring Steven “Steamer” Swaner

The American Brahman Breeders Association honors the life of Steven “Steamer” Swaner, a lifelong Brahman breeder whose dedication helped shape Red Brahman genetics throughout the United States and around the world. Steamer served as an ABBA Director for 30 years and was inducted into the ABBA Hall of Fame in 2024 in recognition of his lasting contributions to the breed.

We honor his legacy and are proud to share the video created for his Hall of Fame induction as a tribute to his life and influence. Our thoughts are with the Swaner family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.

The Swaner family is establishing the Steven “Steamer” Swaner Memorial Scholarship Fund in his memory. Those wishing to contribute are invited to make a donation in honor of Steamer and help carry forward his legacy and the lasting impact he made on the Brahman community.

To make a donation, please click the link below.

https://buy.stripe.com/8x228r2b7bNu3sK3ay7Zu0a

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ABBA at the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course

The history and reputation of the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course need little introduction to most in the cattle industry. Held each August in College Station, it continues to be one of the largest and most respected educational gatherings of its kind, bringing together cattlemen and women, researchers, educators and industry leaders from across Texas and well beyond.

ABBA has had a presence at the Short Course for many years, and I believe it is important that we continue to be there. Each year, our booth gives us an opportunity to visit with a wide range of people—from longtime Brahman breeders to commercial cattlemen who may simply want to know more about what Brahman genetics can offer their operation.

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701X Registry Upgrade Update

Over the past several months, we have shared updates through The Brahman Bulletin, eBlasts, committee meetings, and our recent Board of Directors meeting regarding the upcoming transition to the 701X registry platform. As we move closer to implementation, I wanted to provide another update on the timeline and what members can expect over the coming months.

As many of you know, approximately a year and a half ago, 701X acquired Digital Beef, the company that has hosted the ABBA registry platform, along with the registry systems of numerous other breed associations. Since that acquisition, 701X has been developing a modernized platform designed to improve functionality, efficiency, security, and the overall user experience.

It is important to understand that this transition is not a platform change initiated by the American Brahman Breeders Association. Rather, the current Digital Beef platform is being upgraded to the new 701X system. Our focus has been working closely with the 701X team to help ensure this transition is as seamless as possible while providing our members with the support and resources they need throughout the process.

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ABBA Strengthens International Partnership in Paraguay

The American Brahman Breeders Association recently continued its international outreach efforts through an educational mission to Asunción, Paraguay, reinforcing the longstanding partnership between ABBA and the Paraguay Brahman Association. Representing ABBA were Executive Vice President Paul Maulsby and Iridiana (Idi) Ibarra-Leal, who participated in the Association’s annual meetings, educational programming, ranch visits, and the Paraguay International Brahman Show. The visit marked the first official educational mission of the year by the ABBA office through the U.S. Livestock Genetics Export (USLGE) Program and highlighted ABBA’s continued commitment to supporting breeders through education, technical resources, and international collaboration.

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2026 ABBA National Show

The countdown to the 2026 ABBA National Show is underway, and we are excited to share the schedule for one of the premier events in the Brahman breed.

Each year, the National Show brings together outstanding exhibitors, breeders, cattle enthusiasts, and industry leaders from across the United States and around the globe. It is a tremendous opportunity to showcase the very best of the breed, connect with fellow cattlemen and cattlewomen, and celebrate the continued growth and impact of Brahman genetics worldwide.

We look forward to welcoming exhibitors and visitors from numerous countries and sharing another memorable week of competition, education, fellowship, and breed promotion.

Be on the lookout for upcoming information regarding National Sale Nominations.

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Show Point Inquiry Form

The American Brahman Breeders Association is committed to maintaining accurate and up-to-date show point records for all exhibitors. Results are compiled from the official reports submitted by superintendents and designated officials of ABBA Approved Point Shows.

If you notice a specific question or potential issue regarding your show points, registration information, or official show results, we encourage you to submit a Show Point Inquiry Form. Please provide as much detail as possible, along with any supporting documentation that may assist our staff in researching the matter.

Each submission will be reviewed against the official show records. If a correction or update is warranted, it will be made accordingly. This process helps us maintain the accuracy and integrity of the ABBA Show Point Program while providing members with a consistent method for bringing potential concerns to our attention.

Thank you for helping us ensure the quality and accuracy of our records.

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“At ABBA, we are continually working to improve the accuracy and quality of the information we provide our members. As part of that commitment, we have developed a standardized review process for show point records.”

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Adaptability is the Foundation of Cow Efficiency

BOISE, Idaho — Do your discussions on beef cow efficiency center around growth and feed conversion? That’s where many producers start, but Tim DelCurto, Ph.D., tells cattle producers that is the wrong place to focus.

“The cow has to calve every spring, breed during a defined breeding season, wean a calf each fall and do it all over again the next year,” DelCurto said. “Reproductive success is our most important metric for efficiency.”

DelCurto presented “Beef Cow Adaptability: The Western Range Cow as an Example,” at the 2026 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Research Symposium and Convention in Boise, Idaho. The annual meeting was established to bring together science and industry professionals to improve beef cattle genetics.

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2026-2027 AJBA Board of Directors

Top Row L-R: Mason Andrus (LA), Lily Vidrine (LA), Aubrey Deviller (LA), Ainslea Hayes (TX), Diego Geronimo Guerra (TX)

Bottom Row L-R: Mia Portillo (FL), Julian Chavez (MS), Jennifer Mask (TX), Carlee Procella (TX), Keagen Skipper (MS)

Not Pictured: Anna Gutierrez (FL), Marlee Goodman (FL)

The American Junior Brahman Association is proud to introduce the 2026–2027 Board of Directors. These junior members will serve as leaders and representatives of AJBA throughout the coming year, bringing new ideas, dedication and a passion for the Brahman breed to their roles.

Get to know this year’s board below, and follow along on AJBA social media as we spotlight each director and share more about their experiences, goals and involvement in the Brahman industry.

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Join Us at the World Brahman Congress 2026 in Mexico!

The American Brahman Breeders Association is excited to encourage our members to join our neighbors in Mexico for the World Brahman Congress 2026, taking place November 10–15, 2026.

This international event brings together Brahman breeders, enthusiasts, and industry leaders from around the world to celebrate the breed, exchange ideas, build relationships, and showcase the global impact of Brahman cattle. Attendees can look forward to educational opportunities, networking events, cattle exhibitions, and the chance to experience the hospitality and rich culture of Mexico.

We encourage all ABBA members to be part of this unique global gathering and help represent the United States and the American Brahman breed on the world stage.

Secure your registration and event pass by visiting the website link below.

We look forward to seeing you in Mexico!

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U.S. Beef Industry News

High Prices Haven’t Slowed Beef Buyers

BOISE, Idaho — For decades, the U.S. beef industry fought an uphill battle to increase consumer demand. Today, that story has changed.

Consumers continue buying beef despite historically high prices, creating one of the strongest demand environments the industry has experienced in decades, according to Dave Weaber, senior research analyst for animal protein at Terrain.

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Beef Import Dynamics

Increased Argentine shipments offset Brazilian declines while Australia narrows gap with top supplier Brazil in first five months of the year.

By Derrell Peel

Total beef imports for the first five months of 2026 are up 9.9 percent year over year. This is the smallest increase for the period since 2023 (Figure 1). For the month of May, beef imports were down 5.0 percent from one year ago, the first monthly year over year decrease since November 2025 and the largest monthly decrease since March 2023.

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End-of-Summer Merch Sale

New Brahman merchandise has arrived! Shop the latest additions to the American Brahman collection, plus select sale items now 20% off for a limited time.

Find your favorites and shop the collection today.