The Brahman Bulletin | May 2025
The Official News of The ABBA
Stay in the Know
ABBA Interactive Webinar: Implementing DNA & Registrations
You’re Invited!
Join us for an interactive webinar hosted by the American Brahman Breeders Association, focused on best practices, updates, and resources for DNA implementation and cattle registration.
June 18 | 2:00 PM (CST)
Duration: 45–60 minutes
Held virtually – limited to the first 15 participants!
Deadline to register: June 16, 2025
What to expect:
- A walkthrough of ABBA’s five-year DNA plan
- Registration tips to help avoid delays
- Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Live Q&A with ABBA staff
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and gain valuable insights!
A Reflection on the Historical Bond Between Purebred Breeders and Commercial Producers — and the Brahman Breed’s Role in Building the Future
By Paul Maulsby
Executive Vice President,
American Brahman Breeders Association
In the long and storied history of the American cattle industry, the relationship between purebred breeders and commercial cattle producers has been one of mutual dependence. At times, it’s been cast as “real world” versus “seedstock”, or show world, but the truth is, all segments need each other. It takes all parts—purebred and commercial, registered and crossbred—to make this business work.
Historically, purebred breeders have driven the engine of genetic progress. The Brahman breed in particular has played a foundational role in that story—providing the muscle behind hybrid vigor, the durability needed for harsh environments, and maternal strength that holds cow herds together from Florida to the Gulf Coast and far beyond.
Board-Approved Actions and Updates
The ABBA Board of Directors held a productive meeting in Lake Charles, Louisiana, where they approved several significant updates and policy changes. Below is a summary of the decisions made and the reasoning behind each one:
1. Carcass Scan Data & EPD Calculations
The requirement for a recorded weaning weight in order for carcass scan data to be used in EPD calculations has been eliminated. This change was made because the previous requirement, while intended to encourage the collection of weaning weights, resulted in many scanned animals being excluded from EPD evaluations simply due to missing weaning weight data.
2. Removal of Yield Grade EPD
The Yield Grade EPD has been removed from the ABBA EPD panel due to concerns over its accuracy and relevance. The current calculation method was found to be potentially misleading, as it does not follow the typical EPD convention where higher or lower values consistently indicate genetic advantage or disadvantage. In some cases, animals with “better” Yield Grade EPD values could actually represent lower carcass quality. Additionally, most major U.S. cattle breeds have already phased out this EPD, citing its limited usefulness under modern genetic evaluation systems.
3. Show Animal of the Year Point Calculations & Regional Recognition
To better reflect the quality of animals rather than the frequency of their showings, show animal point calculations will now be based on an animal’s top 25 shows. This update does not affect Register of Renown points. In addition, a new regional division has been established to recognize Show Animals of the Year across three to five geographic regions, giving breeders who show locally an opportunity for recognition.
4. Change in Color Classification Shows
The Fort Worth show will no longer serve as a color classification event. It has been replaced by the Heart of Texas Show, held the first week of January. Fort Worth has not hosted classification for several years due to weather and scheduling issues, which placed an excessive burden on Houston as the first classification opportunity of the year.
5. Membership Account Name Change Policy Update
A new provision was added to clarify the process for membership account name changes. Members requesting a name change must submit a written request with supporting documentation, such as a bill of sale, death certificate, legal name change, or other formal documents. All requests are subject to Executive Committee approval. A non-refundable fee will apply, equal to 50% of the current new membership fee.
6. Animal Name Change Policy Update
An additional rule was approved to address prefix changes on animals registered using AI or ET certificates. Any proposed name or prefix change on such animals must include written authorization from the issuer of the AI or ET certificate. This ensures proper credit and protects the integrity of genetic ownership.
These updates reflect ABBA’s ongoing commitment to improving clarity, fairness, and efficiency across its programs and services. Members with questions about these changes may contact the ABBA office for more information.
What Does a “P” Number Mean in the ABBA Herd Book?
By Paul Maulsby, Executive Vice President, American Brahman Breeders Association
As Executive Vice President, I always aim to share information that’s helpful to our members and those considering membership in the American Brahman Breeders Association. One common questions I receive—whether in the office, at events, or on the phone is, “What does the ‘P’ stand for in a Brahman registration number?”
It’s a great question, and like many details in our breed registry, there’s a clear and practical purpose behind it.
2025 All American National Junior Show
The AJBA All American is the premier event for junior Brahman exhibitors, held each summer and open to AJBA members from across the nation. This highly anticipated national show offers youth the chance to compete in leadership contests, showmanship, and cattle exhibitions—showcasing both bulls and females in their respective divisions.
The Bred-and-Owned Show highlights members who have bred and raised their own cattle, demonstrating their dedication, knowledge, and skill in producing top-quality Brahman genetics.
The F-1 Female Show allows exhibitors to present Golden Certified or Certified F-1 females. These entries must be certified through the ABBA F-1 Program Certificate Option, with certificates issued in the exhibitor’s name by May 1, 2025.
Entry packets are now available, and entries officially open May 1 through the Showman App https://showman.app/shows#/2025-ajba-all-american—brands-in-the-sand-54s3 . The entry packet includes a complete list of rules and guidelines to help you prepare.
Stay up to date and find all the latest information on our website and our FAQ page. We can’t wait to see you at the 2025 All American — “Brands in the Sand!”
Recognition Celebrates Decades of Dedication to the Global Brahman Community
Miami, Florida – The 18th Annual Miami International Cattle Show, held April 25–27, 2025, in Miami, Florida, proudly announced its International Cattleman of the Year honoree: Mr. Julio Suárez of Honduras. A long-time member of the American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA), Suárez was recognized for his decades of commitment to the promotion and development of the American Brahman breed on an international scale.
Got an Upcoming Sale, Show, or Brahman Event?
We’re building the new ABBA Event Calendar and want to include your event!
Submit your show, sale, field day, or other Brahman-related gathering at https://americanbrahman.org/shows-and-events/submit-an-event/ to have it added.
Let’s keep the Brahman community connected and informed!
Coming Soon: New ABBA & AJBA Merch
Get ready to represent your breed with pride—new ABBA and AJBA merchandise is dropping soon! Whether you’re headed to a show, hitting the road, or just want to show off your Brahman spirit, we’ve got you covered. From stylish apparel to must-have accessories, there’s something for everyone. Stay tuned for the official launch and be among the first to snag the latest gear!
Industry News
Protect Your Herd: Essential Tips for Preventing Pinkeye Post Pasture Turnout
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Don’t Forget!
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.
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News personalized to you
The American Brahman Breeders Association is excited to introduce four new email subscription options designed to keep you informed and engaged with the topics that matter most to you! Whether you’re passionate about show results, junior programs, F1 advantages, or international Brahman news, we’ve got you covered.
The Show Report – Stay up to date with the latest show results, highlights, and industry insights from Brahman events across the country.
The F1 Advantage – Learn more about the unmatched benefits of Brahman F1 cattle, market trends, and breeder success stories.
The AJBA Voice – A must-have for junior members and supporters, featuring upcoming events, leadership opportunities, and youth achievements.
The Brahman International Connection – Dive into global Brahman news, export opportunities, and international industry developments.