The Show Report | August 2025
Join Us for the 2025 National Brahman Show!
Mark your calendars for November 4–6 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. With classes for all ages and expert judges on hand, it’s a celebration of quality genetics, breed advancement, and community. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of one of the most prestigious events in the Brahman world!
To view this years schedule, hotel information, and more visit our website!
2025 National Brahman Sale Nominations are OPEN
The 2025 National Brahman Sale is set for November 5, 2025, at the Brazos County Expo Center in Bryan, Texas, and nominations are officially open! This premier event brings together some of the breed’s most elite genetics and provides breeders the opportunity to showcase and market their very best cattle on a national stage.
Don’t wait until the last minute! Nominations close on August 31, 2025, and spots will fill quickly. Make sure your program is represented among the industry’s top cattlemen and women—submit your nominations today and secure your place in this prestigious sale.
Reminder: Start the registration/DNA Process Early!
To avoid delays in registration or show eligibility:
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
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.
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
Updates from the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
From the Show Ring Archives
Members of the U.S. Sugar Cooperation of Clewiston, Florida stand next to the grand champion Brahman bull of the 1969 National Brahman Show, Sugarland’s Loxacrate 1, February 4-8 in Tampa, Florida. Left to right: Donald Sutton – herdsman S. L. Crochet Wanda Anne Williamson – Miss Florida Sun-flavor of 1968.
Promote Your Brahman Business, Sale, or Event with ABBA Classifieds!
For just $25, your approved listing will be featured on the ABBA website for three full months — with the option to renew when needed. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to reach fellow breeders, cattlemen, and industry professionals who are looking for exactly what you offer.
Whether you’re a seedstock breeder or a commercial cattleman, the ABBA Classifieds page is designed for you.
Listings can include:
• Purebred Brahman cattle
• Crossbred females or bulls targeting commercial programs
• Steers with Brahman influence
• Upcoming sales or special events
This means commercial cattlemen can showcase cattle with Brahman genetics that add value in the marketplace — offering practical, profitable options to buyers who are specifically searching for cattle with Brahman influence.
Getting Started is Easy:
1. Fill out the submission form on our website.
2. Once approved, your listing will be posted and visible to the ABBA community.
3. Renew your listing as needed to keep reaching buyers.
Promote your cattle, connect with the right audience, and grow your business with ABBA Classifieds!
Show Results
Bluebonnet Kickoff Classic
Bryan, Texas | July 29 – August 2, 2025
Open Judge: JoJo Carrales
JoJo Carrales serves as Vice President of Cattle Operations for HeartBrand Beef, where he plays a key role in managing one of the nation’s leading Akaushi beef programs. A proud Blinn College alumnus, JoJo was part of one of the college’s first livestock judging teams and continued his judging career at Texas A&M University. He later earned a master’s degree from Sam Houston State University, where he also coached the livestock judging team.
JoJo’s experience spans education, Extension, and elite beef production. He remains active in youth development, volunteering as a livestock judging coach for Fayette County and mentoring young people across the industry.
Travis Bonner of Lytle, Texas, is a Texas A&M University graduate with a strong background in livestock evaluation and cattle production. His passion for livestock judging began through 4-H, where he showed cattle and pigs, and continued at Blinn College and Texas A&M, where he earned numerous individual and team honors as a member of both collegiate judging teams. Following graduation, Travis worked as a herdsman and show barn manager at Heritage Cattle Company. He now serves as a sales representative for Livestock Nutrition Company, staying closely connected to the livestock industry while continuing to share his knowledge and experience as a judge.
Bred & Owned Judge: John Reaves
John Reaves of Spring, Texas, grew up in a family rooted in agriculture, with a strong background in commercial cattle and livestock education. The son of an ag teacher, John found his passion for livestock evaluation early and carried that interest into his academic and professional path. He began his judging career at Blinn College, before transferring to Texas A&M University where he obtained a degree in animal science. During his time at Texas A&M, John was named High Individual Overall at the 2023 National Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest held at the North American International Livestock Exposition. John currently serves as an assistant coach for the Texas A&M Livestock Judging Team.
Upcoming Shows
LBA Sugar Classic
New Iberia, Louisiana | August 28 – 31, 2025
Open Judge: Traci Middleton
Traci Middleton of Puryear, Tennessee, is an experienced cattlewoman and judge with a lifelong passion for the beef industry. She and her family own and operate Mill Creek Land & Cattle, a registered Brangus and Ultrablack operation established in 1993. Their program emphasizes both high-quality show cattle and seedstock genetics for producers worldwide. Traci has judged numerous shows across the U.S. and internationally and remains actively involved in the Brangus breed. A past president of the International Brangus Breeders Association and former Herdsman of the Year, she currently serves on several industry committees and boards.
Junior Judge: Cheramie Viator
Cheramie Viator of Tomball, Texas, is the National Marketing Manager for Westway Feed Products and a respected figure in the beef industry. A Texas A&M graduate and former member of the Livestock Judging Team, she has judged major shows including the National Western, Fort Worth, Houston, and Cattleman’s Congress, as well as events in Canada and Mexico. Cheramie is also a seasoned cattlewoman, photographer, and industry mentor who remains actively involved in breeding and marketing cattle nationwide.
Delta Fair
Memphis, Tennessee | September 1-2, 2025
Open Judge: TBA
Washington County Fair
Brenham, Texas | September 4-6, 2025
Open Judge: Dr. John Rayfield
Dr. John Rayfield currently serves as the Professor and Program Leader of Agricultural Education and Communications at Texas Tech University. A proud alumnus of Auburn University, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education before going on to complete a master’s in Agricultural Extension Education from the University of Georgia and a doctorate in Agricultural Education from Texas Tech University. With over a decade of experience in livestock evaluation, Dr. Rayfield has coached eight state champion 4-H and FFA livestock judging teams and has judged shows in 24 states across the country. His judging résumé includes numerous national livestock shows, state fairs, and youth expos, making him a respected and familiar face in show rings nationwide.
Open Judge: Payton Herzog
Hailing from Robinson, Texas, Payton Herzog is a proud graduate of Texas A&M University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Development with a minor in Agricultural Economics.
Raised in a multi-generational cattle family with roots in both beef and dairy, Payton grew up in the show ring, exhibiting a variety of breeding females, bulls, and steers. Today, he serves as the ranch manager for his family’s Registered Gray and Red Brahman operation, Herzog Cattle, located in Chilton, Texas. He is also a part owner of Herzog Beef, LLC, their farm-fresh beef business.
With judging experience across Texas and the southern U.S., Payton is no stranger to the show ring and is especially passionate about working with youth and livestock.
East Texas State Fair
Athens, Texas | September 8-9, 2025
Open Judge: Tyler Mackey
Dr. Tyler Mackey is a graduate of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and now serves as an Associate Veterinarian at Houston County Veterinary Hospital. Originally from East Central Iowa and later Kentucky, Dr. Mackey grew up immersed in livestock — from chickens and cattle to large Angus operations — developing a deep appreciation for veterinary work from an early age. His passion was further sparked during his time in 4-H, FFA, and on the livestock judging team at an Oklahoma junior college before transferring to Texas A&M.
With experience in both small and large animal medicine, Dr. Mackey is especially passionate about supporting youth and working with show livestock, including pigs, cattle, and more. His dedication to community, hands-on care, and broad expertise make him a valuable addition to both the veterinary field and the show ring.
Keep in Touch!
Want to stay up to date with the latest from the American Brahman Breeders Association? CLICK HERE to subscribe to our eblasts and receive news, events, and updates straight to your inbox!
subscribe
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.