It’s true that winning championships matters. Historically, we often refer to the defining moments of legendary champions. Think of Michael Jordan’s final shot in game 6 of the 1998 NBA finals, Muhammad Ali taking out George Foreman in an eighth-round knockout, or Michael Phelps claiming an unprecedented eight gold medals at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
At V8, we’ve had our share of defining moments with champions in the show ring, but we also know what it takes behind the scenes to lead up to the point of a championship winner basking in glory. It’s a blend of grit, determination, and outstanding performance.
Becoming a champion doesn’t happen overnight either; you have to prove that you can put on a show-stopping, competitive performance every time you step up to the plate (or, in our case, into the show ring).
That’s why people become lifelong fans, coming back year after year to see their champions win. Consistency is key when showing cattle, just as in many other competitive fields.
A Bull-etproof Legacy: V8’s Champion Lineage
Since 1976, we have exhibited 65 National or International Grand Champion Brahman bulls and females. We’re proud to say that that’s the highest number for any one ranch in Brahman history.
Among our sires, you’ll find +Mr. V8 146/8, or “Sloan” as we call him, an International Champion Bull and the first and only Brahman bull to win the show three times.
You’ll also find the undefeated get-of-sire winner at Houston for six years in a row, +Mr. V8 287/5 “Superstroke.
But you don’t breed championship bulls by solely focusing on winning the Grand Championships. You also have to prepare for winning the group classes, which we see as equally important to demonstrating the strength of our herd.
The Power of Group Classes in Cattle Shows
If you’re new to cattle, you might wonder what Group Classes are. Group Classes are competitions where multiple animals from the same breeding line are shown together, demonstrating the consistent quality of progeny from a particular bull or cow.
Group Classes haven’t always gotten the respect they deserve. Years ago, all Group Classes were held at the end of shows, making them feel like an afterthought. The crowds wouldn’t stick around to watch the competitors or take note of the resulting winners. However, the American Brahman Breeders Association decided to do things differently than other breeds, moving the Group Classes to the beginning of their shows to increase their visibility.
We were thrilled with this decision, as Group Classes are a crucial way we show our cattle at ABBA-approved Brahman shows. If you’ve read our article about the Register of Renown, you know that it doesn’t recognize individual championship bulls or females. Instead, getting onto the Register of Renown recognizes genetic merit, awarding points to both sires and dams of cattle in a show string.
Group Classes consist of:
- Embryo Produce of Dam: Two animals produced by one dam via embryo transfer. Either or both sexes may be represented. No ownership requirement.
- Natural Produce of Dam: Two natural born animals, produced by one dam. Either or both sexes may be represented. No ownership requirement.
- Get-of-Sire: Four animals from at least two dams, by one sire. Both sexes must be represented.
- Genetic Group: Three full siblings from the same sire and dam, demonstrating consistency in specific genetic pairings.
- Breeder’s Herd: A group of animals bred by a single exhibitor, showcasing the overall quality of their breeding program.
And points from Group Classes matter! They show that we reliably and uniformly breed quality individuals who then consistently produce award-winning, championship progeny. This is why we work just as intently on selecting the lineup for group competitions as we do for the grand bull and female contests.
Our commitment to excellence across all classes has led to numerous accolades, including the prestigious HK Memorial Trophy for Premier Exhibitor of the International Show, which we’ve won an impressive 12 times. Each year this award is presented to the ranch or individual who accumulates the most points at the previous year’s International Brahman Show.
The Machine: Redefining Brahman Excellence
Our founder, Sloan Williams, loved the Brahman breed, but he also loved the commercial cattle segment, which continues to be a huge part of V8. Calf crop uniformity and weight have been and continue to be one of the most critical factors in marketing those calves. We’ve made it our mission to produce calf crops with a predictable quality (whether in natural production or embryo transfer) that is consistently and uniformly passed down from generation to generation.
We like to recognize championship material when we see it, and in the world of Brahman cattle, there are few greater champions than our very own +Mr. V8 380/6 “The Machine”. We call him “The Machine” for a reason: he’s an athletic and attractive bull who has proven his quality time and time again. In a groundbreaking achievement, +Mr. V8 380/6 has now been named the #1 Bull in the ABBA Register of Renown, breaking a record that stood for over four decades.
Born on March 10th, 2006, “The Machine” has left an indelible mark on the Brahman breed. With 835 progeny registered with ABBA as of 2021, his influence continues to grow. He’s a 3-time National Champion Get-of-Sire, a 4-time International Champion Get-of-Sire, and has sired twelve National and/or International Grand Champions. The Brahman Journal designated him as the “#1 Sire of Champions” for eight consecutive years (2011-2018) and again in 2022.
This latest accolade as the top bull for lifetime production in the Register of Renown is the ultimate achievement, cementing “The Machine’s” legacy in Brahman history. It’s a testament to the vision of Jim Williams, who recognized 380’s potential from birth, and to the consistent quality of the V8 breeding program.
Major Brahman Cattle Shows and Competitions
Group Class awards are handed out at the top of each ABBA show, setting the stage for how the individual competitions may shake out.
Here is a quick snapshot at how V8’s legendary genetics have been celebrated at the biggest Brahman shows each season:
International Brahman Show (Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo)
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, often referred to simply as “Houston,” is one of the largest livestock exhibitions in the world. The International Brahman Show is a major event within this larger show, where top Brahman cattle are exhibited. Group classes are an integral part of this event, highlighting the strength of breeding programs. 2024 marked the 100th anniversary of ABBA. Check out our show recap here.
2024 International Brahman Show Champion Breeders Herd (Best 4 Head – V8 Ranch)
American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) National Show
The National Brahman Show is an annual event organized by the ABBA that showcases the best American Brahman cattle from across the United States. It is one of the most important events for Brahman cattle in the United States. The National Show features both individual and group class competitions, and it’s a significant event for breeders to showcase the quality of their cattle. Throughout our many years as a leading Brahman cattle breeder, V8 Ranch has earned numerous accolades, including top honors at the 2020 National Brahman Show.
American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) National Show
The National Brahman Show is an annual event organized by the ABBA that showcases the best American Brahman cattle from across the United States. It is one of the most important events for Brahman cattle in the United States. The National Show features both individual and group class competitions, and it’s a significant event for breeders to showcase the quality of their cattle. Throughout our many years as a leading Brahman cattle breeder, V8 Ranch has earned numerous accolades, including top honors at the 2020 National Brahman Show.
Bluebonnet Kick-off Classic
The Bluebonnet Kickoff Classic, held annually in Bryan, Texas, has quickly become one of the premier events in the Brahman show circuit. This show provides an excellent platform for breeders to showcase their top genetics early in the season. Group classes play a crucial role here, often setting the tone for the rest of the show year. V8 Ranch has consistently performed well at this event, demonstrating the strength and consistency of our breeding program. The Bluebonnet Kickoff Classic has given us an encouraging start to the 2024 show season, delivering 11 new titles (including 3 group class awards) and setting a high bar for our future performances.
2024 Bluebonnet Kick-off Classic Champion Breeders Herd (Best 4 Head – V8 Ranch)
These shows offer excellent opportunities for breeders to showcase their Brahman cattle in both individual and group classes, contributing to their standing in the ABBA official Brahman herdbook and earning valuable Register of Renown points.
Elevate Your Brahman Herd
Are you interested in learning more about our champion Brahman cattle or our breeding program? Contact us at the office today to see how our genetics can elevate your herd’s performance or to schedule a visit to see our group class champions in person.
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