Santa Gertrudis USA March 2026

SANTA GERTRUDIS USA

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

March and April

March

March 5-8

March 6

March 11

March 17

March 17

March 28

April

April 11

April 11

April 11

April 16-20

April 25

Houston Open Show Houston, Texas

Mid-Coast Houston International Super Sale NRG Sales Pavillion

Houston Junior Show Houston, Texas

Texas Alliance Sale Bloomington, Texas

Excell Santa Gertrudis Reds To Die For Volume VII, www.steerbidder.com

Purple Reign V Sale Magnolia, Arkansas

Red Hot Bull Sale Belen, New Mexico

Rocky Mountain Spring Runoff Belen, New Mexico

Wiley Spring Bull Sale Effie, Louisiana

75th Annual Membership Meeting Kingsville, Texas

Crimson Classic Sale Cullman, Alabama

FROM THE FRONT OFFICE

Keaton Dodd, SGBI Executive Director

We step into the month of March with tremendous momentum and a positive outlook on the future. We have already seen spring weather (Closer to Summer weather in some places), and with rain on the future forecast, hopefully we are headed towards green grass and prosperous times. While I know finding time to get away from the ranch becomes more and more of a challenge, but I do encourage us as seedstock producers to get out to our fellow breeders upcoming production sales and see what they have to offer. I truly believe collaboration within breed is the key to improvement and unity.

Coming off of Houston, we should all be encouraged not only by the participation, but also by the international interest that showed up to see what our breed has to offer. I can think of visiting with at least 5 or 6 groups from different Latin American countries as well as a delegation from Turkmenistan and even a few of our friends from down under. It was truly a great event filled with marketing opportunities, exposure, and camaraderie. As we look into our upcoming annual meeting, I encourage the same level of participation from all sectors of our diverse membership. It will not only be a great time, but also expect things to move forward and new programs enacted.

Box 457 • Hemphill, TX 75948 (409) 787-2165

email: hargisfarms@gmail.com Herd # 7325 Hargis Farms SANTA GERTRUDIS

Olivarez ranches

Since 1898

Santa Gertrudis Since 1950 Herd #439

Ben D. Olivarez (956) 585-1661 (o)

P.O. Box 829 Mission, TX 78573

“The Tradition Continues”

In other news, I am sure many have seen the recent acquisition of Neogen, by Zoetis Animal Health. They have ensured us that it will be business as usual and nothing will change for the time being. As we get more updates I will make sure and keep the board and membership looped in. I see this as a positive moving forward and a way to further strengthen our genetic evaluation as well as future industry relations. Keep praying for moisture and a continued record market.

God bless,

DaviD & Laurie Harris

Keaton Dodd Executive Director

P.O. Box 691 • Cleburne, Texas 76033 (817) 641-4159 david.harrisfarms@yahoo.com Harris riverBenD Farms

Cattle Located in Hondo and Agua Dulce, Texas

Kathryn Hefte Petty (210) 414-2493

K.T. Hefte (361) 813-4937

1200 State Hwy 173 N Hondo, Texas 78861

Lou & Robin Breving Alvarado, Texas 817-821-7540 loub5@yahoo.com

John Martin Ranches

Box 869 San Diego, Texas 78384 (361) 701-5683

Charter Member S.G.B.I.

Herd #4

Santa Gertrudis Cattle Herd #878

Rocking A Ranch

Allen & Cheryll Gr A inGer P.O. B Ox 2282, Brenham, T x 77834 979-830-8785 • rockingacattle@gmail.com www.rockingasantagertrudis.com

Rose Hill Ranch

AJ & Rosemary Gambino P. O. Box 235 Pattison, TX 77466 (832) 496-8836 www.santagertrudiscattle.com e-mail: rosemary.gambino@gmail.com

WENDT RANCHES PARTNERS

DARREN RICHMOND Ringgold, Ga. (423) 364-9281 www.richmondphotovideo.com djrichmd@gmail.com Facebook/ Darren Richmond SALE CATTLE • HERD SIRES • DONOR COWS

Company Chris Taliaferro, owner P.O. Box 9, Rosser, Texas 75157 (214) 674-8064 christaliaferro24@gmail.com

Urbanosky ranch

SGBI Herd # 2243 • eS t. 1969 Home of sensation

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

Suzanne Fulton, SGBI President

To the untrained eye some think about the cattle industry as banners, backdrop pictures and national championships with the pedigrees stacked with generations of excellence. We admire phenotype. We study EPDs. We debate bloodlines. And we should. The purebred sector is important. It drives genetic progress and sets a standard.

But let’s talk about the other side of the industry. Commercial cattle are the blue-collar workers of the beef business.

They don’t’ stand under bright lights. They don’t’ have a show halter on. They don’t have names that fill a catalog page. What they do have is a job and they go to work every single day.

They raise calves in tough conditions.

They convert grass into pounds.

They breed back on schedule.

They stay sound.

They make money or they don’t stay.

The commercial cow is not built for a backdrop she is built for function.

And here’s the truth we all know: if the commercial cattleman cannot make a living, none of the rest of it works. No breed association. No seedstock programs. No shows. No sales.

The commercial industry is the engine. It is the demand. It is the paycheck.

As Santa Gertrudis breeders, we have always had a foot firmly planted in that world. Ours is a breed built on functionality, fertility, longevity, adaptability, and pounds. The traits that matter when there isn’t’ a show ring in sight.

Yes, we love the pretty ones. We love the history, the pedigrees, and the pride of raising a champion. But at its core, Santa Gertrudis has always been a functional breed, one designed to preform where it counts: in the pasture, in the heat, under pressure.

If we want to remain relevant, we must continue to ask ourselves a simple question: Are we building cattle that work for the commercial producer?

Because when commercial cattle win, we all win.

The future of our breed doesn’t sit in the show ring. It stands in the pasture.

It works in the feed yard.

It performs on the rail.

Let’s continue to celebrate our champions, but let’s also honor the blue-collar backbone of this industry.

They are the reason we are here.

Suzanne Fulton

President, Santa Gertrudis Breeders International

BREEDER FEATURE

Diamond T Land and Cattle, Ephraim, Utah

For sixth-generation rancher Nate Thomson of Diamond T Land & Cattle Co. in Utah, Santa Gertrudis cattle weren’t a trend, they were a solution.

Operating in high desert and mountain country where snow determines water supply and cattle travel miles across rugged terrain, performance isn’t optional. Cows must breed back, raise a calf, and cover ground in conditions that quickly expose weakness.

In 2020, Thomson was looking to improve his Angus-based commercial herd. Like many operations, Diamond T had relied on Angus replacements and Charolais as a terminal cross. But he wanted stronger maternal traits, more longevity, and calves with greater vigor. After researching several Brahman-influenced options, he decided to artificially inseminate 20 females to a Santa Gertrudis bull as a trial.

“At first, I thought they looked just like Angus calves,” Thomson said. “But when they hit the ground, they jumped up, went to work, and never stopped. The vigor was obvious.”

That early impression was confirmed at weaning. The Santa Gertrudis-sired calves outperformed both Angus and Charolais contemporaries and continued to excel in the feedlot. The added heterosis showed in growth, consistency, and survivability.

“I heard someone say once that heterosis is free,” Thomson explained. “And you can see it. It’s night and day.”

One moment in particular solidified his confidence. During a blizzard, a first-calf heifer delivered a breech calf. After pulling the calf onto a sheet of ice in brutal winter conditions, Thomson expected a fight to keep it alive. Instead, within minutes, the calf was on its feet and nursing.

“I’ve seen calves freeze in those conditions,” he said. “That one hadn’t been alive two minutes and it was already trying to suck. That kind of vigor sticks with you.”

What began as a small AI trial quickly turned into a full herd transition. In 2021, Thomson purchased four Santa Gertrudis bulls and began replacing his Angus bull battery. Today, Diamond T runs Santa Gertrudis bulls across the herd and is actively building a purebred program alongside its commercial cattle. The shift has improved replacement female quality, strengthened maternal ability, and increased overall consistency.

Adaptability has been another key advantage. In Utah’s mountain country, cattle must travel for water and forage. Thomson has seen Santa Gertrudis cattle disperse more evenly across the range, utilizing country that had previously gone underused. Bulls travel miles to find cows rather than waiting at water sources, improving conception rates and overall herd efficiency.

“Our bulls aren’t standing at the water tanks,” said Thomson. “They’re out hunting cows. Our breed-back has been phenomenal.”

Despite drought conditions and harsh winters, weaning weights continue to improve. Replacement females show stronger maternal traits, better milk, and overall longevity.

“They grow hair. They adapt. Whether it’s Louisiana heat or Utah snow, they thrive,” he said.

Now with a seventh generation involved in the ranch, Thomson’s long-term goal is to continue strengthening both the commercial and purebred Santa Gertrudis programs. For producers considering the breed, his advice is simple.

“People thought I was crazy,” he said. “But I don’t regret making the leap for one minute. They just add more to your cow herd than you can even imagine.”

In some of the toughest cattle country in the West, Santa Gertrudis aren’t just working—they’re elevating the program.

Santa Gertrudis USA

March 2026

JUNIOR FEATURE

Luke Nelson, Texas

At 19 years old, Luke Nelson cannot imagine life without Santa Gertrudis cattle.

Nelson grew up in a family rooted in the breed. His mother and her siblings showed Santa Gertrudis cattle, and when he became eligible in third grade, he followed in their footsteps. What began as a family tradition quickly became something more.

“We’ve always raised Santa Gertrudis,” Nelson said. “That’s what we showed. That’s what my family showed. We just stayed involved and kept getting more into it.”

Through his involvement in the Santa Gertrudis Breeders International and the National Junior Santa Gertrudis Association, Nelson found more than a show project. He found confidence, leadership and a second family.

“If I didn’t have cows, it would be hard not doing anything with them,” Nelson said. “Showing gives me something to do. It gives me connections with people. You get to travel, compete and gain experience.”

Nelson has served two full terms as a junior director, an experience he describes as one of the most impactful parts of his time in the breed. Before becoming a director, he considered himself shy and reserved. Leadership within the junior association changed that.

“Before I was a director, I didn’t talk to people much,” Nelson said. “Once I got to know the other directors, they became like my second family. Now I’m comfortable talking to people and helping others.”

As a director, Nelson has helped exhibitors in the ring, assisted with Junior Nationals events and supported younger members as they navigate the show arena. The role has taught him responsibility, communication and how to handle pressure — skills that extend far beyond the barn.

“A lot of people don’t realize how much goes on behind the scenes,” Nelson said. “You focus on helping the kids in the ring and doing your job.”

With one year of junior eligibility remaining, Nelson is already reflecting on what the program has meant to him. After graduating, he attended a show simply to help and quickly realized how much he missed competing.

“At first I thought I wouldn’t miss it,” Nelson said. “But once you stop, you realize how much it meant to you.”

While his time as a junior is nearing its final chapter, his involvement with Santa Gertrudis is far from over. Nelson plans to stay connected to the breed, whether through raising and breeding cattle of his own or supporting future junior members.

“I’d like to raise cattle myself one day and have my kids show,” Nelson said. “I want to stay involved and help other kids if they need it.”

Through the opportunities provided by Santa Gertrudis Breeders International and the junior association, Nelson has grown from a quiet third grader into a confident leader. His story reflects the purpose of the program, developing not only strong exhibitors, but capable young adults prepared for the future.

THE CAROLINAS SALE

Tony Creech (919) 427-4679

Josh Bowman (336) 215-4774

Dennis Lee (336) 202-4138

Jody Standley (919) 291-4212

Scott Sherrill (404) 402-5601

Darren Richmond (423) 364-9281 djrichmd@gmail.com

SHOW RESULTS

Dixie National Livestock Show

Judged by: Jason Duggin

San Antonio Stock Show

Judged by: Wade Shackelford

Florida State Fair

Judged by: Ryan Cummings

SALE RESULTS

February 2026

All Breeds Sale, San Antonio, Texas

20 Santa Gertrudis–influenced pairs averaged $7,000 per pair, consigned by Briggs Ranches and Texas Oaks Cattle.

Santa Gertrudis Breeders International PO Box 1257

Kingsville, TX 78364

DIAMOND LEGACY

75 Years of Santa Gertrudis Excellence

Santa Gertrudis Breeders International Annual Membership Meeting Kingsville, TX | April 16-19, 2026

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING SCHEDULE

Thursday, April 16

7 a.m. - 8 a.m.

8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Breakfast and registration

King Ranch tour

Lunch at SGBI

Tour of San Jose Cattle Company

Dinner and welcome social

Saturday, April 18

7 a.m. - 8 a.m.

8 a.m.

11 a.m.

12 p.m.

2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Breakfast

Annual membership meeting

Friday, April 17

7 a.m. - 8 a.m.

8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Committee breakout session and brainstorming

Lunch

New board meeting

Breakfast

Committee meetings

Lunch/keynote speaker

Board meeting

Awards Dinner and 75 year recap

Cocktail hour and 75th Anniversary Genetic Event and Sale

President’s Dinner with dance/social to follow

* Schedule subject to change.

* Registration is open for the 75th Annual Membership Meeting. Registration forms can be found at: www.santagertrudis.com/events/annual-meeting/