SANTA GERTRUDIS USA
January 2026 | Volume 29 No 1
Includes 2026 Santa Gertrudis Breeders International Sire Directory
CALENDAR OF EVENTS January and February January January 19 January 25
National Santa Gertrudis Show Fort Worth, Texas Santa Gertrudis Junior Show Fort Worth, Texas
February February 1 February 12-14 February 13-14 February 16-17
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Houston Open Show entry deadline San Antonio Open Show San Antonio, Texas Dixie National Open Show Jackson, Mississippi San Antonio Junior Show San Antonio, Texas
Santa Gertrudis USA
January 2026
FROM THE FRONT OFFICE
Keaton Dodd, SGBI Executive Director Ringing in the 75th right where we began, in Kingsville, TX. It is tough to not get sentimental or nostalgic when we think back on the cattle, ranches, and most importantly, the people who have come before us to make Santa Gertrudis what we are today. I would venture to say that no breed has a better history, legacy, and lifestyle than we do at Santa Gertrudis. So as we look back, reflect, and smile about the great things we have accomplished up to this point, lets also roll up our sleeves and lean into progress and building an even better and more sustainable future for our coming generations. “A rising tide lifts all boats.” Let us not forget that we are all in this together. We are not competing within our breed but instead working together to grow and maintain our market share in the beef business. Included with this issue of Santa Gertrudis USA is the 2026 SGBI Sire Directory. We invite you to take the time to evaluate some of the truly elite sires from industry leading firms committed to breeding the best cattle possible. I truly believe there is something for everybody in the catalog that can make a positive impact on your program. I would encourage you to reach out to fellow breeders, talk about cattle, discuss genetics, and ultimately embrace the spirit of collaboration and a relentless pursuit of improvement. Be on the lookout for more details in relation to the annual meeting and the sale that coincides with it. As we continue to work to strengthen the commercial market and create marketing opportunities for our producers, we are in the very early stages of setting up a breed based, source verified, weaned and vaccinated feeder calf sale/ program. To go hand in hand with that, the possibility of a biannual commercial female sale for our breeders, and our customers who are using Santa Gertrudis in their breeding programs is in its early stages of development. We are aware of the breeding preparations and supply management challenges that come along with preparing for a sale like this, so we are expecting this to be available in early 2027. I have full confidence that we are continuing to push our programs and the right direction and see 2026 as a landmark year for Santa Gertrudis breeders world wide. So as we move into the 75th, I propose while reflecting on the great accomplishments of the past, that we never take our eyes off the horizon and the future of the breed we all love. God Bless and Happy New Year, Keaton Dodd Executive Director
Keaton Dodd, SGBI Executive Director | keaton@santagertrudis.com | (512) 924-9954
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January 2026
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE Suzanne Fulton, SGBI President
A new year always brings fresh plans and renewed goals. As cattlemen and women, we naturally start thinking about what we want to improve—better calves, stronger numbers, more consistency, and smarter decisions that move our programs forward. This issue’s Sire Summary fits squarely into that mindset. Sire selection is one of the most important tools we have as breeders. The bulls we choose today shape not only our next calf crop, but the future of the Santa Gertrudis breed as a whole. Studying the data, understanding the strengths behind the numbers, and matching sires to your program goals takes time—but it’s time well spent. The information in this summary is here to help you make informed, confident decisions as you plan for the year ahead.
Hargis Farms
Olivarez ranches
SERVICES
TEXAS
Along with planning comes participation. I often hear conversations—sometimes concerns—about breed associations and how they operate. Those discussions are important, but they work best when paired with involvement. Santa Gertrudis Breeders International is strongest when members show up, ask questions, share ideas, and take part in the process.
JOE PASCHAL
As you make your list of goals for the year, I encourage you to add attending our Annual Meeting to it. The annual RANCH CONSULTANT (361)946-1103 Since 1898 GERTRUDIS meeting isSANTA more than a date on the calendar—it’s an opportunity to engage with fellow breeders, hear updates, have your Santa Gertrudis Since 1950 Specializing in Tropically Adapted Box heard, 457 • Hemphill, 75948 voice and helpTX guide the direction of our association andHerd our#439 breed. Decisions don’t happen in a vacuum; they are Beef Cattle Breeds (409) 787-2165 shaped by the members who choose to be involved. email: hargisfarms@gmail.com Herd # 7325
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Ben D. Olivarez (956) 585-1661 (o)
P.O. Box 829 Mission, TX 78573
7205 HWY 36N BRENHAM, TEXAS joepaschal@yahoo.com
The future of Santa Gertrudis cattle depends on thoughtful sire selection and an engaged membership. Both require participation. I look forward to seeing manySanta of you at the Annual Meeting as we start another year focused on progress, Gertrudis “The Tradition Continues” DARREN RICHMOND Cattle Herd #878 communication, and the continued success of this great ibreed. Ringgold, Ga. ng A Ra
n k ocAllen & Cheryll GrAinGer ch RP.O. BOx 2282, Brenham, Tx 77834
Harris riverBenD Farms
Suzanne Fulton
DaviD & Laurie Harris P.O. Box 691 • Cleburne, Texas 76033 979-830-8785 • rockingacattle@gmail.com President, Santa Gertrudis Breeders International (817) 641-4159 www.rockingasantagertrudis.com david.harrisfarms@yahoo.com
Kathryn Hefte Petty (210) 414-2493 K.T. Hefte (361) 813-4937
Cattle Located in Hondo and Agua Dulce, Texas
1200 State Hwy 173 N Hondo, Texas 78861
In The Red Ranch Eustace, Texas (214) 532-6387
Rose Hill Ranch P. O. Box 235 Pattison, TX 77466 (832) 496-8836 www.santagertrudiscattle.com e-mail: rosemary.gambino@gmail.com
Predictable , profitable, red hided, heat tolerant genetics that perform both on the hoof & the rail.
STRRanches AIT
WENDT RANCHES PARTNERS Herd Established in 1954 Performance testing since 1958 Y.N. STRAIT FAMILY
SGBI Herd # 2243 • eSt. 1969
Home of sensation 5-1
Kelly Vesper
Office SGBI - Herd 43 Charter Member (256) 974-5392 Drawer 679, Cotulla, TX 78014 Chad Springs (512) 517-2455 Established 1850
Herd #4
Wendt Ranches
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Santa USA HerdGertrudis Established in 1954 Performance testing since 1958
E-mail: wendtranches@hotmail.com Website: www.wendtranches.com
ESTATE SALE Consulting
(214) 674-8064 christaliaferro24@gmail.com
Terry AD Reagan INDEX W • SuiteLLC 119 #133 3WC Cattle.............................. 21 31007KCI-10Ranch ........................ 24
5J’s Cattle Company .........5, 7 777 Farms .............................5, 7
Boerne, TX 78006
Kick’n A Ranch ..................... 26
210-414-4411
King Ranch ............................ 26
rancherspub@gmail.com
Arrow Creek Santa Lucky L Farm......................... 21 Gertrudis ........................... 21 CODY Mattingly Farms ..............17, 19 BLACK BlackTip Cattle..................... 24 Owner MC Ranch ............................... 24 Black Hills Land & Cattle ... 24806-241-7877 Minix Cattle Company........ 26
BlackHillsLandCattle
Old Agency Reserve .......... 24
Smart Feed Testing · Bull & Heifer Development · Backgrounding
VESPER RANCH
Herd #621
Charter Member S.G.B.I.
Sales Manager
Chris Taliaferro, owner P.O. Box 9, Rosser, Texas 75157
Briggs Ranches ................... 24
www.urbanoskyranch.com
Martininformation: Ranches For ohn advertising Box 869 Taylor Kelner San Diego, Texas 78384 taylor@santagertrudis.com (361) 701-5683
AUCTIONEER
Taliaferro
Auction Company
blackhillslandcattle@gmail.com Borchers Southern Mountain Laurel Classic BLACK BLACK HILLS HILLSY LAND L.P. & LAND & CATTLE CATTLE Ranches ..............24, 27BlackHillsLandCattle.com Santa Gertrudis Sale .....23
14525 UrBanOsky Ln., PLanTersviLLe, Tx 77363 Jerome (281) 797-5715 • Blake (936) 870-5252
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TXS 6996
AUCTIONEER
SGBI Herd #621 P.O. Box 246, Streetman, TX 75859 Email: wendtranches@hotmail.com 972.841.0989 | 210.837.1199 Website: www.wendtranches.com yanceystrait@straitranches.com 5475 FM 457 Gene Kubecka: (979) 240-5311
Urbanosky ranch
10 years of Lou & Robin Breving breeding to achieve Alvarado, Texas PERFORMANCE 817-821-7540 loub5@yahoo.com with BALANCE!
SALE CATTLE • HERD SIRES • DONOR COWS
AJ & Rosemary Gambino
Bay City, Texaswww.straitranches.com 77414 Daniel Kubecka: (979) 240-5312
IC ron oaks AT T L E
(423) 364-9281 www.richmondphotovideo.com djrichmd@gmail.com Facebook/ Darren Richmond
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Buena Vida Cattle Company .......................... 24
Olivarez Ranches................ 26 Osborne Livestock ........17, 19
Parker Farms ...................17, 19 CROSSWINDS Cedar Creek Farms ........17, 19 Joe Paschal........................... 26 Cherokee Ranch & RANCH Passion Farms ....................5, 7 Carley’s Show Cattle........... 21
Castle................................. 24 ROACH DARRELL Pinnacle Cattle Co. LLC ...... 24 Corporron Acres ................. 235-8158 Keller, Texas24(817) Red View Farms ..............17, 19 Creech Farms ......................5, 7 crosswinds.tx@gmail.com Richmond Photography Crosswinds Ranch ............. 24 & Video........................ 15, 26 District 6 Breeders .............. 17 Ridge Point Ranch ............... 21 Dixie National Show & Sale......................................23 Double TT Ranch ................. 24 Excell Santa Gertrudis....... 24 Five Oaks Ranch ..................25
Rockin B Farm ....................... 21
January 2026 Rocking A Ranch ................. 26 Rose Hill Ranch..................... 26 Santa Gertrudis Small Breeders Group .............. 21
BREEDER FEATURE
Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas Texas State University’s Agriculture Department is building momentum with a Santa Gertrudis-focused initiative designed to strengthen both student education and breed-relevant research. Texas State’s Ag Department currently serves approximately 850 undergraduate students, many of them animal science majors on a preveterinary track. A significant number of those students arrive with little or no agricultural background, shaping the department’s emphasis on experiential learning. “Probably half of our students have no agricultural background at all,” Brian Bruner, Associate Professor of Instruction, Department of Agricultural Sciences, Texas State University shared. “They come here wanting to work with dogs and cats, and we teach them about livestock, cattle, sheep, goats, horses, so they can see the full scope of opportunities in agriculture.” This initiative has been made possible through the generous support of Kevin and Heather Blewett of Buena Vida Cattle Company and other breeders, who contributed financial resources, donated cattle, and provided frozen genetics to help launch the program.
Photos by: Hillviews Magazine
Much of that learning takes place at Freeman Ranch, the university’s 3,500-acre ranch that functions as a working classroom. Historically maintained at around 80 commercial cows, the herd has been expanding and transitioning toward Santa Gertrudis and registered Star 5 cattle. Today, the ranch totals roughly 150 head when counting cows and calves, with plans to grow toward approximately 200 breeding-age females. That research component has become a key focus of Texas State’s partnership with Santa Gertrudis. Faculty are working on a genomics initiative aimed at collecting tissue and DNA samples, paired with performance and, when possible, carcass data, from Santa Gertrudis-influenced cattle as they move through the beef supply chain. “There’s not a lot of genomic representation for Santa Gertrudis or Bos indicus-influenced cattle,” Bruner noted. “Our goal is to identify markers for economically important traits that make genomic predictions more accurate and useful for this breed.” The project recently received additional momentum through funding that supports 10 undergraduate interns. These students will assist with data collection, lab work, and travel to ranches, feedlots, and harvest facilities as part of the Santa Gertrudis genomics effort. “That’s a huge step forward for us,” Bruner said. “It allows students to be directly involved while helping move the breed forward.” Texas State has also expanded applied coursework and developed a competitive show team to increase cattle exposure for students. This year, 60 students applied for the team, only 14 were selected. “Only one of those students had shown cattle before,” Reagan Sims, PhD, Assistant Professor of Applied Animal Science, Department of Agricultural Sciences, Texas State University shared. “For many of them, this is their first real hands-on experience, and they’re thriving.” As the program grows, Texas State is making a clear call to Santa Gertrudis breeders and commercial partners for collaboration. The research team is actively seeking cattle data and samples, particularly from cattle headed to the feedlot or retained through ownership programs. “We need samples and we need data,” Bruner emphasized. “Anything we can get performance or carcass information on helps, and we’ll do the legwork to make it happen.” Through education, research, and collaboration, Texas State’s Santa Gertrudis initiative is working to prepare the next generation of agriculture professionals while generating data and insights that benefit breeders across the industry.
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Santa Gertrudis USA
January 2026
JUNIOR FEATURE
Gracyn Foster, Mississippi Gracyn Foster’s journey with Santa Gertrudis cattle did not begin in a show barn or on a family ranch, it started with a conversation in a feed store. At the time, Gracyn had never touched a cow. Her experience with livestock included everything but cattle. A chance meeting with Santa Gertrudis breeder Eric Tisdale changed that. Tisdale was looking for a junior who wanted to learn, and offered Gracyn the opportunity to show a young bull named “Durango”. With no prior cattle experience, she jumped in headfirst, learning everything from breaking cattle to feeding, and daily care. That leap of faith quickly turned into a passion for the Santa Gertrudis breed. Her first National Junior Santa Gertrudis Show came in 2018 in Texarkana, Arkansas. Like many first-time exhibitors, Gracyn felt overwhelmed. She didn’t know many people and pushed herself to compete in events far outside her comfort zone. One of the most defining moments of Gracyn’s junior career happened after a difficult sales talk competition at her first National Junior Santa Gertrudis Show. Feeling discouraged, she was introduced to Santa Gertrudis breeder Burton McDaniel. “He walked me to my cattle pen and told me to give him my speech again,” Gracyn recalled. “Then he said, ‘This is how we fix this,’ and walked me through how to really understand what I was presenting, not just how to present it.” That conversation went far beyond a single competition. It reinforced the importance of knowledge, confidence, and understanding the cattle behind the halter. “People like that take you under their wing and invest in you,” she said. “That’s what makes this breed so special.” As Gracyn became more involved, she found lifelong friendships and experiences through the Mississippi Affiliate and the National Junior Santa Gertrudis Association. “With Santa Gertrudis, people will clap for you when you win, even if they’re standing right beside you in the ring,” she said. “It’s competitive, but it’s supportive. You can’t fail here, you can only grow.” Gracyn’s leadership journey continued when she ran for and served as National Princess, a role that initially intimidated her but ultimately shaped her leadership style. Rather than focusing on the title, she used the position as an opportunity to observe, learn, and encourage others. “You can’t become a leader overnight,” she said. “Leadership is learned by watching, listening, and showing up.” Today, as her junior career comes to a close, Gracyn remains deeply invested in the future of the Santa Gertrudis breed. She owns cattle of her own, is actively developing a breeding program, and plans to stay involved through leadership, mentorship, and support for junior exhibitors. “Get involved in everything you can,” Gracyn said. “Try things even if they’re uncomfortable. If you put 110% into it, you’re going to get 110 percent back.”
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Santa Gertrudis USA
January 2026
SALE RESULTS December 2025
King Ranch Bull Sale, Kingsville, Texas Santa Gertrudis bull average American Cruz bull average Total gross
$8,384.62 $8,036.11 $542,950
SHOW RESULTS
Hot Gert Show, Gonzales, Texas Judged by: Doug Husfeld
Grand Champion Santa Gertrudis Female
Reserve Champion Santa Gertrudis Female
Grand Champion Santa Gertrudis Bull
TN Red Lady Owned by: Tripp Nichols
XL’s Celine 020 Owned by: Excell Santa Gertrudis
XL’s American Pharoah 303 ET Owned by: Excell Santa Gertrudis
Reserve Champion Santa Gertrudis Bull
Grand Champion Star 5 Female
Reserve Champion Star 5 Female
Wendt’s Dreamboat 9953 ET Owned by: Kinsley Kubecka
ES 443 Owned by: Bree Kiefer
GUCCI’S GOD FAV M401 Owned by: Pitchford Cattle Company, Casey Pitchford, Gracey Pitchford, and Laura Zibilski
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Santa Gertrudis USA
January 2026
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
Friday, April 17
7 a.m. - 8 a.m. Breakfast and registration 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. King Ranch tour 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Lunch at SGBI 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Tour of San Jose Cattle Company 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Dinner and welcome social
7 a.m. - 8 a.m. Breakfast 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Committee meetings 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Lunch/keynote speaker 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Board meeting 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Awards Dinner and 75 year recap
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 Committee breakout session and brainstorming Lunch New board meeting Cocktail hour and 75th Anniversary Genetic Event and Sale President’s Dinner with dance/social to follow
* Schedule subject to change. * Members will be notified via email, social media, and newsletters when registration opens for the 75th Annual Membership Meeting.