EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
AT-LARGE DIRECTORS
At-Large Director
Joe Sedlacek (785) 447-9132 longhorn8099@gmail.com
Chairman: Joe Sedlacek (785) 447-9132
Vice Chairman: Tom Ryder (256) 349-9364
Secretary: David Berry (916) 472-9108
Treasurer: Elizabeth Fritz (214) 499-3542
Parliamentarian: Matt Bourbon (440) 221-6566
DIVISION B ~ REGIONS 7-12 DIVISION C ~ REGIONS 13-18
Region 7 - Director
At-Large Director
Elizabeth Fritz (214) 499-3542 ejbfritz@gmail.com
DIVISION A ~ REGIONS 1-6
Region 1/2 - Director Matt Bourbon (440) 221-6566 bourbonbrotherslivestock@gmail.com
Region 3/4 - Director Mark Hubbell (269) 838-3083 hubbelllonghorns@aol.com
Region 5/6 - Director Tom Ryder (256) 349-9364 ryder.tom40@gmail.com
Charles Schreiner III* 1964-1967
Walter G. Riedel, Jr.* 1967-1969
J.G. Phillips, Jr.* 1969-1971
Walter B. Scott* 1971-1973
James Warren 1973-1975
J.W. Isaacs* 1975-1977
Mark Hammack (903) 355-4044 flyingh12@icloud.com
Region 8 - Director
Sarah Galloway (940) 393-0747 sarahkategalloway@gmail.com
Region 9 - Director Julie Pack (254) 918-7274 info@lazyjpranch.com
Region 10 - Director Ron Bailey (254) 534-1886 ron@fmblandandcattle.com
Region 11 - Director Ben Herman (713) 534-3144 ben@wiredes.com
Region 12 - Director Mike McLeod (361) 771-5355
Region 13/14 - Director
Justin Georges (402) 580-0209 justin.georges@yahoo.com
Region 15 Director
Walker Hance (918) 808-6268 walker32flu@icloud.com
Region 16 - Director
Kris Johnson (307) 751-8867 kristopherjohnson1995@gmail.com
Region 17/18 - Director David Berry (916) 472-9108 dberrry5b@gmail.com
J.T. “Happy” Shahan* 1977-1978
John R. Ball* 1979-1980
Bill Anthony* 1981-1982
Dr. L.V. Baker* 1982-1984
Dr. W.D. “Bill” Clark* 1984-1986
Richard D. Carlson 1986-1988
John T. Baker 1988-1990
Riemer Calhoun, Jr. 1990-1992
Glen W. Lewis 1992-1995
Tim Miller* 1995-1998
Sherman Boyles 1998-2003
Bob Moore* 2003-2005
Joel Lemley 2006-2007
Ben Gravett* 2007
Dr. Fritz Moeller* 2007-2009
Maurice Ladnier 2009-2010
Robert Richey 2010
Steven Scott Zunker 2010-2011
Brent Bolen* 2011-2012
Bernard Lankford* 2012-2013
Todd McKnight 2013-2016
Tom Matott 2016-2019
Keith DuBose 2019 - 2023
Johnny Hicks 2023-2025
Josh Gentry 2025
Health, Structure, Weather, DietMany factors come into play with bull fertility. By Heather Smith Thomas.
Importance of Breeding Soundess
Examinations for Bulls Learn more about this important process for monitoring the effectiveness and helath of your herd sires. By Heather Smith Thomas.
TLBAA World Expo Moves to July 15-19 for 2026 Only See the judges and the Tentaive Schedule for the 2026 TLBAA World Expo.
About the Cover: Unmatched genetics Unique down & back twist horn set! 3-100’s in his pedigree. Son of 108”+ DW Fast Stu . 2x Jamakizm, Top Caliber, Drag Iron, Mr Big Stu . His calves are knocking it out of the park with flashy colors and cranked hornsets. Contact a partner today for more information: Tom & Amy Buxton, Buxton Longhorns, www.buxtonlonghorns.com; Wayne & Joanna Manning, M7 Longhorns, www.m7longhorns. com; Lloyd Esh, Dreamwood Farms, www.dreamwoodfarms.com.
EDITOR’S NOTES
HIDDEN GEMS
While sometimes topics concerning breeding and health seem repetitive if you have been in the Longhorn industry for a few years, many of the revisited topics include a few new gems of information you may not have known. For instance, the article on Breeding Soundess Exams seem like the standard information and then, theres a sidebar telling things to avoid that can throw off your bulls results - including what not to feed the morning of.
So while many topics are revisted through the years, there are always newer breeders that need to know those repeated basics. However, if you think you’ve read it all before, look again. You just might find a bit of new insight from one of the contributors that could help you in your day-today raising Longhorns.
Other tidbits to be found this month include ways to participate in Trails no matter how long you’ve been a member, lots of previews of upcing Longhorn Sale consignments, and ranch ads showcasing herd sires , show champions and futurity animals.
In this world of constant bombardment with information and a love of short video clips, slow down for a minute and take the time to really look at what is on the pages of Trails...you might just find the next genetics you want to add to your herd or learn some tips on how to better mange your cattle or improve your program.
DEADLINE: April 2026 Issue: March 6th Longhorn Beef Edition
Blessings,
Myra Basham
Myra Basham Editor-in-Chief
I can imagine how neat it would have been to see him emerging from the frosty fog. Thanks to Roger Cole for sharing.
(817) 625-6241 • (817) 625-1388 (FAX) P.O. Box 4430 • Fort Worth, TX 76164 trails@tlbaa.org • www.tlbaa.org
Editor-in-Chief: Myra Basham Ext. 104 • myra@tlbaa.org trailseditor@tlbaa.org
Advertising: Myra Basham • (817) 625-6241 x 104 myra@tlbaa.org
Graphic Design & Production: Taylor Rankin • Ext. 103 taylor@tlbaa.org
Registrations/Office Manager
Rick Fritsche • Ext. 101 rick@tlbaa.org
Registrations/Administrative Assistant
Megan Smith • Ext. 102 megan@tlbaa.org
Special Events
Pam Robison • Ext. 106 pam@tlbaa.org
Accounting Ryan Veenstra • Ext. 105 ryan@tlbaa.org
Office Assistant/Receptionist
Jayme Guinn • Ext. 100 jayme@tlbaa.org
Printed in the U.S.A.
Frank Anderson Jr. and III
3448 Mahogany Drive • Bryan, TX 77807 (979) 846-8020 • (713) 502-5224 kftander3@gmail.com
Beadle Land & Cattle
Ray & Bonnie Beadle Los Gatos & Hollister, CA 95032 (408) 834-0110 raybeadle@comcast.net
Bennett Longhorn Cattle Co.
Michael Bennett
2159 Country Club RD • Lucas, TX 75002 (214) 385-6789 bennett@lucasfence.com
Butler Texas Longhorns
Buster & Thalia Butler Jennings, OK 936-577-6129 buster@butlertxlonghorns.com www.butlertxlonghorns.com
Christa Cattle Co.
Jason & Louis Christa 2577 FM 1107 • Stockdale, TX 78160
christacattleco@msn.com www.christacattleco.com (210) 232-1818
Dalgood Longhorns
Malcolm & Connie Goodman
6260 Inwood Dr. • Houston, TX 77057 (713) 782-8422
dalgood@comcast.net www.dalgoodlonghorns.com
Falls Creek Longhorns
Stan & Sandi Tidwell 2330 W. FM 875 • Midlothian, TX 76065 (972) 989-8939 www.fallscreeklonghorns.com
Jane’s Land & Cattle Co.
John & Jane Thate 418 W. Margaret St. • Fairmont, MN 56031 (507) 235-3467
Kaso, Lisa & Jake Kety
Little Ace Cattle Co. P.O. Box 386 • Folsom, LA 70437 (985) 796-3918
ketyfolsom@aol.com
MacNeil Farm and RancH Laura & Neil MacNeil Colmesneil, Texas (832)444-4915 macneilfarmandranch@gmail.com
McInnis Longhorns Emma McInnis 4295 County Road 304, Beeville, TX 78102 (361) 463-7008 mcinnislonghorns@gmail.com www.mcinnislonghorns.com
McLeod Ranch
Michael, Jackie, Mike & Makayla McLeod 355 CR 3031 • Edna, TX 77957 (361) 782-0155
Brennan & Michele Potts Rocking P Longhorns P.O. Box 579 • Emory, TX 75440 (903) 473-2430 Cell: (903) 348-5400 www.rockingplonghorns.com bpotts1@verizon.net
Rio Vista Ranch Elmer & Susan Rosenberger 3208 Fall Creek Estates Dr • Spicewood, TX 78669 Cell: (512) 422-8336 elmer@riovistaranch.com www.riovistaranch.com
Triple R Ranch Robert & Kim Richey 21000 Dry Creek Rd. • San Angelo, TX 76901 (325) 942-1198 r3ranch@aol.com www.butlertexaslonghorns.com
Wynfaul Acres Helen Bedford 408 County Road 2200. • Cleveland, TX 77327 (713) 677-1473 hgbedford@hotmail.com www.WynFaulAcres.com
Butler Breeder’s Futurity (936) 689-1914 butlerfuturity@yahoo.com www.butlerbreedersfuturity.com
Butler Longhorn Museum (281) 332-1393 info@butlerlonghornmuseum.com www.butlerlonghornmuseum.com YOUR RANCH COULD BE HERE If you would like to be listed as a Butler breeder on these pages, please email myra@tlbaa.org for more information.
TLBAA WORLD EXPO MOVES TO JULY 15-19 FOR 2026 ONLY
JUDGES
Open Haltered
John Nelson
Open Non-Haltered & Trophy Steers
PJ Budler
Junior Nationals
Dr. Joe Mask
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
9:00 am Move In All cattle in by 4 pm (health papers are required for all animals at check in)
Gold Merit and Senior Sale books are due at check-in
4:00 pm All miniature cattle will be measured
5:00 pm TLBT Livestock Judging
Thursday, July 16, 2026
8:15 am TLBT Show Ring Procedure Meeting & Group Photo
8:30 am TLBT Junior Nationals Show – Beginning with Pee Wee Showmanship
All other showmanship will immediately follow the steer classes
9:00 am TLBT Quiz Bowl – open until end of youth show – Show Office
9:30 am TLBT Prize Shop – open until conclusion of Showmanship
Friday, July 17, 2026
7:30 am Breakfast in the Barn
8:00 am TLBT Gold Merit Competition Begins
9:00 am Non-Haltered division with the Trophy Steer show immediately following
1:00 pm TLBT Senior Heifer Sale
4:00 pm TLBT Membership Meeting
Saturday, July 18, 2026
8:30 am Open Haltered (including Miniature)
7:00 pm Banquet featuring TLBAA Awards, TLBT Awards and other special Awards
Sunday, July 19, 2026
Noon All cattle must be removed by noon
Make the Most of the 2026 A.I. Sire Directory
WHAT IS IT?
The A.I. Sire Directory includes a photo, TLBAA Reg No., name, TLBAA A.I. No., Pedigree, and Registered Owner of All TLBAA Certified A.I. Bulls #600 through current for FREE! Also includes editorial content specific to A.I. Bulls and Processes
WHAT IF MY BULL WILL BE IN IT?
HOW
CAN I FURTHER PROMOTE MY BULL(s)?
The owner shown will be the current registered owner in the TLBAA registry. Send photos of new A.I. Sires or updated photos of older sires to myra@tlbaa.org.
If you choose to advertise your bull(s), their progeny, the genetics behind your sire(s) your ad page will be highlighted on the listing of any AI sire referenced in your ad. (See sample above).
Anyone choosing to run a full or half page in this issue may have a free e-blast of their ad and information about their bull sent out free. Don’t overlook the value of smaller ads! Take advantage of the ad reference on your bull’s listing to send readers to a quarter page or sixth page ad that show several offspring to increase interest in your sire.
WHEN ARE DEADLINES?
If you have a sire that is not already A.I. Certified and you want him certified in time to be included, the time to act is now! Processing time varies and you should start the procedure as soon as possible.
Photos of existing sires may be sent in any time prior to June 5th. Ad reservations should be made by May 25th. Ad materials to build the ad would be due the first week of June and camera ready ads due by June 15th.
If you will be sending a camera ready ad, please reserve your space by May 25th so we know to hold a space for you.
For all inquiries about this issue or advertising, please contact Myra Basham - myra@tlbaa.org or (817) 625-6241.
Glossary of Bull-related Reproductive Terms
A.I. (Artificial Insemination) – Placing semen in the reproductive tract by means other than natural service.
castrate – To remove the testicles
conception – The fertilization of the ovum (egg). genes – Basic units of heredity that work in pairs (one from each parent) to determine traits and how a trait develops
genotype – Genetic makeup of an individual.
gonad – Testis of the male, ovary of the female heterozygous – Individual possessing unlike genes for a specific trait
homozygous – Individual possesses like genes for a specific trait
libido – Sex drive or the male’s desire to mate
masculinity – Well-developed secondary sex characteristics in the neck, chest and shoulders of a bull
phenotype – Characteristics of an animal that can be seen and/or measured
pheromones – Chemical substances that attract the opposite sex
prostate – Gland of the male reproductive tract located just behind the bladder that secretes a fluid that becomes a part of semen at ejaculation.
recessive gene - A gene that has its phenotypic expression masked by its dominant allele when the two genes are present together in an individual.
reference sire - Bull designated to be used as a benchmark in progeny testing other bulls (young sires). Progeny by reference sires in several herds enables comparisons to be made between bulls not producing progeny in the same herd(s).
scrotal circumference - Measure of testes size obtained by measuring the distance around the testicles in the scrotum with a circular tape. Related to the bull’s semenproducing capacity and age at puberty of his daughters.
scrotum - Pouch that contains the testicles. Also a thermoregulatory organ that contracts when cold and relaxes when warm, thus tending to keep the testes at a lower temperature than that of the body.
semen - Fluid containing sperm that is ejaculated by the male. Secretions from the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, bulbourethral glands, and urethral glands provide most of the fluid.
seminal vesicles - Accessory sex glands of the male that provide a portion of the fluid of semen.
served - Female is bred but not guaranteed pregnant. service - To breed or mate.
sterility - Inability to produce offspring.
testosterone - Male sex hormone that stimulates the accessory sex glands, causes the male sex drive, and results in the development of masculine characteristics. soundness - Degree of freedom from injury or defect.
steer - Bovine male castrated prior to puberty.
Proper
care and management of bulls is crucial for optimum fertility. Some bulls are naturally more fertile than others, due to genetics, scrotal size and structure, etc. but poor management can reduce a bull’s fertility or his chances of siring many calves. Bulls too fat or too thin may not have optimum fertility and may have other issues that impede their ability to breed cows. Young bulls need adequate nutrition to develop properly, but should never be fat.
Since the average bull is expected to breed 25 to 30 cows or more, his fertility is very important. John P. Kastelic, DVM, PhD, Professor, Cattle Reproductive Health, Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary says breeding soundness evaluation can identify and eliminate bulls with questionable or poor fertility.
“The main focus of the exam is on the reproductive tract, and bulls have to meet minimum standards for scrotal circumference, sperm motility (which is rarely a problem) and sperm morphology (shape of sperm cells). The bull also must be physically sound, and have no obvious structural problems,” he says.
The breeding soundness exam, however, does
not detect certain diseases and also does not tell you whether the bull has adequate desire to mount and breed cows, or his ability to complete a service. “When you turn a bull out with cows, you need to observe him to see if he is actually doing his job.”
When checking semen and looking at numbers, there are usually some abnormal sperm; the veterinarian notes the proportion of normal versus abnormal sperm and the proportion of each type of abnormality. Some have more effect on fertility than others, but each abnormality indicates something about what is going on with that bull. The most important thing—no matter what the abnormality—is that a bull must have at least 70% or more normal sperm in order to pass.
Proximal Droplets - Common in immature bulls.
Diadem - Due to high temps or stress. Knobed Acrosome - May be genetic.
“Some producers look at the numbers and one bull might be 85% and another bull 75% and they think the one bull is 10% better than the other one. That isn’t the case; in general, as long as a bull is above 70% normal sperm he is considered acceptable, though we do don’t want to see more than 20% head defects,” explains Kastelic.
Where a person needs to pay attention to what type of abnormality is seen is when it’s a valuable bull and you want to try to predict whether he might improve, and whether he should be re-tested later. Or perhaps all your bulls that have the same abnormalities and we want to know why. For example, after very cold weather and exposure to wind and cold, there can be lots of abnormal sperm.
If there is a history of stress there are often more abnormalities. The same thing can happen if a group of bulls were on a ration containing a lot of cottonseed, with high gossypol levels. Their sperm will have a lot of abnormalities with certain characteristics. Then the veterinarian and the rancher might discuss whether to retest the bull or bulls later, to see if sperm quality improves.
Scrotal circumference is important because size of the testes determines how many sperm are produced daily. Measuring scrotal circumference is a reliable method for estimating sperm production. Some breeds, however, have smaller circumference than the average across breeds, but the bulls are still very fertile. For Longhorns, a good scrotal circumference indicates fertility, with minimums around 30 cm at one year and 34 cm by two years. Larger is generally better, such as above average (36cm for yearlings)
“We want bulls to at least meet minimums, but it also depends on what we plan to do with the progeny of that bull,” says Kastelic. If we want to keep daughters as future cows, scrotal circumference is important because it’s an indication of the future fertility of those daughters.
SCROTAL CIRCUMFERENCE AND HEALTH OF THE TESTES
The number of sperm a bull can produce is closely tied to scrotal circumference. “Bulls with bigger testes produce more sperm, and to some extent produce better quality sperm,” he says. If a bull’s scrotal circumference is obviously outside the average for his age and breed, there may be a problem. “For instance, a yearling bull with huge testes (such 42 to 44 centimeters) may be more likely to have subsequent testicular degeneration. We worry about those bulls because they may have an inherent defect,” Kastelic says.
By Heather Smith Thomas
TEMPERATURE STRESS
Cold weather, hot weather and fever can all cause temperature stress
Extreme cold (especially with wind) can damage scrotal tissue and negatively impact fertility. The damage may be temporary or permanent. “If half or more of the scrotal skin is damaged, and if there are adhesions and the testes cannot be raised or lowered, this usually has a bad prognosis. The bull will have reduced semen quality anywhere from 2 or 3 weeks, up to 6 weeks or longer. The sperm we check today started production 60 days ago.” If the damage was temporary and the tissues have healed, with no adhesions, the bull will usually have good semen later.
“There is a trade-off between examining bulls early (to identify bulls that are not going to be suitable, so you have time to replace them before the breeding season) and examining them just before you turn them out with cows. This is when you need to know what the semen quality is, but at that point it might be hard to find a replacement if the bull is not suitable,” says Kastelic.
“If it was a rough winter and you get a late winter storm, semen quality will take a nosedive. A sperm defect called distal mid-piece reflex (DMR) is common in bulls going through puberty but we also see this in bulls that have been recently stressed. It might be cold stress, heat stress, foot rot, etc.” A high fever from foot rot, and spending time lying down because of the pain—rather than traveling and eating—could be a significant stress.
“In a mature bull, if there was a known short-term stressor like a nasty spring blizzard, these changes are temporary. That bull has good prognosis for improvement. This damage to sperm occurs in the epididymis and this resolves fairly quickly. This does not take as long to resolve as when damage impairs the actual creation of sperm.
“Sometimes we think bulls are fine and there are no apparent disease issues or environmental issues, yet we see a lot of sperm abnormalities. Often we don’t know why, and there’s not much we can do except check them again later.”
“Bull testes need to be somewhat cooler than body temperature, to produce good-quality sperm. If the testes get too warm, this adversely affects semen quality. This can happen in severely hot weather, or in a bull with fever from pneumonia or foot rot or a bull that has too much fat in the scrotum. The negative impact is a direct effect of increased temperature,” he says.
“In hot weather, semen quality of some bulls really falls apart and other bulls are more tolerant of the heat without such detrimental effects.”
“We should be wary of a bull whose scrotal circumference is way off the charts early in life. Any young bull with massive yearling scrotal circumference makes me worry about possible fertility issues,” he says.
The shape of the scrotum/ testes is also important. The normal, healthy, fertile bull has a pear-shaped scrotum with an obvious neck at the top, above the testes. “You don’t want a bull with a very short scrotum—with no discernable neck--with the testes tucked up against the belly. This can be hard to judge in cold weather, but if it’s a warm day, the testes drop down farther and you should see an obvious scrotal neck,” he says.
Scrotal size and shape can be indicators of potential fertility issues.
“We palpate the testes to check their consistency. Normal bull testes feel firm, but slightly soft. They should not be rock hard, but also not too soft and compressible. The tail of the epididymis is at the bottom and toward the midline of each testis and can also be palpated and checked. Occasionally a bull will be missing the tail of the epididymis on one side and can only ejaculate sperm from the other side,” he says.
“At the other extreme some bulls have a very long scrotal neck. In general we don’t want to see the bottom of the scrotum go below the point of the hock, or the testes may be injured when the bull is in rough terrain. You want to avoid extremes,” he says.
“Sometimes we’ll see a bull with a minor rotation of one testis. One side of the scrotum may be a little bit turned. Generally we don’t think this would be cause for concern. In other instances a bull may have testes mismatched in size or shape. Ideally they should be similar in size. If there is substantial difference, this may mean the big one is swollen or the other one is degenerating,” says Kastelic.
“Overfat bulls may have a straight-sided scrotum with no narrowing at the top, indicating too much fat in the neck of the scrotum. These bulls generally have poor fertility due to the insulating effects of the fat—inhibiting heat loss and proper cooling,” explains Kastelic. Their testes are always too warm for optimum sperm production and viability. Also fat in the neck of the scrotum hinders the ability of a bull to raise and lower his testes properly for optimum temperature control.
Kastelic also advises against using bulls with a Vshaped scrotum that tapers down to a pointed tip. “The pointed, wedge-shaped scrotum tends to hold testes closer to the body. Bulls with this scrotal shape usually have undersized testes and produce fewer sperm,” he explains.
“Fat deposits in the scrotum can usually be detected when measuring scrotal circumference. Before applying the measuring tape, the testes should be pressed firmly into the lowest part of the scrotum so they are side by side, and all scrotal wrinkles (that might interfere with accurate measurement) eliminated. Thumb and forefingers of one hand should be placed above the testes with the hand extending down from the side of the scrotum, around the back, and the finger tips wrapping around and pointing backward. Avoid sticking your thumb between the testes or excessively forcing testes to the bottom of the scrotum, as that would falsely increase the measurement,” he says.
The looped tape should be slipped up over the scrotum and pulled tight around the largest portion, with only moderate tension. “In a bull with normal testes, the testes will not be compressed much at all by the tape,” says Kastelic. “By contrast, a bull with a thick, fat scrotum or soft testes may compress rather easily.” Measurements are usually recorded to the nearest half centimeter, with at least two measurements taken until a consistent reading is obtained.
AGE OF THE BULL
Age can make a difference; a bull’s highest fertility is at 2 to 4 years of age, on average, and most mature bulls have acceptable fertility for a number of years after that. A young bull may not be as fertile as he’ll be when he’s more mature. “With a young bull, semen quality will probably improve with time. Older bulls, barring an injury or something catastrophic, will generally have stable fertility,” he says.
“Many producers now use yearling bulls and there is a wide range of age in which bulls reach puberty. If we check bulls at 12 months of age and are rigorous with scrotal circumference and sperm morphology requirements, only about 60% will be considered breeding sound. Many of those bulls that are not acceptable at that age have sperm morphology issues but will improve in just a month or two.” They are going through puberty and are not mature. Most of them will improve with time, but you can’t assume that they all will, so it is important to check those again later.
“A young bull that’s 6 to 16 months of age is growing rapidly, and so are his testes,” says Kastelic. “There can be great variations in size or testes among bulls of the same age during those early months, and these differences can be a clue regarding future fertility. These comparisons can be used to advantage for sire selec-
tion, since this trait—early or late testicular growth—is highly heritable. Scrotal circumference has proven to be a more accurate way to predict when a bull will reach puberty than either his age or his body weight, regardless of his breed,” explains Kastelic. If you choose bulls that pass their breeding soundness exam at 12 months, you are selecting for early puberty in his offspring.
Some consideration regarding yearling scrotal circumference must be given to the bull’s nutrition in early life, however, including the age of the bull’s dam.
“Bull calves from first calf heifers tend to have smaller scrotal circumference as yearlings than bulls from older dams. Nutrition early in life has an effect on puberty,” Kastelic says.
“If you feed young bulls 130% of the required energy and protein versus 70% of energy and protein when they are 6 weeks to 25 weeks of age, the bulls fed 130% will reach puberty about a month or so earlier. By far the biggest benefit, however, is that their mature scrotal circumference and testes size will be 20 to 30% bigger. If you want a bull with early puberty, large scrotal circumference and more likely to be able to breed more cows, he needs to have a good start nutritionally. You might want to look at age of dam and milk production from his mother or consider creep feeding a balanced ration with energy, protein and vitamins.”
By Heather Smith Thomas
Importance of Breeding Soundness Examinations for Bulls
Many factors play a role in fertility and breeding ability, so it is important to make sure every bull passes a breeding soundness exam before putting him with cows. This evaluation looks at 5 things: physical soundness (feet/legs, eyes, etc.), reproductive tract soundness, scrotal circumference, percentage of sperm cells that are normal, with acceptable motility. Even if a bull was fertile last year and sired a lot of calves, he may have a problem this year that you are not aware of, and should be checked before the breeding season. Some problems and injuries are not obvious until the bull is evaluated by a veterinarian.
Ryan Grant, DVM has a veterinary clinic in the northeast corner of Oklahoma (about 30 miles from Joplin, Missouri) and is licensed in Oklahoma and Missouri. His practice covers a large area in southwestern and south central Missouri. He also works at his Missouri clinic located at the regional stockyards in West Plains, Missouri, and does all the vet work for the stock yards at Ozark Regional.
Grant does more than 1300 breeding soundness exams each year. “When we talk to producers regarding these exams, there are two reasons some of them don’t utilize this service. One is the cost, especially if they have several bulls.” Most veterinarians charge something between $50 to $100 per bull for the exam, and if they test for trichomoniasis, that will be an additional cost. The cost is minor, however, compared with having an infertile bull.
“It costs about $600 to $700 per year to keep a bull, so the cost to have him tested is a very small investment,” says Grant. If the bull is an unsatisfactory breeder, it’s best to know this before the breeding season so you’ll have time to replace him. Grant recommends testing at least 30 days prior to turnout; this gives the producer time to find another bull if necessary.
TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL EXAMINATION
There are several important things to remember on the day of the exam, to help make it go smoothly and with more accuracy. When getting ready for the veterinarian to arrive, don’t put bulls together that haven’t been living together, or they will be fighting. “If the bulls have been gathered and handy for several hours before I get there, and spend a lot of time fighting, they are stressed and it’s very difficult to get them to ejaculate,” he explains.
“There are several things that people can do differently to get a better semen sample. For instance, don’t feed bulls corn that morning, or anything that gives them a lot of energy—especially if weather is warm. Sometimes when we are testing bulls in Oklahoma or southwestern Missouri it is warm enough in early spring that those bulls might be really hot when working them. Bulls are actually most comfortable at about 45 degrees. If it’s a 60-degree day and they have a belly full of corn and have been fighting, they won’t ejaculate when we try to collect a sample,” says Grant. It might be very difficult to get a good reading.
Paying attention to some of these little things can have a big effect on the results, and decrease the chances of having a poor exam. “We don’t want to fail a good bull just because of circumstances that day,” he explains.
The second reason some producers don’t have their bulls tested is because of poor (or lack of) facilities.
“When I first started practicing, if someone wanted bulls tested at their place, and their facilities were subpar, I would do it. But now I don’t take those risks. It’s important to have a good chute to handle bulls. Most practitioners use an electroejaculator to obtain a semen sample. This sends electrical impulses through the accessory sex gland, which causes a significant amount of reaction,” he says. There is some discomfort, and a bull can tear a chute apart if it’s not adequate for restraining him.
“These bulls can destroy a poor chute and hurt the people around them. Without proper restraint, the bull can lunge around too much, and injure his back. A person has to be really careful to not create injury just trying to get the bull to collect,” says Grant.
BASICS OF THE EXAM
Soundness and physical condition are evaluated. “When I start checking bulls, I like to watch each bull’s movement as he approaches the chute. I must do this fairly quickly since we don’t have an abundance of time. I try to get a good idea about the way that bull travels and moves his feet. Once he is in the chute, if we have an assistant to mug him I will look at his teeth, and also assess his eyes and overall body condition. When I am close to that bull I can usually tell (just from the smell) if we have a foot rot problem,” says Grant.
“When I start looking at the reproductive organs I feel his sheath and make sure there are no strictures or adhesions, hematomas or swellings. I work back to the scrotum and palpate both testicles to make sure they have normal consistency and that I can feel a good epididymis. I also check scrotal circumference, especially on bulls that will be siring replacement heifers.” Larger testicles usually indicate greater fertility (more storage space for sperm) and fertility in the bull/scrotal circumference seems to have a correlation with fertility in that bull’s daughters.
A circumference of 30 to 31 centimeters would be the bare minimum for a 15-month-old bull, and older bulls should have larger testicles. “Keeping records on scrotal circumference also allows me to go back to last year’s records and I can know if the bull’s scrotum is a lot bigger (or smaller) than it was the year before,” says
Grant. A young bull with small testicles will often have adequate circumference the next year. Sometimes an older bull will start to lose circumference as he becomes less fertile.
“Then I put on a sleeve and check the bull rectally because this allows me to feel the accessory sex glands, the ampulla and the prostate—to make sure both lobes of the prostate are symmetrical. I also check the seminal vesicles as much as possible to make sure there’s no seminal vesiculitis,” he says.
After that examination he inserts the probe rectally and begins the process of collecting a semen sample. The goal is to have the bull extend enough to also examine the penis, but not all bulls will extend. There are some problems that may not be detected (such as hair rings or penile warts) unless the penis can be visualized. Most bulls will extend, but Grant says about 15 to 20% (especially older bulls) try to resist and fight the probe. If they’ve been through this before, they may not cooperate.
“Once we get the bull to ejaculate we can get a semen sample to look at under the microscope to assess sperm motility (percentage of cells that are moving),” he says. A stain is used on the slide to check morphology and determine the percentage of sperm that are normal or abnormal—assessing form and structure, shape of the sperm heads, size and appearance. The bull is then graded on motility and morphology.
Grant doesn’t stain every sample, due to time factors; with high magnification he can get a pretty good idea whether that bull’s sperm has very many primary or secondary abnormalities. “At the clinic, with more time and not a lot of pressure on finishing a group of bulls at the ranch, I stain more of them, but after seeing thousands of samples I can usually tell when there are not enough normal sperm in a sample,” he says.
“The Theriogenologists and academic folks think we should stain every sample, but they are not out there in the field doing a lot of bulls under stressful conditions and time constraints. They don’t have a bunch of bulls lined up and back there fighting.”
If the bull has acceptable motility and morphology, and the bull needs to be tested for trichomoniasis, Grant takes a sample of material from deep inside the sheath, to send to a lab. “We record all the identification numbers for the bull and put an official ID number in his ear, and that number goes on the pouch we send to the lab, and give him an ear tag for ID.”
tis, often still has the infection when we retest him later. Treatment generally doesn’t make much difference. A young bull may just need time, but an old bull may not clear up, and he’s generally finished as a breeding bull.”
MONITOR BULLS DURING BREEDING SEASON
Producers need to pay attention to a bull’s performance during breeding season for problems that arise that will not be evident during a breeding soundness exam.
“A breeding soundness exam is a great tool, but just one piece of the picture. There can be some problems (like trich) that won’t show up on a typical exam, so producers need to pay attention to what’s happening in the herd. If some cows continue to cycle or some of them abort, there may be a bull problem. Just because a bull passes his exam, this is no guarantee that everything is ok,” says Grant. That bull may be fertile, and breed all his cows, but if he carries something like trich and passes it to the cows, there will be problems. Or, he may not be breeding the cows.
After the examination, each bull is given a score of satisfactory, unsatisfactory or deferred. A young bull may be deferred—to be checked again later. “If a young bull is too immature to pass his test, we may give him more time. If it’s a bull with good genetics the producer may have pushed him hard to get him bigger, but he may still be very young and not mature enough to successfully breed cows. We retest a lot of young bulls,” says Grant.
“I may also retest a bull if I see a lot of white blood cells in the sample. A young bull with white blood cells in the ejaculate will often clear up the infection, even without medication, and then be fine. An older bull, however, that has white blood cells or signs of vesiculi-
“I’ve seen bulls that had good structure, good sperm motility—and everything seemed fine—but very little desire to do the job. He may not have good libido, or might be more interested in fighting other bulls rather than breeding cows. Just because a bull passes an exam doesn’t necessarily mean he will do the job. There are several other factors involved. Producers need to pay attention,” says Grant. If a bull has some pain issues for instance, he may be reluctant to try to breed cows.
Bulls also get injured when fighting or breeding cows. “The producer should be observant and watch for penile hematomas or any swelling or abnormality in the sheath or testicles. Some problems are not apparent until you watch the bull actually breed a cow or try to breed. Some bulls just don’t penetrate, for instance,” he explains.
Cattlemen’s Congress First to Implement Measuring Mini’s Before The Show
The Texas Longhorns continued to be well represented for their FIFTH year at Cattlemen’s Congress held at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds to kick off the year. The Longhorns were the first cattle to show in the new OG & E Coliseum! We were pleased to have judges Chad Coburn and Kirk Stierkalt evaluate our open and TLBT youth cattle, respectively. The two judges assessed animals in Open Haltered, Open Miniature Haltered, Haltered Trophy Steers, Youth Standard and, new for this year, Youth Miniature classes! The TLBAA was well represented in the event’s Supreme Drive by LR Lilly Ann CP (owned by Locke & Payne Partnership) who was crowned as both Grand Champion TLBT Female AND Grand Champion Open Female; and by the Grand Champion Open Bull LR Mr Rager CP (owned by TB Longhorns – Tom & Tammy Bush).
This same process will be conducted at this year’s World Expo in Abilene on Wednesday, July 15 at 4:00 pm. Other affiliate or livestock shows are encouraged to follow this lead and measure any miniature entries before classes begin.
Newly implemented for this year by Show Superintendent Seth Locke, was having all Miniature entries measured before the show began. On Saturday, January 3, every Miniature Texas Longhorn entered in Cattlemen’s Congress lined up to make sure they all passed (under) the bar! A measuring stick with a level used to make sure all were below the required heights – 45”
for females; 48” for bulls; and 50” for steers. A total of 23 miniatures were measured quickly with all passing. Exact measurements were not recorded as the process was conducted strictly as a “pass or fail.”
In addition to the class awards supplied by TLBAA and Cattlemen’s Congress, special awards were also awarded a commemorative small surfboard by the TLBAA:
Premier Breeder Award – Lovejoy Longhorns, Weldon and Kyla Lovejoy
Premier Exhibitor Award – Sheridan Van Blarcom
Herdsman Award – Hickman Family Longhorns –Blake, Jessica, Brynn and Ethan Hickman
The Texas Longhorn participating in Cattlemen’s Congress can only continue with the support of our sponsors. It is strictly a self-funding endeavor with generous members contributing to cover the expenses the TLBAA incurs – judge fees with travel expenses; division and drive awards; and TLBAA support. Thank you to these members who stepped up this year:
Gold
Danley Cattle Company; Locke & Payne Partnership; TB Longhorns; Lovejoy Longhorns
Silver
Glendenning Farms; DeChron Farm & Cattle Co, LLC
Bronze
Hagler Longhorns; Cold Copper Ranch; Fritz Longhorns; Lazy J Longhorns; Buxton Longhorns
We look forward to supporting the Texas Longhorns and TLBAA involvement for the 2027 Cattlemen’s Congress!
See Show Results on Pages 32 & 34
January 4, 2026
OPEN HALTERED FEMALE DIVISION
CLASS 3: 1. TB SOUTHERN CHARM, Tamra & Thomas Bush, SUNSET, TX 2. LR SNICKERS CP, Meredith Pye, APACHE, OK CLASS 4: 1. LRJUBILEE TENBAR JANE CP, Double-Ought Longhorns, MOUNDS, OK 2. HV AMERICAN HONEY, Hadley Anderson, SHREVEPORT, LA CLASS 5: 1. LR CALLA LILY CP, Locke and Payne Partnership, BRISTOW, OK 2. LR TIGER LILY CP, Locke and Payne Partnership, BRISTOW, OK
Junior Champion Haltered Female: LR CALLA LILY CP, Locke and Payne Partnership, BRISTOW, OK Reserve Junior Champion Haltered Female: LR TIGER LILY CP, Locke and Payne Partnership, BRISTOW, OK
CLASS 8: 1. WIC MERRY JANE, Randy & Catherine Morris, TUSCOLA, TX CLASS 9: 1. OVER THE MOON CP, Payne/Dennis Partnership, SLIDELL, TX CLASS 10: 1. EDEN CP, Avery N. Mathey, BOWIE, TX 2. HX3 DESTINY’S CHILD, Hunter Lawson, PARADISE, TX CLASS 11: 1. LR LILLY ANN CP, Locke and Payne Partnership, BRISTOW, OK 2. SV WOJO ROSEBUD 103, Teagan Mathey, BOWIE, TX
Senior Champion Haltered Female: LR LILLY ANN CP, Locke and Payne Partnership, BRISTOW, OK Reserve Senior Champion Haltered Female: OVER THE MOON CP, Payne/Dennis Partnership, SLIDELL, TX
Grand Champion Haltered Female: LR LILLY ANN CP, Locke and Payne Partnership, BRISTOW, OK Reserve Grand Champion Haltered Female: LR CALLA LILY CP, Locke and Payne Partnership, BRISTOW, OK
CLASS 16: 1. FLYING H MISS NELLIE, Double R Ranch, GRANDVIEW, TX 2. WIC SHE’S A DAISY, Randy & Catherine Morris, TUSCOLA, TX CLASS 17: 1. TB SUNSET STORM, Tamra & Thomas Bush, SUNSET, TX
Champion Haltered Mature Female: FLYING H MISS NELLIE, Double R Ranch, GRANDVIEW, TX Reserve Champion Haltered Mature Female: WIC SHE’S A DAISY, Randy & Catherine Morris, TUSCOLA, TX
Produce of Dam
CLASS 34: 1. LR LILLY 00, Locke and Payne Partnership, BRISTOW, OK 2. SANDDOLLAR SMOKE’N DAWN, Blake & Jessica Hickman, MCKINNEY, TX
OPEN HALTERED BULL DIVISION
CLASS 22: 1. PERPETUAL SOCIETY CP, Langston Taylor, MOUNTAIN VIEW, OK CLASS 23: 1. LR RACK’EM UP CP, Double-Ought Longhorns, MOUNDS, OK 2. TB OAKLEY, Tamra & Thomas Bush, SUNSET, TX CLASS 24: 1. LR STANLEY CP, Randy & Catherine Morris, TUSCOLA, TX
Junior Champion Haltered Bull: LR RACK’EM UP CP, Double-Ought Longhorns, MOUNDS, OK Reserve Junior Champion Haltered Bull: TB OAKLEY, Tamra & Thomas Bush, SUNSET, TX
CLASS 27: 1. LL FLIGHT RISK, Kyla & Weldon Lovejoy, MAUD, OK CLASS 29: 1. LR MR RAGER CP, Tamra & Thomas Bush, SUNSET, TX
Senior Champion Haltered Bull: LR MR RAGER CP, Tamra & Thomas Bush, SUNSET, TX Reserve Senior Champion Haltered Bull: LL FLIGHT RISK, Kyla & Weldon Lovejoy, MAUD, OK Grand Champion Haltered Bull: LR MR RAGER CP, Tamra & Thomas Bush, SUNSET, TX Reserve Grand Champion Haltered Bull: LR RACK’EM UP CP, Double-Ought Longhorns, MOUNDS, OK
Get of Sire
Reserve Junior Champion Youth Female: TB SOUTHERN CHARM, Jaylin Krimmel, BOYD, TX
CLASS 8: 1. WIC MERRY JANE, Kennedy Buchanan, HASKELL, TX CLASS 9: 1. OVER THE MOON CP, Michael Brody Gregory, SLIDELL, TX CLASS 10: 1. HX3 DESTINY’S CHILD, Harlee Jo Roberson, PARADISE, TX 2. WIC CLOVER HEART, Braylin Miller, COLEMAN, TX CLASS 11: 1. LR LILLY ANN CP, Sheridan Van Blarcom, GRANDVIEW, TX 2. LR RIPPING CP, Michael Brody Gregory, SLIDELL, TX
Senior Champion Youth Female: LR LILLY ANN CP, Sheridan Van Blarcom, GRANDVIEW, TX
Reserve Senior Champion Youth Female: LR RIPPING CP, Michael Brody Gregory, SLIDELL, TX
Grand Champion Youth Female: LR LILLY ANN CP, Sheridan Van Blarcom, GRANDVIEW, TX
Reserve Grand Champion Youth Female: LR RIPPING CP, Michael Brody Gregory, SLIDELL, TX
CLASS M1: 1. JP IHOPETHISDAYISGOOD, Melissa Elizabeth Dittmar, HILLSBORO, TX CLASS M2: 1. LL CATEGORY FOUR, Colton Wood, DECATUR, TX 2. LL FB, Quinnlyn Gallat, MISSOURI CITY, TX
Junior Champion Youth Miniature Female: LL CATEGORY FOUR, Colton Wood, DECATUR, TX
Reserve Junior Champion Youth Miniature Female: LL FB, Quinnlyn Gallat, MISSOURI CITY, TX
CLASS M5: 1. LL DIRTY MISTRESS, Colton Wood, DECATUR, TX CLASS M6: 1. HX3 HOT CHEETO GIRL, Harlee Jo Roberson, PARADISE, TX 2. SB SMOKIN ON A SUNDAY, Quinnlyn Gallat, MISSOURI CITY, TX CLASS M7: 1. LL LUCKY STRIKE, Colton Wood, DECATUR, TX
Senior Champion Youth Miniature Female: LL LUCKY STRIKE, Colton Wood, DECATUR, TX
Reserve Senior Champion Youth Miniature Female: LL DIRTY MISTRESS, Michael Brody
Gregory, SLIDELL, TX
Grand Champion Youth Miniature Female: LL LUCKY STRIKE, Colton Wood, DECATUR, TX
Reserve Grand Champion Youth Miniature Female: LL DIRTY MISTRESS, Michael Brody Gregory, SLIDELL, TX
YOUTH BULL DIVISION
CLASS 17: 1. CCR ROWDY RINGO, Braylin Miller, COLEMAN, TX 2. HF ATLAS, Ethan Hickman, MCKINNEY, TX CLASS 18: 1. PERPETUAL SOCIETY CP, Langston Taylor, MOUNTAIN VIEW, OK 2. 14K’S JOE DIRTE, Jaylin Krimmel, BOYD, TX CLASS 19: 1. LR RACK’EM UP CP, Michael Brody Gregory, SLIDELL, TX 2. JP KANSAS CITY CHIEF, Melissa Elizabeth Dittmar, HILLSBORO, TX CLASS 20: 1. LR STANLEY CP, Waverly McCauley, HUFFMAN, TX 2. HF COSMIC STORM, Ethan Hickman, MCKINNEY, TX CLASS 21: 1. LL FLIGHT RISK, Colton Wood, DECATUR, TX
Grand Champion Youth Bull: LR RACK’EM UP CP, Michael Brody Gregory, SLIDELL, TX Reserve Grand Champion Youth Bull: LR STANLEY CP, Waverly McCauley, HUFFMAN, TX
CLASS M13: 1. LL LOCKE JAW, Colton Wood, DECATUR, TX 2. JP CHARLES WALLACE, Melissa Elizabeth Dittmar, HILLSBORO, TX CLASS M14: 1. V3C SHOOTER’S FIREBRAND, Jaylin Krimmel, BOYD, TX
Grand Champion Youth Miniature Bull: V3C SHOOTER’S FIREBRAND, Jaylin Krimmel, BOYD, TX Reserve Grand Champion Youth Miniature Bull: LL LOCKE JAW, Colton Wood, DECATUR, TX
YOUTH STEER DIVISION
CLASS 25: 1. MM COWBOY CORTEZ, Braylin Miller, COLEMAN, TX CLASS 26: 1. JP MOBY DICK, Tripp Lutz, HAMILTON, TX CLASS 27: 1. 41 COOPER FLAGG, Jackson Dickey, WEATHERFORD, TX 2. TB TEXAS HOLD’EM, Alexis Stone, SAN ANGELO, TX
Junior Champion Youth Steer: 41 COOPER FLAGG, Jackson Dickey, WEATHERFORD, TX
Reserve Junior Champion Youth Steer: TB TEXAS HOLD’EM, Alexis Stone, SAN ANGELO, TX
CLASS 31: 1. TB DRAGON, Alexis Stone, SAN ANGELO, TX 2. LL HOUDINI, Colton Wood, DECATUR, TX CLASS 32: 1. FLYING H SAMMY, Jaylin Krimmel, BOYD, TX CLASS 33: 1. LR REVIVAL’S ON EDGE CP, Kahle Walker Locke, BRISTOW, OK 2. TB FROSTBITE, Maxwell Mason, SPRING, TX
Senior Champion Youth Steer: LR REVIVAL’S ON EDGE CP, Kahle Walker Locke, BRISTOW, OK
Reserve Senior Champion Youth Steer: TB FROSTBITE, Maxwell Mason, SPRING, TX
Grand Champion Youth Steer: LR REVIVAL’S ON EDGE CP, Kahle Walker Locke, BRISTOW, OK
Reserve Grand Champion Youth Steer: 41 COOPER FLAGG, Jackson Dickey, WEATHERFORD, TX
CLASS 35: 1. CHAPARRAL SHINDIG, Locke and Payne Partnership, BRISTOW, OK
YOUTH FEMALE DIVISION
CLASS 3: 1. TB SOUTHERN CHARM, Jaylin Krimmel, BOYD, TX 2. LR HONEY CP, Michael Brody Gregory, SLIDELL, TX CLASS 4: 1. LRJUBILEE TENBAR JANE CP, Michael Brody Gregory, SLIDELL, TX 2. HV AMERICAN HONEY, Hadley Anderson, SHREVEPORT, LA CLASS 5: 1. 14K’S KISS MY SASS, Jaylin Krimmel, BOYD, TX 2. POLKA PERPETUA PEARL CP, Quinnlyn Gallat, MISSOURI CITY, TX Junior Champion Youth Female: 14K’S KISS MY SASS, Jaylin Krimmel, BOYD, TX
CLASS Y38: 1. 2M REDSTONE LEGACY, Alexis Stone, SAN ANGELO, TX 2. LL EAZY-E, Colton Wood, DECATUR, TX CLASS Y39: 1. LL PURPLE HAZE, Colton Wood, DECATUR, TX 2. LL LOUIE DUPREE, Harper Keene, TUSCOLA, TX CLASS Y40: 1. LL EXPLOSION, Colton Wood, DECATUR, TX 2. KR
MICHAEL ALEXANDER, Avery N. Mathey, BOWIE, TX
Grand Champion Youth Miniature Steer: LL EXPLOSION, Colton Wood, DECATUR, TX
Reserve Grand Champion Youth Miniature Steer: KR MICHAEL ALEXANDER, Avery N. Mathey, BOWIE, TX
YOUTH SHOWMANSHIP DIVISION
CLASS I: Kahle Walker Locke, 1st Place, Jackson Dickey, 2nd Place, Landon Thomas Dittmar, 3rd Place
CLASS II: Ethan Hickman, 1st Place, Brynn Hickman, 2nd Place, Melissa Elizabeth Dittmar, 3rd Place
CLASS III: Avery N. Mathey, 1st Place, Waverly McCauley, 2nd Place, Colton Wood, 3rd Place
CLASS IV: . Sheridan Van Blarcom, 1st Place, Hadley Anderson, 2nd Place, Quinnlyn Gallat, 3rd Place
TROPHY STEER DIVISION
CLASS 1: 1. FLYING H QUIGLEY, Double R Ranch, GRANDVIEW, TX 2. OCC UNDERCOVER, Melissa Elizabeth Dittmar, HILLSBORO, TX
Junior Champion Steer: FLYING H QUIGLEY, Double R Ranch, GRANDVIEW, TX
Reserve Junior Champion Steer: OCC UNDERCOVER, Melissa Elizabeth Dittmar, HILLSBORO, TX
Grand & Senior Champion Open Female Reserve Grand & Junior Champion Open Female
Grand & Senior Champion Open Youth Female Reserve Grand & Reserve Senior Champion Open Female
Grand & Senior Champion Youth Steer
Show ReSultS
CLASS 5: 1. AJ SKIPPER, Tim & Genelle Woodard, MAUD, OK
Senior Champion Steer: AJ SKIPPER, Tim & Genelle Woodard, MAUD, OK
Grand Champion Steer: AJ SKIPPER, Tim & Genelle Woodard, MAUD, OK
Reserve Grand Champion Steer: FLYING H QUIGLEY, Double R Ranch, GRANDVIEW, TX
MINIATURE FEMALE DIVISION
CLASS M02: 1. LL CATEGORY FOUR, Kyla & Weldon Lovejoy, MAUD, OK 2. LL FB, Kyla & Weldon Lovejoy, MAUD, OK CLASS M03: 1. LL DIRTY MISTRESS, Kyla & Weldon Lovejoy, MAUD, OK
CLASS M04: 1. HX3 HOT CHEETO GIRL, Hunter Lawson, PARADISE, TX 2. SW GOLDEN CRICKET, Kayden Lutz, HAMILTON, TX
Junior Champion Female: HX3 HOT CHEETO GIRL, Hunter Lawson, PARADISE, TX
Reserve Junior Champion Female: LL DIRTY MISTRESS, Kyla & Weldon Lovejoy, MAUD, OK
CLASS M07: 1. LL LUCKY STRIKE, Kyla & Weldon Lovejoy, MAUD, OK CLASS M09: 1. LL FIRECRACKER, Kyla & Weldon Lovejoy, MAUD, OK
Senior Champion Female: LL LUCKY STRIKE, Kyla & Weldon Lovejoy, MAUD, OK Reserve Senior Champion Female: LL FIRECRACKER, Kyla & Weldon Lovejoy, MAUD, OK Grand Champion Female: LL LUCKY STRIKE, Kyla & Weldon Lovejoy, MAUD, OK Reserve Grand Champion Female: LL FIRECRACKER, Kyla & Weldon Lovejoy, MAUD, OK
CLASS M15: 1. LL WITCHY WOMAN, Kyla & Weldon Lovejoy, MAUD, OK 2. SW BLUE BUTTERFLY, Kayden Lutz, HAMILTON, TX
Grand Champion Female Mature: LL WITCHY WOMAN, Kyla & Weldon Lovejoy, MAUD, OK
Reserve Grand Champion Female Mature: SW BLUE BUTTERFLY, Kayden Lutz, HAMILTON, TX
MINIATURE BULL DIVISION
CLASS M19: 1. LL LOCKE JAW, Kyla & Weldon Lovejoy, MAUD, OK 2. JP CHARLES WALLACE, Lazy JP Ranch, DUBLIN, TX
Junior Champion Bull: LL LOCKE JAW, Kyla & Weldon Lovejoy, MAUD, OK
Reserve Junior Champion Bull: JP CHARLES WALLACE, Lazy JP Ranch, DUBLIN, TX
CLASS M22: 1. V3C SHOOTER’S FIREBRAND, Redeker/Lazy JP Ranch Partnership, BLUM, TX
CLASS M23: 1. LL MONEY MAKER, Kyla & Weldon Lovejoy, MAUD, OK
Senior Champion Bull: LL MONEY MAKER, Kyla & Weldon Lovejoy, MAUD, OK
Reserve Senior Champion Bull: V3C SHOOTER’S FIREBRAND, Redeker/Lazy JP Ranch Partnership, BLUM, TX
Grand Champion Bull: LL MONEY MAKER, Kyla & Weldon Lovejoy, MAUD, OK
Reserve Grand Champion Bull: V3C SHOOTER’S FIREBRAND, Redeker/Lazy JP Ranch Partnership, BLUM, TX
ATTENTION AFFILIATES
Shows are published once the results have been proofed and approved by the TLBAA Events Department. If you have photos of winners to submit, you may email them to myra@tlbaa.org. Please clearly identify by animal name and class won.
Attention Showmen:
Be sure to look for upcoming shows to participate in on the last page of Trails Magazine each month or online at www.tbaa.org
Hello everyone!
Presidents Message
I hope everybody is having a great start to the major show season, I can’t believe it’s already in full swing. This month San Angelo, next month Houston! I can say that I am so proud of our board on how we did at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. From meetings, to sales, we brought our youth together and shared what we are all about.
This edition of the Trails Magazine is Herd Sires! I will preface I am partial to one specific bull, but there are hundreds of amazing breeders put that there that can exponentially improve your herd. Our bull, CK Tenbar, is one that has kept our herd producing. I have learned with him that it is extremely important to have a fertile bull that can cover a substantial herd. Also some bulls you may need to use on heifers, for lower birth weights, and bigger bulls on others. Overall, we have found that there’s a herd sire for every operation.
Let’s make the rest of this major show season count and good luck to all!
Sincerely your TLBT National President
Junior:
Intermediate:
If
Senior:
2025-2026 TLBT OFFICERS & DIRECTORS
Sheridan Van Blarcom President
Hadley Anderson Vice President
Jaden Melton Reporter
Anthony Quinn Treasurer
Avery Mathey Parliamentarian
Lexi Stutchman Senior Director
Hannah Birdwell Senior Director
Teagan Mathey
Intermediate Director
Brynn Hickman
Intermediate Director
Annabel Villarreal Secretary
Senior Spotlight
Hennessy Rogers Teen Director
Maxwell Mason Teen Director
Eve Hatler
Junior Director
Landon Dittmar
Junior Director
For more info or questions regarding the TLBT, please contact us at tlbtadvisors@gmail.com or visit us on social media!
Sheridan Van Blarcom Senior
How long have you been showing?
- I have been showing for almost 8 years now
What are you looking forward to most this year?
- What I am looking forward to most this year is definitely the senior sale. It has always been a great way to raise money for the graduating seniors, and the journey along with it is always fun and heartfelt.
Who has been your favorite longhorn to show?
- My favorite Longhorn to show is Flying H Miss Nellie. From the moment I got her, we just clicked. She had been my showmanship cow ever since until she aged out of the youth show. She always appreciates a scratch on the neck and a kiss on the nose. I have to thank Mark and Kim Hammack for allowing me to purchase her and and let go of their baby. You’ll never see Nellie without her head held high and her big bug eyes staring at you.
What are your plans after high school?
- My plans after high school are to attend either Blinn College or Texas A&M University and major in agricultural communications. I also plan to intern around the nation and at my favorite cattle camp each year: McPeak’s Be A Champ camp.
Welcome Four New Dams of Merit
We’re excited to welcome four new dams to the Roll of Honor. Three new inductees are owned by Clint & Sharold Tullos, Square One Longhorns, in Cameron, MO. Nitro Woman SS is a Dam of Excellence, while Diamonds Make A Girl Happy and RBR Platinum join as Dams of Distinction.
Next we have another Dam of Distinction, Dragon Lady 85, owned by Harvey & Donna Thiessen of Dannebrog, NE.
The Dam of Merit Program has been available for TLBAA members for many years as a tool to recognize those Texas Longhorn females that stand out in the area of production among Texas Longhorn breeders. Often overlooked as an effective marketing tool, this list is an official record of the positive reproductive record of Longhorn females.
How can it benefit in your program? It shows your dedication to building a herd on a foundation of solid, reproducible genetics. No one can afford females that do not produce offspring regularly and this record shows off those dependable genetics in your herd.
The list also promotes the cost effectiveness of the Texas Longhorn breed. Dependably producing a calf every year is a trait every breed hopes for in a female. Such evidence of productivity can sway other cattle owners to consider bringing Longhorns into
Dam of Merit Roll of Honor
a crossbred program or starting a secondary herd of Longhorns. You may even turn them into 100% Longhorn owners!
What’s the cost to you to get your female on the list? Only $25 plus a little time investment. You will need to make sure that as your females calve, you have updated their progeny records in H.O.R.N.S.
If you have a female that qualifies, simply call the TLBAA office and speak to registrar Rick Fritsche, or drop him an email at rick@tlbaa.org and he will provide you with the necessary form to fill out to submit your dam for verification. Rick will also help with any questions you may have about “calf at side” information in H.O.R.N.S.
Once the progeny have been verified, your dam will be added to the list which appears in Trails Magazine, posts under “Awards” on www.tlbaa.org, and you will receive a Dam of Merit certificate for your records.
This is an affordable and easy benefit for members to promote a very important positive trait of Texas Longhorns that make owning them that much more satisfying.
**NOTE: This is not a record TLBAA tracks for you. It is up to you, as a owner/breeder, to notify us when your cow has achieved this goal. We look forward to your participation.
Dams of Excellence
Dam must have had 10 consecutive calves, with the first being before her third birthday
3S Touchdown Tari
Mike Davis, Lucky Mountain Ranch, LLC, Dallas, TX
4-Ever
David & Jo Anne Norwood, Waco, TX
Bell La Squaw
Double D Arena, Outlook, SK, Canada
CO Barbwire
David M. Hillis, Austin, TX
CK Estrellita
Carlton & Kierstan Schwab, Austin, TX
Cross M Cherokee Miss
Dr. Fritz & Rebecca Moeller, Socorro, New Mexico
Dewlap
Dr. Fritz & Rebecca Moeller, Socorro, New Mexico
F 3F Bevo’s T J
Dr. Fritz & Rebecca Moeller, Socorro, NM
G&L Enchantment
Dr. Gene & Lana Hightower, Van, TX
G&L True
Dr. Gene & Lana Hightower, Van, TX
High Hope, FD
Bo & Dorie Damuth, Magnolia, Texas
Hope’s Secret
David & Jo Anne Norwood, Waco, TX
Miss CP Ruler 562
T.M. & Jean Smith, Bar S Ranch, Boyd, TX
Miss Peppermint
Ed & Sheryl Johnson, Molalla, OR
Nitro Woman SS
Clint & Sharold Tullos, Cameron, MO
Nutmeg 7/4
Double D Arena, Outlook, SK, Canada
Overcast
Kevin & Jodi Bryant, Camargo, OK
Picabo Phantom
Double D Arena, Outlook, SK, Canada
Rawhide Lady Pebbles
Double D Arena, Outlook, SK, Canada
SP Hija
Ben Tanksley, Alpine, TX
US 89076
Dr. Fritz & Rebecca Moeller, Socorro, NM
Westhaven Ranger Reddy Fraser West, Ione, CA
WT Miss Mona’s Liberator Pearl Longhorn Ranch, Allen & Suzanne Perry, Evant, TX
SR Blade of Fire
Struthoff Ranch, San Antonio, TX
SR Goer’s Shimmer 539
Struthoff Ranch, San Antonio, TX
SR Habanero’s Felena 029
Struthoff Ranch, San Antonio, TX
Dams of Distinction
Almendra Dixie Tierra
Joel & Tamara Kuntz, Bend, OR
Bayou Daisy
Dr. Eugene & Jolie Berry, Baton Rouge, LA
Bayou Princess
Dr. Eugene & Jolie Berry, Baton Rouge, LA
BCR Katherine of Castile 719
Suzanne & William H. Torkildsen, Bull Creek Ranch, Fayetteville, TX
BH Mahogany May
Joel & Tamara Kuntz, Bend, OR
BRR Bella Bambi
Russ Thompson, Decatur, TX
CO Starlight
Richard Whalen, Galdewater, TX
Cross M Blue Velvet
Dr. Fritz & Rebecca Moeller, Socorro, NM
Cross M Delta Becca
Jim & Wanda Taylor
Truth or Consequences, NM
Cross M Delta Charisma
Dr. Fritz & Rebecca Moeller, Socorro, NM
Cross M Salsa
Jim & Wanda Taylor
Truth or Consequences, NM
Cross M Star Spangled
Dr. Fritz & Rebecca Moeller, Socorro, NM
Cross M Texas Ruby Red
Dr. Fritz & Rebecca Moeller, Socorro, NM
Cross M Whelming Matrix
Dr. Fritz & Rebecca Moeller, Socorro, NM
Cross M Whelming Sandy
Dr. Fritz & Rebecca Moeller, Socorro, NM
Daisy 221 4W Ranch, Gladewater, TX
Delta Amber
Phillip Bell, Arlington, TX
Diamond Q Roselyn
John & Rebecca McCammon
Ponder, TX
Diamond W 952
Meadowwood, Charley & Doris Snyder, Elgin, OK
Diamonds Make A Girl Happy
Clint & Sharold Tullos, Cameron, MO
Dillons Fancy
Dr. Fritz & Rebecca Moeller, Socorro, NM
Dixie Heather 3G Ranch, Loyd &Bettie Gibbs Gainesville, TX
Dolly
Joel & Shirley Lemley, Blackwell, TX
Double L’s Miss Elegant
Star Creek Ranch, Somerville, TX
Dam must have had 5 consecutive calves, with the first being before her third birthday
Dragon Lady 85
Harvey & Donna Thiessen, Dannebrog, NE
Dunn Up And Over
Luke & Melissa Barnes, Crystal River, FL
Emperor’s Lucy Creek
Gary Kudrna, Ennis, TX
Fandangos Husker
Barnard Longhorns,
Richard & Janice Barnard Tekamah, NE
FCF Honeymoon
Star Creek Ranch, Somerville, TX
FCF 16th Avenue
Mitch Bryant, Katy, TX
FCF Too Sexy For My Sox
Star Creek Ranch, Somerville, TX
Fiona Moonshine
Double D Arena, Outlook, SK, Canada
Folsom Falls Posh
Folsom Falls Ranch, Fred & Marijo
Balmer,Folsom, NM
GC Little Star
Dr. Fritz & Rebecca Moeller, Socorro, NM
G&L Silver Sage
Dr. Gene & Lana Hightower, Van, TX
G&L Star Spangled
Dr. Gene & Lana Hightower, Van, TX
Good Knight Plum Coco
Double D Arena, Outlook, SK, Canada
Granite Daisy
Double D Arena, Outlook, SK, Canada
Harmony of Victory
Kevin & Jodi Bryant, Camargo, OK
Hayfork Barts BB
Frank & Teresa Locatelli, Santa Cruz, California
Indian Girl 636
Carla Jo Payne, Slidell, TX
JRJ WR 978
Double D Arena, Outlook, SK, Canada
JTS Cowboy Princess
Martin’s Lookout Ranch, La Follette, TN
Ksanka Lily Belle
Robert & Sheryl Greene, Eureka, MO
Lizzy’s Splash
Eagles Nest Ranch, Ben & Ilse Myren, Colville, WA
Lupemitedookay
Debra Lesyk & Dwight Overlid, Double D Arena, Outlook, SK, Canada
LVR Starfire
Suzanne & William H. Torkildsen, Bull Creek Ranch, Fayetteville, TX
Meadowwood’s Carmen Charley & Doris Snyder, Elgin, OK
Meadowwood’s Clementine
Charley & Doris Snyder, Elgin, OK
Meadowwood’s Tango
Brink Longhorns, Frederick, OK
Molly Hunts Best 01 Chris Bandley, St. George, UT
MTR Sittin Sioux
Roger Cole, DVM, Marshfield, MO
OL Dolly
Christopher & Heather Fischer, Grapeland, TX
Peekaboo
Dick & Cheryl Curry, Springtown, TX
Queen Hildegard SRC
Scott Herring, Graford, TX
RBR Platinum
Clint & Sharold Tullos, Cameron, MO
RED Barts Grande Belle
Scott Herring, Graford, TX
RM Perfect Sundown
Luke & Melissa Barnes, Crystal River, FL
Rusty Zipper
Frank & Barbara Renfro, Clinton, MO
S-D Sparkle Plenty
Rudy & Marilyn Bowling, Kaufman, TX
Sanddollar Smoke’n Dawn
Blake & Jessica Hickman, McKinney, TX
Show Me To Success 43
Double D Arena, Outlook, SK, Canada
Silver Sage
Double D Arena, Outlook, SK, Canada
SR 007’s Diamond 521 Struthoff Ranch, San Antonio, TX
SR 007’s Glam Agent 542 Struthoff Ranch, San Antonio, TX
SR 007’s Martini 526 Struthoff Ranch, San Antonio, TX
SR Clout’s Brielle 841 Struthoff Ranch, San Antonio, TX
SR Clout’s Ellie 796 Struthoff Ranch, San Antonio, TX
SR Proficient’s Sweetheart Struthoff Ranch, San Antonio, TX
SR Shamrock’s Sweetheart Struthoff Ranch, San Antonio, TX
3W Legends Country Erin
Lazy JP Ranch, Dublin, TX
3W Pot of Independence
Dale & Bev Sorem, Nevada, IA
Westhavenreddy’sspecks Broadhorn Ranch, Douglas & Katie McDonald, Fernley, NE
QR Codes Can Bring New Dynamics To Your Longhorn Marketing
QR or “quick response” codes have become familiar to most of the population in the past two years due to their widespread use in restaurants to view menus without touching them. The beauty of the QR code is the ease with which it is read by a smartphone and the ability to quickly connect a printed ad to digital content such as a website or video.
While the concept is in effect the same as a barcode, QR codes can contain much more data and are far more versatile.
So how can this benefit your marketing program? It is a way to make it easy for people to find your content quickly and with minimal effort. Also, it is a doorway through which people can enter your ranch by way of a print ad without typing a single keystroke. Hover over the code with your phone and tap open web page or video link and voila, they are viewing progeny, seeing video clips of your bull or simply learning more about your breeding program.
Today QR Codes can be created free online and be modified in color, you can add your logo, there are even custom shapes. Paid services will allow you to add the ability to track activity generated and gather statistics quantifying how many people have viewed linked information via the QR Code. Paid services also make it possible to edit parts of an existing QR code, whereas free services require you to start over if you find you made an error after you’ve downloaded the code.
QR codes can be read from a distance so put one large on your fence, maybe on a banner, and someone driving by can capture it on their phone and go to your website. At busy events when people are easily distracted, it is much easier to scan a code than to stop and type in a web address to check something out.
QR codes have opened up the door to get the most out of print. While some prefer to
look a the printed page, many others revel in the ability to instantly get more information or see video of what they are interested in quickly, with no effort on their part. Once you create a QR code linked to your website or social media it can be used as many times and for as long as you wish. You can also create additional ones for each social media platform and other individual uses.
A close look shows how each code can be modified from the type of marks in the code, the shapes used for the mandatory corners and the logos in the middle. Color may also be added for customization. The three similar codes lead to web pages. The top right code links to a YouTube video.
The codes are not limited to print media, digital ads or event pages can take advantage of them to send people to a form or information on their phone without them having to leave the source page, thus ensuring that they don’t get disconnected from the initial contact point.
Want to play around with a good free version? https:// www.qrcode-monkey.com/ is what we used to create the codes used in ads in this month’s Trails Magazine. There are many other op-
Photo 186382651 © Keechuan | Dreamstime.com
WHAT SHOULD IT LINK TO?
• WEBSITE
• SOCIAL MEDIA
• VIDEOS
• L ANDING PAGES
WHERE SHOULD I USE THEM?
• Print Advertising
• Pen Signs
• Banners
• Business Cards
• Digital Ads
tions as well, but this free version offers a wide range of customization and the ability to put your logo or brand in the middle. There is also a paid version available with tracking information if you want to know who’s clicking through code.
Graphic design professionals can help you with custom QR codes or, if you’re comfortable with it, you can certainly create your own. Just remember, if you decide to create your own, save it at the highest available quality file to start with and then save copies in any smaller
sizes you may need. This way you can be sure it will work in your print as well as digital projects.
Always test the barcode on your own phone before including it on any marketing. It is easy to misstype a URL and then your code will be useless. Also keep in mind the duration of the material you are linking to. If you want to show a video clip of animals for sale, make sure they are hosted on a platform that will keep them active for the timeframe of the ad, sign, etc. you are putting the QR connection on.
If you happen to change your website name /URL for any reason, you may have to make a new QR Code as well, unless you have the ability to edit via a paid service.
Thanks to technological advances in phones, QR Codes are rapidly becoming a recognizable way to give people access to digital content and tie all your print, social and digital channels quickly and easily in a multitude of mediums.
If you would like ideas on how to incorporate custom QR codes into your Trails Magazine ads, simply contact myra@tlbaa.org and we can explore ways to utilize the codes to drive our readers to your website, social media or YouTube experiences.
GREAT PLAINS TEXAS LONGHORN ASSOCIATION
SHAWN TOBIN
PRESIDENT GPTLA.INFO@GMAIL.COM
AFFILIATE UPDATES
Plans are underway for our 9th annual GPTLA World Qualifying Shows, which will be held August 14th, 15th, and 16th, 2026, at the Fall River Fairground in Edgemont, South Dakota. We will include a TLBT show, TLBT points only show, Open show with both haltered and non-haltered classes, Trophy Steer show, and new this year, a Mini show. You can find the event schedule under the events tab at the website, www.gptla.com. Each year we try to make this a bigger and better event, so check back often for additions to the event. Motels are a short distance from the venue, and RV/camping sites are available, so make your plans to attend. There will be more information on this event as it becomes available. Any questions about this event can be directed to the show chairman, Shawn Tobin @ 605-545-2897.
Check out our website at www.gptla.com. There you can find information on our upcoming events and meetings, view photos from our past shows, view stock for sale from some of our participating members with their contact information listed and even become a member of our growing organization.
Speaking of membership, we have multiple membership choices to choose from. Our lifetime membership is $350.00, and our annual membership is $35.00. Both are options for individuals or entities that are Texas Longhorn producers. There is a junior annual membership for $10.00 geared to individuals up to 18 years of age. We also offer an associate annual membership for $25.00 for individuals or entities that are not Texas Longhorn producers but support the breed and the organization.
The Great Plains Texas Longhorn Association recently finished our election for board of directors, as well as positions on the board. Our new board of directors include Lisa Sanders (at-large), Christopher Nix (treasurer), Marlin Krump (secretary), Gordon Howie (vice president), and Shawn Tobin (president).
MIDWEST TEXAS LONGHORN ASSOCIATION
TODD MCKNIGHT PRESIDENT TMCK7@CKT.NET
Mark your calendars and make plans to attend the 2nd Annual “Midwest Texas Longhorn Association Sale”, located in Marysville, Kansas at the Marysville Livestock Auction Barn on June 13th, 2026.
This sale is put on by the members of the Midwest Texas Longhorn Affiliate. Planning is underway as we build on last year’s successful sale to make this year even better.
Consignment Nomination deadline is February 27, 2026.
Go to www.MWTLA.org to complete your form. Take a look at your herd and pick out a few top offerings to help us improve the quality of this year’s sale.
We will have a Friday night Pre Sale-Party June 12, 2026 hosted and sponsored by Justin & Amanda Rombeck, Bar R Cattle Company.
For additional event and Sale Sponsorship information go to www.MWTLA.org for more details.
If you know of other breeders in Kansas or boarding states that would be interested in becoming a member of the Midwest Texas Longhorn Affiliate please pass on the following information: Download and fill out the membership application at www.mwtla.org and mail the dues ($50.00) to: Midwest Texas Longhorn Association, 342 E
Contact with any questions: Todd McKnight 620-704-3493, tmck7@ckt.net or Jim Rombeck 785-562-6665,
HEART OF TEXAS LONGHORN ASSOCIATION
DANNY RUSSELL PRESIDENT CROSE@CACTUSROSELONGHORNS.COM
Join us for the 2026 HOTLA LA Grange Roundup - “The Best Little Longhorn Show in Texas “. February 27-March 1, 2026 at Fayette County Fairgrounds, La Grange, Texas. Featuring Youth , Points, Youth Mini , Open-Haltered, OpenHaltered Mini, Non-Haltered Females, and Non-Haltered Trophy Steer Divisions For information contact Show Chairs Joey Melton - 512-789-2029, or Merrilou Russell - 361-781-4221.
Entry and sponsor info online at www.heartoftexaslonghornassociation.com
Welcome Our New Members!
We’re happy to welcome the following new members to our association. These promotional, active & lifetime members joined December 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025 If you live near one of these new breeders, be sure to reach out introduce yourself!
Mike & Angie Boitnott ........................................ Prescott, AZ
Noel & Erika Calderon Acton, CA
Iron Spur Ranch ..................................................... Parker, CO
Chase & Chelsea Hansen Newton, KS
Justin Naccarato .......................................... Valley Center, KS
Brandi Meshell Zwolle, LA
Liz Riley Hagerstown, MD
Joseph Detweiler Delton, MI
JB Longhorns Nashville, MI
Jonas Coblentz ............................................. Vermontville, MI
Bobby Reinehart Neosho, MO
K2 Ranch .................................................... Saint Ignatius, MT
Edgar Ramirez Lovington, NM
Coondog Cattle Company LLC .......................... Durant, OK
Cosby Land & Cattle Co Washington, OK
Ryan Bond ...................................................... Stroudsburg, PA
Titus & Chandra Rodriguez Cookeville, TN
Robert & Jamie Straw .......................................... Decatur, TN
Sam Peikert Angleton, TX
Emily Moreland .......................................................Austin, TX
Brandon Shivers Beckville, TX
Doyle & Dixie Johnson................................ Cedar Creek, TX
Adam Griffin Decatur, TX
Cary And Saridon Rabb Georgetown, TX
Dry Plug Ranch Richards, TX
Buddy & Brandi Noack Sealy, TX
Jason Wilson .................................................. Stephenville, TX
Miles & Sherri Frazier Tuscola, TX
Guadalupe De La Garza ...................................... Victoria, TX
Gary Frith Washington, TX
Double C Ranch ................................................ Woodway, TX
S&C Livestock Kanosh, UT
Haywire Ranch ............................... Rosevale, QLD, Australia
Spalding Ranch Audet, QC, Canada
Whether you are a brand new member or have been in the association for years, everyone has opportunities to participate with Trails Magazine!
New Breeders - If you have been a member for less than four years you can do a free “Meet Our Members” profile to introduce yourself to our membership. If interested, simply email myra@tlbaa. org for the questions.
All Members - Everyone is welcome to submit photos for consideration for editorial use, Just for Grins or possibly even a cover shot when needed. We give credit to photographer and ranch name if applicable. The photos submitted are archived and may be used at any time after submission.
Another area to feature news about your efforts to expose the world to Longhorns is “News on the Trail”. If you are featured in the media or host group of visitors to your ranch or display your Long-
horns in public at an event - send us a few pictures and a write up and we’ll share it with our readers. It’s great to spark ideas for others on how they can spread the word about Longhorns as well as getting exposure for your breeding program.
Experienced Breeders - If there is a topic you’d like to see covered in Trails, and you would like to contribute by being interviewed or by writing an article yourself, just reach out to myra@tlbaa.org and let’s discuss it. We are always open to contributions from those who have “Been there and done that”. We encourage input from our members. However, due to other scheduled editorial content and previously submitted photos and editorial requests, submissions may not be published until future issues.
For any questions or comments on content, email myra@tlbaa.org.
MISSOURI
MASSACHUSETTS
MONTANA INDIANA
MICHIGAN
NEW MEXICO
SOUTH TEXAS
WEST TEXAS
UTAH
CANADA ALBERTA
Auctioneers
Cattle For Sale
BEAVER CREEK LONGHORNS - Est. 1995. Conformation, color, disposition, pedigree and HORNS. Reasonable prices. Carole Muchmore, Ponca City, OK. 580 765-9961 (calls only) or email cmuchmor@ poncacity.net. www.beavercreeklonghorns.com
Trade & Barter
TRADE YOUR LONGHORNS – We’ll take your bulls and steers in trade for cows, heifers, pairs, herd sires or semen from breed’s top quality bulls. Stonewall Valley Ranch, Fredericksburg, TX. Days 512-454-0476 / Weekends 830-644-2380.
JUST FOR GRINS HAVE A CUTE PIC?
SAVE THE DATE TEXAS LONGHORNComing Events
FEBRUARY 2026
February 13, 2025 • San Antonio Livestock Show, San Antonio, TX Entries www.sarodeo.com Qualifying Youth
February 14, 2026 • Matagorda County Fair, Matagorda County Fairgrounds, Bay City, TX Contact Stephen Head headshorns@gmail.com or 979-549-5270 Qualifying Haltered, Trophy Steers, Youth & Miniatures.
February 20-22, 2025 • San Angelo Livestock Show, San Angelo, TX Contact Amanda Danley Adanley@seminoleisd.net or 432-897-1430 Qualifying Haltered, Trophy Steers, Youth, Points Only & Miniatures.
February 27 - March 1, 2026 • HOTLA LaGrange Roundup, LaGrange, TX Contact Merrilou Russell 361-781-4221 or mrcactusgirl13@gmail.com Qualifying Haltered, Non-Haltered, Trophy Steers, Miniatures, Youth & Points Only. Entry Deadline February 20th
MARCH 2026
March 7, 2026 • Winchester Futurity, Brazos Valley Livestock Commission Bryan, TX Contact Karen Allen 432-638-4233 alkabryranch@gmail.com or Kim Head 979-922-9356 headshorns@hotmail.com. Entry deadline Feb 15
March 13-14, 2026 • 21st Longhorn Legacy Sale, Grapevine, TX. Chase Vasut (512) 917-8654
March 13-15, 2026 • NTLBA Spring Show, Hopkins County Civic Center, Sulphur Springs, TX. Entry Deadline 2/25/26 (email & postmark). John Oliver (972) 268-0083, joliver210@yahoo.com or Brenda Oliver (972) 268-0031, boliver84@yahoo.com. Qualifying Haltered, Non-Haltered, Trophy Steers, Youh, Miniatures and 2 Points Only
March 21-22, 2026 • Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, NRG Center Houston, TX Enter Online www.rodeohouston.com Contact Pam Robison 817-6256241 or pam@tlbaa.org Qualifying Haltered, Trophy Steers & Youth . Entries Open December 15, 2025 | Entries Close February 1, 2026
March 26-28, 2026 • YMBL South Texas State Fair, Ford Park, Beaumont, TX. Bracy Wars (936) 404-2116. April Morales (281) 995-3528 or arklatex.april@ gmail.com. Qualifying Haltered, Trophy Steers and Youth.
APRIL
2026
April 10-12, 2026 • ETLA Corsicana Classic, Navarro County Exposition Center, Corsicana, TX Contact Debbie Burkham dburk5@hotmail.com or 214-616-2549 Qualifying Haltered, Trophy Steers, Youth, Points Only or Miniatures.
April 10-11, 2026 • Bluegrass Sale and Futurity, Lexington, KY, Dan Huntington 715-853-7608 or info@huntingtonsales.com
April 17-18, 2026 • Cherry Blossom Sale and Futurity, Culpeper VA. Chase Vasut (512) 917-8654 or Shawn Pequignot (540) 406-3155.
April 18, 2026 • Spring B&C Sale, New Cambria, MO Contact Alyson Sayre –asayre@stanbury.com
April 24-25, 2026 • 2026 Battle On The Prairie Futurity Duncan, OK. Josh Dinwiddie (580) 812-2436.
MAY 2026
May 1-2, 2026 • Glendenning Fiesta Sale, Celina, TX. Contact Sherese Glendenning sherese@glendenningfarms.com 972-978-0424
May 1-3, 2026 • TLBGCA Spring Show, Grimes County Fairgrounds, Navasota, TX Contact Stephen Head Headshorns@hotmail.com or 979-549-5270
Qualifying Haltered, Trophy Steers, Youth, Points Only & Miniatures.
May 8-10, 2026 • Horns In The Pineywoods, Panola Expo Center, Carthage, TX Contact Bridget Twomey arklatex.april@gmail.com or 281-995-3528
Qualifying Haltered, Trophy Steers, Youth, Points Only & Miniatures.
May 15-16 2026 • Pride of the Prairie Texas Longhorn Futurity, Murdo, SD Contact Chris Nix chrisnixfencing@hotmail.comor 605-530-5104 or Shawn Tobin shawnstobin@gmail.comor 605-545-2897.
May 22-23, 2026 • Fort Worth Stockyards Longhorn Auction, Heifer Sale Friday - Cow Sale Saturday. Contact Hudson Longhorn Sales, Elizabeth Hudsonehudson18@gmail.com or (812) 786-2140.
JUNE 2026
June 13, 2026 • The Midwest Texas Longhorn Association Sale, Marysville, KS. www.mwtla.org
June 26, 2026 • Futurity of The West, Dundee, OR. Contact Scott Picker (503) 572-5656 or scott@aspencreeklandscaping.com
June 27, 2026 • Oregon Trail Sale ,Dundee, OR. Contact Scott Picker (503) 5725656 or scott@aspencreeklandscaping.com
JULY 2026
July 16-18, 2026 • TLBAA World Expo & Junior Nationals, Taylor County Expo Center, Abilene, TX. Contact Pam Robison (817) 625-6241 or pam@tlbaa.org
July 24-25, 2026 • Great Northern Classic, Gresham, WI Contace Dan Huntington 715-853-7608or Ali Mast 715-495-4369
AUGUST 2026
August 14-16, 2026 • GPTLA Show, Fall River Fairgrounds, Edgemont, SD Contact Shawn Tobin gptla.info@gmail.comor 605-545-2897 Qualifying Haltered, Non-Haltered, Trophy Steers, Miniatures, Youth & Points Only August 21-23, 2026 • Top Hand Longhorns Sale and World Qualifying Shows Rapid City, SD, Contact Jodie O’Bryan joband123@hotmail.com
SEPTEMBER 2026
September 11-12, 2026 • G&G Fall Classic Sale and Futurity Culpeper, Virginia, Chase Vasut (512) 917-8654 or Shawn Pequignot (540) 406-3155.
OCTOBER 2026
October 1 -3, 2026 • Horn Showcase, El Reno, OK, Pam Robison, pam@tlbaa. org, 817625-6241October 10, 2026 • Fall B&C Sale, New Cambria, MO Contact Alyson Sayre – asayre@stanbury.com
October 30-November 1, 2026 • ETLA Fall Showdown, Gilmer, TX Contact Tory Frazier 903-570-6589 or LFCattleCompany@gmail.com
Affiliates:
Please submit a completed show application to pam@tlbaa.org in order to have your TLBAA World Qualifying show listed. All other events: All other events, sales, field days or other activities may email your information directly to myra@tlbaa.org. No event will be added without a request being made.
