The Williams family of V8 Ranch has been breeding top-quality Brahman cattle for over 50 years. Their eye for cattle and dedication paid off this past year when V8 Ranch made American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) history.
For the first time ever, one ranch claimed both the coveted Show Heifer of the Year and Bull of the Year titles in the ABBA Show Animals of the Year. The V8 Ranch champions are Miss V8 279/9 and Mr. V8 891/8 “Pathfinder.” Out of thousands of Brahman cattle shown nationally in ABBA-sanctioned events, V8 Ranch took first place in both the female and bull categories.
Interestingly, Miss V8 279/9 and Mr. V8 891/8 “Pathfinder” were both sired by +Mr. V8 146/8 “Sloan” – and in his first sire crop! Given his prowess in the show ring (being the first and only Brahman bull to win the International Brahman Show three times), it’s no surprise that Sloan’s offspring are continuing his legacy of excellence.
The 2023 wins add to V8 Ranch’s impressive ABBA Show Animals of the Year roster. This includes Miss V8 62/9, who was named the 2021 Premier Gray Female of the Year. The renowned Miss V8 954/6 was also crowned the 2010 Premier Gray Female of the Year.
In addition, V8 Ranch has seen great success in the Shorthorn breed:
- 2009 Show Heifer of the Year: Miss V8 Mollie Jo 93S2
- 2008 Show Heifer of the Year: Miss V8 Mollie Jo 93S2
- 2005 Show Heifer of the Year: Miss V8 Can’t Fool Me 458N2
1ST PLACE 2023 SHOW HEIFER OF THE YEAR: MISS V8 279/9
Miss V8 279/9 was named the 2023 Show Heifer of the Year. Her major wins included Supreme Champion American Female at the renowned Cattleman’s Congress.
As an early daughter of three-time International Champion +Mr. V8 146/8 “Sloan,” Miss V8 279/9 heralded his progeny’s monumental influence on V8 Ranch and the Brahman breed. Her dam from a J.D. Hudgins internet purchase blended the traditional JDH style with V8’s signature look. A powerhouse female with a beautiful front end, 279/9 represents the evolution of V8 genetics – substance and muscle shape paired with eye appeal.
As she moves into life as a donor cow, her potential is bright. We are excited to see Miss V8 279/9 pass her maternal genetic strengths on to her offspring in the years ahead.
2ND PLACE 2023 SHOW HEIFER OF THE YEAR: MISS V8 472/9 “MAGIC”
Miss V8 472/9 “Magic” earned second place in the 2023 ABBA Premier Show Animals of the Year Awards.
A Reserve National Champion, she is co-owned with Walters Livestock Enterprises of Brenham, Texas, who won her at a record-breaking $150,000 one-half interest in the Made for Magic IV Sale (October 2021).
Descended from a line of V8 greats like her National Champion sire +Mr. V8 322/8, her dam +Miss V8 829/6 – one of V8’s most prolific donors ever, and an unbroken chain of Register of Renown females including two International Grand Champions, “Magic” represents the pinnacle of V8’s storied breeding program. With her harmonious blend of physical excellence, soundness, and championship pedigree, she has become one of the most celebrated V8 females of all time, encapsulating the ideals of the Brahman breed.
4TH PLACE 2023 SHOW HEIFER OF THE YEAR: MISS V8 532/9
Co-owned with GKB Cattle, this Brahman female sold for one-half interest in the Made for Magic V Sale (July 2022).
An intriguing V8 genetic outcross, Miss V8 532/9 combines the stellar sire power of 2020 National Champion +Mr. V8 322/8 with the maternal strength of a J.D. Hudgins-bred dam. This rare blend manifests in a signature V8 profile and outstanding performance metrics, with top 10% EPD rankings across five key growth and maternal traits – even the top 1% for weaning weight. Furthermore, her genetics place her in the top 10% for two vital carcass characteristics. Miss V8 532/9 represents some of the best that V8 breeding has to offer.
1ST PLACE 2023 SHOW BULL OF THE YEAR: MR. V8 891/8 “PATHFINDER”
Mr. V8 891/8 “Pathfinder” was named 2023 Show Bull of the Year.
A massively built son of the legendary “Sloan,” Pathfinder has dominated shows across the country, amassing Grand Champion victories at the prestigious Miami International, Jambalaya Classic, Sugar Classic, East Texas State Fair, and Cattlemen’s Congress shows. Further cementing his status, he was named the Reserve Supreme Champion American Bull at the historic Cattlemen’s Congress. Pathfinder is co-owned with our friends at GKB Cattle.
4TH PLACE SHOW BULL OF THE YEAR: MR. V8 910/8 “AXEL
The impressive show career of Mr. V8 910/8 “Axel” continues to reach new heights. Originally purchased as a calf from V8 Ranch by Stafford Cattle Company and Walters Livestock Enterprises, Axel was named Reserve Grand Champion Bull at 2023 Cattlemen’s Congress as well as Grand Champion Bull at the 2023 Heart O’ Texas Brahman Show and 2023 ABBA Winter Classic. His extensive list of wins also includes top honors at 2022 South Texas State Fair, 2022 Cattlemen’s Congress where he was also Reserve Grand Champion, 2022 Heart O’ Texas, and 2022 Junior Champion at the ABBA Winter Classic. As his show record clearly demonstrates, Axel’s tremendous genetic potential from V8 Ranch continues to shine brightly in the show ring year after year.
GET WORLD – FAMOUS V8 GENETICS
As the 2023 sweep demonstrates, their breeding program at V8 Ranch continues to reach new heights by producing the nation’s top show cattle year after year.
V8 Ranch provides multiple opportunities for cattle breeders to bring elite V8 genetics into their herds, whether across town or across the world:
- Purchase outstanding V8-bred cattle directly from the ranch in Hungerford, TX, through private treaty sales
- Invest in a partnership for fractional ownership in select animals – like the recent record sales of half-interests in Miss V8 472/9 “Magic” and Miss V8 532/9 in our Made for Magic auctions, offered twice a year
Breed V8 sires to your herd with the availability of semen from current and past V8 legends, including “Sloan.” As the V8 Brahman breeding program continues setting benchmarks for the industry after five decades, their genetics have never been more accessible.
Have questions? Contact us at the office, and we’ll be happy to help you!
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