Outstanding junior Brahman breeder announced
Many awards are given at each year’s All American, but few have the long-term vision that the Outstanding Junior Breeder Award possesses. The Outstanding Junior Breeder Award was created to recognize a junior member who excels in creating and building their own bred and owned Brahman herd. The award is selected from an essay application in which applicants explain their breeding philosophy and future goals for their herd. In addition, the juniors must have exhibited at least one bred & owned animal within the past two All Americans or be exhibiting one at this year’s All American. Throughout the years many former award winners have gone on to become successful adult Brahman breeders.
The award has been sponsored by V8 Ranch for the past 10 to 15 years. According to Rachel Cutrer of V8 Ranch “This award is meant to help recognize outstanding young breeders and encourage them to continue their involvement in the breed beyond their AJBA membership.” Each year V8 has sponsored a plaque for the winner as well as gifting some rare V8 semen.
This year’s award winner is Payton Herzog of Robinson, Texas. Payton has been a member of the American Junior Brahman Association since 2009. He is also currently serving as a director for the Texas Junior Brahman Association. Payton is a senior at Robinson High School. After high school, Payton plans to attend Texas A&M University to study Agricultural Economics. In the future, Payton would like to have a career in Ranch Management while continuing to build his Brahman herd. “I have been involved with the Brahman breed my entire life and I do not plan on leaving anytime soon,” Payton said. “I get very excited to think about the future of my Brahman herd and the possibilities are endless!”
This award is open to all AJBA members ages 8 to 21 years old. The application can be found in the All American entry packet each year. Interested juniors must fill out an application, attach a resume and write an essay on the assigned topic.
For more news and information about the American Junior Brahman Association, visit brahman.org.