2008 World Brahman Congress

More than 2,000 Brahman enthusiasts from around the world gathered in Fort Worth, Texas for the 2008 World Brahman Congress XIV on May 18-23. This was the 14th biannual congress since 1982 and marks only the second time for the event to be held in the United States.

In addition to cattle and conversation, the week-long congress consisted of many fun-filled and informative events including a sold out trade show, technical seminars, cattle shows, parties, exhibits, ranch tours and a sale of elite genetics.

On May 19-20, 365 people attended the World Brahman Congress technical seminars. There were 17 speakers and the presentations were moderated by Dr. Roger Hunsley. 
After the technical conference concluded on May 19, congress attendees wined and dined with fellow breeders, geneticists and Brahman buffs at the opening ceremony. They enjoyed delicious food and cocktails to the upbeat sounds of the Phoenix Rhythm and Horn quintet lead by Coleman Locke.

The congress guest list included visitors from 28 countries and many international Brahman association leaders. Some of which were: Randy Favis- Vice President Philippine Brahman Breeders Association, Billy Badila- Secretary Philippine Brahman Breeders Association, Edwin Sanchez- Director Philippine Brahman Breeders Association, Fabio Jarmillo- President of Asocebu Association, Juan Santiago Velez- Executive Director of Asocebu Association, John Atkinson- President of Australian Brahman Association, John Croaker- Executive Vice President of Australian Brahman Association, Kenney Crampton- Breed Director of the Brahman Cattle Society of South Africa, Llewellyn Labuschagne- President of The Brahman Cattle Breeders Society of South Africa, Franz Schloder- President  of Namibian Brahman Society, Jose Amauri Dimarzio- President of the Associacao Dos Criadores de Brahman Do Brasil and chairperson for the World Brahman Congress in 2010, Lydio Cosac de Faria - Executive Director of the Associacao Dos Criadores de Brahman Do Brasil, Carlos Tamayo- President of Asociacion Mexicana de Criadores de Cebu, Julio Lozano- Secretary of Asociacion Mexicana de Criadores de Cebu, and Liberio Vilchis - Treasure of Asociacion Mexicana de Criadores de Cebu.

Every guest at the congress received customized brief cases with promotional information, a CD of the technical presentations and the commemorative "Brands of Distinction" poster, and everyone who stayed at the Worthington hotel received gourmet pecans, peach preserves and peach pie mix in their rooms.

On May 21, the cattle show kicked off. Approximately 680 head of cattle traveled from six states to compete in this unique event.  The female show took place on May 21 and the bull show on May 22.

A Presentation entitled “How the Cattle Won the West” followed by the J.D. Hudgins 100th Anniversary party and street dance entertained guests after the bull show.
 
On the morning of Friday, May 23, guests had the opportunity to attend the Sale Cattle Brunch, where they could prepare for the sale as well as take photos with the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders. The sale started at noon. It was an elaborate production with smoke, music, cheerleaders, and at one point in time, even a confetti cannon.

The Final Gala or “Grand O’e Finale” concluded the congress. Awards were given and gracious guests from other countries presented the ABBA with several wonderful gifts. Dr. Kevin Bryant and the many volunteers were saluted for putting on an awesome congress.

You can ask anyone who went; the Congress was a memorable event that will be discussed around the show box for many years to come!