By Blake Jackson
The American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) is preparing for its 2026 National Brahman Show, bringing breeders, exhibitors, and Brahman enthusiasts together to celebrate the American Brahman breed. Entries are currently open, with the deadline set for September 10, 2026.
A major announcement for this year’s event is the selection of Terry Burks as the judge for the ABBA National Open Show. Known for his extensive experience in livestock evaluation and his long-standing involvement in the agricultural industry, Burks brings considerable expertise to the national competition.
Burks has built a diverse career that combines education, livestock judging, and agricultural service. He is a retired English Studies professor from Chifeng University in China. Earlier in his career, he worked with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Division of Show and Fair Promotion, serving as an educational coordinator and federal livestock grader.
Burks background in livestock began during his youth, when he actively exhibited Simmental cattle through the American Junior Simmental Association. He later earned bachelor’s and master's degrees in animal science from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Over the course of his judging career, Burks has evaluated more than 1,400 junior and open livestock shows across 44 states.
Burks experience includes major national and regional events such as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, San Antonio Livestock Show, Fort Worth Stock Show, North American International Livestock Exposition, American Royal, National Western Stock Show, and Cattlemen’s Congress.
Beyond Brahman cattle, Burks has judged competitions involving several leading beef breeds, including Simmental, Hereford, Shorthorn, Gelbvieh, Limousin, and Santa Gertrudis. His judging experience also spans state fairs, county competitions, regional shows, and youth livestock events.
ABBA officials said his knowledge and experience will bring valuable perspective to this year’s national competition. Burks and his wife, Alice, reside in Scottsville, Kentucky.
For more information, visit https://americanbrahman.org/genetics/national-brahman-show/.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-peopleimages
Categories: Kentucky, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle