| The countdown is on! We are just days away from the 2026 AJBA All American: “Brahmans Under the Big Top” and we know many of you are making final preparations before heading to Bryan, Texas. With any event of this size come plenty of questions, so we have prepared a few answers to some of the most common inquiries to help make your arrival and week as smooth as possible. Move-In Day Q: What time do the barns open? The barns will officially open at 2:00 p.m. on move-in day. For those arriving in Bryan prior to that time, a staging area will be available where trailers may park until the barns are opened. Please note that there will be no access to the barns prior to 2:00 p.m. This includes setting up tack, unloading cattle, or occupying stall space. The Brazos County Expo Center will be transitioning the facility from a previously scheduled event, and 2:00 p.m. is the earliest time the facility will be available for AJBA exhibitors. We appreciate your patience and understanding as the Expo staff prepares the facility for our arrival. Check-In The schedule lists 6:00 p.m. as the target time for completing move-in and check-in activities. We understand this will be a busy afternoon with more than 300 exhibitors arriving, but please rest assured that everyone will have the opportunity to unload, get settled, and complete the check-in process. Bred & Owned Check-In Q: Will there be a Bred & Owned check-in? Yes. As outlined in the official schedule, all Bred & Owned entries will be required to complete a physical check-in prior to competition. During this process, ABBA staff and Youth Activities Committee representative will verify that each animal meets the eligibility requirements established in the AJBA All American rules. This includes cross-checking: - The animal’s holding brand.
- The official ABBA registration certificate to verify the appropriate breeder and ownership information.
- Compliance with all Bred & Owned eligibility requirements outlined in the Exhibitor Packet.
Please bring both your animal and its official ABBA registration papers to the scheduled Bred & Owned check-in. Once the animal has been inspected and approved, the registration papers will receive an “Bred & Owned Approved” stamp. This stamp will serve as verification that the animal has met all eligibility requirements and is approved to compete in the Bred & Owned Show. This process is designed to maintain the integrity of the Bred & Owned competition while ensuring consistency and fairness for all exhibitors. Health Papers for Returning Home As previously communicated, ABBA is coordinating with a licensed Texas veterinarian who will be available on-site to inspect cattle and issue health papers for exhibitors who require them for interstate travel back to their home states. Additional details regarding the veterinarian’s schedule, procedures, and associated costs will be provided during exhibitor check-in for those needing this service. New World Screwworm Update ABBA continues to monitor the New World Screwworm (NWS) situation on a daily basis and remains in communication with the appropriate state and federal animal health officials. At this time, there are no restrictions affecting travel into the Bryan, Texas area or departing the event following the AJBA All American, provided exhibitors comply with their home state’s animal health requirements. The event will proceed as scheduled, and cattle movement to and from the Bryan area remains unrestricted. As a reminder, exhibitors are responsible for understanding and complying with any health certificate or re-entry requirements established by their home state. Our on-site veterinarian will be available to assist those requiring Certificates of Veterinary Inspection before returning home. Should any requirements change prior to or during the event, we will communicate those updates promptly. Our goal is to keep exhibitors informed with timely, accurate, and verified information. We are excited to welcome everyone to Bryan for another outstanding AJBA All American. Safe travels as you prepare for the journey and thank you for being a part of this year’s event. On behalf of the AJBA Board of Directors, the ABBA Youth Activities Committee, and the ABBA staff, thank you for your support and participation. We look forward to an outstanding week of competition, leadership development, and fellowship as we celebrate our junior members Under the Big Top! R. Paul Maulsby Executive Vice President American Brahman Breeders Association | 
