As 2025 comes to a close, we’re incredibly grateful for a year full of progress, milestones, and moments that remind us why we do what we do. From the show ring to the pasture, from family milestones to global partnerships, this year was shaped by hard work, steady growth, and the people who make BRC Ranch what it is. Here’s our countdown of a few moments that stood out most to our family and team as we look back on 2025.
10A. Lyn Attending the Angus Herdsman Conference
Lyn Castaneda, our ranch manager, represented BRC at the Angus Herdsman Conference at the American Angus Association in St. Joseph, Missouri. This was a big step for us as our Angus program continues to grow. Learning, asking questions, and building relationships in the Angus world matters to us as we keep pushing to do things the right way across all breeds.
This fall, we transitioned some of our ranch leadership roles and are happy to announce that Lyn has moved into our general manager position. Lyn has been part of the BRC team for five years, working in every aspect of our program from starting as a show barn intern, to working as our beef business manager, and recently in overseeing our Louisiana expansion. Lyn is also fluent in English and Spanish, which is huge in our international program. Moving into the general manager role was a natural transition and we are excited to see his future development.
10B. Seeing Connor Transition into Herdsman
In late 2024, our longtime herdsman, Harley Wade, shared with us that he was ready to transition out of the herdsman role and pursue other opportunities. We appreciated his honesty and transparency, and it allowed us to begin working intentionally on a succession plan—focused on onboarding, training, and investing in the next person to take the reins.
Connor Thibodeaux joined our team in the fall of 2024, and after Houston 2025, he officially stepped into the role of full-time herdsman. A freak injury set him back for part of the summer and fall of 2025 (definitely a low moment), but what stood out most was the fire, passion, and determination Connor brought right back with him.
Team changes happen in every business, but we feel incredibly blessed that through open communication and planning, we were able to prepare for a smooth and thoughtful transition. In the fall of 2025, Harley moved into a new role as a sales representative with Hlavinka Equipment Company—something we were proud to support. That transition is a reflection of how we view our team: not just as employees, but as family.
In his first year as herdsman, Connor had some big wins, including championships at the Bos Indicus International, Brahman Event, and the Kickoff Classic. We’re excited about the foundation he’s building and what the future holds. His excitement for the cattle and the role has been energizing for our entire team. As Connor said last week, “It’s Houston Go-Time!”
9. Keaton’s Big Career Move — Santa Gertrudis CEO
Who are we kidding… we’re still in the grieving stage! We didn’t say this blog was top 10 BEST moments. Just moments lol. 🙂 But sarcasm aside, we are genuinely proud of Keaton Dodd for stepping into his new role as CEO of the Santa Gertrudis Association. We miss him every day, but this opportunity is a reflection of the leadership and work ethic that have always been part of the BRC family. We are not actively advertising for a person to join us in this position, but, we would like to eventually add someone into a customer service / sales / genetics role sometime in 2026. So, if you know someone who’d be a great fit for our team, send them our way.
8. A 38% Increase in Semen Sales
In 2025, BRC saw a 38% increase in semen sales compared to 2024. Seeing breeders around the world choose BRC genetics is humbling and honestly just a really great feeling. Watching those cattle work in different environments and programs—and seeing the success that follows—makes us proud and thankful.
7. Gus Winning the All American & Other Summer Show Wins
BRC Gussied Up 372 being named Grand Champion Female at the All American National Junior Brahman Show was definitely a highlight moment. Getting to see Wyatt Landry earn that banner made it even more special. That’s a great young man. Also that week, Mollie was also High Point All-Around in her age division, and Annie did what Annie does best—soaking it all in with her friends. Annie also ventured into participating in the leadership contests, and won 1st place in one! Along with many other summer wins, it was a summer show season we’ll always look back on fondly.
6. Customer Appreciation Sale — A New Format, Same Great People
This year, we moved our Customer Appreciation Sale from a live sale to an online format, and it ended up being a great change. The sale brought together loyal BRC supporters and offered quality cattle we’re proud of. The high-selling female, a Noble daughter from Wichita Ranch, sold for $15,100. We’re already looking forward to doing it again in May 2026.
5. Night of Champions Sale
The Night of Champions Sale once again reminded us how special this event is. With bidders from 11 states and four countries, it truly felt like a global BRC family coming together. Strong demand across the offering—including a $47,000 half-interest female—made the night one we won’t forget. We’re making plans for 2026 and we hope you’ll join us in Boling, Texas on Friday, October 16, 2026.
4. Mollie Named a Texas Young Livestock Ambassador
This summer was extra special when Mollie was named a Texas Young Livestock Ambassador (TYLA). It’s a great leadership program through Texas 4-H, and we’ve loved watching her grow through the experience. Her training week at West Texas A&M also gave Rachel and Annie some much-needed one-on-one time in Amarillo—so it was a win all around.
3. Hereford and Angus Expansion On Track and Exceeding Expectations
Our Hereford and Angus programs continued to gain momentum in 2025. We marketed our first set of weaned Angus and Hereford calves in the summer and exceeded our breakeven goals by 50%, which felt like a huge blessing. Later in the fall, our first offering of replacement heifers sold out in just two days. Seeing the demand for these cattle reinforces our belief in our Gulf Coast crossbreeding goals.
2. Building a New Office
In 2025, we broke ground on a new ranch office. If you’ve ever visited us, you know most deals and conversations have happened in a tiny show barn “office” which is about the size of a closet. We’re hopeful to be in the new space by Houston 2026 and excited to have a place better suited for hosting visitors, conversations, and relationships.
1. Houston Wins and the HK Trophy
We’d be lying if we didn’t put this at number one—even though Brandon will always tell you production matters more than banners. Winning Grand Champion Female, Grand Champion Bull, and Reserve Champion Bull at Houston, and being named the HK Trophy winner, was one of the most meaningful moments of our lives, not just 2025. Houston takes an incredible amount of work, time, and teamwork, and that week will always stand out because we shared it with so many people we respect and care about.
Looking Ahead
As we head into a new year, we don’t take any of this for granted. For 2026,
our focus remains the same. We’ll keep building cattle that work, investing in people who care, and pushing ourselves to get better every year.
We believe there’s room in this industry for progress, integrity, and innovation, and we’ll always choose to spend our energy there.
The BRC mindset and mantra is to do the work, honor our customers, and let the results speak for themselves.
To our customers, partners, team members, and families who support BRC: thank you for trusting us and believing in what we’re building.
Whether you’re down the road or across the world, we’re grateful to be part of your programs.
From our team to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and a strong, successful 2026.
-Brandon, Rachel, Mollie and Annie Cutrer
