American Royalty: Final Champions Crowned Under the Lights at the 2026 Cattlemen’s Congress: After weeks of elite competition, the 2026 Cattlemen’s Congress came to a triumphant close under the bright lights of the OG+E Coliseum. The final event of the schedule, the American Supreme Drive, brought the heat-tolerant breeds center stage, crowning the final royalty of the show season.
From a dominant showing by Brangus genetics in the Open show to a standout performance by a Percentage Simbrah in the Junior ring, the “American Supremes” provided a fitting finale to the biggest event in the business.
Junior American Supreme: The Future is Bright
In the Junior division, the spotlight belonged to Zachary Buchanan of Waxahachie, Texas. Buchanan guided his Percentage Simbrah female to the ultimate honor, claiming the title of Supreme Champion Junior American Female.
The depth of quality in the Junior drive was evident in the top five selections:
- Reserve Supreme: Quinn Padgett of Grand Chenier, Louisiana.
- 3rd Overall: Olivia King of Bryan, Texas, with her Beefmaster.
- 4th Overall: Kayl Tassin of Sandy Hook, Mississippi, exhibiting a Simbrah.
- 5th Overall: Cleavie Allen, exhibiting a Black Brangus.
Open American Show: A Brangus Sweep
The Open show proved to be a banner night for the Brangus breed, which captured the Supreme title in both the female and bull divisions.
The Females In the female ring, the powerhouse program GKB Cattle of Desdemona, Texas, rose to the top, taking home Supreme Champion Open American Female honors with their Brangus female. It was a massive night for Zachary Buchanan, who returned to the ring after his Junior win to claim Reserve Supreme Open American Female with his Percentage Simbrah, proving his heifer can compete at the highest level in both rings. Third Overall honors went to Traci Middleton of Puryear, Tennessee, with her Ultra Brangus female.
Wrapping up With the Bulls:
On the bull side, the emphasis was on power and mass. MP Brangus of Waco, Texas, walked away with the title of Supreme Champion Open American Bull, securing the sweep for the Brangus breed.
The competition remained fierce at the top, with Pitchford Cattle Company taking Reserve Supreme American Bull with their Santa Gertrudis. Rounding out the top three was Kalli Ellis of La Ward, Texas, exhibiting the Beefmaster bull.
A Grand Finale
These wins mark the culmination of tireless effort, fitting, and presentation. As the final banners are hung and trailers are loaded for the trip home, the industry looks back on another successful year at the Cattlemen’s Congress.
Congratulations to all the exhibitors who reigned supreme!
