V8 Ranch Returns to Cattlemen’s Congress: Showcasing the Legacy of Brahman Cattle: For the sixth consecutive year, Catherine Neumayr and the V8 Ranch team have made the trek from the Texas Gulf Coast to Oklahoma City, showcasing their elite Brahman cattle at the Cattlemen’s Congress. As a seventh-generation rancher, Neumayr carries a legacy that dates back to 1944, representing one of the most storied operations in the American Brahman Breeders Association.
In a recent interview with Farm Director KC Sheperd, Neumayr shared the unique history of her family’s operation, the distinct advantages of the Brahman breed, and why Cattlemen’s Congress has become a “non-negotiable” event on their calendar.
A Name Fueled by Horsepower While the name “V8 Ranch” might conjure images of vegetable juice for some, its origins are firmly rooted in the automotive industry. Neumayr explained that the ranch’s founder was an automobile dealer in the 1940s before entering the cattle business.
“It was actually named V8 after the Ford engine,” Neumayr said. “Our founder… originally sold V8 Ford engines. He was an automobile dealer. And when he decided to get into the cattle business, he named his cattle ranch and branded his cattle with the V8 after the Ford engine.”
The “Alien” of the Pasture Brahman cattle are instantly recognizable by their large hump, droopy ears, and excess skin—features that distinguish them from British and European breeds. Neumayr humorously noted that these traits can be shocking to the uninitiated, including her own husband.
“My husband was from Indiana… and when he first came to our ranch to visit, he said that the pasture, to him, looked like a pasture of aliens,” Neumayr joked.
However, those distinct features serve a vital purpose. The excess skin helps disperse body heat, making Brahmans “unmatched” in heat tolerance and insect resistance. While they thrive in the tropical climate of the Texas Gulf Coast, Neumayr emphasized their adaptability, noting that with proper care—like heated barns—they can thrive as far north as Michigan and Pennsylvania.
Docility is “Non-Negotiable.” Neumayr is passionate about dispelling the myth that Brahman cattle are wild or aggressive—a stereotype often perpetuated by rodeo imagery. At V8 Ranch, temperament is a top priority.
“They are very smart, intelligent animals,” she said. “Docility is a non-negotiable for us. We select heavily for it.”
She explained that their cattle are handled with respect from birth, avoiding loud noises like whips or horns to ensure they remain calm and people-oriented. “We handle them with respect and care… and they’re different cattle, different personalities… but they are very smart.”
A Show “By Cattle People, For Cattle People” Since its inception during the pandemic in 2021, Cattlemen’s Congress has become a cornerstone event for V8 Ranch. Neumayr praised the show’s organizers for creating an environment that prioritizes the needs of producers.
“It’s a rancher and cattleman-friendly show,” Neumayr told Sheperd. “It’s ran by people who understand our industry… It is a non-negotiable, can’t-miss event.”
For V8 Ranch, the event offers a premier platform to showcase their “Brahman and Brahman-influenced American breeds” alongside the best livestock in the nation. Neumayr noted that the show’s consistent quality and the opportunity to reconnect with friends and customers make it a highlight of their year.
“It’s just a show by cattle people, for cattle people,” she concluded. “Everything is first class. Everything is well done.”
