Alabama Connection Sale 2025

Born and raised in Tupelo, Mississippi, Delmo Payne grew up immersed in the cattle business. His father made a living as a livestock dealer, and from an early age Payne developed a sharp eye for quality cattle—an instinct that would later define his legacy in the Santa Gertrudis breed. Though cattle were in his blood, Payne’s first passion was education. After earning a bachelor’s degree in biological science from Mississippi State University, he began teaching biology and coaching basketball, roles he loved for the relationships they fostered with students. He later earned a master’s degree in school administrati on and served as both principal and educational consultant. But in 1968, while traveling in California, Payne saw his first Santa Gertrudis herd. The sight left an impression he would never forget. A Life Built on Cattle, Community and Commitment: The Legacy of Delmo Payne

By the early 1970s, with a growing family, Payne transitioned into bu siness. He built a successful career in home manufacturing, founding Payne Home and Auto, North Ri ver Homes, and River Birch Homes, which together spanned more than three decades of entrepreneurial success. Still, the memory of those striking red cattle lingered.

In 1983, Payne acted on that me mory, purchasing a Santa

Gertrudis herd from Anne Upchurch of Grey Rocks Ranch. This marked the birth of Grandview Farms in Hamilton, Alabama. Over time, his herd grew to 300 cows, and his commitment to improving ge netics and breed standards positioned him as a leader in the industry. With the help of ranch manager Brent Shaw and herdsman Seth Holmes, Payne embraced artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and later, in-vitro fertilization—technologies that strengthened his herd and advanced the breed. Beyond breeding, Payne became a driving force in marketing Santa Gertrudis cattle. He co-founded the Alabama Connection Sale in 1988 and later the Crimson Classic Sale, both of which created vital outlets for breeders and commercial producers. His cattle consistently reflected the qualities he valued most: strong maternal traits, structural correctness, and marketable carcass weights. Grandview Farms went on to produce multiple national champions.

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37th Annual ALABAMA CONNECTION SALE October 4, 2025