Blake Nelson (2:36)

Well, you know, for me, and I do want to talk about that, even the coming in the ring different for, you know, kids that showed at Houston this year, but those that show next year, there's maybe some little things I could tell you if you want me to get into that Weston, before I start talking the cattle.

Weston (2:53)

Absolutely.

Blake Nelson (2:54)

Just some pointers is, you know, that ring and coming across there, those cattle react differently. Some of them are pretty amped up. Some of them become sluggish. So, you know, just a good natural speed, natural gait is ideal because that is the first impression as a judge I get to see when you have, you know, 30 plus head in a class. Fortunately, and I know it took a little longer judging, but I got a few different views. So if first impression wasn't great, I still, hopefully was still able to find those cattle I needed to or I felt like I was able to. But, you know, some folks would come in there and walk cattle extremely slow, and they might have been told that or coach that if they had a structural flaw, trying to cover it up. And I would just tell you, you know, most folks that judge that show are going to be able to pick up on them if there's a structural flaw. Slowing them down just draws my attention to study that structural flaw that much harder. Where it really hurts is when you slow down an animal that can flat out move because you're making them kind of bach and rock back on their back wheels and kind of tuck their hip and make them look worse. So I would encourage you guys next year chilling at Houston, just a good natural gait. If the structure problem's there, it's there. But if it's not, don't discount yourself by making that animal rock back on its its heels, so to speak, and give that impression to the judge. Now on initial pull, Weston, you know, I was obviously looking for animals I thought that were acceptable structurally in terms of their flex, their reach, the way they handled their spine. The best I could see. Also, you can still see, you know, a degree of muscling and stoutness just in study them through their forearm and the shape of their round. Those were some of the things that I, I would catch and see and then. And that's one thing if you watch me judge show it all. You know, there were a few I pulled pretty quick out of the gate, but most of them, I let them get on across there So I could kind of really see that hind leg and that hip structure. And before I pulled them over.

Weston (4:54)

Yes, sir. You brought up something that. That I actually had a question about, too. Was something being memorable? What was it that made a calf memorable to you? Was it the duration of studying him? Was it a showman in the way they exhibited him? Or was it simply like the struggle of putting him over something else in terms of placing wise and getting him first or getting him second? Or was it just like initial. Like, wow, that thing is a beast.

Blake Nelson (5:21)

You know, the initial pull. Yeah, you kind of. You can get that. That thing is, man. This one may be a different kind of creature just by, you know, like I said, seeing their. Their head, their forearm, the power of the shape. But I would say everything you discussed helps. And I probably noticed more at this year, when the water is that deep, just important showmanship is, and getting that animal presented. You know, there were some good cattle that were flat, wound up, and I knew. I felt in my heart just like, I mean, they're better than they're showing right now. And as the class went along, we took a little more time. They relaxed. You really got to see what they were about. But initially, they'd come in there kind of all wadded up and. And you didn't get the best impression. So I would say it would be a little bit of everything. But, you know, those slick steers and reading when. When they walk in, I mean, that you can see kind of their head, their jaw, their forearm, their shoulder into their body, coming on back. And like I said, watching that hip and hind leg and how they hit the ground and what kind of mass they have. And just that when they turn and come at you, once you pull them, then that's when you're really getting to see the. Maybe the width they have in their body and the shape. And that does leave a little impression. Thinking, okay, I want to see that dude a little more because he looks powerful.

Weston (6:38)

Yes, sir, for sure. Another concept that has been very intriguing to talk about with a lot of judges is, like, the layout of the show ring and also lighting. In terms of do different colored steers look different in certain areas of the ring, or do they look the same way throughout the entire ring because of the lighting? Was there a color type that threw you off that you had to study harder because of that, or. That's something that I wanted to talk to you about.

Blake Nelson (7:04)

I think that is an excellent question. And that's something I was going to bring up is, you know, the ring At Houston is a great ring and over the top lighting is good. But like comparing it to San Antone, where you kind of got those. Those doors open on the sides like you. It just. San Antone ring is bright in a good way, like you see everything. So at Houston, when we transitioned into some black cattle, I really had to bear down and look at them. There's just the way the shadows are to me, you know, they look a little frailer in terms of their bone work, so you really had to study that and, you know, just their rib cage. Everything about them to me doesn't pop and is not as easy to see as a colored one. But particularly their bone is something I noticed. And I think it's as much shadows as it is. It's not like they're, you know, less dense boned. It's just the shadows and the way you got to read them there, I didn't notice that for sure.

Weston (7:58)

Awesome. That's great to know and I'm sure that that will help anybody in the future for sure. To kick off, obviously there was wave one, there was day one and two, but we're going to start with day one. And you started off the morning with the charolais. Walk me through that breed. I mean, obviously the champion charolay was your reserve steer. Overall, I thought the breed was extremely deep and I thought that was an awesome way to start the day.

Blake Nelson (8:20)

Yeah, it was, it was. And kind of like, you know, earlier we were talking about, you know, your impression kind of jumping into the ring with slick steers. For me, that's a great place to start because you're seeing good type and kind right out of the gate and you get comfortable with it as you're progressing through the, you know, the weighted classes there. And, you know, even the lightweights in that deal were pretty tough. And then as we start rolling into those heavyweights, you can tell you're getting into some players and just seeing, you know, some of those subtle differences of, you know, those cattle, any of those cattle that get to the top three and any of those classes that, you know are really 12, 75 or 1300 up, you know, they're players for your breed champ more than likely in any breed. So you start studying them and working through them. But in that charolay class, I mean, there was. There was one class that I thought was like four or five deep and another one that was four deep of all you could justify using them if you wanted to. I was. Felt fortunate I was able to find and comparing it, maybe even Back to San Antonio. And I don't want to do that too much Weston. But last year I think everybody was maybe trying to figure out what I like to and what Spencer and I would use. And you know, we leaned into those stouter, dense made cattle and we had those this time. But I felt like they brought me stout, powerful cattle, plus some that were built a little better and maybe a little better looking to go along with it. So if they think I changed type, I didn't. I just think they brought me, you know, more complete or cattle that check more boxes this time.

Weston (9:56)

Well, then obviously the Simmentals would be next. And your grand in reserve reflected a different type in kind just from profile. And that's me reading it off of pulse. Talk to me about the breed, but especially the challenge that you had, deciphering who was going to be grand and reserved.

Blake Nelson (10:13)

I think that's a great question and what you said is very accurate. You know, that champion steer is one. He was one of those that came in the ring initially a little wound up and he was ducking his pin some and he's, he's not perfect in his hip structure, but he's still pretty good when he relaxes and she got him stuck, you could really appreciate that steer. But he was one that came in that way a little bit. And I'm not going to say my first impression was bad. It was just 100 yet, you know, so he was one that I felt like got better as time went along. Now the reserve steer is one of those beasts that walks in and you know, he's obviously a little more mature, but I mean, he's, he's a rhino. I mean, he is powerful. I mean, stout scold, you see it all the way through him. And you know, the first shot I got on the profile of him was he reminded me a lot of some of the cattle I used before. And he had those pieces. Plus, I mean, that dude was opened up terms of his rib cage, his muscle and could still move and go. Yet when he turned and came at me like he had really opened up in his shoulder more than I was comfortable with. And that's what I got into really. I guess that probably set the tone for me a little more thinking. Okay, you know, last year I, I leaned into those dense cattle, not saying I, I wouldn't again, but I have the luxury this time saying, hey, he's got too much shoulder. And I've got one here that's very powerful, very shapely and is built better. And that's really what it came down to in those two cattle, well, then

Weston (11:40)

I'd have to say that the next breed in particular the mains, it seemed like that was a little bit of a longer breed for you, just deciphering the types and kinds. And I don't know if that was because col were different or if it was something else. Your grand and reserve were extremely alike, or from what I saw on pulse and watching on the video, their body shape. But walk me through the differences of the main on ju breed as well.

Blake Nelson (12:04)

Yeah, you got into there and, you know, with those Maine cattle, it felt like every one of them had plenty of muscle for the most part. And it was really a structural build and balance game. Then is what it got to for me because I kind of jokingly, because, you know, I work for the main Angie Associ, I joked with Dr. Skaggs. I said, it's like everybody decided, hey, if we got a steer with some power, but he's a little tight wound or a little tight moving, we're going to make him a man. And I said that. I was like, that's not right or cattle are better than that today. But I get it. Like, it's all about where they fit in the game and this and that. But it was finding those ones that I thought retained the power I liked and had a structure I could accept, you know, with added look. And that's really where you know that black and white breed champion standing still. He may be one of the best steers in the show because he is that kind of shape and that kind of look and presence. He just is a little tight in his hawk and not quite as squared up in his toes up front. But just standing there like that is one cool cat. And he hit me hard. Along with, you know, the reserve steer was another one didn't have quite maybe that elite front third that like the black and white one, but shoulders back, that was an awfully good steer. So that was really working through the mains was they all had power. It was find the ones with the structure I could live with and the ones I like from the side.

Weston (13:30)

Well, then that is, after that, you kick off with the American breeds. And what I'd like to know from you personally, Blake, is what's something that you were excited about for the American breeds as a whole? Obviously, they've become pretty heavy hitters as contenders at the end when it comes to picking a grand in reserve. And so I'd like to know, is there something compared to last year that you saw excel in the American breeds.

Blake Nelson (13:53)

Well, I, I was excited about them and, and you know, being in Houston too, I've, I've been fortunate. And that's actually first time I ever got to judge on the green shifts was 2008. I judged the open center Gertrude to show eared cattle is really what got my feet wet in Houston. And I've had the chance to judge the international Brahmin show twice. Yes, I know those are breeding cattle, but again, it just feels right being at Houston and judging Samir, you know, and, and knowing the quality. I mean, to me, the breeders of these American steers have done a phenomenal job where even, you know, five years ago they were already putting a ton of power in them, but now they've even refined them and started making them built better, balanced better, structured better. And I'll tell you, that Simbra steer up we had in San Antonio last year was a very special one. I don't know if there was an American steer that hit me as hard as he did last year. There was a lot of good ones, but to me he was the standard and I was just hoping to find another one like him. And that's kind of. We got into that and you know, starting off with the Gertz, really good cattle all the way through, you did kind of have pieces and parts, you know, that black steer ended up using there. He was another one of them. And the Gertrude, you started rolling in and you start seeing more black cattle and making sure you wasn't discounting on color and really studying them versus those, you know, brighter colored ones. But to me, that steer that wins the Girt is just a good, solid steer. He's not as, maybe as cool in his front end as that one that was reserved in his look, but still very balanced to me, very powerful freshness, rib cage, super sound. And then that yellow one probably had the presence and eye appeal that was reserved. I just didn't think he was maybe quite as freewheeling and just as bold center body, but awfully good. Like two high quality animals. Again, a little different in kind, but I probably still yield even. You know, we talked, talked about this to density. When it gets to be a pair like that, especially if he's sounder too, that doesn't hurt things.

Weston (15:51)

Yes, sir. Well, you mentioned density, and I think in my mind that's a perfect representation of the champion Simbra. I mean, that thing was extremely stout featured, but he could move. And I was fortunate. I was able to watch the show there live. And I watched the Simbra division, the Drive and everything. I loved that cast, but I also absolutely loved your champion, heavyweight and second place. Obviously they were a little bit different types and kinds, all three, but I thought all three had a major deal in terms of contention. That's not take away from the lightweight at all, but I thought those were just in a league of their own.

Blake Nelson (16:27)

Yes. Yeah. Extremely good. Extremely good. And that's, that's the thing about it. Rolling into the Simbra breed again, I had high expectations after last year and that red steer rolled in. And again, not crazy necked, but man, way good, way proportional. Really, really, like he said, dense. And I felt like, you know, there was a couple in there. That tiger stripe that I used for reserve, that's one of those things we talked about color. You have to really kind of study those guys too, because if you don't pay attention, they can look a little plainer just because of the nature of the color until you really get in and look at them. And that thing was, you know, people from the stands probably couldn't see how good he was from his shoulders back. I mean, he opened up to huge top and was bold centered. And, you know, there was another Simbra that hit me pretty hard that was designed outstanding from the side like pretty, pretty rascal. And the little girl took a spill, and I'll forever respect her because she got up and dusted off and showed the wheels off of him. But you get behind, you know, comparing him to like the one that beat him in class, just you get in behind him or get on top of them. You could put him inside the one I used and. And that was a call I made. Was comfortable with it and I'm good with it. But some really special cattle in that Simra division for sure.

Weston (17:48)

Yes, sir. Well, you round out the night of day one with the bring us. The Bring Us were extremely deep, I thought. But yes, also watching it there live, there were so many differences in terms of types and kinds. Like, there was really, really stout ones. There was really, really pret. And talk to me about what your thought process was going through the Brangus breed on what you were trying to pick. You've stated before, just trying to find the most complete one. I thought that was extremely easy to do.

Blake Nelson (18:15)

So, yeah, it was. And again, that's. That's where you get into them. All black ones, like I said. And that's, you know, after a very full day. You know, we rode through like 680 head that day. I was psyching myself up to stay hooked, stay focused, and not get lazy there, because you did roll into a lot of good cattle. But to me, there was only a couple of great ones, but you kind of sifted through. And a lot of good ones, like, you could do this or that and still not be wrong because they're good cattle throughout that breed. But then we got into those two at the end, and again, the one I used, that's one of those cases where I did take the one that probably wasn't the thickest one in the bunch that I thought was just a little sounder and. And maybe had a little more proportion to him, but for sure, maybe moved a little better and hinged better. But two cattle I was proud of once we got there, but I felt like we kind of had to sift through, you know, a lot of solid cattle to get to them.

Weston (19:13)

And the grand was really, really intriguing, I thought. But the reserve was what you're calling the uber style. Extremely robust here.

Blake Nelson (19:21)

Yes, yes, he was. And that. That was just it on the stand, you know, he was. He was right there and probably could adjust. I could justified going that way. He just rolled up a little more when we asked him to get out and go. And that's where I just felt more comfortable with that other one. But both very good steers.

Weston (19:39)

Yes, sir. Well, that rounds out day one, and then you start day two with the Brahmins. I'd like to know your thought process on how they compared as to years past, especially with people figuring out how to get these things bred to look a certain way, to be at a higher level, rather than just looking like Brahmins. Not to discredit the breed, but they've evolved in so many ways, it's not even funny. But walk me through what your thought process was.

Blake Nelson (20:07)

The Brahmins, you know, that's something that. That Weston I. And I actually, it's visited with. With maybe the interns and skags about this. Like the breeders, to me, let's say, I think I judged Austin maybe nine years ago, 10 years ago, whenever it was. And those Brahman cattle floored me with how much muscle they had. Like it. Just like we talked about the main breed while ago. Like, you wasn't worried about finding something with, you know, true shape. It's there. But they have, like you said, progress so much and build in kind. It's just a lot of fun. Again, you can get all colors under the sun, so you got to make sure you're on your game and paying attention. But it was just so cool for me to find not only ones that I loved for their stoutness and their shape. But you turn them to the side and you're like, hey, you know, it's just a little leather, a little hump, a little sheath. But that one is, you know, stellar looking.

Weston (20:59)

Yeah, that was awesome.

Blake Nelson (21:01)

I felt that's where that brindle to me just. And of course that young lady did a, a nice job, like really getting him perked up and shown off for sure. But that one, to me, once we got him to the side, that's where he just had the edge. And don't get me wrong, the reserve steer, like, I dig his kind, like, he's, he's right up my alley for sure. And that was one of the cases where I think he was a middleweight, if I'm not mistaken, and a little lighter, but he was still so good. I'm like, I'm not just going to heavy, heavy this time. Like that dude needs to be up there. But that Brando, once we turn onto the profile, that's where he, to me, got pretty special.

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Weston (24:18)

before we continue, that's one thing that I'd like to discuss about was deciphering whether we needed to pick middleweights or just go heavy. Heavy. I guess there's one that is a middleweight or even a lightweight that is just uber stout opened up but you're typing kind. Is that something that you were comfortable with often or not so often?

Blake Nelson (24:38)

I'm good with it. To me, I guess I approach it as, you know, they're players so I just want to see how they hit me and, and you know, what they have to offer. I guess, you know, to me weight probably came in my mind as to we'll talk about here in a little bit one time on maybe pushing that lower end to run with the big dogs and I did, you know, with Houston being later we got into some, I thought were probably pushing my limits on being too big. So I'm pretty open about that. I'm more about the quality of the calf and, and not just getting hung up on what class they come out of. Just making sure it's kind of an acceptable range.

Weston (25:17)

Yes, Sir. Well, the ABCs would have been next a much larger breed compared to the Brahmins. Once again, the ABCs have just been evolving and evolving and the breeders been able to perfect their craft and making the right ABC tab just enough to class but still look like, like a dense featured, cool looking aoc. But has the American character. Talk to me about the breed as a whole. There were a lot of different types and kinds, but once you got up to the top part of the classes, it seemed as if they all kind of fell in line.

Blake Nelson (25:48)

Yeah. And they did. And like you said, you probably have as much variation. I mean really in terms of just pattern and build in the ABCs as we did anything. I mean, because you darn sure had those that looked more brahman and those that looked, you know, a little more European or exotic and you know, fighting through that and figuring out where you wanted to be or, you know, is that one too much? Is that one good? Is that one. How is it all coming together? And that's, you know, even the. Once we get to the end there with those two cattle I ended up using, I, I wrestled with them back and forth because, you know, the, the little gal steer that I ended up using standing there shoulders back, I, you could just put the other one inside of him through his, the middle part of his body. I love that about him and, and his also his hip structure. To me, being an abc, like was unique because he was like really level and square and perfect in his tail head. And yet that reserve abc, like he could motor and had muscle shape. He was just a little drier right there through his rib cage yet. But, you know, I did, I went back and forth on those two pretty hard. I felt good about both of them and you could argue either way, but that was awesome. Pair of steers there.

Weston (27:02)

What's the most intriguing now to talk about is the differences between the wave 1 AOC and the wave 2 AOCs. I think it's intriguing how they approach that and what people decide to go with the wave one and what people decide to go with the wave two. And I guess what I'd like to know is, is there a difference to you of initial impression between either one, wave one and wave? And again, just walk me through the AOCs of the wave one, the grand in reserve of the first wave I thought were unique, just not, not necessarily of compared to other shows, but I mean the gold one that obviously won, I, I thought was like from my approach of watching you judge a show was your type and kind to a T, you can tell me otherwise. But I, I thought the AOC wave one was extremely deep.

Blake Nelson (27:51)

Yeah. To me, Wave one versus wave two, probably one. I feel like that was where folks were willing to gamble a little bit if they had one they didn't know, you know, where they would fit in. Wave two there was. To me it was deep, but it was more odds and ends and well, just we'll talk about the champion AOC. Like that is a stellar calf, but he's 1300 pounds and most people I don't think knew that. But 1300 pounds out there with some of the big dogs. He gets out horsed a little bit. Like if you saw the champion drive, like, that is a good calf. And I'm not taking away. They had him like dialed in, but he's 1300 pounds. Is there enough of that guy to run with the big dogs? I guess. And that's the question I had in my mind because, you know, again, that one he walked in, I'm like, hey buddy, like, where you been? And you know, and, and I know this is one of those things, like if you have a really tall showman on him, it makes him look even smaller. But you know, the guy that got him shown, that had him did an awesome job. That's a good pair of great showman, great calf and it works. It's just, is there enough horse for the race? And that's the question got to. Because he's good. I mean, he's way good.

Weston (29:04)

Yes, sir.

Blake Nelson (29:05)

And you know, the reserve steer in that, that particular wave, that white steer little girl had, like, again, he's a powerful rascal, like shoulders back, I mean a truck and could still motor pretty good. A little more mature and crest and thicker about his front end, but still really good cattle. And there was a really nice steer that stood second behind him in class that, you know, to me probably reminded me more of some of the cattle I had at Fort Worth in terms of just his density. But like I said, he's probably a little coarser, built in some spots. And this time I had dense cattle that were smoother made and maybe built better. And I could lean that way, and that's what I did. So again, that first wave aoc, great calf. Like props to those folks. They had him dialed in, but it's just. Is there enough dog for the fight? So we'll wait and see. I guess that's where I was when we ended that wave. I'm like, okay, I've got one I like an awful lot. We'll just see how he measures up before we continue.

Weston (30:03)

What was intriguing to me was the class ones of the aoc, that first wave, just the lighter weight cattle still looking like fresh fat steers, as slick steers is intriguing to me and how they can get on that dial. Now, obviously, like, I thought that they didn't have quite the rib shape and openness of skeleton compared to some, but I thought that those lighter weight cattle are starting to hit a point where they still read extremely fresh fat steer. Look.

Blake Nelson (30:29)

Yeah, no, I'd agree with that. They, they'd kind of gotten past that progress he stage and we, you know, we had that in some of the other breeds on the lightweight classes where you'd still say, man, that one's still kind of prospecting and progress looking. He's good, but just not there. But particularly in AOCs they had those things and you know, it's all with their weight and, and those guys managing them that do a phenomenal job getting them right and looking that full and fresh. But that was pretty cool. Be like, well, you know, he's probably, you know, 1150, 1200 pounds steer but they got him like dialed in and that was fun to see those like that.

Weston (31:04)

Well, you had a day or two break in between. So I hope that you had some fun there in Houston and enjoyed it for.

Blake Nelson (31:11)

Yeah, I did. I mean that night after the AOC's first wave, I'd actually got a chance to go to the rodeo and take it in when I get a chance. I'm down that way, San Antonio, wherever the case. If I have a night, I get wrapped up early. I like going to rodeo just to see it and I'm a fan of rodeo and take it in and then relax. That next day really just stayed off my feet. I did quite a bit of computer work catching up on some work things and relaxed for a little bit so I'd be ready for the next round.

Weston (31:42)

Well, you kick off wave two, day one of wave two being a slew of British breeds.

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Weston (31:49)

And so you start off the day with the Angus again. I, I watched this on the live stream and just envisioning pulse pictures and things of that nature. But I thought the Angus in particular and how they're evolving is even more intriguing compared to like let's say American cattle just due to the fact with how stout these things actually are becoming and how fresh and dense they are. Walk me through the Angus breed and what your thought process was with them.

Blake Nelson (32:14)

It's. You're right on the money. They're getting there and it's just finding that fine line where they can get them that way and still make them class. Because we still had, you know, some pretty nice steers get classed out Angus and the Herefords yet, but finding for these breeders and that's their challenge. But a lot of them do a good job is finding those cattle that will class but have that similar body shape or type and kind we find in some of the other cattle that is something they are improving on. And we'll talk about the Herberts here in a second. But you know, I would bet I'd be venture to say 15 years ago, most Folks would have thought, you know, the Brahman cattle would have been the ones you'd had to search for, for muscle shape. But actually there's no issue with them now. But you get into some of these British breeds and that's finding those ones that have a little more of that fresh shape like you've been seeing in some of these breeds.

Weston (33:05)

And the Anguses, I thought like your grand and Reserve were a little bit different in their type and kind. You can tell me if I see that wrong. But I thought that one was a little longer proportion, more elevated through his front one third. And one was just your stout, boxy, real dense one.

Blake Nelson (33:20)

Yeah. And the Angus breed, I really felt like once we got to that, that breed Champion Drive, it was really just a one horse race. I felt like my champion won it pretty much just hands down. He was my kind and you could have maybe went a couple of different ways for Reserve, but I didn't think either kind of the options I had really followed exactly that champion steer. So the other steer that hit me pretty good was the one that was a little more elevated and streamlined for me. But he was one, like I said, if you step in behind him, he might not have had the center body of our champion, but he had the muscle and the shape and had some presence. So you're right, I mean those were two different kinds of. But I didn't feel like I had a similar enough one to my champion. I felt good about to go ahead and follow that for Reserve and then

Weston (34:07)

the limousines are next. I thought the limousines were intriguing just due to the fact with like how fresh these things were and not years past saying they weren't fresh. But like, I don't know, it hit me a different way this year. Talk to me about the limousine breed that the champion I thought was a, this is a slang word, but a hammer. I mean he was extremely bold ribbed, extremely fresh backed. And then year reserve was intriguing as well. And it seemed as if hind leg posture was a little bit of the sort between the two or between some and the grand drive. But walk me through it and what your thought process was.

Blake Nelson (34:41)

Oh no, you're right. You know, and I think I might even said this on the mic and classification of these guys selling and raising the steers. It's like, you know, if we have a good steer that's a little off in his hip, we're going to run him limmy. And, and, and I think there might be treats that there may not be. But from my perspective of what I saw it was that way and you know, finding there was a lot of good cattle in there and you know, that was one of them cases where that medium weight or middleweight steer was the one that was reserved. That's a good steer to me. You know, flexes and goes pretty good. But again he's not a little round his hip, a little extra set to his hock and pastern there. That's probably more indicative of the old school lemmies and I get that. But the big thing was, you know, he was one I when he got in that class and he just kind of sifted up because he didn't out measure anything anywhere. But he put it all together. But then that heavyweight came in and you know, again that's, that's more my, my speed, just more calf there everywhere and, and he got, even though his hip and hind leg, he plants a really attractive one. He probably could have flexed a nickel better. But once I decided I was comfortable with him being sound enough, then it was game over. And then just what I decided to use for reserve.

Weston (35:57)

Yes, sir. Well, now you got your horned and pulled Herefords. What's intriguing to me is seeing the differences between the two breeds. Obviously they're both Herefords, but it seems as if there's like a different type and kind for sure in either, either breed. First was obviously the horns. And that horned Hereford in my mind, if any color that calf would be, is elite in my mind, yeah, 100% agree. I thought that calf was awesome. The reserve I thought matched him in terms of his rib cage, his shape up high and his opened up skeleton. But talk to me about the differences. Obviously the reserve didn't read to me as elite in terms of his build. But walk me through the horns.

Blake Nelson (36:38)

Yeah, you know, the horns and like you said, the polls, we'll get to them too. But to me that's another case. You get into that breed and I was, I was actually talking to a friend of mine that's a Hereford breeder and I said a lot of fundamentally good cattle but not too many great ones. And that's kind of what you're sifting through as you're going through there is most of them, you know, are sound enough, most of them have enough rib cage. There's differences though when you turn them to the side and when you get over the top and behind them and that's where those, to me those better ones sifted up. And I think that's a prime example of that champion like you said. I mean he could have been in the red crosses and still been right up there in the mix. That was a good calf that was special in terms of. I mean, there wasn't anything that stood close to him in terms of true muscle shape and dimension and could still pattern up like he could. Because, you know, not to just categorically say, but if we're thinking about breeding cattle and we're thinking about Herefords or polls, usually if they're stout, you have to worry about if they're good enough looking and how their build is. This cat was stout and he had the goods from the side. And. And that's like you said, the reserve steer matched him, you know, in terms of just body mass. Maybe not as much fresh shape and maybe a little plainer fronted. Still a good steer. But that's a prime example of a good steer versus a great one.

Weston (38:03)

Well, then the poles would be next. I thought both were real high quality. Your champion polled read to be a little more elevated through his front one third and a little cooler looking from the side. And reserve was more so you're just robust, fundamental, fat steer. Talk to me about the differences of the poles as well.

Blake Nelson (38:20)

Yeah, the poles probably is the breed I struggled with a little more because there wasn't just one for me, that was a hundred there. Like a lot. Again, a lot of good cattle. Not too many great ones. And that my reserve, you know, we got through with his class. And again, that's one of those steers like is a good fresh steer, highly presented, not perfect in his hip. You know, we was kind of teasing the lemmies while ago, but he had a little more of that off in his hip pin set. Even though his tail, head was propped up there. It's something that bugged me a little bit about him. And he's one that came to the ground just on average bone, but good steer and again, presented well. I liked a lot of things about him. Then we get into that heavyweight class and that one comes in and that steer is one that in terms of just body shape and muscle that I like, he had it and he was still good necked. And he too is not perfect in his hip structure and tailhead and the way he handled his hind leg. But there was so much more calf there. I mean, I stand back and going through my breed drive and versus the horn, where I love that steer that won that one. That was like easy game over on the polls. I went back and forth a little bit and finally I'm just like, you know, what is my, my, my deciding factor is like, you could set that middleweight inside the heavy in terms of just body width and density. And that's where I went.

Weston (39:45)

Well, then the Red Angus would be next. What I think's intriguing about the breed as a whole is how many are like, actually starting to sell online. I think I've seen more Red Angus in an online sale this year than I have ever. And honestly, that's just, that's just from me reading things. But I thought the Red Angus breed was honestly, really deep. I mean, and it seemed as if in the heavyweights there was a little bit of fighting going on. There was a lot of calves that were having problems with their showmen, but I thought everybody presented them to the highest of their ability. The Red Angus was elite, especially for the breed. Especially watching years past walking through the Red Angus breed and it seems as if it's starting to get to a point where they're being a little more lenient on classification. Maybe, maybe not, but. Or maybe just be the quality of the breed as a whole.

Blake Nelson (40:34)

Yeah, I think those guys that are making those have maybe found some sires or cattle lines that can work and, and make those cattle better yet still keep them, you know, reasonable, where they'll class. And that's another case where we kind of cranked off there and, and you think about a Red Angus and, you know, like the Black Angus, like, yeah, most of them are going to be pretty decent on their feet and legs and most of them are going to have some body. So probably muscle shape and looks going to be the, the outlier factor. So not saying it's always that case, but we start working our way through that and like you said, I mean, those two steers, I ended up hanging my hat on. Both those cattle gave their showman's fit. I mean, first impression was not great and just because they hit the ring, wound up with. And like my champion was one, he was wanting to go too fast. Well, my reserve wasn't so much wanting to go fast, but he wanted to keep his head down and fight the whole time. So I took probably as long in that breed, champion driver getting to that as I did any. Just because I'm like, man, I feel like those are good cattle. If I get the right look, I'm good with it. But I was given those showmen every chance I could to, to get there because I didn't want to just say, oh, well, that one's getting shown he's going to win if I didn't think he was better. And, and I, I'm glad I was patient because that champion, you know, when he finally settled and threw his head up, then you're like, all right, here we go. That's. That's where I'm going. The reserve kept fighting a little bit, but still, you could see the good in him. And. And that's kind of how we ended up there. But like you said, that's one of those cases where showmanship could almost get some good cattle beat. Just. And nothing against the young ladies. It's just those cattle were not wanting to. It wasn't that they wouldn't try and just those cattle were not wanting to cooperate.

Weston (42:15)

I think it seemed as if there was a point in time where they finally settled down. Obviously, that's where you were able to read them the right. Read them right and get your. Your final decision. But I'm glad that. That. That was able to go the way it does. It did. Because that champion red Angus, I thought was a heater.

Blake Nelson (42:32)

Yeah.

Weston (42:32)

With that said, the shorthorns would have been next. And I thought that champion was unique from the profile. What was more intriguing with how fresh he was, but the size that he was, just in terms of his chest, his ratio down to his full ribbon heart, and his. And his shape up high. But that reserve replicated a lot of things that you'd been picking just in terms of density and mass up high. Walk me through the shorthorn breeds and what you were thinking, what you were trying to decipher.

Blake Nelson (43:02)

Yeah, no, as. As we're going through there. And I remember, like, thinking back to San Antonio, that is a breed that Spencer and I both struggled with a little more last year because we had some nice cattle, but not that we had any hammers. And that red and white spotted one, that was reserved when he came in, you know, in that middleweight class, I thought, man, that's a good steer. Really good steer. Like, I. If I have to ride him to the finish line, I can. We'll see what the heavies bring. That white steer came in. And again, you know, he's one of those heroes in. And that young man just stuck the hound out of him the whole time. And you could really see he's like, yeah, he's wide. That makes him stick out a little bit. But you really get on top of some fresh rib shape. Bold backed, big centered, you know, a shot more, just mass everywhere. And then, you know, he does have maybe just a little more maturity about his head and neck, but at the same time, it still balances with him. He's got the rib cage in the the back half to balance it out and make it work. I liked him. He hit me awfully well and that's we got out there for the champion drive and I was still pretty open minded about how you know which one they both were good enough to win. And again, as you probably are tired of hearing me say this, but I get to the point where that one that's denser built, still has the things I like and I can, you know, live with this balance, I can live with this structure and I like that extra mass and shape and overall thickness and just to me, just more steer and that's the way I went. Young lady on that spotted steer reserve did an awesome job showing him because that steer wasn't perfect again in his tail, head and hip. But she would do a good job loining him out and getting him right when she'd stopped him on the profile and high quality animal that needed to get a banner. So he got one.

Weston (44:52)

Yes, sir. Well, to end the day, you finish with the black crosses. And this is my biggest question, my all I gotta say is the black cross champion. I didn't think there was a single calf like him. I fell in love with the calf. I absolutely loved him. If I had to tell you a type in kind that is the calf type and kind that I just gravitate towards, I thought he was extremely unique. But that reserve matched him in a lot of ways. Again you've said prior to this black or black hided cattle, solid black cattle are harder to look at. And I bet obviously it was a long day. It was the last breed. I bet you retired as well. But I don't know how you don't get excited about something like that. And looking at it, I'm sure you were.

Blake Nelson (45:35)

Well, I was totally pumped. Like it was a long day, you know, feeling like you, you fought through some of those other breeds and then you get to these two cattle and you're like holy cow, here we go. That, that champion again like hit me like a ton of bricks when he came in. Because like you said, yeah, they're black, but it doesn't matter. Like that is a good steer. And the reserve, you know, was in that class too and that that steer was being a kind of a turkey when he came in the ring. Kind of wound up and wasn't really looking his best. And he's one of those that the longer we went he relaxed and you could see how good he was that champion. And I knew like in my mind he, he was a player for the not knowing what would come the next day. But the stoutness, the mass and I mean he is huge bone and could still motor pretty good. Yeah. Not perfect in his chest, not perfect in his tail head, but still extremely good. And that young lady did an awesome job showing him. And then you know that reserve steer, he finally chilled out in the champion drive and you're like, man, if, if he'd acted that way the whole time, it maybe could have been a little closer decision because he wasn't quite as massive. But that thing proportions and balances and his joints were good and he's still plenty powerful enough. But don't get me wrong, I don't regret what I did. I do it again tomorrow because the other one just fit me better. But that was a close decision. Those were two good ones and I was pumped about that pair leading into the final day.

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Weston (49:40)

Well, now that we're on the final day, you start off the morning with the red crosses. I thought in my mind the differences in types and kinds of the red crosses were intriguing to look at and you might feel the same way. I thought the grand was extremely intriguing from profile and I thought that reserve was just like robust, dense made big back steer. I don't know what your decision was, deciphering them, that's what I want to know. But I also like to know just your thoughts on the breed as a whole.

Blake Nelson (50:06)

Yeah, you know that breed, to me of getting into the crosses it was good, but maybe not as deep as some of the ones we, we'd fought through the. I think the top end cattle were just as good as any breed. But like I said, I didn't think it was quite as deep. And getting to those cattle I ended up on again, that little guy steer that was reserved. That steer hit me extremely well. He came out of competitive class too, but he was not acting like he was just pushing that little guy around. He was wound up and that steer had a little more chest in him. So if his head was down, he kind of it, it, it was a factor. It bugged me even though I loved his R and everything he had going, you know, in terms of just shoulders back and can still motor, you know, that calf again, he's not like the biggest outline one in the world or most elevated maybe is the better way to say it because he was long but you got a little showman on him so it all kind of fits just fine. And then the champion that I ended up using, he's one that comes in and you start studying that calf and he's one that maybe doesn't grab you right away, but the longer you Go. You can see the good in him. Just a ton of fresh shape. Like he was just. And that's just it. He was just fresher. You could read it not only in his chest, in his handle and his top shape. And I wrestled back and forth on those two because there was parts about the other one I liked better, but at the end of the day, the one that maybe just showed itself off a little more is the one that got the edge for me. But two really good cattle you'd like. I said you could go back and forth. I could still wrestle with that one today if they were in front of me, probably.

Weston (51:45)

Well, you round out the day in terms of judging breeds with the AOCs. Obviously, there is a variety of classes, there's a variety of weights. We could talk almost all day about class 1, 2, 3, leading up into 4, 5, and however many I, I. Once again, I want you to talk to me about the differences that you saw of your class winners out there in the drive, especially in terms of weight sizes and differences, because you, your Class 4 winner to win the AOCs. I'd like to know what you thought compared him compared to your heavier weights and your lighter weights. I just want to know your thought process.

Blake Nelson (52:21)

Gotcha. No, we crank off that and, you know, even the class one steer was pretty nice. But you get the class two young ladies yellow steer there, and that dude just pound for pound, that was a good beast. I mean, he's one of those that, for his weight, had plenty of power, exceptional on the profile and structure. Like, that was a way good steer. But again, I think he was, you know, maybe 10, 50, 11 hundred pounds. He was, but, you know, he's one. I would. I would be like, hey, if There's a show 45, 60 days from now, we're going to go whoop them with this one. But he still, you know, had enough of a fat steer look like way good steer. And he definitely. He got me fired up just because I like that calf a lot and got me pumped up to just start diving into some of the horses here. You know, that class three steer wasn't extreme anywhere, but really solid everywhere and had that kind of body shape and muscle I like. He had just a nickel more leather up front, but still everything tied in together well with him. Then we roll into Class 4, and actually the steer that ended up being reserved was out of Class 4, too. And he was the first calf in the ring in that class. And that steer walked in and I'm like, all right, right, here we go. Like, that one's good. He just got my attention for looking like he had some power. He could flat out move. And he was my first pull. And then. And I'm thinking the whole time, like, as I'm pulling stairs is like, I don't know if I've seen one good enough to turn him yet. We'll just see. And then here comes that yellow steer at the end, and I'm like, okay, this one, like, is right in my wheelhouse. We'll see how he holds up. But, like, to me, you've got ever just as much balance with. But, you know, those. That extra. Just to me, robustness is a good way to say it. You said it earlier. They're just more of him. And that one, like I said, hit me awfully hard. And I'm like, we'll just see how it all works out. And we will our way down in that class. And there was a lot of good steers in that class. I mean, that was the heat class. I thought of the show in terms of depth, but those two, for me, rose to the top pretty easily. And although they're not, you know, just completely twins or anything like that, they're both a lot of the same cattle. But at the end of the day, you know, I stand back in that yellow steer, just, there's more of him like you. There is more punch and. And, you know, to have that kind of power and shape and freshness of rib cage. He was still really fresh in his chest and his front end, his shoulders laid in him good. And I really liked that calf in terms of just fullness all the way through and his body and back through his hip. And then that, you know, the. The steer that was second, that class, it ends up being reserved, have maybe flexed a little better. I wouldn't argue with anyone there. But, man, if you got in behind them and over the top of them, like, it was a different world.

Weston (55:07)

Yes, sir. I thought Class 5 and 6 were intriguing, too, but that. That Class 6 was, like, unique from profile, the solid white one, I liked him quite a bit as well. Talk to me about those. Like, were they just a little too mature in their type and kind? Were they. Walk me through that.

Blake Nelson (55:21)

Yeah, no, we will. And I want to talk about them because, like, once I got through class four, I'm like, man, if there's a. If there's something coming that's going to beat them, it's going to be absolutely lights out. Hammer, because I liked both those class fours. And we roll into class five and again you kind of get into, to me, a lot of good steers, but pieces and parts. That white steer, I think that was second. That class was awesome on the profile. Really cool looking, but a little flatter, ribbed, not quite as opened up as the red steer I used to win that class. That red steer I used to win that class was starting to show a little more maturity in his chest and his shoulders, but man, shoulders back was a truck and could still flex and go. But again, he, you know, you ding him a little bit maybe on just look from the side through his front end. So I'm like, okay, those are two really good steers. I don't know yet if they hit me as hard as the class fours. Let's see what the heavies hold, because even the heavyweights, I think the bottom end of it was still maybe 13, 90, 1400. So definitely not out of bounds if weight fell, right? And that white steer rolls in and, you know, he was one that, you know, hit me right off the bat in terms of just skull stoutness, power, shape. Let's see how he holds up. And that calf could still flex and go pretty good. He was maybe rocked forward a little bit in his knee, but still for one that size and the kind of power he had, I thought was acceptable. You know, you turn him to the side and. And that steer proportions, well, but. But still, to me, maybe just a little rounder built in some spots, hip, tail, head, chest, maybe not as perfect, but way good like that is a good steer. The steer that was second, I think, in those heavies really like crazy necked and cool looking, but didn't have quite the heaviness of structure and just that pop and shape of the class. Winter. So that was still a good pair of steers. I was feeling good. I'm like, I don't. We'll see how my lineup goes. I know without a doubt I have some great options, whatever I decide to do here.

Weston (57:21)

Yes, sir, for sure. Well, the pre short happens, right? And what I want to know is, is there anything that came back out that was disappointing or was it a different way? Did they come back and actually surprise you and it got your. Your mind thinking a little more. I'd also like to know if you're comfortable with it talking to me about maybe who is in contention, who is not.

Blake Nelson (57:41)

Okay. No, we. We can sure talk about that. And, you know, if the exhibitors are listing, at least they can know maybe the ones that were on my mind. You know, we rolled out and for me, one of my biggest questions, you know, we finished with those two cattle and I like both those steers extremely well. I wanted to see how those steers from wave one held up. To me, that's, that's one of those things. Three or four days on that concrete that can, that can make or break one, I would think. I think that would be tough. And you know, the charolais rolls in and, and to me, I thought he was fuller in terms of his center body than he was in wave one. Just to me, because in wave one, like I loved, like his top side shape was unreal. I mean, he had a groove in his top like a market hog and still could motor and good looking. But, you know, flank and rear rib was just. It was right there. Not saying it wasn't enough or where it was, but it was. So he came back with a little more ribs. I'm like, cool. All right. And then that obviously that wave one alc. I wanted to see how he sized up because I knew what that steer weighed. I knew I really liked that steer. And if there was just enough to get him in the mix and he was a player. I'm not saying I counted him out, but at the same time, you've got cattle that to me are maybe not as pretty necked, but just as good. And there's quite a bit more of them just in terms of just mass and sheer overall dimension. So, you know, I would tell you those two cattle were the ones out of wave one that were on my mind. Then we get to. I want to see how the black cross looks and see if, you know, if he's. Even though I love his mass and stoutness, did like pretty enough. And then, you know, I thought the, the two AOCs again are well, and I'll back up a step. Another steer that I thought came back into the pre sort was the Simmental. He came back in there and he looked better on the pre drive, or whatever you want to call it, the preview, than he did the day I used him. So I felt even better about him not only in that pair, but thought he was a player too.

Weston (59:45)

Yes.

Blake Nelson (59:46)

You know, he came back with a little more of him and, and was definitely on my mind. So that's kind of where I was going through there is, you know, the two AOCs out of the second wave, the two blacks, the charolay, the Simmental, and then. And really that AOC out the first wave. Like I said, love that steer, thought they did an awesome job with him, but he just didn't. There Just wasn't enough steer for me to make him really. I just didn't think in my mind I could. Could beat those other ones with him. As much as I dig him. If this is a pro progress or prospect show where, you know, maybe the, the end points, not right there. I could do it every day of the week because he's cool, but just in my mind, the way I. I'd like them, like there were just more of those other cattle, even though that was a cool little guy.

Weston (60:34)

So then you got a minute to think about what you're wanting to do. You're going to the, to the, to the rodeo and all. All things of that one. I bet it's the coolest experience to get into the rodeo like that and select. I've been fortunate enough to. To be in that setting of the rodeo and be a part of that. And it is one of the most cool things to be a part of and be in. Walk me through what that felt like. What signified those two as, hey, those are my two. And then after that, we'll wrap this post game up.

Blake Nelson (61:04)

Yeah. So like I told you, that that yellow steer, even in class, like, hit me like a ton of bricks. And I just never quit liking him, you know, he never did anything to make me not think he was the one. But I still. Yeah, you got to have an open mind because you don't know, some of them other cattle could come back and, and surprise you. The charolay. Like I said, he made it tougher because he came back with the little question mark I had on him earlier in the week. He'd fixed that a little bit, you know, and it's just a matter of fact, was it enough to get him over the other steer and the black steer? I mean, that black cross, if, if you're cool with, you know, him being just a little more ramped up and is the way his tail, head was, his chest, like, I. He's a player, without a doubt. He's in the conversation. But, you know, I. When I get to that point where it's like, all right, I'm not really dinging these steers for anything, but I can ding him a little bit. That comes in your mind, too, in terms of just consistency and, and where I'm at, and, and I, I'm not going to say, like, if I had a top five, it would be. I don't know if I could narrow it down, but I would tell you, like, the two ALCs of the second wave, the two blacks, both of them are Extremely good. The Charolais, the Reserve Charolay, the Simmental, and. And like I said, I'd probably rolled out that little AOC a little bit once I got him out there with him. Like, he just didn't look like there was enough, man, but great options. And for me, there was that. That yellow one was just. He checked every box I like and then some.

Weston (62:37)

Well, it was definitely a very, very, very good show. I would say it was one of the more fun ones for me to watch. And I will say this. This has been one of the more fun post games. And I know I shouldn't compare doing stuff currently to the past, but I feel as if having a progressive mindset and growing in your ability to. To be better and better is something that you need to always be able to do or have in your mind. And I think this has been one of the more fun post games that I've been able with it just being extremely beneficial in many ways. So with that said, Blake, is there anything else that you feel as if we need to discuss over about the show in its entirety before we wrap it up?

Blake Nelson (63:17)

You know, just ultimately, just. Just a huge honor to get. That call was awesome. When Carl called me from Houston, it wasn't too long after San Antone last year, and so that was, like, it was awesome. It was overwhelming. But at the same time, like, I've been thinking about it ever since I got the call. Like, that's when I come. Like, I've got to be ready. And those kids get my A game. They deserve it. I know the. The. I know what's on the line, and they get my absolute honest opinion on the cattle and what I thought of them, and I worked hard at that. And I know we. We had some long days, and a part of me hates that for the show family because I've been a show dad on the. The end of it. But at the same time, I'm not going to apologize because I thought every kid that hits that ring deserves a good look, deserves my attention. And I felt like I definitely delivered there. And then, you know, I remember talking to my wife after I'd already told them the two, because I had to, you know, you kind of do that in the presort. And she's like, are you good with that? I said, I'm good with that. Like, I could regardless. Like, I'm good. And that's. That's a feeling of relief. But at the same time, it's, to me, hats off to the breeders, the families, everyone that's Involved, like, getting those animals to that point. Like, I know there's. And I've been there, too. Like, you. You feel like you love your animal. You got the best one when you're. You're at home or you wouldn't come to the show to play in. In the biggest race of the year. But there can only be one winner, unfortunately, and that's how it shook out. But I'm totally good with where we ended up with. And. And again, this just unbelievable honor. Like you said, going in that rodeo is unlike anything you guys in Texas. I know y' all hear it a lot, but from someone that's, you know, judged a fair bit down there. But then Judge, across the U.S. the support that the Texans have for their kids, the job that Dr. Skaggs does to assure that y' all have a quality experience, and, you know, Dr. Bowman, all the support at Houston, the volunteers, is just unbelievable. Like, it's the envy of the rest of the country. And I mean, it should be, because those families, those kids, there's a lot of time, money invested in heart and blood, sweat and tears. Like, it's. It's the deal. It was awesome.

Weston (65:33)

Yes, I was.

Blake Nelson (65:34)

I was. I was mentally and physically drained. I'm not gonna lie. Like, I had to get up Saturday morning and go to a wild beef expo with work, and we get there for sale. I mean, I got there and did my job, but I probably was not a hundred engaged because it took me a day or two. But at the same time, if. If I wasn't exhausted, then I didn't work as hard as I should have.

Sponsor Announcer 1 (65:56)

Absolutely.

Blake Nelson (65:58)

It was great.

Weston (65:59)

Yes, sir. Well, once again, Blake, I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to be able to do these post games. There's no one else necessarily doing them right now, and to have the opportunity to be able to continue to do them is something I'm even more grateful for. Once again, you've been on here before. We did San Antonio. Now we get to do Houston. I pray and hope that we get to do more together because I extremely enjoy talking to you just about cattle in general. And so it's been extremely fun for me here on my end. So, once again, I do appreciate you coming on, allowing me to do this with you. And with all this said, this is what it's all about. This is what I've always dreamed of doing. This is what gets me pumped up, up. And with all this said, empowerment is here. Thank you all for tuning in. We will see y' all next time.

Sponsor Announcer 1 (66:47)

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