EmpowerU Podcast – Ashworth Show Cattle Sale Preview

Host: Weston Hendrix
Date: March 25, 2026
Guest: Spencer Ashworth, Ashworth Show Cattle

Episode Overview

This episode is a detailed preview of the upcoming Ashworth Show Cattle Sale, showcasing over 50 head of steers and heifers available for bidding on March 30th via Steer Bidder. Ashworth and the auctioneer (serving as co-host and analyst) methodically break down notable lots, emphasize bloodlines, structure, and show potential, and discuss the philosophy behind the Ashworth program. This episode is tailored for both seasoned cattlemen and families seeking their next champion show calf.

Main Themes and Purpose

• Insight into Ashworth Show Cattle’s breeding goals and decision-making
• In-depth discussion of individual sale lots, with focus on both genetics and phenotype
• Advice for buyers on selection, management, and show strategy
• Context on the importance of cow families and managing for desired results
• Emphasis on transparency, honesty, and customer empowerment

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ashworth Program Philosophy

• Quality First: Ashworth prioritizes raising cattle that "meet a wide variety of needs" (00:50), with special attention to both hair and slick-shear potential.
• Transparency: Candid about testing (“I should have had all these things tested. I'm behind the eight ball on that.” [04:03; Spencer Ashworth]).
• Heifer Strategy: Traditionally keeps his best heifers but is now offering top females to the public:

  "We're cutting loose of the best we've got... It's the best there is." ([01:46], Ashworth)

2. Highlighted Sale Lots – Key Examples & Analysis

Elite Heifers (50 & 51)

• Lot 50: Six Shooter x Simplify female; future donor-level quality. “Extremely fresh haired, dense made female that is extremely, extremely proportional.” ([01:17], Auctioneer)
• Lot 51: Next Man Up daughter; unique build for slick-shear purposes, “boxy, short back, dense made” ([04:03], Ashworth), offered fully quartered for a candid look.

Top Steers

• Lot 52: Six Shooter, prime slick shear prospect for southern majors, especially San Antonio/Houston ([05:05], Auctioneer)
• Lot 54: Next Man Up, dual-purpose haired or slick prospect, excels in shoulder and structure, “I’m going to try to undersell and over deliver.” ([08:05], Ashworth)
• Lot 61: In God We Trust, from a “virgin flush,” called “dense and robust and, and just struts around with a presence.” ([17:27], Ashworth)
• Lot 84-86: Trio of standout Reds — significant as high-quality reds are “hard for me to make this good, but I’m proud of ‘em.” ([44:46], Ashworth)

Notable Specialty Pieces

• Lot 60: Out of Marksman (purebred Red Angus), perfect fit for Junior Nationals or Red Angus percentage classes ([15:45], Auctioneer; [16:19], Ashworth)
• Lot 74: "Told You So" steer, recommended to keep haired due to exceptional coat and outlier bone/foot size ([32:34], Auctioneer; [33:18], Ashworth)

Simmental & Unique Color Prospects

• Lots 69 & 70: Simmental-crosses, both dual-purpose for hair/slick show use; “two different endpoints here,” ([27:16], Ashworth)
• Lots 87 & 88: Full-sibs, praised for “color, soft hair, fat legged...hard to tie all that together…” ([45:32], Ashworth)

3. Discussion on Management, Upkeep, and Buyer Advice

• Many cattle described as "green" or "behind," perfect for feeders looking to push for rapid improvement.

  “Everybody wants a skinny one when it starts getting up there on sale night.” ([56:53], Ashworth)

• Emphasizes the importance of cow families and consistency in the pedigree for “making it easier...whether you're raising them or showing them.” ([24:49], Ashworth)
• Open about some calves needing proper management and TLC, but possessing significant upside.
• Ashworth’s “undersell and over deliver” mentality fosters trust:

  “My goal is to get everyone projects that they’re happy with…and that fits their program.” ([21:28], Ashworth)

4. Standout Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Parting with Top Heifers:

  "The more phone calls I get about them...it's probably going to hurt worse to see them go. But I felt like it was time." ([01:46], Ashworth)

• On Honesty and Transparency:

  “We clipped the heifers very last. We were clipping them on the second day of picture days. The steers were where my focus was and where my heart's at.” ([01:46], Ashworth)

• On the Value of Pedigree:

  "I'm big on the cow families...If you know you can have some consistency behind you in the pedigree, it makes you sleep a little easier at night and makes you feel a little bit better about your project." ([24:49], Ashworth)

• On Opportunity in this Sale:

  “If you’ve yet to find a showster for you, I’m almost 100% certain you can find one in this sale.” ([70:15], Auctioneer/Host)

5. Accessibility and Commitment to Buyers

• Willingness to Accommodate:

  “If you want to find a way to get here, we'll help get you picked up. Whether that's airport, whatever you need to do, we're all about helping you access us…” ([69:49], Ashworth)

• Customer Focus: Wants buyers to be happier when they get their calf home than when they bought it. ([60:32], Ashworth)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Ashworth’s Breeding Philosophy: 00:50–03:20
• Elite Heifer Lots: 01:17–05:05
• First Steer Highlights: 05:05–10:09
• Slick Shear & Southern Prospects: 11:16–16:19
• Unique Color & Simmental Prospects: 24:24–28:07
• High-End Reds: 43:05–46:22
• Buyer Advice/Management: Recurring, highlights at 21:28, 24:49, 56:53, 60:32
• Heifer Prospects at End: 64:44–69:07
• Closing Thoughts & Invitation: 69:49–70:15

Conclusion

This episode is a goldmine for anyone considering a show calf purchase—vivid, forthright, and deeply insightful. Ashworth and the host provide an honest, transparent preview, with consistently practical advice and encouragement for families at all levels.

Memorable Signoff:

“There’s a lot to look at. There’s a lot of good ones to grab for you. Once again, empowerment's here. Thank y'all for tuning in.” ([70:15], Auctioneer/Host)

For more info and to view videos, visit Steer Bidder for Ashworth Show Cattle’s full offering.