EmpowerU Podcast: Season 4, Episode 9 - "Blueprints & Bloodlines" Featuring Joe Rathmann

Release Date: August 8, 2025

Introduction

In the ninth episode of Season 4 of EmpowerU, hosts Weston Hendrix and Luke Domingue welcome Joe Rathmann, a seasoned professional in the livestock industry. With a rich background in cattle breeding, showing, and coaching, Joe shares his journey, insights, and expertise, offering valuable lessons for individuals looking to excel in the livestock sector.

Joe Rathmann's Background and Journey

[00:03-02:50]

Joe Rathmann introduces himself as a lifelong cattleman from Bastrop, Texas. Growing up as the youngest of three siblings, Joe was immersed in the family business of raising club calves, which served as the sole income source for his parents. His passion for livestock led him to Blinn College, where he honed his skills in livestock judging, and later to Texas A&M University. After completing his education, Joe returned to Blinn to coach alongside Brandon Callis before ultimately moving back to his family's property to run the cow herd with his wife, Joellen, and their son, Brig.

Notable Quote:

"We run the cow herd there on that place, raising club calves and trying to make a living at it." — Joe Rathmann [02:50]

Evolution of the Livestock Industry

[02:50-06:26]

Joe discusses the significant changes in the livestock industry over the years. From his early days focused on basic cattle care, the industry has evolved with advancements in agricultural science, grazing techniques, and genetic improvements. He highlights the increased quality of show steers, attributing it to technologies like embryo transfer, which have democratized access to high-caliber genetics.

Notable Quote:

"The quality of the cattle has increased rapidly... everybody has a shot to raise higher percentage or create a higher percentage chance to raise the really, really good cattle." — Joe Rathmann [04:30]

Genetics and Breeding Strategies

[06:26-35:15]

The conversation delves into the role of genetics in cattle breeding. Joe emphasizes the importance of selecting bulls that enhance structural integrity and performance consistency. He discusses his experiences with different sires, such as "Uptown," and the challenges of maintaining a balance between physical traits and economic viability. Joe also touches upon the complexities of embryo selection and the potential of genomic advancements in predicting calf performance.

Notable Quote:

"Make livestock as wide as you can and still structurally sound. That's number one goal." — Joe Rathmann [33:07]

Building and Managing a Successful Operation

[35:15-50:06]

Joe shares his journey of transitioning from coaching to managing his own club calf operation. He attributes his success to seven years of experience in evaluating livestock and understanding diverse breeding practices across the country. Joe discusses the expansion of his operation through partnerships, such as with a cousin for co-op purposes, allowing him to increase his herd size and improve genetic diversity. He also addresses the economic challenges of running a livestock operation, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and financial planning.

Notable Quote:

"I spent seven years driving around evaluating the things that I needed and studying and researching all of the things that I needed to learn." — Joe Rathmann [21:08]

Challenges in the Club Calf Industry

[50:06-56:24]

Joe identifies key challenges facing the club calf industry, particularly the rising costs of entry and operation. He points out that the financial burden of starting and maintaining a show cattle program is substantial, making it difficult for newcomers to participate. Joe also discusses the need for breeders to focus on producing economically viable cattle without compromising on quality. Additionally, he highlights the psychological stresses ranchers face, balancing daily operational challenges with long-term goals.

Notable Quote:

"If you're not clearing twenty-five hundred dollars on what you try to raise as a club calf, you're probably just barely breaking even on the deal." — Joe Rathmann [49:15]

Private Treaty Sales vs. Online Sales

[42:49-45:59]

The hosts and Joe explore the differences between private treaty sales and online sales. Joe expresses a preference for private treaty sales, citing the ability to build personal relationships with buyers and ensure that cattle are matched with suitable families. He emphasizes that private treaty sales align better with his operational pace and provide a more controlled and satisfying selling experience compared to the often impersonal nature of online auctions.

Notable Quote:

"I like being able to walk out with a family and be like, what are you capable of?" — Joe Rathmann [44:10]

Youth Involvement and Mentorship

[56:30-61:29]

Joe underscores the importance of early involvement of youth in livestock activities. Drawing from his own experiences, he emphasizes that engaging children in cattle showing and management fosters confidence, responsibility, and character development. Joe advocates for a family-oriented approach to livestock projects, ensuring that young participants receive adequate guidance and support to thrive both personally and professionally.

Notable Quote:

"Socially, stock showing has vastly improved from where it was. We're pushing youth to do sales talks, speeches, and other contests to build character." — Joe Rathmann [60:00]

Industry Insights and Future Outlook

[61:29-75:37]

Towards the end of the episode, Joe shares his excitement for the upcoming Texas major show season, highlighting the importance of experienced judges like Scotty Griner and Blake Nelson in elevating show standards. He discusses the evolving criteria in judging, advocating for a focus on future potential rather than just present attributes. Joe also touches upon technological advancements and their impact on grazing management and livestock performance.

Notable Quote:

"When you judge prospect shows now, you're just being open-minded. There's a number of cattle capable of winning that day." — Joe Rathmann [52:45]

Personal Reflections and Motivation

[75:37-77:04]

In a heartfelt conclusion, Joe reflects on what motivates him daily. He credits his son, Brig, as a primary source of inspiration, providing him with purpose and positivity. Joe discusses the mental challenges of ranching, emphasizing the importance of focusing on daily tasks and celebrating small victories to maintain momentum and resilience.

Notable Quote:

"Brig empowers me to be better. He needs me, and that makes me feel important." — Joe Rathmann [73:17]

Closing Thoughts

The episode wraps up with a Bible verse from Isaiah 41:10, reinforcing the theme of perseverance and divine support. Hosts Weston Hendrix and Luke Domingue express their gratitude to Joe Rathmann for sharing his invaluable experiences and insights, highlighting the episode as one of their favorites due to its depth and relevance.

Closing Quote:

"Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God, and I will strengthen you and help you." — Isaiah 41:10

Key Takeaways

1. Genetic Advancements: Modern technologies like embryo transfer have revolutionized cattle breeding, enhancing the quality and consistency of show steers.

2. Economic Sustainability: Rising costs in the livestock industry necessitate strategic financial planning to ensure the viability of operations.

3. Personal Relationships in Sales: Private treaty sales offer a more personalized and controlled approach compared to online sales, fostering better breeder-buyer relationships.

4. Youth Engagement: Involving youth in livestock activities is crucial for developing future leaders and sustaining the industry.

5. Daily Resilience: Focusing on daily tasks and celebrating small successes helps ranchers manage the inherent stresses of the industry.

This episode of EmpowerU provides a comprehensive look into the challenges and triumphs of running a successful livestock operation, enriched by Joe Rathmann's personal experiences and professional insights. Whether you're a seasoned cattleman or new to the industry, the discussions offer valuable lessons on genetics, economics, mentorship, and personal resilience.