EmpowerU Podcast - Episode Summary
Episode Title: Brock Welshans Show Cattle & Donor Solutions Special Event Preview
Host: Weston Hendrix (A)
Guest: Brock Welshans (B)
Date Recorded: December 15, 2025
Release Date: December 16, 2025
Episode Overview
This special preview episode of EmpowerU dives deep into Brock Welshans' upcoming December 19th Show Cattle & Donor Solutions sale, co-hosted on Steer Bidder. Brock, based in Henrietta, Texas, walks listeners through each featured sale lot, shares his philosophy on breeding show cattle and donors, and offers rich insights into the proven genetics, club calf potential, and unique opportunities available in the auction. The episode is an insider’s look at elite livestock building, networking, and program strategy—a must-listen for breeders, operators, and livestock enthusiasts seeking knowledge and confidence in market-leading cattle.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Introduction and Sale Overview
- Brock introduces himself, his family, and his operation in Henrietta, TX.
- The upcoming sale includes 7 live lots (mainly donor cows and heifers) and several genetics lots (embryos, semen, and flush options), all chosen for their productivity and exceptional pedigrees.
- Collaboration with Austin Wolfe at Donor Solutions—some key cows are co-owned.
“We’ve got a lot of pride and confidence in what we’re offering here. Mainly due to the fact that they’re productive and come from highly regarded cow families.” – Brock ([00:48])
Lot-by-Lot Breakdown & Discussion
Lot 1: 50% Simmental Donor Cow
- Raised and heavily used in the Welshans program—proven through several natural and embryo calves.
- “Dual-purpose” female: can raise elite breeding stock or club calves.
- Sells as a cow-calf pair (recently calved a Data Bank heifer).
- Buyer receives full possession & interest (no retained flushes/embryos).
“You are buying a 100% of the cow with 100% possession and interest... it’s a good deal. It really is a great offering.” – Brock ([05:28])
Lot 2: 50% Hereford/High-Key Proven Donor - “Reba”
- 12 years old with 10 years of performance—“biggest footed, biggest legged animal I have ever seen.”
- Flushed extensively, continues to produce, and has loads of progeny on the ground.
- Produced several show-winning and high-selling progeny, keeps “putting our program on the map.”
- Recommendations for new matings; maternal sires like Good Times, May We All, and club calf options include Greater Good and Golden Ticket.
“This cow has helped us make our living and show program especially on the map. We’ve had a lot of calves win stuff out of her.” – Brock ([10:28])
Lot 3: Margie – 50% Charolais Composite
- Sired by Steerwalt’s “Real Deal” (Monopoly x Harry Bear family).
- Young, never flushed; bred to Written In Red (“double dirty” mating due to both being TH carriers).
- Notably strong structure and major upside—dam produced a $48,000 heifer the previous fall.
“Probably just one of those that needs a real chance in production. But I think there is an unlimited ceiling with something like this for sure.” – Brock ([18:54])
Lot 4: Maintainer Show Heifer Prospect (End Game x Lot 1 Donor)
- “Could be an incredible American maker” if bred to right bulls; potential for both show heifer and club calf production.
- Initially considered “cowie” fronted, but matured out of that look.
- “Best replacement heifer from last year,” bred to May We All, due February 2026.
“She floats when she moves… She’s definitely a favorite of mine and one that I am keeping a couple of flushes on also.” – Brock ([21:40])
Lot 5: “Low Key” Heifer – In God We Trust x Heat Wave/Carney Man Cow
- Described as “husky,” dense, boxy, and seamlessly built.
- Big potential for making slick shear steers (club calves) or breeding heifers.
- Strong maternal background—scholarly of winning progeny in both breeding- and show-related contexts.
“She definitely has the ability to make slick shearing type cattle in this country. I thought if she went back to the Midwest, she’d make an awesome market heifer and then a club calf donor.” – Brock ([24:18])
Lot 6: “Low Key” Heifer – In God We Trust x Lot 1 Donor
- Carries some TH but described as “more maternal in her look.”
- Exceptional structure, presence, and a dynamic, color-flexible pedigree.
- Relates to winning progeny from national-level shows; direct maternal sib to Kansas City reserve steer mama.
“To have an In God female look this feminine and female-like is important, I think, for the production of club calves or breeding stock.” – Brock ([29:07])
Lot 7: Shorthorn Bull (Purebred, DS Carrier)
- “True beef bull”—mass, muscle, and outstanding structure; reserve grand at Texas State Shorthorn Show.
- Market versatility—TH and PHA free, useful for both club calf and purebred breeders.
- Not initially targeted for shorthorn bull sale, but too high quality to pass over.
“For a shorthorn... that breed’s not known for mass and muscle, and he defies the odds in that regard. He is very stout, boxy and big-ribbed, and loaded with red meat.” – Brock ([31:17])
Genetics and Flush Lots
Lot 8: “Ginger” Cornerstone Donor - Flush Opportunity
- Highly proven cow, progeny photos available; consistent producer no matter the sire.
- Open-ended flush opportunity (no cap, full embryo rights).
- Often requested, rarely offered, and typically 15–20 embryos per flush.
“No matter what we use on this cow, it works... The cow just flat out works.” – Brock ([35:08])
Lot 9: “Pearl,” 50% Shorthorn Plus - Flush Opportunity
- Underutilized but consistently produces quality calves that win and sell well.
- Maternal excellence through the show ring and club calves.
“This is one of those females that I think her first calf was a Wrangler... She raises a heifer that wins the AOB division at the Michigan Winter Classic.” – Brock ([39:50])
Lot 10: Embryos from Boyert Donor x Second Chance
- “Just more of an experiment but I was excited about it”—aimed at donor cow type, substance, and muscle.
- Second Chance crosses noted for generating outliers.
“Mating good cattle to good cattle means one thing typically and that’s good cattle.” – Brock ([43:28])
Lot 11: “Mercedes” Flush Embryos (Drive in 80 x Executive Decision)
- Dark roan cow—maternal sib to Pearl (Lot 9).
- Exceptional sales record: “On the first six calves... three of those six brought north of $20,000.”
- Strong club calf and show prospect potential.
“This is a cow that I think on the first six calves that were born out of her, three of those six brought north of 20,000.” – Brock ([48:42])
Lots 12+: Semen Lots
- Briefly acknowledged; self-explanatory, not deeply discussed.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On offering proven donors:
“I don’t know that you ever are ready to part with cows like this. But I do feel like in today’s marketplace... it takes unique stuff or really special offerings to really draw a crowd.” – Brock ([02:17])
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On trusted cow families:
“We have always told people this cow has helped us make our living and show program especially on the map.” – Brock ([10:28])
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On genetic planning:
“Something like [Good Times] would be intriguing... but this cow has all the pull.” – Brock ([12:51])
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On flush success:
“It’s not uncommon for this cow to make 15 to 20 embryos a flush, and sometimes more than that.” – Brock ([35:08])
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On the heart in the program:
“He’s put his heart and soul into a lot of these cattle... it’s his livelihood.” – Weston ([49:31])
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On networking and community:
“If anybody needs something or has questions, I’m easy enough to reach... Super thankful for everyone that has supported us and the interest we’ve had so far.” – Brock ([50:31])
Important Segments & Timestamps
- [00:00–00:48]: Introduction, location, sale basics
- [00:48–05:23]: Brock’s background, sale overview, first donor details
- [05:50–12:36]: Proven “Reba” donor cow (Lot 2), history, and breeding strategy
- [15:27–19:06]: Younger donors, future matings, American breeding potential
- [19:42–24:18]: End Game prospect (Lot 4), maternal attributes, show opportunities
- [28:03–30:54]: Unique “Low Key” heifer, color, maternal merit, national show ties
- [31:17–34:43]: Shorthorn bull, breed mass, use-case diversity
- [35:08–39:37]: “Ginger” donor flush, embryo production, user advice
- [43:28–49:23]: Embryo lots, Mercedes donor, ROI and matings
- [50:31–51:08]: Closing, Brock’s approachability, gratitude
Episode Tone & Style
The episode maintains an informative yet conversational style, blending deep technical breeding knowledge with friendly banter and mutual respect. Brock is earnest, transparent, and detail-oriented; Weston is enthusiastic, supportive, and genuinely curious about the cattle and sale strategy.
Conclusion
This episode serves as a walk-through of the December 19th sale, but more than that, it's a master class in planning, building, and marketing elite show cattle genetics. Informative for new and seasoned breeders alike, it highlights not just individual lots, but a broader philosophy of livestock improvement, honesty in selling, and the importance of proven cow families.
“Super thankful for everyone that has supported us and the interest we’ve had so far—and if we can ever do anything to help, we’re happy to do it.” – Brock ([50:31])
Listeners interested in the sale or wanting more visuals/info can contact Brock directly—he’s quick to respond and openly welcomes inquiries.
