EmpowerU Podcast: Brown Farms & BC II Show Cattle Fall Born & Genetic Sale Preview
Host: Weston Hendrix
Guest: Drew Brown (Brown Farms, representing BC II Show Cattle)
Release Date: April 3, 2026
Sale Date: April 5, 2026 (on SC)
Overview of the Episode
This episode offers an in-depth preview of the upcoming Brown Farms and BC II Show Cattle’s “Final Four” Fall Born & Genetic Sale. Weston Hendrix interviews Drew Brown, who highlights both the cattle on offer and the overarching philosophy behind the sale: quality-focused, customer-minded breeding aimed at helping families achieve their show and production goals. The conversation covers sale lots, the story behind key donors, specific embryo matings, and semen offerings, providing valuable insights for potential buyers and livestock enthusiasts.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Purpose and Goals of the Sale
[00:00–02:05]
- Drew Brown opens by emphasizing the family's dedication to "helping families reach their goals and raising high quality livestock."
- Brown Farms focuses primarily on Angus and Simmental cattle, with some expansion into Maines, Keys, and show steers, reflecting industry trends.
- Partnership with BC II Show Cattle (Jake Cunningham's operation) has expanded their reach and diversified genetic offerings.
"Our goal is helping families reach their goals and raising high quality livestock that we like. And we can feel comfortable and happy about standing behind because ultimately that's our passion." – Drew Brown [01:36]
2. Detailed Lot-by-Lot Sale Preview
Lots 1 & 2: Elite Angus Heifers (Berdi Cow Family)
- Lot 1: 24 Karat x Sandy 2118 (Purebred Angus) – Praised for structural excellence, maternal look, and legacy as part of the Berdi donor cow line.
- Lot 2: Full sibling to Lot 1, round-bodied and dense, reads as a future donor.
- Both lots highlight Brown Farms’ philosophy: "quality over quantity." Four fall-born ET heifers comprise the entire live offering.
"She's kind of our first donor... that really hit a lick and she did so in a big way—our first million dollar producing female in her lifetime." – Drew Brown [02:49]
[2:05–05:15]
Lots 3 & 4: Simmental Excellence (Selena 11 8H Daughters)
- Lot 3: Blaze-faced Next Level daughter—purebred Simmental, high on presence and mass.
- Lot 4: Sibling to Lot 3, Sam sired—equally attractive in proportionality and balance.
- Both are out of an impactful donor now deceased (Selena 11 8H).
- Brown highlights retaining 50% embryo interest in both for future partnerships.
"Who doesn't love a good baldy? And... when they're a baldy and they look like that... I'm just not sure how much better it can get." – Drew Brown [05:46]
[05:15–08:33]
Lots 5–7: Berdi Cow Embryo Matings
- Lot 5: Sexed female embryos—full sibs to Lots 1 & 2, proven to produce division and class winners at national shows.
- Lot 6: New Heights x Berdi—new mating, highly anticipated.
- Lot 7: Databank x Berdi—has produced champion heifers, noted for flexibility and quality.
- Emphasis on customer success and satisfaction with these matings.
"This is the mating that probably changed the trajectory of my life a little bit... This is the mating that's done it, and I think it can do it for other people as well..." – Drew Brown [09:22]
[08:33–12:31]
Lots 8–10: Lola & Sunny Donor Embryo Packages
- Lot 8: Lola (Angus) x New Heights—just started using Lola as a donor, great results expected for show or breeding purposes.
- Lot 9: Lola x Revelation—creates percentage Simmental calves; offers unique show and herd potential.
- Lot 10: Choice of Encore (Angus) or Hits Different (Main) on Sunny; versatility in producing dual registered, high-end market or show animals.
- Sunny is notable for her consistent production of winners across multiple bulls.
"The sunny female is one that probably lit the fire for colder Cunningham... she's one that, you know, just continued to grab top fives every weekend." – Drew Brown [15:32]
[12:31–17:12]
Lot 11: Zoe ("213J") x One For All (Main Anjou) Embryos
- High-profile donor, multiple top-level winnings and production of standout progeny.
- Full sib to high sellers and winners at major shows; versatility for buyers interested in both show and future breeding potential.
"If you haven't heard about 213J here lately in the last two years... you might have been in a pretty remote area I guess because that Zoe female was the high seller..." – Drew Brown [17:23]
[17:12–19:23]
Lot 12: Starburst x In God We Trust (Club Calf/Steer genetics)
- Unique offering for club calf enthusiasts featuring a triple clean, high-quality yellow female.
- Story of acquisition underscores the excitement and vision for steers in the program.
- Encouragement to bid confidently; anticipation of strong showing from this line in the fall.
"She is a triple clean female as well... Jake and a few other really good stockmen went ahead and went together and purchased this one... If I would venture to bet, you'll see a bunch of them here this fall." – Drew Brown [19:39–21:18]
Lot 13: BB Female x Dignity
- Another productive young donor, BB is recognized for her depth, capacity, and success both in the ring and donor pen.
- Dignity mating is predicted to increase muscle, while retaining maternal excellence.
- Noted for high-quality male and anticipated female progeny.
"We don't retain or keep a lot of bulls, but if they do, they're really good. And if you know me, that probably puts your faith in this mating as well." – Drew Brown [22:45]
[21:18–23:29]
Lots 14–15: Semen Offerings – Memphis Mafia and Turning Point
- Memphis Mafia: Rare semen, highly impactful in Main & Key genetics, highly recommended given breed influence.
- Turning Point: Memphis Mafia x Sunny, strong physical and market attributes. Lauded as a standout by both Brown and partners.
"The Mafia bull's done a bunch for that breed and probably is part of the reason why the main and key deal is as hot as it is." – Drew Brown [23:38]
[23:29–25:21]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On legacy cows:
“She’s our first million dollar producing female in her lifetime... just done nothing but impress us from the very beginning.” – Drew Brown (on Berdi, Lot 1) [02:49] -
Why genetic buyers return:
“The ability to have customers want to come back for more genetic matings is just... stands true to how good they are.” – Drew Brown [09:15] -
On commitment to partnering and sharing success:
“We are retaining 50% embryo interest in both of those females. But I promise we're a pretty good partner to work with.” – Drew Brown [07:45] -
Industry trends:
“If you’re not watching the industry right now and seeing the good things that the Main and Key cattle are doing... it’s probably time to start looking into it.” – Drew Brown [11:57] -
Show steer enthusiasm:
“There’s a want to go towards the show steer thing. I think it’s hot right now. And when Jake Cunningham puts his mind to something, it's pretty hard to stop him.” – Drew Brown [21:18]
Important Timestamps
- Sale Philosophy & Partnership: [00:00–02:05]
- Lot 1 & 2: Angus Heifers: [02:05–04:36]
- Lot 3 & 4: Simmental Heifers: [05:15–08:33]
- Genetic & Embryo Offerings (Lots 5–10): [08:33–17:12]
- Zoe/213J One for All Embryos (Lot 11): [17:12–19:23]
- Club Calf Embryos (Lot 12): [19:23–21:18]
- BB x Dignity (Lot 13): [21:18–23:29]
- Semen Offerings (Lots 14–15): [23:29–25:21]
- Closing/Contact Info: [25:21–26:07]
Closing Thoughts & Contact Info
Drew and Weston wrap up by encouraging listeners to check out the sale’s full details on SC and inviting them to reach out with any questions. Drew thanks supporters and emphasizes the program’s transparency and commitment to customers.
“Thank you to everybody who's been out to evaluate the livestock and just kind of talk with us about them... Feel free to reach out...” – Drew Brown [25:40]
For further inquiries and sale details, buyers are encouraged to contact Drew Brown, Jake Cunningham, Andy Hyland, or Thomas Willis—phone numbers available with the sale listing.
