EmpowerU Podcast Episode Summary
Podcast: EmpowerU
Host: Weston Hendrix (Luke Domingue absent for this episode)
Episode: Carroll Cattle Company Steer Sale Preview
Date: October 16, 2025
Guests: Cassidy Carroll (Carroll Cattle Company) & Bryden Barber
Purpose: To give listeners an in-depth preview of each lot in the upcoming Carroll Cattle Company Steer Sale, with background, candid evaluation, and show prospect recommendations.
Episode Overview
This episode aims to empower prospective buyers and listeners with insider knowledge and honest insight about the Carroll Cattle Company Steer Sale. Host Weston Hendrix leads a stall-by-stall preview, joined by Cassidy Carroll and Bryden Barber, who offer transparency about each calf’s background, strengths, and target markets—from local county to national shows. The episode combines technical expertise, authentic club calf banter, and practical show cattle advice.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Introductions & Background (00:01 – 01:59)
- Cassidy Carroll:
- Grew up showing in Northern California; moved Carroll Cattle Co. to Oklahoma.
- Focus on raising steers from top donor cows, originally acquired at the Dakota Classic.
- Bryden Barber:
- Texas Panhandle roots, raised Herefords.
- Joined Carroll Cattle full time after college; helps market the calf crop.
Quote:
“I looked through the sale the other day and just thought an immense amount of quality just throughout...”
— Weston Hendrix (00:01)
2. Building the Program (02:12 – 02:55)
- The program started with a focus on proven donor cows from reputable breeders.
- Ongoing improvement through strategic mating and continuous donor selection.
Quote:
“We just keep trying to find better ones to improve our program.”
— Cassidy Carroll (02:55)
3. Lot-by-Lot Sale Preview and Evaluations
Lot 1: “The Stud” (03:15 – 04:06)
- Standout from birth; exceptional presence, power, and look—ideal for Denver.
- Built for the big leagues.
- Quote:
“He’s got the presence, the look, the power, the arrogance. Just everything you want in a big time show steer.”
— Bryden Barber (03:33)
Lot 2: State Fair Contender (04:28 – 05:16)
- Out of a Merlin Outer Limits Van Hoof cow; full sib to Griswold’s “Good to Go” bull.
- Best suited for August state fairs—Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, or California.
Lot 3: Refreshing Red “Gingers” (05:16 – 06:49)
- Red calf from “Ginger” and Smith Carroll 606 donor.
- Ideal as a slick calf for California county fairs.
- 606 donor highlighted for industry impact (sold for $160,000 as pick of clones).
Lot 4, 5: “Here for Good” Sibs—Body and Density (06:49 – 08:56)
- Both standout Here for Good calves; robust and ideal for the Dallas State Fair or other Midwest state fairs.
- Lot 4’s density and body described as “overwhelming.”
- Lot 5: “Screams state fair” for the Midwest.
Lot 6: Painted Up “How Great” (08:56 – 10:07)
- Out of D4 Dame, chromed up with “How Great Thou Art” highlights.
- Big, eye-catching calf; recommended for summer to fall shows.
Lot 7: More “How Great” Genetics (10:08 – 11:12)
- Later maturing; best for Kansas City, Louisville, Denver.
- From Doris’s 615 full sib; needs time and feed.
Lot 8: The Skinny Green Hopeful (11:12 – 12:20)
- Lightest in the offering; long on look, feet, and future potential.
- Quote:
“His presence and structure is just undeniable. It’s just one that’s going to need a little more time on feed, but ... has a bunch of potential.”
— Bryden Barber (11:41)
Lot 9: Meat-and-Potatoes (12:20 – 13:08)
- Dense, bold, functional; “can’t pick a hole in him.”
- Best for slick shows, early fall, not heavy on hair.
- Quote:
“Just your meat and potatoes calf that you can’t really pick a hole in him.”
— Cassidy Carroll (12:40)
Lot 10: “In God 707”—Wild Looker (13:08 – 14:31)
- Only calf by “In God” x 707 cow; described as very competitive for Dallas.
- The dam has produced $110K heifers, a proven winner.
Lot 11-12: “Here I Am” & “How Great” on Versatile Cow (14:32 – 16:49)
- Both need more time on feed; could be exceptional for Denver, Louisville, OIE.
- Lot 12 deemed “a really safe bet to be a competitive steer in the end.”
Lots 13-14: More “Here for Good” and “Here I Am” (16:49 – 18:40)
- Emphasis on muscle, soundness, and the ability to be competitive in slick or haired shows.
- Calves need time due to hot Oklahoma conditions this year.
4. Weather Impact on Calf Development (18:40 – 19:29)
- Unusually hot fall in Oklahoma and Texas has slowed the “chubbiness” on some calves, but as temperatures drop, performance/condition expected to improve.
Quote:
“We’re just now getting fall weather here in South Texas. It’s still 90 degrees in October, which I think is obscene.” — Weston Hendrix (18:40)
5. Unique Lots & Notable Moments
-
Lot 15:
- Out of D1, 44, 22 “family tradition” cow, described as stout, hairy, competitive, pulled at 10:30pm in February—memorable calving story (20:23).
-
Lot 16:
- Smooth-polled, strong Angus steer candidate for Cowtown 2027.
-
Lot 17:
- Practical, easy-feeding, great for first-year showman.
-
Lot 19:
- “In God We Trust” x Ryman 69 (Dry Country over Heat Seeker); last year’s sib won Reserve Charolais at New Mexico State Fair.
-
Lot 21:
- “Golden Ticket” x 707, full sib to $110K heifer sold in September. “Loads of potential at a slick show.”
-
Lot 23:
- Known as “Carlos,” named by OSU college kids; has the attitude and the build, described as a joy to be around.
-
Lot 29:
- Purebred Angus, out of D3 (Insight 1405 from Express). Raised a champion heifer at Ohio State Fair in the past, now offering a junior national quality Angust steer.
-
Lot 30:
- Smoky “How Great,” full sib to Lot 1, high hopes for San Antonio; praised for build, muscle, and “super unique” look.
6. Teamwork & Acknowledgments (37:22 – 39:20)
- Cassidy Carroll credits Bryden Barber’s role in assembling the set.
- Shout-out to OSU student workers for dedication and barn energy.
- Mutual appreciation for collaborating with young talent like host Weston Hendrix.
Quote:
“It’s kind of neat, kind of a full circle story with us being college roommates and then having him come and help us out here.”
— Cassidy Carroll (37:29)
Quote:
“Really admire what you’re doing out there—being just a young college kid trying to pave his way and just really help people market their cattle.”
— Bryden Barber (38:44)
Timestamped Highlights
- 00:01–02:12: Host/guest intros, history of Carroll Cattle Co.
- 03:15–04:06: Detailed praise for Lot 1, the headliner.
- 06:17–06:49: Impact of the 606 donor in club calf genetics.
- 11:39–12:20: Potential in “green,” unfinished calves.
- 18:40–19:29: Discussion on weather impact for calf maturity.
- 20:23: The calving-night story for Lot 15.
- 23:47–24:52: Last year’s success for a full sib to Lot 19.
- 29:24–29:43: “Carlos,” the calf named by OSU college workers.
- 37:22–38:44: Team spirit, gratitude, and looking ahead.
Tone and Takeaways
The episode is conversational, encouraging, and detail-oriented, offering honest assessments over mere sales pitches. The hosts and guests aim to equip both new and experienced show families with the context and confidence to select the right calves for their specific goals and experience levels.
Memorable Insights:
- Several calves described as “safe bets” or “can’t pick a hole,” ideal for both first-time and advanced showmen.
- Emphasis on potential for growth and development, especially among greener, less mature calves.
- Transparent about hair quality, mature weights, and optimal endpoints—tailored advice for show timing and classification.
- Stories behind the genetics and cattle team add authenticity and warmth.
For Prospective Buyers
- The sale takes place October 20, 2025, online via Steer Bidder.
- Each lot preview includes honest evaluation, ideal shows/endpoints, and genetic pedigree.
- Encouraged to “bid to win”—and reach out with any questions to the Carroll Cattle team.
This summary is for those who want a complete grasp of the Carroll Cattle Company Steer Sale Preview, with a clear window into the cattle offered, the people behind the program, and the genuine passion infused in every lot discussed.