EmpowerU Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Competitive Edge Genetics Sire Preview
Host: Weston Hendrix
Guest: Raymond (Competitive Edge Genetics)
Date: April 6, 2026
Main Theme:
This episode provides a comprehensive preview and insider discussion of the 2026 sire lineup from Competitive Edge Genetics. Host Weston Hendrix and guest Raymond dive into the pedigrees, market roles, unique traits, and recent developments for a range of bulls offered by Competitive Edge, aiming to empower listeners in the livestock industry—both customer and producer—when making breeding decisions.

Episode Overview

Weston sits down with Raymond from Competitive Edge Genetics for an in-depth, practical, and transparent discussion about their bulls for 2026, focusing on new standout sires, feedback from Denver, genetic solutions, and advice to maximize customer success. The conversation covers individual bulls' backgrounds, results, market trends, and breeding recommendations in a straightforward and engaging tone.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Kickoff and Denver Recap

[00:00-02:07]

• The January sire preview generated high engagement and useful feedback, particularly for those who couldn't attend Denver in person.
• Denver was a success for Naughty by Nature, which drew positive feedback and led to active sales and interest.

“We had a lot of positive feedback on the bull, which I expected just because I knew he was something that was pretty exciting to go out and display…” — Raymond [01:21]

• Naughty by Nature’s semen is now available on the open market and drawing interest from top donor cows nationwide.

New Sires: Ready or Not & Tried and True

[02:07-05:01]

• Ready or Not: A red, DS-free How Great x 7 Over 35 donor, spotlighted for consistency, color genetics, and filling a genetic need for both cattle color and defect markers.

“Finding one that’s th carrier but DS free is, is kind of a small pocket there … definitely a cow changer.” — Raymond [03:19]

• Tried and True: Here I Am 79B bred, full sib to mult. state fair champions and to Naughty by Nature’s dam, praised for his modern phenotype and proven pedigree.

“That correlation of that pedigree has been very, very consistent … backed by proven donor cows … they seem to hit a little bit more often.” — Raymond [04:14]

Focus Sires

Feelings

[05:01-08:07]

• In Game x Weiss Estella (Main Anjou); highly successful with strong national sales, high-value offspring, and now in major demand.
• Notable for being red gene, purebred, and tested clean for major breed defects.

“He’s selling semen faster than he can make it, which is a good problem to have...he’s got his own lane now and he’s clean on everything.” — Raymond [06:39]

• Projected as a breed-changer and being used on the industry’s elite donor cows.

Apex

[08:07-10:25]

• In Game x Udell’s Queen Ruth; a highly marketable 3/8 Main Angus bull excelling in show heifer production, with numerous high sellers and winners.
• Semen is limited due to injury but commands premium prices—a testament to the bull’s perceived value.

“It’s still nice to see that the public notices that that bull is very valuable to the industry and they’re willing to pay a premium…” — Raymond [09:21]

Claim to Fame

[10:25-12:31]

• Full brother to two $300K+ heifers; key driver for renewed Memphis Mafia genetics’ popularity.
• Initial production was small, but calf reports are strong and anticipation is high for his impact on the fall market.

Key Bulls for Kept Genetics

Made For This & Made You Look

[12:31-15:03]

• Made For This: High Key (15%), from Drew Miller’s productive Smiling Queen donor. Especially effective on certain show heifer bloodlines.
• Made You Look: Out of a successful Podmic Key heifer, offers a longer, bigger frame and another “pocket” for breeders needing high key percentage with consistent results.

“For being high percent key, there’s not a whole lot like them out there on the market.” — Raymond [14:49]

Paramount (Podmic)

[15:03-17:00]

• Angus bull (24 Karat x Udell’s Proving Queen) remarkable for sire-side punch and feature.
• Winning at the highest state fair level, cited for “not looking like an Angus” and excelling in crossbreeding, especially as a maternal outcross for main Angus programs.

“If you want to look at an Angus that doesn’t look like an Angus...that bull definitely needs to be utilized in your breeding program.” — Raymond [16:34]

Empire Charolais

[17:00-18:12]

• Force of Nature son, PA-negative (Charolais defect), “tricked out” look, and sought after for unique trait profile.
• Early calf reports confirm his market impact.

Partner Bulls & Club Calf Power

[18:12-19:49]

• Partnership with Rogers (Missouri) brings high-profile bulls: Tricked Out, Chosen One, Next Man Up (recent major wins).

“They complement our lineup really well...to provide some more club calf stuff to kind of fill some of those slots as well.” — Raymond [19:24]

Unique Stories & Notable Outcrosses

Life’s a Triple, Told You So

[19:49-26:04]

• Life’s a Triple: Second to None x Dakota Gold lineage, versatile for “dirty” cows and colored market; limited semen after untimely loss.
• Told You So: Standout, game-changing triple clean Here I Am son.

“We probably need to keep that one intact, don’t you think?...We gotta retest him. There’s no way he’s triple clean...We said, told you so. I told you we could do it.” — Raymond [22:17 & 22:55]

• Popular for steers and breeding heifers, with outstanding field results and the unique ability to sire high quality from carrier cows.
• Custom semen options (male, female, conventional).

Highlanders for Calving Ease

[26:04-27:36]

• Highlanders integrated as a “calving ease solution” for first-calf club cow heifers, producing appealing, papered calves that fit multiple markets.

“They’ve definitely provided a solution to that calving ease situation that a lot of guys run into.” — Raymond [27:28]

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “He came back triple clean and looked like a triple dirty one, we said, told you so. I told you we could do it.” — Raymond on “Told You So” [22:55]
• “He’s selling semen faster than he can make it, which is a good problem to have.” — Raymond on “Feelings” [06:39]
• “If you want to look at an Angus that doesn’t look like an Angus…that bull definitely needs to be utilized in your breeding program.” — Raymond on “Paramount” [16:34]
• “Not only was the bull super high quality, but to be a full sib to heifers that were that successful...there’s no reason why a bull like that would not have value…” — Raymond on “Claim to Fame” [11:03]
• “The public notices that that bull is very valuable to the industry and they’re willing to pay a premium.” — Raymond on “Apex” [09:21]
• “A revolving door here with me...I genuinely do treat this as a way to create livestock that are marketable, whether it’s for me or for others.” — Raymond [28:40]

Customer Engagement and Support

[28:05-29:01]

• Raymond emphasizes customer service: welcomes inquiries, farm visits, genetic consulting, and open communication for farm needs.

“If you’ve got calves that you want me to see, that would potentially be something we might want to merchandise in the fall, we’re open to all of those things. It's a revolving door here...” — Raymond [28:13]

Closing

[29:01-end]

• Weston expresses gratitude for the opportunity, compliments the quality of the lineup, and wishes success for the ongoing semen tour.
• EmpowerU reinforces its mission to inspire confidence and knowledge for everyone in the livestock industry.

Summary Prepared for: Listeners who want actionable insights, detailed pedigree knowledge, and a strong sense of the current landscape for elite show and breeding cattle.