EmpowerU Podcast Episode Summary: "Humility & Honor - Providing Value With Kevin Mock"

Release Date: August 24, 2024
Hosts: Weston Hendrix, Augustus Sexton, Quinn Hartley
Guest: Kevin Mock, Owner and Operator of Shootside

1. Introduction

The episode kicks off with hosts Weston Hendrix and Augustus Sexton welcoming listeners to the ninth episode of EmpowerU. They introduce the guest, Kevin Mock, highlighting his expertise in the cattle industry, particularly in show steers and clipping abilities.

2. Guest Background

Kevin Mock shares his journey in the cattle business, emphasizing his roots in modern ranching as a first-generation rancher from Cathy's Valley, California. He recounts purchasing his first two Hereford heifers at age eight and reflects on his humble beginnings:

"If I can do it, then probably about anyone could do it because we came from very, very like no knowledge about anything at all."
— Kevin Mock [01:38]

Kevin explains how his parents, originally from urban backgrounds, purchased their ranch without prior agricultural experience. His early exposure to cattle through leasing the land to James Bright ignited his passion for the industry.

3. Evolution of Show Steers

Discussing the changes in show steers over the years, Kevin contrasts past and present standards. He notes significant improvements in cattle quality, genetics, and market expectations:

"They were much lower quality, they were bigger cattle, they were dang sure cheaper than what they are now."
— Kevin Mock [05:00]

He highlights advancements such as artificial insemination (AI) and enhanced grooming techniques, reflecting on how cattle have become taller, finish heavier, and possess better aesthetics.

4. California's Show Steer Market

Kevin delves into the specifics of the California show steer market, explaining the unique dynamics compared to other states:

"The county fair market in California is very, very strong."
— Kevin Mock [07:45]

He explains that California's county fairs are terminal sales, where top-quality steers are harvested for meat post-sale. The advent of online sales has enabled Kevin to scale his business by reaching buyers beyond California.

5. Building Trust and Relationships

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the importance of trust in selling cattle, especially when dealing with interstate buyers:

"This whole business to me is based on trust and honesty."
— Kevin Mock [08:00]

Kevin emphasizes transparency in transactions, advising sellers to honestly portray both the strengths and weaknesses of their cattle. This approach fosters long-term relationships and repeat business.

6. Honesty in Online Sales

Kevin underscores the critical role of honesty when selling cattle online, where buyers rely solely on descriptions without physical inspections:

"It's the most important thing. I mean, it has to be. Has to be."
— Kevin Mock [10:26]

He advises sellers to stick to the fundamentals of evaluating cattle structure and presentation, ensuring that buyers receive accurately represented animals.

7. Clipping and Fitting Best Practices

Addressing the technical aspects of show cattle, Kevin provides valuable tips on clipping and fitting:

"The big best advice I can give to anyone is I think you just need to feed the ones you like."
— Kevin Mock [10:37]

He discusses the importance of practice, humility, and seeking mentorship to refine clipping skills. Kevin recommends attending clinics and working with experienced crews to gain proficiency.

8. Current Industry Trends

Kevin shares his perspectives on contemporary trends within the cattle industry, highlighting both excitement and concerns:

"I'm afraid that there could be a little bit of sticker shock on what these things cost."
— Kevin Mock [12:55]

He discusses rising cattle prices, the influx of outside capital into the industry, and the increasing talent among young clippers. Additionally, he touches on the trend of heavier finished weights and questions their impact on cattle maturity.

9. Mentorship and Personal Growth

The conversation shifts to the significance of mentorship in Kevin's career. He credits mentors like Colby Collins and Rick Fry for their substantial influence:

"A good mentor is someone that's willing to give information and expect nothing in return."
— Kevin Mock [24:54]

Kevin describes his mentors' generosity and honesty, which have been pivotal in his professional development and success within the industry.

10. Collaborations with Other Breeders

Kevin discusses how trust and shared goals underpin his collaborations with other breeders, such as Brent Cromwell and Willie Weiss:

"Trust is probably the most important thing in alignment of interests."
— Kevin Mock [29:43]

He shares anecdotes about meeting collaborators through mutual friends and shared interests, emphasizing transparency and mutual respect as key factors in maintaining these relationships.

11. Addressing Show Politics

Ferris Simon raises the contentious topic of show politics, seeking Kevin's insights on its prevalence and potential solutions:

"There's an element of politics... but I genuinely don't believe it's as bad as what some people think it is."
— Kevin Mock [41:07]

Kevin acknowledges the existence of politics but believes it's often overstated. He advocates for increased transparency, such as score posting, to mitigate perceptions of favoritism and favoritism in judging.

12. Personal Inspiration and Motivation

The hosts delve into personal motivations, with Kevin sharing his favorite Bible verses that inspire his work ethic and leadership:

"First Peter 5, where it talks about being a shepherd for your flock, defending your flock."
— Kevin Mock [49:22]

He also responds to Ferris' favorite verse, Proverbs 3:5-6, illustrating the role of faith and spirituality in guiding his professional and personal life.

13. Audience Q&A

Listeners engage with Kevin through live questions, touching on topics such as:

• Balancing Show Standards in Varied Climates:
  Kevin advises maintaining dedication despite environmental challenges, emphasizing the importance of consistent effort and quality.

• Encouraging Youth in the Industry:
  He stresses the necessity of knowledge transfer from experienced professionals to younger generations to sustain industry growth.

• Maintaining Motivation Amidst Adversity:
  Kevin encourages focusing on personal effort and integrity, regardless of external circumstances or perceived disadvantages.

14. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with hosts expressing gratitude to Kevin Mock for his insightful contributions. They reiterate the episode's key themes of humility, honor, trust, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the cattle industry.

Notable Quotes

• "If I can do it, then probably about anyone could do it because we came from very, very like no knowledge about anything at all."
  — Kevin Mock [01:38]

• "This whole business to me is based on trust and honesty."
  — Kevin Mock [08:00]

• "A good mentor is someone that's willing to give information and expect nothing in return."
  — Kevin Mock [24:54]

• "First Peter 5, where it talks about being a shepherd for your flock, defending your flock."
  — Kevin Mock [49:22]

• "Proverbs 3:5 through 6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him. He will lead your path straight."
  — Ferris Simon [50:02]

Key Takeaways

• Trust and Honesty: Fundamental for building lasting relationships in cattle sales, especially online.

• Continuous Learning: Importance of seeking mentorship and engaging in consistent practice to master skills like clipping and fitting.

• Adaptability to Trends: Navigating rising costs and evolving show standards requires strategic planning and willingness to adapt.

• Overcoming Politics: Enhancing transparency in show judging can mitigate perceptions of favoritism and promote fairness.

• Personal Growth: Embracing humility and striving for constant self-improvement are essential for success both personally and professionally.

This episode of EmpowerU provides a comprehensive exploration of the cattle industry's intricacies, guided by Kevin Mock's extensive experience and candid insights. Listeners gain valuable perspectives on maintaining integrity, fostering mentorship, and navigating the evolving landscape of livestock operations.