EmpowerU Podcast: McFarland Show Cattle Sale Preview

Host: Weston Hendrix
Guest: Brawley McFarland of McFarland Show Cattle
Date: March 2, 2026
Sale Date: March 5, 2026 (on SteerBidder)

Episode Overview

This special preview episode spotlights the upcoming McFarland Show Cattle sale, giving buyers and industry enthusiasts an in-depth look at the elite calves and heifers offered by Brawley McFarland’s North Texas operation. The discussion focuses on each lot’s genetics, show potential, and unique qualities, while also providing practical advice for potential buyers. Throughout the conversation, the passion and commitment of both host and breeder to excellence in the livestock industry shines through.

Meet the Breeder: Brawley McFarland (00:29-01:16)

• Introduction & Philosophy:
  Brawley introduces himself and his family’s 24/7 devotion to club calf production in North Texas.
• Mission:
  “We’re really dedicated to trying to make elite show steers... and look forward to tying in with some new customers and appreciate the ones we do got already.” (Brawley McFarland, 00:45)

Sale Preview: Lot-by-Lot Breakdown

Lot 1 (01:16-01:45)

• How Great Thou Art x Whitey
• Notable maternal sib to 2024 Denver Champion.
• "Awesome hair... feet and legs are incredible... very flexible at the surface." (Weston, 01:27)
• Brawley’s take:
  "I don’t think he’s a contender. I think he’s a real contender for a show in the right hands." (Brawley, 02:19)

Lot 2 (02:35-03:10)

• Golden Ticket x 2025 Female (1oak/In God)
• Praised for dual purpose and gentle disposition; could have easily been Lot 1.
• “His profile is the most intriguing... his hair quality alongside the flexible hind leg.” (Weston, 02:41)
• Brawley highlights:
  “A five-year-old could show this calf. He is so doggone gentle, but still has the presence about him.” (Brawley, 03:42)

Lot 3 (04:17-04:48)

• How Great Thou Art x Whitey (maternal sib to 2024 Denver Champion)
• Dense haired, burly, moderate, "fun to jackpot all year."
• “He’s got the soft hair and he is dual purpose... moves good and soft middle, cool necked, got a good attitude.” (Brawley, 05:08)

Lot 4 (05:36-05:59)

• Size Matters x Tag One (full sister to Knock Knock)
• Not extreme hair, better as a slicking calf, green but loads of upside.
• "You can feed this calf... puts work some metal on him." (Brawley, 06:19)
• "...at the end this one’s going to stay right... a very good deal for somebody." (Brawley, 06:33)

Lot 5 (07:02-07:21)

• Take Me To Church x Christmas Donor (Huston 208/In God We Trust)
• State fair/AOC prospect, "contrasting maturity pattern."
• "Just as his walk alone is gonna be pretty eye catching..." (Brawley, 08:19)
• "He’s got the legs... true muscle... to make him work as a slicking one at the end." (Brawley, 08:25)

Lot 6 (08:41-09:06)

• In God We Trust x Whitey (full sib to 2024 Denver winner)
• Not the best hair but great shape for slick; Fort Worth to Houston suitability.
• “...this is a high quality calf... he will have the hair and those genetics, they work.” (Brawley, 09:28)

Lot 7 (09:52-10:29)

• Man Amongst Boys x 1776 (Jake's Proud Jazz/Heat Wave)
• Shorthorn prospect, “extremely hairy,” “gentle disposition.”
• “When you get him and blow him out, tie his head up, this calf, it changes his whole appearance.” (Brawley, 10:58)

Lot 8 (11:37-12:00)

• Full sib to 2024 Denver Champion
• Praised for presence and balance; dual purpose.
• “I pointed out… not fit for a first-year showman… there needs to be a commitment right off the get go.” (Brawley, 12:23)

Lot 9 (13:13-13:39)

• Full sib to Lot 7
• Dense hair, bold, dimensional. Great for experienced showmen.
• “He’s a player [at Fort Worth] for sure, but… presence to boot.” (Brawley, 13:51)

Lot 10 (14:17-14:41)

• Golden Ticket x 1 over 30 Donor (May-born)
• Short back/hip, “meat and potatoes,” great for jackpots and majors.
• “He does the things that we are trying to raise as far as beef and red meat goes.” (Brawley, 15:11)

Lot 11 (15:43-16:23)

• Man Amongst Boys x 1776
• Green, behind on condition but huge potential and cool build.
• “I’m as excited about this calf as anything in the sale… he is cool.” (Brawley, 16:41)

Lot 12 (17:43-18:15)

• In God We Trust x Charcross
• Long spine, level hipped, great hair, natural muscle.
• “He does it all good… depth, cool flanked, fun as a slicking one.” (Brawley, 18:25)

Lot 13 (18:53-19:25)

• How Great Thou Art x 1 over 30 Female
• Standout favorite for both presence and size; needs coasting, not rushing.
• “Every time I get done working this calf… I think this one’s my favorite.” (Brawley, 20:06)

Lot 14 (20:16-20:41)

• Full sib to Lot 2 – Heifer
• Brood cow prospect, exceptional structure, soft haired.
• “I put her right up there with some of them really good ones… this one is definitely a donor.” (Brawley, 21:07)

Lot 15 (21:47-22:15)

• Full sister to Lot 14 – Heifer
• Ideal for making shorthorn steers, exceptional build.
• “These are very, very, very high quality heifers to make some show steers.” (Brawley, 22:38)

Lot 16 (22:50-23:12)

• Man Amongst Boys x 1776 – Heifer
• Special female, highly maternal but with power and hair.
• “She’s boxy, super boxy... that’s going to win as far as show steers. Looking forward to see what somebody can do with her.” (Brawley, 23:44)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Dedication & Philosophy:
  “There’s only a couple things in this world you can control and that’s effort and love, and we’re big believers in that.” (Brawley, 24:16)
• Advice for Visitors:
  “All these cows that... these calves are out of, are here in the front pasture and we can look at cows and we can look at calves.” (Brawley, 24:34)
• On Sale Variety:
  “There’s a lot of variation in terms of type and kind, but I think there’s something for everybody in here.” (Weston, 25:10)

Key Takeaways & Tips

• Genetic Consistency: Multiple calves are closely related to major winners, notably the 2024 Denver Champion.
• Dual Purpose Prospects: Many lots offer flexibility for both haired and slick-shear shows.
• Disposition Counts: Calf temperament and suitability for families of various experience levels is recurrently emphasized.
• Heifers as Investments: The sale includes several donor-quality heifers with high future value for show steer production.
• Community Invitation: Brawley welcomes visitors to their North Texas ranch to view cattle and deepen both knowledge and relationships.

Notable Timestamps

• Breeder’s Introduction: 00:29–01:16
• Lot 1–Lot 4: 01:16–05:59
• Middle Lots (5–12): 07:02–18:15
• Standout/Brood Heifers (13–16): 18:53–23:12
• Closing Philosophy & Invitation: 24:16–24:59

Episode Tone

Candid, knowledgeable, and welcoming — The conversation is a blend of technical expertise, practical advice, and genuine passion for the cattle industry, suitable for both rookie and veteran show families.

Summary

This episode offers a comprehensive preview of the McFarland Show Cattle sale, highlighting the depth, versatility, and quality up for grabs. With insights into each lot, strategies for different show circuits, and a heartfelt invitation to experience the McFarland difference firsthand, it provides invaluable context for buyers and an inspiring glimpse into show cattle excellence.