Minute Differences & Deep Waters... The Post Game Sort Featuring Frank Ward

Summary

---

EmpowerU Podcast — Episode Summary

Episode Title

Minute Differences & Deep Waters... The Post Game Sort Featuring Frank Ward

Hosts

Weston Hendrix & Luke Domingue

Guest

Frank Ward (Livestock judge, cattleman, and industry veteran)

Recording Date

February 7, 2026

---

Overview

This episode delivers a rare “live” post-game breakdown with Frank Ward immediately after he judged the prestigious Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo steer show—one of the most prominent, competitive events in the U.S. cattle industry. Frank recounts his personal backstory, judging approach, and the minute, high-stakes decisions behind sorting through some of the nation’s top steers. The episode offers unique insights into cattle judging philosophies, specific class details, and the emotional and technical challenges judges face. Both the hosts and Frank emphasize mentorship, industry evolution, and the significance of details, making this episode a must-listen for cattle enthusiasts, show families, and livestock industry leaders.

---

Main Topics & Key Discussion Points

Frank Ward’s Journey and Background

• Frank’s Early Beginnings

  • Grew up in California, fifth-generation, showing in 4H and FFA (00:19)
  • Mentored by Jackie Davis at a Hereford ranch; managed Angus for Kendall Jackson Winery
  • Built a reputation trading and raising club calves for 30+ years
  • Frank’s current work with Altech selling supplements, and his family’s continued involvement in showing cattle

• Quote:

  “We've been trading calves 30 plus years and then raising a few and always had to work a day job. …Our kids, they show cattle, mainly steers. …They were addicted to the steer game too.”
  — Frank Ward (01:37)

---

Entering the Fort Worth Steer Show: Expectations and Nerves

• Event Prestige and Prep

  • Acknowledgment of Fort Worth as probably the “biggest one in the nation” (00:00)
  • Nerves about judging such a high-level show, including concerns about stamina and the logistics of managing very large classes (often 70 per class)
  • Different “pulling” strategies compared to other judges (03:04)
    • Frank chose to pull from the bottom rather than the top, in collaboration with ring stewards Jim and Randy

• Quote:

  “I know Mark [Hobe] pulled off the top… I kind of like to pull off the bottom.”
  — Frank Ward (03:19)

---

Judging Philosophy and Practice

• Selection Criteria

  • Immediate focus: “Big legs and a good hind leg… I’m a hip and hind leg guy.” (04:30)
  • Also emphasizes movement, muscle shape, practical finish, and overall look
  • Not afraid to revisit calves or reconsider ones that “came in wrong” or were unsettled on entry

• Managing Large Classes

  • Typically, of ~70, “maybe 15 that you like, …10 that you really like, …then go grab some” (05:00)
  • Understanding stress for exhibitors and using multiple passes to ensure fairness

• Showmanship

  • Recognizes that elite showmanship can tip the scale into the top spots in marginal decisions

• Quote:

  “You get to walk them again as they're leaving and you'll pull…some of those cattle I’d pull off the wall, they would make it in, you know, to the top 10. Several times that happened… I knew I'd missed some because they just came in wrong or something was loose.”
  — Frank Ward (05:33)

---

Breed-by-Breed & Class Analysis

Angus

• Impressions: Lighter classes—balance between youthfulness and readiness (“finished” market cattle). Stronger practicality in older-school judging. By the second class, competition was visibly “deep.”
• Notable detail: Frank inadvertently picked two sisters as Grand and Reserve
  • “When they read their names, I thought, oh, boy, you know, I just picked sisters.” (08:40)

Hereford/Horned Hereford

• Lightweights: “Pretty unique” white-legged calf that took time to relax before showing off (09:17)
• Middleweights: Good, though not quite stout enough overall
• Heavyweights: Found his kind; noted breed challenges in classing red vs. more traditional Herefords (10:18)
• Classing Out: Frustration at losing some high-quality, dark (red) herefords to classing rules (10:47)

Polled Hereford

• Reserve & Grand: Praised structure and soundness; “If you’d painted him black…could have rolled into any of them.” (12:02)
• Noted mindset shift: Judging all breeds with a market steer mentality, not just jackpot-class youthfulness (12:20)

Shorthorn

• Lightweights: “Looked so youthful and fresh…” but smaller stature limited use (13:12)
• Heavyweights: Extreme density, shape, and silhouette, with lesson on fitting and grooming choices to highlight desirable traits (14:16)
  • “He just looked so dense and good legged…chiseled him down.” (14:51-14:56)

Americans (e.g., crossbreds, Brahman-influenced)

• Lightweights: The gray calf made a huge impression but couldn’t win due to size (18:16)

• Middleweights: Solid black steer—almost picked for Grand, but physical substance gave edge elsewhere (19:05)

• Heavyweights: Unusual weight breaks made classes deeper/harder to sort; many expected to be middleweights ended up in heavies (20:13)

• Judging Frustrations:

  “...the amount of kids that told me, ‘We thought we were going to be a middleweight.’ They all did.”
  — Frank Ward (20:33)

---

Division Highlights – Exotics/Crossbreds

• Division 1: Standouts included a gold-colored calf with “big back, really big rear, huge rib cage” (22:44) and a black-and-white, “wild necked” steer, different from the norm but desirable (23:59)
• Division 2-3: Gold (“yellow”) steers often rose in lighter classes, perhaps due to regional genetics better suited for market-readiness at smaller weights; black steers, especially northern-bred, tended to be less mature early on (30:13)

---

Heavyweight & Grand Drive

• Classes 9-12: Noted as “the heater classes” (41:01), where excitement peaks and pressure is highest

• Deepest class (Class 11):

  • “I may … end up with 20, I bet.” (45:54) — many outstanding calves, multiple plausible winners
  • Used all available angles (including frontal views) to break ties
  • “There were so many good cattle in that class … throw five, six, ten different guys in there, and it’s gonna get turned around.” (46:35)

• Judge’s Process:

  • Defaulted to personal type—structure, especially “big back legs,” and movement
  • Painful cuts: Several outlier, elite calves left off the top for slightly structural faults or type variance, even acknowledging in other scenarios they would win major shows

Moderation, Structure, and Modern Type:

• Discussion on the evolution toward denser, stouter, more “moderate” steers—less tall and framey, more powerful mass
• “Anymore…moderation is starting to be more significant in exotic steers especially. …framier 1400-pounders are starting to be less existent.” (55:05)

---

Final Reflections and Takeaways

• No Regrets:
  Frank stands by his logical, thorough approach—no second-guessing or moving calves after they're placed

  • “Every decision I make…I live with it. …You don't waver before you pull those cattle. …I've never been one to go back down the line and start switching them.” (58:11)

• Mentorship Philosophy:
  Encourages younger judges (including his own sons) to be decisive and committed in the ring

• Gratitude:
  Expresses appreciation for the opportunity and emphasizes the importance of empowering others through transparency in sorting and selection decisions

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Frank Ward on Preparation:

  “I listened to Mark Kobe’s podcast with you last year. …I paid a lot of attention to it so I wouldn’t be blindsided.”
  (02:39)

• On Selecting Top Cattle:

  “Some of those cattle I’d pull off the wall, they would make it in, you know, to the top 10. Several times that happened, and I wasn’t worried about that.”
  (05:33)

• On Breed & Class Particulars:

  “If you got a dark one, red one…he’s gonna get outclassed. …There was a few pretty good calves … getting booted.”
  (10:32)

• On Showmanship Impact:

  “You made multiple comments. …This showman was extremely good. That’s probably what got into the top 10.”
  (06:25)

• On Judging Evolution:

  “Nowadays, moderation is starting to be more significant in exotic steers especially…those long extended ones, you just wonder if you got enough steer there.”
  (55:05)

• On Decision-making:

  “I want to spend enough time out there to make sure I got it right. And when I pull, pull them, it’s a done deal.”
  (58:56)

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Frank’s Story and Background — 00:19 – 02:22
• Preparation & Anticipation for the Show — 02:34 – 03:54
• Judging Approach & Criteria — 04:22 – 05:57
• Angus Classes — 06:36 – 08:57
• Hereford/Horned Hereford Analysis — 09:07 – 11:14
• Polled Hereford Classes — 11:44 – 12:46
• Shorthorn & Breed Comparisons — 12:58 – 14:55
• Americans (Crossbreds/Brahman-influence) — 18:01 – 22:05
• Division Recaps and Middleweights — 27:46 – 33:49
• Heavyweight Division & Deepest Classes (The “Heater” Classes) — 41:01 – 49:55
• Grand Drive Strategy, Final Selections & Reflections — 52:17 – End

---

Tone & Insights

The episode is candid, technical, and educational, with a balance of humility and authority. Frank’s practical wisdom is evident, and the dialogue is a mixture of analysis, mentorship, and appreciation for the cattle industry. Listeners get both an inside look at judging’s nuances and a sense of the emotional toll and pride inherent to the process.

---

For New Listeners & Show Families

This episode is a masterclass in both the logic and art of livestock evaluation, the evolving trends in cattle conformation, and the behind-the-scenes mindset of top-tier judges. Whether you show, breed, or simply want to understand what “quality” means in modern steer shows, Frank Ward’s commentary provides clarity, inspiration, and respect for both the cattle and people driving this industry forward.

---

Transcript

[Interviewer]

Well, we're here. I'm pretty excited. The first time I've ever interviewed a judge live after, after show. Not only that, but it's the Fort Worth Stock show in rodeo and it's the steer show at that, Arguably the biggest one in the nation. What I want to know is how did you get to this point? What's your story? Might introduce yourself a little bit and then from there we'll go on.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah, yeah. So my name is Frank Ward. I was born and raised in California. I think I'm a 5th generation Californian. I grew up showing in 4H and FF. Always had a passion show and steers. In high school, I worked on a purebred Hereford ranch. Guy's name was Jackie Davis. He's kind of my mentor. He would be in the Hereford hall of Fame. He kind of taught me how to clip and feed show cattle. And then after high school, I went to junior college. I judged at Santa Rosa Junior College. But right after high school and all through college, I worked at a purebred pulled Hereford ranch, which was the largest polled Hereford breeders in the United States at the time. And I was in charge of their.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Show and sell cattle.

[Interviewer]

Wow.

[Frank Ward]

And so that's kind of where I got my start. And then my wife and I got married. Managed registered Angus ranch, big commercial cow calf operation for Kendall Jackson Winery, which is a big winery there in California.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Frank Ward]

And then, and at the time, my wife and I, we had purebred Angus cows, some Hereford cows, and we've always raised some club calves. And I started trading club calves when I was 19 years old. I'd go to Wyoming. At the time, that was a big place. And I'd buy calves from guys like Jim Panel, Nate Loufer, Brooke Shepard, who still raises club calves today.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Brooks and I are good friends.

[Interviewer]

Awesome.

[Frank Ward]

Still buy calves from Brooks. And so we've been trading calves 30 plus years and then raising a few and always had to work a day job. I, I, I self feed now I work for Altech. I sell supplements. I'm on the block side for Ridley block. There you go. But you know, our kids, they show cattle, mainly steers. They showed some heifers growing up, but they were kind of like me to where they were addicted to the steer game too.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

And.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Frank Ward]

They enjoy the steer deal. Our oldest boy, he's at Oklahoma State right now. In fact, he was judging today in the contest. Yep, yep. And our younger boy, Chance, he was, he was at the stock show today watching me judge. And he's just a sophomore in High school.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

So he's still showing.

[Interviewer]

Still. We still got it. Awesome.

[Frank Ward]

That's kind of a brief story anyway.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Awesome.

[Interviewer]

My upbringing, what was probably your biggest expectations and thoughts going into the show?

[Frank Ward]

You know, I knew the cattle would be good.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Frank Ward]

And, you know, I. I listened to.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Mark Kobe's podcast with you last year.

[Frank Ward]

So, you know, I. I honestly paid a lot of attention to it so I would.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Wouldn't be blindsided.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Frank Ward]

You know, and I watched the way work the ring just to see how that was going to work. And my mind probably thinks a little different than Mark's. You know, I know on his initial pulls, once he would pull, when he would set him up against the ring.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

He would pull the top end first.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Frank Ward]

You know, and then he'd rework them. But my mind doesn't think that way. So, you know, that was a concern of mine. So when I got there, I talked to Jim, kind of the lead man, Jim and Randy, the lead men there in the green coats. And I told him, I said, hey.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Guys, I know Mark pulled off the top, you know, on his second pull, but I said, I kind of like to pull off the bottom. And they said, we do too.

[Frank Ward]

So it actually worked good for us. It all worked good. Yeah. So. But other than that, you know, I knew the cattle would be good and I knew I just had to work through them. You know, there was a lot of fear. I'm not going to lie to you. Everybody talking about my feet. I'm a very active guy, don't sit around much at home. We've always got something going. And so I wasn't that worried about it. And, you know, all hon, my feet were good. That never really got to me. So, you know, there was. There was a few fears that you.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

You know, people talk about, you know.

[Frank Ward]

And John Edwards is. He's originally from California, Dr. John Edwards. And we're good friends. And he had told me a few years back, I said, we were talking about judging the big shows. And he said, hey, there was a point in my life I just had.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

To slow down because my feet couldn't handle walking that much, you know, So.

[Frank Ward]

I figured I should be good. But you never know till you get out on that dirt. Right, right.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

How hard it gets packed, for sure.

[Frank Ward]

But I held up fine. I think phys.

[Interviewer]

That's awesome. What was your selection criteria before we get started? As soon as they come in the ring, what was it you were exactly looking for to get the pool?

[Frank Ward]

Big legs and a good hind leg. You know, you can Ask anybody that knows me, any of my buddies, good friends, you know, they're going to tell you. Frank's a hip and hind leg guy and he likes a big, good back leg on him. So absolutely. That is honestly the first place I.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Start when I look at a calf is his hind leg awesome.

[Frank Ward]

And then, you know, just how he's moving, right? And then if his feet were. If he was moving good, his feet were big enough, look like he had the right shape, muscle, and a good enough look.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I just started pulling awesome, you know.

[Frank Ward]

And back to Hobe's podcast. He kept talking about the population when he judged. You know, you would hear him say, you know, in this population, I think we're seeing it again in terms of the cattle eat pool. And so that was kind of ringing in the back of my head, you know, and as I was judging, I realized that. That there may be 70 in a class, and that number could overwhelm a person. But I felt like of those 70, you know, there might be 15 that you like, you know, and there's probably going to be 10 that, you know, you really like. And then you're going to go grab some.

[Interviewer]

Absolutely.

[Frank Ward]

You know, and the interesting thing about pulling those cattle, they come around that blue tarp and you'll miss a few. Some of those cattle will jump and buck and they get high in their top and, you know, they're hitting raw. So, you know, I noticed that early and I kind of felt bad because I'd let some of those kids hang out there for a while and could tell it stresses some of those kids out. They know they got a good one, they're showing for the world, you know, and. But it didn't concern me because I knew I was going to work back through them and I could see those cattle and get them pulled and, you know, some of those cattle I'd pull off the wall, they would make it in, you know, to the top 10. Several times that happened, and I wasn't worried about that. I knew I'd missed some because they just came in wrong or something was loose and. And, you know, you get to walk them again as they're leaving and you'll pull. Yeah.

[Interviewer]

You made multiple comments. You know, this showman was extremely good. That's probably what it got into the top 10 or maybe what it. But I think that was awesome. But to start with that, I mean, you start the day with the Angus.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Yep.

[Interviewer]

Class one, what are you feeling? What are you thinking? And then, you know, first and second of that class, what did you know.

[Frank Ward]

I mean, they're, they're not real big, the class one cattle. So, you know, you're kind of questioning, are these cattle really ready at times, you know, you're just wondering, are, are these truly finished market cattle?

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Frank Ward]

You know, and I guess I'm probably a little old school than the younger generation. When I judge a fat steer show, I like them to handle good. I want their rib to be covered, you know. Yeah. I still think I put a little more practicality in that. So some of those younger cattle, or lighter cattle, excuse me, not that they were younger, you know, I questioned some of their condition at a times and that's, you know, that, that was the tough part with some of those lightweight cattle. But then you would find some of those lightweight cattle and some of those better ones that would rise to the top. They would not. They might be little, but they would. They would be finished.

[Interviewer]

Right, Exactly. Well, so then in that second class of the Angus deers, I think it almost seemed as if to me, that's when you thought, it's going to get. It's gonna be a deep day.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

I mean, there were some absolutely real nice deers in that class that won.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

That second class was really good.

[Interviewer]

Real good.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Yeah, I like that calf for sure.

[Interviewer]

So then the third class, obviously, yeah.

[Frank Ward]

Those two boys came in and, you know, I'll be honest with you, I didn't even realize they were sisters. I was just looking at those steers.

[Sponsor Announcer 1]

Yeah.

[Frank Ward]

You know, a lot of people when I'm judging, I'm just so focused at looking at the cattle.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I don't know who's leading them.

[Frank Ward]

Those two steers, they just sorted their.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Way to the top right now.

[Frank Ward]

And, you know, I probably like the one I used. Of course, I just thought he was burlier. I thought he had a bigger, stouter back leg. So that's, that's how I tied to that one. The other one was probably a little better looking.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Right.

[Interviewer]

Now, in your mind, of the two that were grand in reserve, was there any similarities between the two that you like quite a bit?

[Frank Ward]

Yeah. I mean, they were both plenty sound. They were big and stout, fed well. When you got your hands on those calves, they handled like a dream. I mean, they. Those were good.

[Interviewer]

Absolutely.

[Frank Ward]

Those cattle were good. And, you know, then when they read their names, I thought, oh, boy, you.

[Interviewer]

Know, I just picked sisters.

[Frank Ward]

I just picked two sisters. And. And I knew in my head, I'm not going to lie to you, when they brought them once I saw them in that heavyweight Deal.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I said to myself, I get stabbed for sure.

[Interviewer]

So then you have the Herefords walk me through the lightweight division. Middleweight, then heavy, and then we can talk about the Hereford drive.

[Frank Ward]

Yes. Trying to remember which one that was. That calf with the white leg.

[Interviewer]

White leg, yes, sir.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

You know, I love that calf.

[Frank Ward]

When he first got out there, he.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Didn'T want to lead and that calf was just pulling back on so much.

[Frank Ward]

You know, I was just questioning how.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Well that calf could move because he.

[Frank Ward]

Was pulling so hard and seemed like the more that kid would pull, the harder that calf would pull. But finally kind of got to moving.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

And I could tell, hey, that one's pretty unique, you know.

[Frank Ward]

Absolutely. And, you know, I kept thinking to.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Myself, man, I wish it was bigger, you know, because you have some big features.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, for sure. What about the, the middleweights and the Herefords?

[Frank Ward]

You know, I thought they were good. I didn't know if those cattle were.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Quite stout enough though, you know.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Frank Ward]

Good cattle. You know, it was finally when we got to the, the heavies that I.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Could tie to a couple, you know, I felt, I mean, felt pretty comfortable.

[Interviewer]

Absolutely. So then the heavyweights happen.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah. And I like that grand steer. You know, I've, I've been around the Hereford breed for years. My wife's a, you know, Hereford gal. You know, we make our boys show a Hereford heifer every now and then.

[Interviewer]

Right, right.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah. And, you know, I, I felt like I finally had one I could tie to.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Right.

[Frank Ward]

You know, the interesting thing about the Herefords and the way they get classed here, you know, we come from a little bit of a Hereford background, and it was interesting to me, if you, if you got a dark one, red one, one that's rednecked or red to.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

The ground, he's going to get outclassed.

[Frank Ward]

And, and there was a few pretty.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Good calves that were, they were getting booted there.

[Interviewer]

That's what I was going to ask is, was there any that you like, really tied into, they got classed out?

[Frank Ward]

Yeah, there were some that came through that I'm like, oh, man, I like that too.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Dark red.

[Frank Ward]

But the nice thing, you know, about that champion calf, I mean, he, I think he had to be up on that steer to really appreciate him tonight in the grand drive. You know, that calf was kind of mellow, yellow haired, didn't have much for hair. But when you would get up on.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Him, I mean, he was bill, you.

[Frank Ward]

Know, fed well, big backed.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Frank Ward]

And I really liked him, you know, I realized, you know, just not as.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Stout out There amongst those other ones today. But that was a good calf.

[Interviewer]

Something I noticed your reserve, he was, like, real long feathered, like, Like. Yeah, outlier. Long feather. In my mind, I thought that was.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

A big back leg.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

You know, he had some bone, that reserve. Yeah. I like both those steers.

[Interviewer]

Awesome.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

So then the poles are next.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Yep.

[Interviewer]

In my mind at that point, I thought, that pole is incredible. I'd seen a lot of good Herefords, but that one, in my mind was elite.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I agree.

[Frank Ward]

You know, that one. Well, there was two of them. The reserve pulled. I think of Eric Dreger's daughter.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Frank Ward]

You know, that was a damn nice one, too. I like that calf. He was probably a little stretchier. One may be boxy enough for me, but he had big legs. He was really sound, presented to the hilt.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

The little girl did an awesome job showing him.

[Frank Ward]

But that grand one, I think. I think if you'd have painted him black, you know, he could have rolled into any of them.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Or yellow, whatever color, you know, for sure. He was built like a lot of those European cattle.

[Interviewer]

For sure. Of the pole division. Can you walk me through class one and two and three? Just some of the highlights.

[Sponsor Announcer 1]

Yeah.

[Frank Ward]

You know, with one again, I'm thinking, are these cattle just big enough? You know, I. They're. They're. And I'm going to be straight up honest with you. Some of those lightweight cattle, I had to change my mindset, I feel like. And this went for all breeds. You got to get out of a jackpot mindset.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Frank Ward]

Because you're thinking, this calf's not fat.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Enough, but he's really good, you know.

[Frank Ward]

And you gotta say, these are market steers. They're mature, so you might have to sort them a little different.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

And.

[Frank Ward]

And I found myself doing that a little bit, you know, in the middles. I thought those were good, but it was, you know, those heavies.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I was just waiting for them, you know, cattle that just had more punch.

[Interviewer]

For sure. So then we're gonna roll the shorthorns.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Yep.

[Interviewer]

And to start with class one, I am. You picked the one to win, and the drive happened. I thought you were gonna use him for a minute. Like, that calf was insanely good in my mind. But I know that he was smaller, but he looked so youthful and fresh.

[Frank Ward]

And, I mean, that one, you know, I kept thinking to myself on some of those calves for us, for our California youth expat, like, if only we had this one in the barn and.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Frank Ward]

He was one of those. For sure. Absolutely sure. I thought that calf was so then.

[Interviewer]

In the heavyweights you got first and second, that class winner. I mean, freak of nature in my mind, high tying, huge bag, huge cage. And personally in the grand drive this evening, I thought he was definitely in contention.

[Frank Ward]

He's in the hunt.

[Interviewer]

He's in the hunt. Absolutely.

[Frank Ward]

You know when, I guess when I, when he stepped in the ring, I, I was like, okay, now I'm.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

This is steer show now.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah, I got pretty excited. I like that reserve steer. Maybe just didn't have the punch and the true shape that he had. But that reserve steer was real nice too. A lot more hair on the reserve steer, to be honest with you. Like he was big hipped, but not probably as shapely that that champion shorthorn steer.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Like I got excited when he, you.

[Frank Ward]

Know, once I, you know, had two or three left out there and you.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Know, he just had such a nice silhouette and stout and sound.

[Frank Ward]

And like you were saying, I mean.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I'm not lying to you right now. I was seriously looking at that one here in the grand drive.

[Interviewer]

Absolutely, for sure.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I like that calf a lot.

[Frank Ward]

And you know, a lot of times you judge those shorthorn steers and they're.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Unbelievably haired, you know, fit to a tee.

[Frank Ward]

And that calf, I felt like those boys that fit him, they, they clipped.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

A lot of body hair off that.

[Frank Ward]

Steer or he just never was that hairy. But it looked like they knew he had the right shape and they just molded him and perfected him and it just made him look so much more dense than looking at a bunch of.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Long hair, if you know what I mean. You know, he just looks so dense and good legged.

[Interviewer]

Just chiseled him down.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah. And it just, it made him look.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

A lot more dense, I thought, than the reserve steer.

[Frank Ward]

I like the reserve steer, don't get me wrong.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I thought that one was high quality, but he just didn't look as dense and massive.

[Sponsor Announcer 1]

Alright guys, we'd like to tell you about the businesses and operations that have powered this platform.

[Sponsor Announcer 2]

And we couldn't do what we do without them. So here's what they have to offer.

[Sponsor Announcer 1]

To you at Trademark Genetics. They're committed to excellence in every aspect of their family owned and operated business. Specializing in elite Red Angus and Red Brangus genetics. They pride themselves on breeding cattle that outperform in real world conditions. Deliver. Delivering both superior quality and lasting value.

[Sponsor Announcer 2]

Whether you were in search of a project for a young exhibitor or looking to enhance your herd with fresh, proven genetics. Their mission is to produce high caliber livestock while fostering lifelong relationships.

[Sponsor Announcer 1]

They are also pleased to offer semen and embryos from their bull battery and donor females that are rooted in generations of proven performance, maternal strength and impeccable structural quality traits that add tangible value. Whether your focus is on cow power or carcass quality.

[Sponsor Announcer 2]

Owned and operated by John Mandy and Madison Fisher, Trademark Genetics is dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through unparalleled quality and service to advance your herd. We encourage you to connect with Mandy at 713-204-7535 or at Madison at 832-963-4233 to explore how they can support your goals.

[Sponsor Announcer 1]

Discover the latest cattle offerings and stay informed on their journey by visiting trademarkgenetics.com and following them on Facebook and Tick Tock.

[Sponsor Announcer 2]

But if the purebred aspect isn't for you and you're seeking after club calf genetics, then look no further.

[Sponsor Announcer 1]

Reed Vessel Ranches is a premier, premier ranching operation specializing in the production of top tier show cattle offering a wide range of American, British and exotic breeds. Over the course of just five years, RVR has grown from four donors and 20 AI cows to over 50 donors and 500 AI cows, ensuring their commitment to quality and excellence. Their success is rooted in a strategic, intentional approach, planning years in advance to maximize the potential for their customers to succeed in the show ring.

[Sponsor Announcer 2]

In addition to breeding competitive show cattle, Reed Vessel Ranch's team is dedicated to offering a full range of services for show preparation, from clipping and fitting to feed management and expert show assistance. RVR ensures that their clients are fully supported through the entire process.

[Sponsor Announcer 1]

For more information about Reed Vessel Ranches, including their private treaty cattle, cattle sires, donors and upcoming sales, visit their [e-mail].

[Interviewer]

I thought relative to the grand, he's probably like a little shorter necked, maybe a little deeper chested. That's just what I thought.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah, yeah. Would you agree? Just a little more calm, not common looking but just probably didn't catch your eye.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Like the Grinch, right?

[Interviewer]

Exactly. So then the American zapping and I'm not gonna lie, that Class 1 winner of the Americans, the gray one, that mentor mine even said the same thing. If there was a perfect American of the show. Granted he was a lightw, it would have been that lightweight one. I mean he hit me like a ton of bricks.

[Frank Ward]

I agree. I mean and I'll be honest with you, when he came in I thought, wow.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I thought I can't wait to see the heavyweights.

[Frank Ward]

So in my mind I'm comparing everything I knew he was there. Unfortunately, I knew he wasn't going to.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Be big enough to win the deal.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

You know, but I. I thought that calf was amazing.

[Frank Ward]

I mean, that calf was good enough.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

In my opinion, if he weighed 1400. Yeah.

[Interviewer]

What's funny is the breeder was talking afterwards at the backdrop and, hey, why is this lightweight here and not like going to Houston trying to win abc?

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

And he was like, man in Navy or whatever. Winning this somewhere else is cool, but winning lightweights at Fort Worth, that's freaking awesome. And we did it, you know, like he was pumped. So that was their whole goal was when the lightweights with that, they had.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Him presented to the hill to a.

[Interviewer]

T. Yeah, for sure. So then the middleweights of the Americans. There's a solid black cast.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

That thing in my mind was elite of elite as well. I mean, his head, neck, shoulder, how fresh he was, his back shape is.

[Frank Ward]

I agree everything Eli, to you, I.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Was that close to grabbing that calf for grand, and I just didn't know if there was enough steer there. Right. When I got those other two up there awning, for sure. But I did like that calf a lot. He was great bodied, fresh.

[Interviewer]

Yes, sir.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Yeah, for sure.

[Interviewer]

So then the heavyweights happen.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

Obviously your grand reserve coming out of that. But that was a really deep class.

[Frank Ward]

It was. And you know, we don't see Americans at all.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I've judged them a few times when I judged the golden spread and a couple of jackpots down here. That.

[Frank Ward]

That was an interesting class for me.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

You know, there.

[Frank Ward]

I'll be honest with you, there wasn't.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

A steer that I just could tie to.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Frank Ward]

There were pieces. There were some of those. I remember there was a black and white steer.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I don't remember where I had him, but he was built good. Just. He looked a little small out there.

[Interviewer]

I want to say he was sixth or seventh.

[Frank Ward]

Okay.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Frank Ward]

Somewhere in there, it was like, too bad he wasn't in the middleweights.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Right.

[Frank Ward]

You know, he just got out horsed.

[Interviewer]

It's funn funny you say that. The weight breaks of the Americans was funny.

[Frank Ward]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

So I don't know if you noticed it, but a lot of people in the American deal were like, what the heck? There was like a numerous amount that turned in like 1249 and 1252, and it was like a total of 11 or 12 and they all bumped up to the heavies.

[Frank Ward]

It's funny you say that, because as I'm going down the line handling cattle.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I'm asking every kid what Your calf.

[Frank Ward]

Weigh and the amount of kids that told me we thought we were going to be a middleweight.

[Interviewer]

They all said it.

[Frank Ward]

They all did. You know, they're like 12, 49. Thought we were going to be a middleweight. And I was thinking, I would have thought so too. So, yeah, that class broke really weird.

[Interviewer]

Did that, did that make it a little more challenging for the heavies?

[Frank Ward]

Yeah, it did. You know, and you know, the, the, the, the steer that I used to win, the Americans, I wanted to change.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Some things about him for sure.

[Interviewer]

For sure.

[Frank Ward]

Thought that one needed more bone. I thought that what, what really captivated me with him was when I got.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

My hands on him, he had a great big back in and he handled.

[Frank Ward]

Good around the ring. Good enough. My reserve. There were things I loved about that one, but there were some things that.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Really, you know, I needed to change.

[Frank Ward]

But, you know, big back leg, right?

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Frank Ward]

Enormous.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Maybe the biggest back leg I saw yesterday. I'm gonna say, wow.

[Frank Ward]

And whoever got him ready, they had it ready. Oh, yeah. I mean, they had his laid dialed when that calf came in.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Kept kind of pushing on his face with the show stick and he'd get high in his top and you know, it told once or twice, I said, hey, just let that one let him go.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

You know, and I kept seeing him getting tight in his back like that and you know, that could have contributed to it.

[Frank Ward]

He just looked a little harder rimmed. I caught him at a few different angles where, you know, I had some issues with him, but I struggled on that pair because that one's back leg is my kind.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I'm not going to lie to you for sure.

[Interviewer]

Absolutely. Of the American show. I do wish that weight break would have broke a little easier so we could have saw more middles in there. I think that have made the middle a lot more challenging. For sure.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Yeah.

[Frank Ward]

Well, like I said, when, when I would pull some of those Americans and.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I'd be like, oh, boy, I can't wait to see him out there.

[Frank Ward]

By the time I'd come back, they were gone. And I kept seeing that gate open. You know, I, I'd look down there to see what they. When they were classing him and I'd see that gate open. I'm like, I'm losing another one.

[Interviewer]

So then obviously you have the Division 1 last night. That first place of the entire Division 1. I think the size of his feet and legs were one of my favorites.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

Gold colored calf.

[Frank Ward]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

I mean, just big back, really big rear, huge rib cage. I mean, what Were your thoughts on him?

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I love that calf. Yeah, I thought he was really nice.

[Interviewer]

This one was the second place. The black and white paint, he was real high tying. Probably a little longer spined.

[Frank Ward]

You know, he. That calf is unique. I'll be honest with you.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

He was probably not my kind.

[Frank Ward]

Probably way too quick. I've never judged fat steers that were that little.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Frank Ward]

Like in class one, those cattle. But they were fat. I mean, they were fat steers.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Frank Ward]

You know, and that one was just so out there and so big bodied and stout. You know, I kind of tied to.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Him for reserve there.

[Frank Ward]

But the one that I used, I.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Really liked that calf.

[Frank Ward]

You know, that was a calf.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I thought to myself, why isn't this one going to a state fair somewhere?

[Frank Ward]

You know, get a little bigger. Get that one, you know, bigger come.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

August and look out for sure.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

Well, then class two happens.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

That was by far the winner. The black and white one. One of my favorites of that division.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

I saw that one as a baby and I really.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

And I thought, my mind, he's gonna give him hell in the Division 1 at Fort Worth.

[Frank Ward]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

I thought his feet and legs were real good. His neck set was good. His rib cage.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Yeah.

[Frank Ward]

You know, I mean, that one, he.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Was different than anything.

[Frank Ward]

I don't know that we saw another.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Steer like him the rest of the show.

[Interviewer]

Wow.

[Frank Ward]

You know, he. I mean, big square back in him. Big square hip. I mean, wild necked.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Yeah.

[Frank Ward]

And you know, normally I don't tie to a lot of those wild neck cattle, but that one, he had enough.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

To him shoulder back that, you know, I liked it first.

[Frank Ward]

I mean, wild necked.

[Interviewer]

Yeah. Well, then second place was this gold steer, that big ribbed. Looked like he probably had a bigger hair than the black and white one. Am I right on that? I mean, just huge hit. I mean, he seemed like that was.

[Frank Ward]

A good one too. You know, when we got him out there, that one maybe just didn't have quite enough middle in him compared to.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

The black and white one.

[Frank Ward]

And I don't know if we got.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Him off his hind leg quite as well. He might have got just a little short for me.

[Frank Ward]

Right. But I like that one.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Just his presence and power was overwhelmed for sure.

[Interviewer]

When Class 4 happens, this was arguably one of my favorites in the division as well. The white one.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah, that was a good calf. Yeah.

[Interviewer]

Like for Division 1, his hip was huge.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Huge.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah. And you know, that calf, huge, huge rib, big bones out. Maybe. You know, it was interesting because he.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Wasn'T out there, in terms of look.

[Frank Ward]

He looked like a 1400 pound fat steer.

[Interviewer]

That for sure. And then the second place of that class, he was actually probably better looking than that, but he'd rather be a little greener. He was green.

[Frank Ward]

That calf, you know, again, one of those that just needed a little more time. Looked probably a little more prospecty, to.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Be honest with you.

[Frank Ward]

But he had so much quality, I kind of just ran.

[Interviewer]

He had to. Ran him up.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Yeah, kind of like that.

[Interviewer]

So then class four, this is where your grand and reserve and division one come out of. Those two in my mind, replicated each other so much in terms of their body shape, hip and hind leg design.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah, that was a good class.

[Interviewer]

It looked like it was deep.

[Frank Ward]

That class was deep.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

There was a lot of quality in that class.

[Frank Ward]

Once I got those two out there, I mean, they shoulder back, those cattle looked a lot alike. The calf that wins the class, probably a little better chested, a little better necked.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Frank Ward]

You know, just a little more attractive. And you know, when you got behind him, calf that wins the class, probably a little bit more explosive in his hip. Yeah. More lower quarter. But that. The thing I liked about the steering.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

That was second to him, though.

[Frank Ward]

That one was so practical and not. Not in a bad way. Like, he was just so solid in terms of his structure, his rib cage. Just good. Honest calf, he wasn't out there by.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Any means, but just solid square Bill. Absolutely Bill.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah, kind of.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

We're trying to raise all the time.

[Interviewer]

So when you're in the division for division one, what was your thoughts, especially of the four you had to pick and I. Obviously you picked the first and second out of the Class 4, but at any point in time, was there one that you thought would be in more contention than the other?

[Frank Ward]

Yeah, like that good yellow calf. You know, I mean, I kind of.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Wanted to tie to him, but, you.

[Frank Ward]

Know, my mind tends to kind of lead to those bigger cattle.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

When we get in those divisions, there's.

[Frank Ward]

So much more power. And especially at that weight, I felt like those two black steers, they were more ready for. For yesterday.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Frank Ward]

The day that it was, you know, you change the scenario, you might be sorting those cattle a lot differently.

[Interviewer]

Absolutely.

[Frank Ward]

But when it's a fat steer show and it's today, those black steers I.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Felt were just, you know, ready.

[Interviewer]

Yes, sir. So you end the day. Obviously, we're in a really fancy hotel here, so I hope you got a good steak dinner.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Yeah.

[Frank Ward]

Oh, actually, we didn't. We went to Mexican food there you go.

[Interviewer]

There you go.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

But.

[Frank Ward]

But it was good.

[Interviewer]

Awesome. So you come back, obviously, this morning. Today. Yeah, this is a big day. What was something you were looking forward to?

[Co-Host/Analyst]

You know, that middleweight division and the heavy division.

[Frank Ward]

I knew he's telling you.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Class 10 and 11.

[Frank Ward]

Yep.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

You know, and so.

[Frank Ward]

So I was getting excited. But, you know, even division two, though, those cattle were good.

[Interviewer]

Real good.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

And it starts with Class 5 this morning. This gold calf vividly. Remember him for sure.

[Frank Ward]

And here's my question with that calf.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

They never fit his legs.

[Frank Ward]

That steer did not have a lick.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Of glue in his legs.

[Interviewer]

I didn't even realize that.

[Frank Ward]

So I kept thinking to myself, are they going to dress him for the grand drive? And I mean, he was clipped beautifully. They had. They had his hawk shaped right. They had his pastern shaped right. And. And when he would walk, a calf's leg hair would just kind of bounce. So then my mind's thinking, what's their plan with this calf? Are they going to pull him in the out of the sale and go win a state fair somewhere?

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Frank Ward]

And they just wanted to show him today. Are they going to show him somewhere else? And they don't want this time of year if he's shucking. Don't want to pull any leg hair out of him. So I was kind of baffled why that calf wasn't dressed, to be honest with you. But I love that one. He was. I mean, that's a good calf.

[Interviewer]

I didn't even. I didn't even realize that he wouldn't fit. That's crazy.

[Frank Ward]

And I kept thinking to myself, when he's down there, his legs.

[Interviewer]

Probably a lot bigger legs, too.

[Frank Ward]

Gosh, I couldn't imagine what he'd look like.

[Interviewer]

That's awesome.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Yeah.

[Frank Ward]

So. And I don't know if that was a first for a steer to be shown in Fort Worth. Heck, he came in, out in the grand drive for the Europeans with no.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Glue in his legs.

[Frank Ward]

What the heck?

[Interviewer]

I didn't even realize that.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Had that.

[Interviewer]

Don't know the boy, it would have been day show cattle. Okay, so Rusty and Katie there, I believe they're the ones that bred that one. And they do a great, great job always. So I'm curious to know why it is they didn't. He might have been a kicker. I don't. Did he try to kick you at all?

[Frank Ward]

No, he was gentle when I handled him because I thought the same thing. Like, does he just come unculked when they spray glue on him? And maybe he did. You know who Knows.

[Interviewer]

So then there's obviously a solid black steer that's in second by far. A little neater looking in my mind compared to the first place. Longer neck but stout, stout rascal. And had a huge rib cage and a big back tooth. Right. From what I understand.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah, yeah. And he got around the ring good. Maybe there was just that presence of.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

The yellow steer that I tied to.

[Frank Ward]

But that, that was a good calf.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I did like that one for sure.

[Interviewer]

So then class six happens. You got another yellow. Another yellow steer.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah. And, you know, I don't know if you heard me, but when all those calves got back in there, I told people, it's not that I like yellow cattle all the time. We raise more black ones than anything and probably sell more black ones than anything. But it was kind of almost like I was just pulling these good yellow calves and, and I don't know, in those younger classes, those yellow cattle, because I. This honestly went through my mind, I kept thinking, do these cattle just. Are they more mature at that age.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Than these black cattle in terms of genetically?

[Interviewer]

Could be, Yeah.

[Frank Ward]

I was kind of thinking that because a lot of those black cattle, the smaller ones, the lighter ones, there was a lot of immaturity in those cattle. And I kept thinking those cattle are probably more northern bred.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Frank Ward]

You know, more here I am or what have you. So that was going through my mind, you know, these yellow cattle, you know, are they bred more for the Texas market where these cattle have to be pretty punchy.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Frank Ward]

And I felt like those yellow cattle in those lighter weight classes just had.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

A little more thump in them than the black cattle did for sure.

[Interviewer]

Well, and it's funny that you mentioned that the gold steers are white.

[Sponsor Announcer 1]

Sears.

[Interviewer]

It's cool that they looked and appeared better in the ring at Fort Worth, whereas if we're in Denver, the judges were saying they didn't look good at all.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah, yeah.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

The black cattle in Denver looked really good for sure. You know, on that.

[Sponsor Announcer 1]

It.

[Interviewer]

Well then your second place in class six was a black calf. I mean, long neck. In my mind, he was real big haired, so he kind of read a little flat, like maybe a little flatter. General.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

Did you see that as well?

[Frank Ward]

And almost like more immature for me, you know, not quite burly enough yet.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

You know, did he need more time?

[Frank Ward]

Yeah. And, and as I'm judging, I'm thinking that, you know, I'm, I'm like, man, I really like that calf. It's hard to put him second because.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

There'S so much quality there. But Is he. Is there just enough of him today?

[Interviewer]

Yeah, for sure. So then class six happens. This is your reserve steer of the division. He was that white Brockle. That thing was like overly stout, opened up, level sound. And you said like, easily wins the class.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

Second place was, I believe, a solid black steer. He was like real well designed and balanced. And then your feet and legs were good and his hip and hind legs.

[Frank Ward]

That steer actually had a little white.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

On him or the steer that was second.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah, yeah.

[Interviewer]

On his foot, right?

[Frank Ward]

The white foot, yeah. And you know, that yellow and white.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

One I tied to him pretty quick.

[Interviewer]

Absolutely.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I. I love that calf for sure.

[Frank Ward]

That's again, one of those.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I'm just thinking, man, what would this thing look like as a heavyweight?

[Frank Ward]

Because he was built. That one was built like a heavyweight.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Yeah, you know, wasn't quite there yet, you know, weight wise, but that was.

[Frank Ward]

That was a good calf. He was awesome rib cage, great hip, very sound. Yeah, the more I looked at him.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

The more I liked that one for sure.

[Frank Ward]

Well, then obviously, did Brandon Callis judge that, raise that one or.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, yeah, him and. Him and his son raised that one. And then he got to Bonham, Newman and Tarter.

[Frank Ward]

Okay.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

That's how that works.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah, yeah.

[Interviewer]

That's how he met. I liked him quite a bit and I got to see him show. I not only saw him for a minute, but when I realized he'd won the class, I knew I was probably right, that he was probably gonna win the class.

[Frank Ward]

And you know, that the one that was second to him, that one, he.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Had some punch to him that that calf was stout yet real fresh, you.

[Frank Ward]

Know, wasn't out there probably in terms of his look, but big legged, big.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Back, big ended, awesome rib cage in him.

[Interviewer]

Awesome.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Yeah, I like that one.

[Sponsor Announcer 1]

All right, guys, we're going to take a few more minutes of your time to brag about our new sponsors that are here on the platform.

[Sponsor Announcer 2]

Founded and based in Tolar, Texas, Texas Recip was built on a simple calling. To provide recipient cows that actually perform and deliver for your needs. They have a strong focus on buying and delivering the highest quality recipes.

[Sponsor Announcer 1]

All cows are blood tested to deliver clean receps to your herd. Texas Reset manages these cows from nutrition and minerals all the way to the best data tracking to deliver the greatest success. When it comes to embryo transfers, results are the only thing that matter.

[Sponsor Announcer 2]

Their focus is solving real world problems through the RESIP program, improving performance by expert nutrition, blood work and uncompromising quality assurance. At Texas Recip, they don't just sell cows. They deliver solutions built on reliability, consistency and care for your success.

[Sponsor Announcer 1]

Contact Scott Dreyer at 309275, 5271 or Gavin Jones at 832-372-9557 or find them on Facebook and visit their [e-mail] Choose Performance. Choose Quality. Choose Texas Reset.

[Sponsor Announcer 2]

Now our next sponsor is someone that is no other than the legend himself, Rory Downs Prevailing Genetics, which is located in New Brownville, Texas. Texas, where they raise some of the most elite show cattle and show pigs. Rory has been in the industry all of his life and has dedicated his career to getting kids to the backdrop and earning success. Rory has built his operation around honesty, integrity and morals that have kept them at the top for over a hundred years.

[Sponsor Announcer 1]

At Rory Delm's Prevailing Genetics they constantly keep show steers and hogs for sale and if they don't have what you're looking for, they can surely find what you're seeking after. Cattle include American crosses and exotics that are only backed by the most proven genetics that are no stranger to success.

[Sponsor Announcer 2]

They also have show pigs available year round for county shows in all majors throughout the country. These animals are based off of the most consistent, predictable genetics that have yielded champions throughout the United States, producing 34 grand or reserve grand champion bears at Texas Majors alone.

[Sponsor Announcer 1]

They pride themselves on customer service and satisfaction and will do whatever it takes to earn and keep your business. They have accumulated over a hundred years of feeding experience and will help you in whatever way they can during the feeding period.

[Sponsor Announcer 2]

You can contact Rory Dam at 830-608-5058 for all your show steer and show pig needs.

[Interviewer]

Then class eight happens and obviously that that calf was heater.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

Honestly of all the classes in terms of depth of the class, that one was the most close in my mind to like 10 or 11. Yeah, it was extremely deep.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah, there was some good cattle in that class. You know.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

That one's legs were big.

[Frank Ward]

Real big, big legs, big square hip. Maybe just got a little flatter in his fore rib and I don't know if you guys could see that from up above, but when I was right up on him that was probably where.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I needed to change that one just right there in his fore rib a little bit. He had a lot of hair. Those boys had him dialed the reserve.

[Frank Ward]

Or the second place calf in that division.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

He didn't want to lead and he.

[Frank Ward]

Just drug around the whole time and I knew there was a lot of quality in that calf but he honestly.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I don't know that he ever gave me a good look.

[Frank Ward]

He was just dragging. And it was funny when, when I first pulled that girl, the calf he was kind of dragging. They went to the middle and then we went to handling those steers. You know, I liked him. He handled good. Big back, handled really nice. We let him out to lead. The one thing I noticed, and that young lady was leading that calf. He was walking forward, but his head was turned sideways. I mean, he did not want to go, but he was going in a straight line. And I kind of thought to myself, that's really interesting. He's just being so bad right now. Pushing on him, Pulling on her.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Yeah.

[Frank Ward]

You know, and then I, I felt bad for that young lady because that's the kind of calf you probably never really got to see him. I'll bet if you turn that one loose, he's got a whole different look about him.

[Interviewer]

Absolutely.

[Frank Ward]

You know, when he's moving in his own pace. But he had a bit of an.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Attitude where he didn't want to help her out.

[Interviewer]

Absolutely. So then the middleweight division happens.

[Frank Ward]

Yep.

[Interviewer]

Not that I was thrown for a curveball, but the one you picked, I was like, he went with a lighter weight one like I was, and I was like, that's awesome. I mean, the calf was insane. He looked even better in the drive from up afar.

[Frank Ward]

Did, yeah.

[Interviewer]

In my mind. Yeah.

[Frank Ward]

You know, it was one of those deals. I kept thinking, surely they're going to.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Have him dressed for this.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Frank Ward]

And when he gets out there, his legs still aren't dressed and his legs.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Are bigger than everybody.

[Frank Ward]

Like you said you could just genuine quality. And I was thinking, okay, certainly they'll have him dressed for. But you know, and that calf, when.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

When you got up on him, he was massive.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah. You know, the interesting thing too, you know, when you really think about how they're weighing steers, that steer could have.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Probably very easily been shown in that.

[Frank Ward]

Next class, 100% and they were able to get him weighed.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Frank Ward]

You know, when you had them right next to each other, there probably wasn't.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

As big a size variance as there is when you get those heavyweights in there.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Frank Ward]

You know?

[Interviewer]

Absolutely.

[Frank Ward]

But I thought those two steers, him and the, the, the yellow Bronco, I.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Mean, they sorted at the top of that.

[Interviewer]

So when you're in division, was that last clat or that last place class, first place in the last class, Was he in contention at all? In your mind, what set him apart to the.

[Frank Ward]

He was nice, but I'd already fallen.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

In love with those other two.

[Frank Ward]

Right, right.

[Interviewer]

You know, just first impression things.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah, first impression. And. And I guess, you know, I'm not going to say I'm one of those guys that's just going to tie to one early. But those that. The one that won that division had so much feature. You know, being a breeder, I probably look at stuff a little different.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I know how hard that one is to make right there. Yeah.

[Frank Ward]

I mean, that is a hard beast to me, you know, and with feet like that, that was probably a hard one to get out, to be honest.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

With you, you know.

[Frank Ward]

And same goes for the yellow brothel. You know, maybe I have, you know, some prejudices because of that. When I judge, I look at it a lot, you know, how hard is.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

That calf to make?

[Frank Ward]

Yeah. Was. Is he man made with hair or.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Is that calf got some legit huge pieces and.

[Sponsor Announcer 1]

Right.

[Frank Ward]

That's kind of the way I thought of those two.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I just. I mean, they were just flat good, in my opinion.

[Interviewer]

Absolutely.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

So. And that's also when you made your comment at the gold steers, because all four of your class winners were gold.

[Frank Ward]

I think so. Yeah.

[Interviewer]

That's awesome.

[Frank Ward]

For sure.

[Interviewer]

But it is intriguing.

[Frank Ward]

I think there might have been one gold one. Or were they all black?

[Interviewer]

No, no, three of them were. Three of them were. Your second place of your class. Four was also gold.

[Frank Ward]

Yes, that's right. So it was funny, you know, that's why I made that comment.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Because I thought.

[Frank Ward]

And people are going to think this.

[Interviewer]

Guy'S for sure then heavyweight start.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

And I know you're probably getting a little nervous when this happens because Obviously you got 9, 10, 11 and 12, the heater classes. And that's nothing to take away from Division 1 or 2.

[Frank Ward]

It's not.

[Interviewer]

But they were heaters and I. I did watch all of it. And it was by far the most thrilling fun show to watch was that division, the heavyweights.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Okay.

[Interviewer]

And there was so much quality in each class.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

Obviously class nine start. First was the black and white calf. You said he's a bit fresher, had ton of power, needed a bitter, better of a full rib, but he had an awesome hind leg.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

Second place was that gold steer. He was wide cracked open. You just. You'd said, you pointed out not as good hair. And there was something else you'd said, I think.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah. And he just got a little more jammed up up front, you know, and you know that back to the. The heavyweight division, you know, when you think about just years past that's always.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Been the talk, you know, what's coming out of those classes at Fort Worth.

[Frank Ward]

So. So I knew what to expect, knew that's where all the heat was going to be. And then you got the guys in.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

The green jackets, and I. I'll tell.

[Frank Ward]

You what, I think the world of those guys, but they, you know, they keep telling you, you just wait. I mean, they're building that excitement for you, for sure. You know, and they're telling you, hey, you know, you're going to maybe pull 20.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Frank Ward]

You know, so be ready when, you know, they're keeping track of time for you as you're judging along saying, hey, you were 35 minutes that class. You were 30, you were 45. And they got to keep that show rolling. And I don't know that the general public.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Public knows that.

[Sponsor Announcer 1]

Right.

[Frank Ward]

That those guys are trying to keep that show because they know that they got to be done at a certain time because the news media and everybody's getting there.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Right, right.

[Frank Ward]

So they build up a lot of that excitement for the judge. Yeah. You know, because they're. They just keep telling you, just wait. You. You know, I'd say, man, that was a good calf.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I'd tell Jim or Randy that. Just wait.

[Frank Ward]

Just, you know, and so. So they're building that excitement, which makes it even more fun.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, for sure. So then obviously, class 10, you got a gold steer. In my mind, that girl brought one last year that won the exotics. It was a good one. I thought that one looked a lot like this one that she presented in Class 10, a whole bunch. That one's of last year's feet and legs were ginormous. Like, you would have tied into that one's hind leg immensely. But then obviously second place was the solid black steer. Probably a little chubbier fronted, I guess, is the way I would describe. But talk to me about Class 10. Obviously, it was really, really deep.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah, really deep and. And good, you know, and that yellow steer hit me hard, though.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I mean, you know, he was stout.

[Frank Ward]

You know, and you're going through handling, and I'm pretty bad when I handle calf. I step off him and I'll look two or three down, you know, after.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

The ones I've handled.

[Frank Ward]

And yeah, that yellow calf, I kept.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Getting drawn to it, like.

[Frank Ward]

And I don't know if you noticed this, and I think kids picked up on this.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

The way that I saw, I go.

[Frank Ward]

In there and I handle a calf, and I'll step back and I'll look at him, and I'LL look at the 1, 2, 3, 4 front that were in front of him. Yeah. So what those smart kids were doing and I kind of thought, I've created a really bad situation. They would lead their calf out and.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

They'D set him out fine.

[Frank Ward]

I don't know if you noticed.

[Interviewer]

I noticed that in class 12, it happened a little.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Randy and Jim were getting after those kids.

[Frank Ward]

They're like, you go back in line. Kids were doing and I was laughing because I would stop and look. And those smart kids, and I believe that girl with that yellow steer, she parked in there for a minute for me to get a really good look. Yeah. You know, and, and, and I think, you know, our boys, we, we stress.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Showmanship with our boys that you're going to work all year and you better get them stuck, you know.

[Frank Ward]

And like our oldest boy, he won.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Market steer showmanship in Denver and was premier exhibitor in Denver his senior year.

[Frank Ward]

So that's a big thing for me. And I appreciate those kids that, you know, they're coached well and I'm sure those guys were telling them, he's looking at those cattle three or four back.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

After he handles them. You make sure you're standing there when he looks over.

[Frank Ward]

I was kind of entertained by it. The green coats did not, they didn't like it. They didn't like it. It's hard on them. So.

[Interviewer]

Well then, class 11, this is the one year champion. And I mean it was me and a whole bunch of other people sitting beside each other watching this from 1st, 1st all the way to 9th or 10th, even, even to 11th or 12th. The, the quality. I mean, I could name off the white calf that was second, obviously. I mean, first, the gold calf that was second. Both your grand reserve of the show. But I mean there was still a silver calf in there down the line. I, it was that. Yeah, that thing was a freak of nature in my mind. There were also others. I mean, talk to me about the entire class.

[Frank Ward]

So that was an interesting class. You know, I kept pulling them and.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

They, they just kept getting better.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Frank Ward]

You know, and I told Randy, I said, I may or Jim, I said.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I'm going to end up with 20, I bet.

[Frank Ward]

And he said, he said they're all going to be good enough.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I'm fine at that.

[Frank Ward]

Because they kind of tell you, hey, try to keep it around 15. And like I said, I don't know that everybody watching realizes what's happening on the dirt right down on the floor. So I just, I just, I kind.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Of told him I Said, hey, I'm sorry. I said, I'm going to stack this thing up. And he said, that's fine.

[Frank Ward]

You know, we got them all out of the ring, all the cattle that were on the rail. I always like to stand there and.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Say, pull them up, you know, to where you can handle them. And, yeah, I just kept looking at Good cat.

[Frank Ward]

So I thought to myself, well, I'm just gonna have to, you know, just get in a groove and just, you know, like I said, there's no way I could have sorted that class from the top and got it right in my mind. Right. Because I think and. And I truly believe that there were so many good cattle in that class that you could throw five, six, ten different guys in there, and it's gonna get. It's gonna get turned around. So after I got through handling all those cattle and I don't know if you noticed this, I thought to myself, I thought, man, these ones are so good.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I haven't walked in front of these cattle one time during this whole show.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Because normally they're pressed up against that wall.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

And I thought, I'm going in front of these things.

[Frank Ward]

I'm going to get as good a.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Look into these cattle as I can.

[Frank Ward]

Because, you know, normally we didn't come.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Across a class that was that deep. Right.

[Frank Ward]

And I thought, I'm going to need some ammo in my mind when I get out there to start sorting these things. I'm going to need every angle I could see those cattle at. So. So I walked in front of them, and that's where I picked up on some of the things that I started sorting on when I got them out.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

There on the profile.

[Interviewer]

Absolutely.

[Frank Ward]

And so I. So I got them on the profile, and there were so many good ones in different shapes and sizes out there, different kinds. I just kind of thought, okay, I.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Need to stick to what I like.

[Frank Ward]

Big back legs, you know, so. So I was able to sort that deal.

[Interviewer]

They all had big back legs.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah. But some of them move better than others, so I was able to kind of sort that out. And then, you know, I'm stuck with 6 or 8 or 10 or whatever. It's to math. Yeah. And then it's like, okay, I'm gonna.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Have to go to work now.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Frank Ward]

And, you know, I walked that class quite a bit. I got behind him, and I think I handled him enough. The problem steer for me in that class was that silver steer you were talking about.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Frank Ward]

Because he hit me hard. Another great showman. She parked that one out when I was handling him, I don't know if.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

He watched, but she had him sitting.

[Frank Ward]

Out there and I. I looked at him two or three times, and he'd be standing there before they'd make her push him, and then she'd round back out. So it was kind of interesting to me. I tied to that calf on the profile, and I went around in front.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Of him and I thought, man, that calf's got a lot of shoulder.

[Frank Ward]

And then when I got in there on the profile again out there, I was falling in love with him. And when I came around the off show side, he had his old shoulder.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Just pushed out, you know, And I was like, oh, darn.

[Frank Ward]

You know, I was hoping he'd hold it together a little better on the movie does.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Frank Ward]

When. When that calf would walk at me, he kind of kept his shoulders together. But then when he got out there.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

He just opened up big time.

[Frank Ward]

And I hated to pull that one because as a breeder, as a guy raising these things, I can tell you if Christina and I raised that calf, there'd have been high fiving going on pictures, taking them, sending them to Will back at college, and his little brother would have been Snapchat, never that calf.

[Sponsor Announcer 2]

Right.

[Frank Ward]

Because I know what a baby calf like that would look like, so. So that was hard for me when I pulled that. I just had to, you know, get in that groove. Then there. There was a really good black calf in there.

[Interviewer]

Was it fourth or fifth?

[Frank Ward]

I think I put it four.

[Sponsor Announcer 1]

Yep.

[Interviewer]

Like real long neck, big shag, Huge.

[Frank Ward]

Yep. But he was so different.

[Interviewer]

He was really different. So he was in our alley in the barn.

[Frank Ward]

Oh, he was.

[Interviewer]

And I was watching them fit that thing, and it was fair. Simon that has that calf.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah, yeah. Jane turns. I didn't know that at the time.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Jane Newton actually raised that calf. I believe.

[Interviewer]

I believe so. Maybe something like that.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah, yeah.

[Interviewer]

And Ferris was right there dialing in his hind leg. And I just like, kind of briefly watched for him, was like, man, he's gonna love that hind leg. But his length of proportions, neck is so different from what he's been picking. I don't know what's gonna happen.

[Frank Ward]

And that's what happened. And that was another painful placing for me.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Frank Ward]

Because that was such a good steer. There's other scenarios where that steer wins this big steer show, right? Yeah. If he's in the right place with the right kind of cattle. You just got a class where he was an outlier. So, you know, just to tell you how I'M thinking about it logically. I'm like, I love this thing. I know how good that calf is, but he's different than everything out here. So I. I left him out there. I knew I had to. But then my mind's saying, you're either got to use him or you got.

[Sponsor Announcer 2]

To pull it there.

[Frank Ward]

And, you know, that's how I was trying to logically get through that class.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

And I just said. Said, I don't know if there's enough steer there.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

When we compare him to some of those other beasts that are standing and you're judging.

[Interviewer]

And in my mind, the red one, that was third, I was like, that's his type. That's the one he's gonna use. Like, maybe. I don't know. But then I saw the white one. I was like, can't really pick a hole in him. That red one was so dense and, like, wolfy, I guess that one was, you know, and.

[Frank Ward]

And I kept leaving those cattle out there. And, you know, I was telling my wife afterwards that they just kind of started sorting themselves to me. And the red one, the more I started studying that calf, especially on the move.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Frank Ward]

Wanted to get a little different off his back leg, mainly when you got behind him. And he wanted to get his. Not that his hawks were coming in in a big way.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Frank Ward]

But he was just moving just a little funky off those hind wheels where he was pushing just a little bit. But there's so much feature in that calf that I know is so hard to make. Take that. I. I just loved him from that standpoint. I mean, bone dense, rib cage power, just that fat steer look, maybe just a nickel stale for me.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Frank Ward]

If I'm going to get really critical. But, I mean, I like that kid. Yeah. You know, and I thought, you know, when. When I finally had those three out.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

There, I just thought, man, what am I going to do here?

[Frank Ward]

I walked him again and got behind.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Him, and I thought. Thought, I'm gonna have to pull him.

[Frank Ward]

You know, and that's another one that.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

It hurt, because I just know, and.

[Frank Ward]

As I'm doing that, that white steer is just growing on me and growing on me. And the yellow steer, I mean, that yellow steer, I don't think we saw.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

A bigger back square hit went off.

[Interviewer]

And I wish I could have seen him closer, but he looked like he was so genuine in the shape of pie.

[Frank Ward]

He was like, we didn't see a.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Calf that was that square.

[Sponsor Announcer 1]

Right.

[Frank Ward]

You know, and. But the white calf, I think, was very deceiving, too. Because his hair kind of had that Charlay kind of long stringy hair that maybe wanted to curl back a little bit. But the more I'd look at that.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Calf, the more he'd grow on me.

[Interviewer]

So then in class 12 is that black and white one. And I remember watching it or watching him walk out and then you pull him immediately and walking away. I just. A big fat back leg man.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah. You know, when Matt calf came in.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I thought, wow, that one's good.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah. Like that one would have been in the. He's a class lower. He's still making. You know, he's in the top five.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

And I tied to him early. I'm not gonna lie to you. Once it came out, I thought, man, that's my kind. He's got a big back leg.

[Frank Ward]

Boys that got him ready.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

They had him dialed.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

And I tied to him prettier.

[Interviewer]

That second place was intriguing too. Probably not his life like extended or. But again, just genuine red cage and top shape from what you'd say one.

[Frank Ward]

You know, those cattle were so big and heavy.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

They were still extremely fresh.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

You know, which was really interesting.

[Frank Ward]

You know, they. They didn't look like a big stale 1600 pound steer or whatever they weighed.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

When they were full.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, right, right.

[Frank Ward]

Those were, you know, and what, what's really interesting anymore. You know, I mean, I've been judging shows for so long, so, you know, know, I remember judging shows where you.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Didn'T pick one over 1250 pounds or 1280 pounds.

[Frank Ward]

And then pretty soon 1325 is okay. Pretty soon 1375 is okay. Then, you know, a couple years ago, I'm in Louisville and I got. I think that one of Wades that.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Was reserved, he was 14 something.

[Frank Ward]

You know, pretty soon everybody, you know, and, and not that I'm the one that said it's okay to use a 1400 pound steer thing. There's plenty of guys that did it before me. But the thing that's so interesting to.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Me now with those big heav cattle is they're not tall. They are just so dense and stout.

[Interviewer]

Right. I feel as if. And before we continue, I feel as if moderation is starting to be more significant in exotic steers especially.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

Like they're not saying. Not saying like they're starting to be midgets. I just feel like these framier 1400 pounders are starting to be less existent.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah, I agree. You know, because. And that black steer is kind of an example of that.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

When you get out there, the Class.

[Frank Ward]

11, those cattle that were so dense.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

And low to the ground.

[Frank Ward]

Not, not low to the ground. I'm not saying they were small, but they are just so dense and massive.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

That those long extended ones, you just wonder if you got enough steer there.

[Interviewer]

Right? Exactly. So then obviously heavyweight division. Was that a hard decision for you or was it pretty quick? That's awesome.

[Frank Ward]

You know, I appreciated the other cattle in there. I knew they were really good. But I guess this may sound kind.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Of funky, the way I'm going to say this.

[Frank Ward]

If I wouldn't have done use those two steers that came out of class 11, I felt like I would have done wrong to all those third, fourth.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Fifth and sixth place steers in class 11.

[Interviewer]

That makes complete sense, you know, because.

[Frank Ward]

Like I said, under certain people, some of those cattle could have been right there too.

[Interviewer]

Absolutely.

[Frank Ward]

You know, so, you know, that goes through my mind when it's that tough and I'm sending those other cattle, not necessarily to the barn, you know, they. They were from, you know, third to eighth or ninth place, some of those really good steers, and then not go grab those two out of those divisions. I would have felt like I did all those.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Those people that owned Those cattle, class 11, wrong for sure. Yeah.

[Interviewer]

So then obviously the drive was tonight.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

Well, in your mind, do you think you feel as if any certain breed walked out looking a little different?

[Frank Ward]

Those Angus steers were full. They looked fresh and they were dialed.

[Interviewer]

Was it like almost contention, like.

[Frank Ward]

Or that grand Angus steer?

[Interviewer]

Were you thinking about it?

[Frank Ward]

Not that I. I'll tell you this. I. In my mind, I said to myself.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Man, a guy could use that one to justify it.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Frank Ward]

You know, I. Again, in my mind, I'm processing.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I fell in love with those crossbreds.

[Frank Ward]

Knowing how tough that Class 11 was, I would have been doing a lot.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Of people some dis. I'd have just felt bad about doing that. Sense that Angus deer is full of quality.

[Interviewer]

Absolutely.

[Frank Ward]

And I thought he fit the. Fit the part.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

He looked the part out there, for sure.

[Interviewer]

Well, even the Hereford looked extremely full as well. Not the, The. The pole or the horn.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

The horn.

[Frank Ward]

Did they killed him? Yeah.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Frank Ward]

Too. And the short horn looked amazing.

[Sponsor Announcer 1]

Therefore.

[Interviewer]

And I'm sitting in the. In the top of the stands and I looked down, I was like, that one can be in contention because he resonated so much with your exotics in terms of his feet and legs, his hip. Hip and rib shape. I mean, I thought he was so good.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah. Well, who asked me? I'd run into somebody on our way Out. They said, who'd you have third?

[Co-Host/Analyst]

I said, the shorthorn steer.

[Interviewer]

There you go.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah. And you know, and he'd have been well deserved. Thrown him in that class. Eleven.

[Interviewer]

He's right there. Right there with him for sure.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

That's awesome. So you pick your grand reserve, obviously, it was a great two days. Is there anything that you wish he could have done differently or gone back on and thought about hard?

[Co-Host/Analyst]

No.

[Frank Ward]

You know, I. Every decision I make, and you could probably talk to my wife about this. In life in general, when I make a decision, I live with it, you know.

[Interviewer]

Absolutely.

[Frank Ward]

I try to think logically enough through it that that's what I'm doing and you know, don't look back. And you know, at a young age in county fairs, I learned a long time ago, you pull them. And you and I. And I've told Will this. Will's starting to judge some fairs and I've told campaign, our youngest, you know, because I'm sure one day he'll probably be judging a little too. And I've told them both that you don't waver before you pull those cattle. You make sure in your mind that.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

That'S what you want to do.

[Interviewer]

Absolutely.

[Frank Ward]

You know, I've never been one to go back down the line and start switching them.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Yeah.

[Frank Ward]

I want to spend enough time out there to make sure I got it right.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

And when I pull, pull them, it's a done deal.

[Interviewer]

Absolutely. With that said, I mean, I'm very grateful for the opportunity. This is the first time I've done a live post game with a judge, so I was a little nervous and maybe not as prepared as I was in some other and some other post games. And that's just because I was really busy during the time of the steer show. But I hope that, you know, this gave any answers to questions for people. And I'm glad that you were able to do this with me. And I mean, the show was phenomenal. Obviously, quality was just as high as it has been before. And is there anything else that you'd like to tack on? I mean, what?

[Frank Ward]

No, I mean, you know, I'm thankful that you put me on the podcast and it's. It's an honor, honestly. You know, it's been enjoyable, you know, talking cattle with you. And I'm kind of. I'm in a bit of a fog myself, you know, after a two day brain workout like that. So hopefully I was able to explain enough of what I was thinking, tell you what I saw out.

[Interviewer]

No, I. Very grateful for it. And I know it's been a long two days. I'm sure you want to go get some rest, but I do appreciate. Appreciate it big time and hope to do it again next year. And very excited to see what next year looks like as well.

[Co-Host/Analyst]

Yeah.

[Frank Ward]

Yeah. Hopefully they'll have me back.

[Interviewer]

Surely they'll have you back. So with all this said, I'm grateful for all my listeners and thankful that I got the opportunity. And this is what it's all about, empowerments here. We'll see y' all next time. Thank you all for tuning in.