Morrison Livestock Sale Preview — EmpowerU Podcast

Host: Weston Hendrix
Guest: Clay Morrison, Morrison Livestock
Date: March 3, 2026
Episode Focus: Preview and discussion of the Morrison Livestock upcoming sale (March 8th on Steer Bidder), with detailed walkthrough of each lot, insights into breeding philosophy, and practical advice for potential buyers.

Episode Overview

In this episode of EmpowerU, Weston Hendrix welcomes Clay Morrison of Morrison Livestock to preview their highly-anticipated cattle sale. The conversation covers Morrison’s operation, the diversity and quality of their offering, and an in-depth run-through of lots up for sale. Listeners get breeder insights, show strategies, and practical advice for evaluating and purchasing show steers and heifers, especially targeting families and young competitors.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Morrison Livestock Background & Philosophy

• Clay Morrison introduces his family-run operation near Lubbock, Texas.
  • Specializes in Charolais Slick Shearing cattle, but offers diversity in genetics.
  • Quote [00:34]:
    "Our main focus is probably Charolais Slick shearing cattle, if you wanted to get real specific. But we tend to have a little bit of everything... highlights what we're best at, but shows a little diversity too." — Clay Morrison

Lot-by-Lot Preview and Analysis

Lot 1: Charolais/Slick Shearing Steer

• Pedigree: In God We Trust x Calucall 7108
• Host’s Take: "This one's really dense haired... muscle shape is incredible to be a slick...extremely proportional and balanced."
• Morrison’s Take: Versatile show potential—can go to Houston, Fort Worth, or slick shows. Cow has produced prior high sellers.
• Quote [01:33]:
  "He's pretty versatile. If you want him to be a haired calf, he's got the hair to do it... He's definitely got the capability to [make the sale]." — Clay Morrison

Lot 2: Charolais/Slick Shearing Steer (Full Sib to Lot 1)

• Highlights: Exceptional foot size/quality, long neck, bold ribbed, designed for competitive slick shows.
• Morrison’s Take: Suitable for San Antonio or Houston, built to be competitive after slicking.
• Quote [02:39]:
  "That thing walks around on dinner plates for feet... destined to be slicked off and be competitive at either way." — Clay Morrison

Lot 3: Shorthorn Steer

• Pedigree: Burst Your Bubble x Get You Some 51 female
• Highlights: Strong structure, good hair quality for Fort Worth, proportional/burly.
• Morrison’s Take: Color stands out; classifies as shorthorn at Fort Worth; dual-purpose—can show haired or slick.
• Quote [03:26]:
  "His color pattern is really interesting and neat looking. I think it'll get you noticed real quick and then he's got the quality to keep him interested." — Clay Morrison

Lot 4: AOC/Lemmy Type Steer

• Pedigree: In God We Trust x 82,46 female
• Highlights: Strong feet/legs, proportional, green but high quality, excellent shoulder angle.
• Morrison’s Take: Gains quality with time, attractive color for slick shows.
• Quote [04:28]:
  "He's one that is probably... going to get better every day for you. His color is really good... attract a lot of attention when they're slicked off." — Clay Morrison

Lot 5: Silver Slicking Calf (Full Sib to Lot 4)

• Highlights: Excellent for summer/fall jackpots, great hair, impressive body and muscle.
• Morrison’s Take: Designed for slick shows, but can be jackpotted haired.
• Quote [05:29]:
  "Should have a good bit of success in his lifetime, I would think." — Clay Morrison

Lot 6: Shorthorn Lightweight Steer

• Pedigree: Perfection x 1003 (Shazam, Starburst)
• Highlights: Great hair and body, dual-purpose, built to win lightweight shorthorn classes.
• Morrison’s Take: Proven cow line for lightweight show success, adaptable endpoint.
• Quote [06:05]:
  "We've had really good luck in the lightweight shorthorns in the past... this one's mom was actually a flushmate to [one that was third at Fort Worth]." — Clay Morrison

Lot 7: Lemmy/AOC Steer (Full Sib to Lots 4 & 5)

• Highlights: Attractive color, exceptional hair coat, needs feed and maturity, but high upside.
• Morrison’s Take: Calf with room to improve—feed and development will unlock his potential.
• Quote [07:01]:
  "A calf that I think will get better for you every day... all just right and you just got to push him and get him there." — Clay Morrison

Lot 8: Monopoly Red Bird Cross Steer

• Highlights: Black, balanced, dense hair, dual-purpose, could classify as Angus.
• Morrison’s Take: Flexible—take a shot at Angus classification or show as a black cross, smooth polled.
• Quote [07:54]:
  "A calf I think got a lot of avenues to try to get a brand down the road." — Clay Morrison

Lot 9: Sib to Lots 4, 5, and 7

• Highlights: Proportional, solid feet/legs, top hair quality of the flush, will progress with time.
• Morrison’s Take: Great improvement potential, impressive hair even in a harsh winter.
• Quote [09:17]:
  "I think that's a calf that's going to get real good for someone and one that I think you'll really be proud of further down the road." — Clay Morrison

Lot 10: One For All x Garth Angus Steer

• Highlights: Smooth polled, could go Main or Angus, standout foot/leg quality.
• Quote [10:01]:
  "His hair's not super thick. We're shooting for a Maine heifer with [the mating] and instead got maybe an Angus classifying steer." — Clay Morrison

Lot 11: King of Kings x Get You Some 9162 Steer

• Highlights: Impressive power, mass, pedigree with proven high-sellers.
• Morrison’s Take: Maybe not the flashiest, but great structure and value—could be a “sleeper” in the sale.
• Quote [10:36]:
  "As long as you're not in that 1400 pound range... those are kind of classes you can go in and get a sale hole... I think this calf, once you peel him off, will be able to run with the best of them in those classes." — Clay Morrison

Lot 12: Full Sib to Lot 6

• Highlights: Robust, big at birth, structurally excellent, easy-keeping and adaptable for fast or slow show plans.
• Morrison’s Take: Hard-built, can be pushed for early shows or slow-played for later ones.
• Quote [11:46]:
  "He's the biggest calf I've ever had. We weighed him when he was three or four hours old, and he was a 160 pounder. But he's ready to go now... just built so good that you can just really mash on him and get him there." — Clay Morrison

Lot 13: Full Sib to Lot 12, Lighter Color

• Highlights: Structurally sound, gentle, ideal for novice showmen.
• Morrison’s Take: Slow start, but no holes; perfect fit for youth or families looking for a gentle, high-quality show steer.
• Quote [12:40]:
  "He's puppy dog gentle. I think, you know, if he can find a little boy or girl that needs a first or second year calf to be their best friend, I think he's right down that lane, and he's not giving up any quality too." — Clay Morrison

Lot 14: Full Sib to Lot 11, Slick Calf

• Highlights: Ideal for slick shows at Houston or Austin; exceptional structure and movement.
• Morrison’s Take: Bendable, flexible skeleton; will look best slicked. Holds appeal for serious competitors.
• Quote [13:41]:
  "A calf that's got a really bendy back leg, you know, really good flexibility to his skeleton... a calf that holds himself together really well in the move." — Clay Morrison

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On bringing value for families:
  "We'd love to get some of these families in and help them reach their goals. As far as post-sale, we've had pretty good luck with getting these things shipped all over the country in a pretty timely manner. We know that everyone's headed to Houston. We’ve kept these things on feed a lot until guys get back from Houston..." — Clay Morrison [14:11]
• On standing behind their program:
  "We're probably not as good at self promotion and marketing as others... but I think we're damn good at what we do and we'd love to get some of these families in and help them reach their goals." — Clay Morrison [14:11]
• Host’s endorsement:
  "I'm awfully grateful for the opportunity. Can't wait for the future and our relationship moving forward. Very excited to be a part of Morrison Livestock in some way, shape and form." — Weston Hendrix [14:55]

Important Timestamps

• Introduction & Overview of Morrison Livestock: [00:00–01:02]
• Lot-by-Lot Discussion: [01:02–13:41]
• Sale Details & Closing Remarks: [14:05–14:55]

Sale Details

• Sale Date: March 8, 2026
• Location: Online at Steer Bidder
• Contact: Clay Morrison’s information is on the Steer Bidder website for questions or follow-up.

Final Notes & Takeaways

• Diversity & Quality: Morrison Livestock offers an array of high-quality steers and heifers suitable for both first-timers and competitive show families.
• Customer Support: Morrison stands behind their product with practical advice (feeding, fitting, shipping), post-sale support, and a hands-on approach.
• Opportunities: The sale includes cattle appropriate for slick or haired shows at all major Texas destinations (Fort Worth, San Antonio, Houston, Austin).
• Personal Touch: Several lots highlighted for being gentle and youth-friendly, as well as value picks the breeders believe in but may be "sleepers" to watch.

This episode provides an unmatched look into the preparation and philosophy behind a top-tier Texas club calf sale, straight from the breeders’ and evaluators’ perspectives. Perfect for anyone considering a purchase or wanting to learn more about the real work behind major show cattle operations.