EmpowerU Podcast

Host: Weston Hendrix
Episode: Morrison Livestock Sale Preview
Date: April 3, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode of EmpowerU, host Weston Hendrix sits down with Clay Morrison of Morrison Livestock to provide an in-depth preview of the upcoming livestock sale, focusing on a special set of show calves. The discussion centers around the cattle available at Morrison’s barn, which are part of the Lubbock Lights event but will be shown separately at his location. The episode guides listeners through the unique attributes of each lot, breeding insights, and strategies for prospective buyers looking to maximize each calf’s show potential.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Background on Sale Structure

• Lubbock Lights Event and Morrison Barn Group ([00:00]–[00:42])
  • The Lubbock Lights sale was organized after March's sale weekend. While a few calves will be at the main event (Cook’s Garage), most will still be available at Morrison’s barn.
  • Clay Morrison: “We were already planning on having this April sale, so we really just kind of peeled off a couple to take that [to Lubbock], and this would be the rest of the group we were planning on selling this weekend anyway.” ([00:24])

Detailed Lot Breakdown

Lot 1: Blue Roan Steer

• Breeding: Burster Bubble on 88246 (Banshee Steiner), Blue Roan
• Highlights: Exceptional hair quality for a blue, dual purpose, standout under show lights.
• Speaker Quotes:
  • Weston Hendrix: “I think the calf licked off that color under the lights at Houston would be extremely cool… very unique and very dual purpose.” ([00:42])
  • Clay Morrison: “I’m on record as not liking blue cattle, and I’m sure a lot of people are going to call me and give me grief about having one as a lot one in my sale. But the calf is really high quality. He’s really arrogant in his presence, really good in his body length and his depth of body. His back leg’s really soft and sound.” ([01:04])
• Notable Insight: This "accidental mating" produced a blue roan with winning potential, particularly as a slick calf for division classes at major shows.

Lot 2: ABC Steer (Keep Swinging x Flatliner x Made Amongst Boys)

• Highlights: Great hair quality and athletic movement; flexible for Fort Worth or slick shows.
• Speaker Quotes:
  • Clay Morrison: “This calf I think is character wise. Okay. But if you’re nervous about it… I would recommend just holler at me or if it really makes you nervous, just don’t bid.” ([02:26])
  • “A calf that’s just got enough quality to do a lot of things and enough hair to be a Fort Worth one and the right pieces to slick off as well.” ([02:26])

Lot 3: ABD Female (Bird Three x Charolais AOC)

• Highlights: Young, showy, and well-shaped steer backed by a champion-raising cow.
• Speaker Quotes:
  • Clay Morrison: “This calf… is really upheaded, really attractive, really athletic. He’s got good shape. A calf that looks like he’ll be easy feeding and he’s backed by a really good cow, which I think matters more and more all the time these days.” ([03:49])
• Notable Moment: Bird Three cow raised last year’s Houston Champion for Chicken Dance. ([03:55])

Lot 4: Char/AOC Steer (King of Kings x 9162, Get You Some/28)

• Highlights: Moderate, easy-feeding show steer with excellent structure and hind leg.
• Speaker Quotes:
  • Clay Morrison: “This calf is one that never had good hair and when we sheared him off, I sure liked him a lot better. Calf that’s really bendy legged and really sound. He’s got good lines, he’s big ribbed, he’s got pin width.” ([04:58])

Lot 5: AOC Steer (King of Kings x American Idol Female)

• Highlights: Motley-faced, moderate frame, stylish and showy with future growth potential.
• Speaker Quotes:
  • Clay Morrison: “He had a sister last year that was our second high selling heifer in our heifer sale. So I know the quality is there, and I think he’ll shut down and go at some point.” ([05:45])

Lot 6: Possible Angus Steer (Flight Risk x American Idol Female)

• Highlights: Pulled, sharp-headed, athletic—competitive in lightweight Angus classes.
• Speaker Quotes:
  • Clay Morrison: “He’s long and straight spined, really athletic in his movement.” ([06:35])
  • “I think he can get up there in the mix...and kind of look like the outlier in terms of look.” ([06:35])

Lot 7: Brangus/Gert Prospect (Nelson Bull x Masterpiece/Uno Moss)

• Highlights: Impressive rib and back, unique “brangusy” look—possible middleweight to heavyweight.
• Speaker Quotes:
  • Clay Morrison: “That calf has just a monster back. You know, you can barely get your hand on it...He’s a big, stout calf, and I think one that. That should be good.” ([07:43])

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On Risk-Taking in Color and Breeding:

  • Clay Morrison: “I’m on record as not liking blue cattle, and I’m sure a lot of people are going to call me and give me grief about having one as a lot one in my sale. But the calf is really high quality.” ([01:04])

• Value of Cow Families:

  • Clay Morrison: “He’s backed by a really good cow, which I think matters more and more all the time these days.” ([03:49])

• On Versatility for Buyers:

  • Weston Hendrix: “These are going to be the cattle that'll be a display at your barn...there's a lot of varieties and end points with different types and kinds of show steers. And I think they all have a different place for somebody to where they can utilize them at their fullest potential.” ([08:17])

Important Sale Details & Timing

• Lubbock Lights Group: Displayed at Cook’s Garage on Saturday.
• Morrison’s Barn Group: Available for viewing all week leading up to, and during, sale time at Morrison’s barn. ([08:40])

Closing

The episode wraps with encouragement for buyers to connect with Clay for more information, and a reminder of the opportunity to find a high-quality prospect for a range of show needs.
Clay Morrison: “Just to double reiterate, it is that the Lubbock Lights group will be at Cook’s Garage on Saturday, and this group that we talked about will be at my barn all week leading up to it and...through the sale time.” ([08:52])