EmpowerU - "Naughty By Nature... The Sire Preview Featuring Raymond Gonnet"

Host: Weston Hendrix (A)
Guest: Raymond Gonnet (B)
Date: January 14, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode is a deep dive into the newest sire launch: "Naughty By Nature." Weston Hendrix sits down with Raymond Gonnet for a comprehensive preview ahead of the bull’s public display at Denver. The discussion covers Naughty By Nature’s pedigree, unique qualities, genetic and market implications, and what sets him apart in the highly competitive club calf world. The conversation provides both the background and the future promise of this standout bull, while also touching on exciting future releases.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Launch of Naughty By Nature

• Weston expresses excitement about representing and promoting Naughty By Nature at Denver, highlighting that it’s an honor to kick off this new venture with Raymond Gonnet.
  • [00:00]
• Raymond shares the intent behind the preview: to provide in-depth information for those who can’t attend Denver and create buzz for the bull’s debut.
  • "It would be really cool to... help this launch into Denver, display this bull... people kind of know what to expect..." (B, 00:48)

2. Pedigree, Breeding, and Origin Story

• Naughty By Nature is sired by In God We Trust and out of the 075 donor cow at Chad Thompson's, who is a Here I Am x 79B—the 79B foundation cow.
  • [01:30]
• The mating is proven and prolific, with several offspring generating strong sale prices.
• Raymond describes his first encounters with Naughty By Nature, highlighting the impact and presence the bull immediately had, even converting his fiancé into a believer.
  • “When that bull can make a non-believer a believer, I thought that's a pretty good sign.” (B, 04:54)
• The unique combination of presence, movement, and structure set Naughty By Nature apart:
  • "He can move the way this one moves and still have that kind of power... He's got a really great balance... just so rare and so unique..." (B, 06:50)

3. Genetic Testing & Traits

• Naughty By Nature is TH and DS carrier, but PHA free. Raymond is re-testing due to some unexpectedly clean visual indicators.
• "He tested him there before I bought him and he was a th carrier and he's a DS carrier, but he's pha free. And to be honest with you... I joked with [Chad]... we might want to rerun that DNA." (B, 09:53)
• Dialogue about industry implications for carriers and the importance of fresh, youthful appearance in steers as weights in shows have increased.
  • "If he can inject cattle... more youthful and fresh, I think that's an even better plus." (A, 11:25)
  • "This bull has got an absolutely beautiful head on him. And so I'm hoping that that translates..." (B, 11:50)

4. Color Genetics

• There’s discussion on Naughty By Nature's color genetics, potential dilution, and whether he throws black calves from black cows—which increases versatility.
• "I really do think that you can breed this bull to black cows and he'll... make black calves... valuable to have a Charolais colored bull that can make black calves..." (B, 13:12)

5. Proven Success and Cow Family Statistics

• Emphasis is placed on the importance of proven cow families. The 075 cow has grossed over $750,000 in just four calf crops, with many resulting calves selling for $30-50k.
• The 79B cow (full sibling to 075) has produced over $2.2 million in progeny sales, including numerous state fair and national champions.
  • "That's just a few... major shows... all full sibs to Naughty By Nature's Mother." (B, 14:20)
• Combining In God We Trust’s legendary status with these cow families heightens expectations for Naughty By Nature.
• Direct acknowledgment that In God We Trust has passed, making descendants like Naughty By Nature even more valuable for club calf breeders.
  • "It sucks to say but in God's Dead. So we have a..." (A, 17:56)

6. Promotion & Industry Impact

• Raymond reiterates the rarity with which he promotes bulls at Denver, underlining Naughty By Nature's special status.
  • "Once I saw this one, I knew that was like, this is the year we're getting back into the club calf deal. Like, this is the bull I think can change some things." (B, 19:36)
• The bull is targeted at breeders looking to improve structure, presence, and market appeal in their calves—especially with proven success in club calf shows.
• "The ones we notice are those ones we don't notice. The one that's walking around with his head halfway down in the dirt, those are the ones that on a halter sometimes. Okay, okay, I can see it now. But now the ones that are prancing around, those are the ones that grab attention." (B, 23:37)

7. Display Details & Future Announcements

• Naughty By Nature will be on display January 16–17 in the yards at Denver.
  • "We will be displaying him on the 16th and the 17th, which is a Friday, Saturday." (B, 24:57)
• Two more upcoming bulls (also from Chad Thompson) are set to be announced after Denver: a Here I Am x 79B and a red How Great Thou Art x 735 donor.
  • "There is going to be two other bulls... we are going to release here after Denver... we chose to bring Naughty By Nature just because we felt that he was the most elite of the three and the most unique." (B, 26:34)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the bull's presence:
  "This thing walks around the pen with his head in the air like a thoroughbred racehorse and stops and poses nonstop."
  (B, 07:22)
• On the impact of proven cow families:
  “The 79B cow herself has grossed over 2.2 million in progeny sales... Naughty By Nature’s Mother would be a full sib in blood to this is just a few... Grand Champion Market Animal...”
  (B, 14:20)
• On advancing the breed:
  "I really do think the vehicle we're driving right now has got as much potential as any club calf bull I've ever promoted in my career."
  (B, 19:01)
• On attention-grabbing livestock:
  "When I have a customer walk in the pen, the one that prances around with his head in the air is the first one they’re going to ask about... the more of those you have in your pen for sale, the better."
  (B, 23:37)
• On selective promotion:
  "I've been a firm believer in promote the bulls you think that you need to have in your lineup."
  (B, 19:36)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Introduction and purpose – 00:00 – 01:25
• Pedigree, maternal line, and origin story – 01:30 – 08:50
• Genetic testing and bull’s traits – 09:47 – 11:50
• Market traits and show trends – 11:50 – 13:04
• Color genetics and versatility – 13:04 – 14:06
• Proven success and statistical backing – 14:20 – 17:56
• Value in context of IGWT's legacy – 17:56 – 19:06
• Promotion rationale and industry impact – 19:06 – 21:10
• Breeding recommendations and expected improvements – 21:10 – 24:45
• Denver display details – 24:45 – 26:08
• Future releases preview – 26:34 – 28:56

Conclusion

Raymond Gonnet and Weston Hendrix deliver a thorough and authentic introduction to Naughty By Nature, presenting the bull’s pedigree, unique structural attributes, and proven cow family background—factors that position him as a potential game-changer for club calf genetics. Listeners are invited to see Naughty By Nature in person at Denver and are teased with the promise of further elite bulls to be announced. The conversation exudes both expertise and genuine excitement, making it a must-catch for breeders and livestock enthusiasts looking to stay on the cutting edge.