EmpowerU Podcast: Potter Cattle Company Genetics Sale Preview
Host: Weston Hendrix
Guest: Caleb Potter, Potter Cattle Company
Date: February 22, 2026
Episode Theme:
A deep-dive into the genetics, history, and offering of Potter Cattle Company's upcoming sale, with insights on breeding strategies, cow families, and the future of their Ohio-based operation.
Main Theme & Purpose
This episode previews the genetics sale for Potter Cattle Company, set to take place on Steer Bidder on February 26th. Host Weston Hendrix and guest Caleb Potter discuss the pedigrees, mating philosophies, and results behind each lot, offering listeners both a practical guide to the sale and a broader look at building success in the show cattle world.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Introduction to Potter Cattle Company
- [00:30] Caleb Potter introduces his background, family, and how the operation started with county fair projects and commercial cattle before transitioning to high-end donor cows and show cattle.
- "Started out whenever I was young, you know, fooling around with commercial cattle... showing some Holsteins, then moving into commercial county fair stuff..."
Lot-by-Lot Sale Preview
Lot 1: IVF Cycle – PCC One Donor
- [01:35–04:02]
- First IVF cycle available from a $53,000 full sister to Kennedy’s Reserve Supreme at the Ohio State Fair.
- Buyer can use any bull of their choice.
- She’s THPHA free and unproven, making this the first shot for a buyer to set the direction for this donor cow.
- Potter says, “That thing will run no matter which way you take her... That thing is a flat beast... on the move... flat motor.” [02:57]
Lot 2: IVF Cycle – Donor 368
- [04:02–05:11]
- IVF cycle from a "How Great Thou Art" maternal maid, purchased from Wade Rogers; buyer’s choice of bull.
- Strong family – dam’s siblings have brought $20,000–$40,000 in sales.
- “She had a May we all bull calf... probably better off to keep him around here just to go back and have progeny out of that bull calf...” [04:25]
Lot 3: Sexed Male Embryos – Here I Am x Donor 7
- [05:11–06:36]
- Three embryos available; strong performance in the program with previous progeny selling well.
- “Hands down. Best calf I’ve ever raised...” Potter reports on recent success with “Pave With Gold” out of this cow. [06:07]
- “That thing is so style, so hairy. I mean, cool.” [06:29]
Lot 4: Conventional Embryos – Here I Am x Donor 713
- [06:36–07:33]
- Three embryos; donor raised a $43,000 “Here I Am” calf.
- Explains embryos were purchased but unused due to “not enough recipes” (recipient cows) but offers them as "they probably need to be out there." [07:24]
Lot 5: Conventional Embryos – I 80 x Sissy (Monopoly Cerveza)
- [07:33–09:14]
- Four embryos from Sissy, foundation donor and full sister to Ohio Senator; strong performance at Ohio State Fair and successful offspring in the showring.
- “That was the one that got it all started...” [07:51]
- “That monopoly Cerveza deal... I think it’s time we bring back some old school matings.” [09:15]
Lot 6: Conventional Embryos – Walks Alone x Rachel
- [09:29–11:07]
- Five embryos; Rachel is out of the Kelly donor, who was 2009 Supreme Female.
- Rachel’s show record: 2011 Gallia County “game day show” champion, top five at Wilmington, champion key at Ohio State Fair.
- “Don’t hold back on them embryos, like those ones are probably as good... as you’re going to find anywhere.” [11:08]
Lots 7–14: Semen
- [11:23–12:42]
- Multiple well-known and “old school” bulls: How Great, Here I Am, Holy Smoker, Thunderbird, Stud Monkey, Predator, Alias, Red Rock.
- “How Great... Every time you turn around, it’s How Great, How Great... If that one can’t sell itself, I don’t know what will.” [11:37]
- Discussion on value of maintaining proven genetics and bringing them back into current programs.
Lot 15: Semen Tank
- [12:42–13:13]
- Used but reliable tank, being sold to make room for new genetic acquisitions.
- “Nothing wrong with the tank. Stays charged, stays filled all the time. Never late.” [12:51]
Memorable Quotes & Notable Moments
- “That thing is a flat beast. I mean hair, big boned, stout, and... on the move and that thing will flat motor.” – Caleb Potter, on his PCC One donor cow [02:57]
- “Best calf I’ve ever raised, hands down.” – Caleb Potter, about his “Pave With Gold” Here I Am calf [06:07]
- “Bring back some old school matings.” – Caleb Potter, about Monopoly Cerveza and I-80 combinations [09:15]
- “Don’t hold back on them embryos, like those ones are probably as good... as you’re going to find anywhere.” – Caleb Potter, on Rachel embryos [11:08]
- “It’s time we bring back some old school matings.” – Potter [09:15]
- “If that one can’t sell itself, then I don’t know what will.” – Potter, on the “How Great” bull [11:37]
- “It’s truly, honestly, a humbling experience.” – Potter, on being featured in the sale [13:29]
Preview of Upcoming Opportunities
- [13:29–14:41] Potter teases upcoming spring offerings and encourages listeners to attend an open house on April 25th.
- Emphasizes quality and diversity of new donors and upcoming sales, inviting prospective buyers to “come out and look at the new operation.”
Conclusion
- [14:41–15:02] Weston thanks Caleb for sharing his expertise and story, and reminds listeners that the sale happens on February 26th via Steer Bidder.
Engagement & Takeaways
- Podcast provides a transparency-rich guide to the Potter Cattle Company genetics sale, spotlighting the stories, thought process, and results-driven mindset behind each lot.
- Emphasizes legacy and new blood in show cattle breeding, blending proven “old school” genetics with new investments.
- For those interested in genetics, show cattle, and practical insight into managing and marketing a progressive program, this is an actionable resource.
For More Information:
Contact details for Potter Cattle Company are in the bio. Sale launches February 26th on Steer Bidder.
“There’s some really good stuff here... Don’t miss it.” – Caleb Potter [13:29]
