EmpowerU Podcast Summary

Episode: Primetime For Showtime Sale Preview

Host: Weston Hendrix
Guest: Ethan Almanza, son of Seth Almanza
Date: March 26, 2026
Theme: An in-depth preview and discussion of the Prime Time for Showtime steers offered in the upcoming SC Online Sale (April 4th), highlighting genetics, selection philosophy, and specific prospects.

Episode Overview

This episode centers on showcasing the upcoming "Prime Time for Showtime" sale, featuring a unique and carefully curated set of show steers from the Almanza family. Host Weston Hendrix and Ethan Almanza break down each lot, discussing genetic lines, animal temperament, classification potential, and the ethos behind their breeding and selection. The conversation is candid, informative, and passionate—intended to inform, excite, and empower buyers, especially young showmen and their families.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Almanza Philosophy: More Than Just Sales

[01:09]

• Ethan shares a heartfelt origin story—mentorship from Matt Woodley and the family's growth in the cattle industry.
• The focus is on “putting calves in good kids’ hands,” emphasizing youth development, responsibility, discipline, and life lessons gained through showing.
• Notable Quote (Ethan, [01:31]):

  “It’s not the money. It’s getting to see the smiles on those kids’ faces whenever they make it to show day. ...We really like and love to see how those kids progress and grow as people in this world and just love to be part of that."

2. Detailed Lot-by-Lot Preview

Lot 1: Red Cross Prospect (Leviticus x Mabel)

[02:29]

• Unique outcross genetics; purchased from 111.
• First year showman approved for docility—handles easily, like a “small puppy dog.”
• Ideal for slick shearing; excellent feet and legs.
• Notable Quote (Ethan, [03:32]):

  “He didn’t give us a lick of trouble all day...he’s just super gentle and just, he’s going to be super fun for somebody out there.”

Lot 2: In God We Trust Sired (Full sib to 2023 Grand Champion Limousin Steer)

[04:10]

• Embryo transfer calf; big leg, big hair, easy-going character.
• Ethan confesses personal excitement for this prospect, highlighting mass and structural soundness—"Put a lawn chair on his back, lay down."
• Suggests calf is best suited for Houston; excellent for slicking but hair quality could excel at Fort Worth.

Lot 3: American Prospect (Ben Praying sire x Waldrop "In God We Trust" dam)

[05:50]

• Likely classifies as Girt; moderate-bodied, long-necked, gentle.
• Would fit well at San Antonio, Austin, or Houston.
• Ethan and his dad debated keeping this one a bull, but chose to steer.

Lot 4: Texas Red x Stockyards dam (from Woodley)

[07:18]

• Strong profile—striking presence, burly hind leg, and a "cobra front end."
• Good candidate for Houston; could run as Girt or ABC.
• “He’s got a great temperament...moves really good. He’s got that cobra front end.”

Lot 5: Ben Praying sire x 7108 (General x 620 Horn female)

[08:31]

• Sought-after genetics, particularly on dam's side.
• Massive, powerful shape; possibly best as a slick steer, AOC, or Lemmy.
• Ethan would like to see this one as a top lightweight at Austin or Houston.

Lot 6: Ben Praying sire x Business Done Right/Popsicle620

[09:57]

• Labeled as the best Fort Worth prospect; gorgeous hair, standout color, overwhelming structural quality.
• Ethan details the Popsicle620 cow line as late-developing but impressive with maturity.

Lot 7: Ben Praying sire (SimBra Type)

[11:35]

• SimBra classifying potential due to markings and ear set.
• Slightly greener, recommended for more experienced showmen.
• Maintains a “cocky” presence and exciting structure.
• “He’s definitely been a really fun calf to work with and it was really awesome on clip day.” ([12:18])

Lot 8: Texas Red x Work of Art dam

[13:08]

• Muscular, easy-feeding steer that would benefit from an exhibitor who can present and clean up his front end.
• Out of a productive 6039 dam; great movement and muscle, best for families aiming for a brand.

Lot 9: Texas Red x Y81 (KSIS Girt prospect)

[14:24]

• Excellent Girt prospect: green, but strong structure, feet, and middleweight potential.
• Needs time and TLC, but genetic background gives confidence.

Lot 10: Texas Red x Auto Power cow

[15:27]

• Powerful, wide, shapely, “slick shearing beast.”
• Great hind leg; suggested San Antonio contender.
• Ethan encourages in-person viewing to appreciate the calf’s attributes.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Youth Development:
  Ethan ([01:31]): “Just knowing that we got to be a part of that kid’s upbringing and part of that kid’s experience just really, really does it for us.”

• On Calf Temperament (Lot 1):
  Ethan ([03:32]): “He’s just got the attitude of a small puppy dog.”

• Personal Favorite (Lot 2):
  Ethan ([05:17]): “You don’t show your hand, but I mean, I ain’t got a poker face when it comes to this captain...Put a lawn chair on his back, lay down.”

• On Selection for the Sale:
  Ethan ([16:49]): “We really sifted through to get these 10 to present to all these folks...We’re super excited about them.”

Important Segment Timestamps

• [01:09] – Ethan’s introduction and philosophy on cattle sales and youth empowerment.
• [02:29-16:33] – Detailed run through of Lots 1-10, with insights and background on each prospect.
• [16:49] – Ethan’s closing message on the rigorous selection process and encouragement to buyers.

Final Thoughts & Recommendations

• Visit in Person: Both Weston and Ethan stress the importance of contacting breeders directly and visiting the cattle where possible to truly appreciate their quality and presence.

  • Weston ([17:42]): “I think cattle look a lot different...if you go look at them in person.”

• Selective Offering: Only the best 10 made the cut after a heavy crop of bull calves this year; no questionable animals included.

• Empowerment Message: The episode is as much about community and youth growth as it is about cattle sales, modeling stewardship for the livestock industry.

Upcoming Sale:
🌟 Prime Time for Showtime Sale – April 4th, SC Online Sales

For more info or to visit the cattle:
Contact Ethan or Seth Almanza through the sale listing or by phone.