EmpowerU Podcast: QB Cattle's Bullnanza Breeding Stock Preview
Hosts: Weston Hendrix and Luke Domingue
Guest: Colton (QB Cattle)
Date: November 5, 2025
Episode Overview
In this episode, EmpowerU hosts Weston Hendrix and Luke Domingue sit down with Colton of QB Cattle for an in-depth preview of the “Bullnanza” breeding stock sale. The discussion dives into the unique format of the semen and livestock sale, highlights of standout lots (cows, bulls, and semen), and Colton's breeding philosophies and candid behind-the-scenes stories. The episode serves as an exclusive guide for prospective buyers seeking elite genetics and insight into advanced cattle selection, management, and marketing strategies in the livestock industry.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Innovative Sale Format & Approach
- Manual Accounting for Semen Sales
- Colton introduces a new, more manual approach to semen lot sales—buyers won’t experience instant confirmation, as sales are processed manually a day later.
“You don't think that nothing happened because you're not gonna get a normal immediate response...it's probably going to be delayed a day or so...they're going to have to manually do the accounting part of it.” – Colton [00:52]
- This approach is meant to be fair and wide-reaching, with opportunities to buy new, rarely-available bulls’ semen.
- Colton introduces a new, more manual approach to semen lot sales—buyers won’t experience instant confirmation, as sales are processed manually a day later.
- Collaborative Support
- Shoutout to Matt Turner and Steer Bidder for accommodating unconventional methods.
“Thank you to Matt Turner and the Rosas for the whole crew at Steer Bidder for putting up with my craziness and being a little unconventional.” – Colton [04:04]
- Shoutout to Matt Turner and Steer Bidder for accommodating unconventional methods.
- Buyer Education Emphasized
- Hosts stress reading details carefully to avoid confusion.
2. Lot-by-Lot Breakdown: Notable Animals, Bulls, and Semen
Lot 1: 0319 Bred Heifer (Pendleton x 5319 x Loaded Red)
- Exceptional resemblance to her legendary dam 5319.
- Bred to Pendleton for enhanced structure and style.
- Colton’s transparency: these females are offered due to being bred, making them unavailable to flush at this time.
“I'm being super, super candid and honest.” – Colton [05:40]
- Memorable Quote:
“If you see her in person, you wouldn't even be able to get those words off.” – Colton [05:14]
Lot 2: Bull Prospect with Standout Structure
- Described as rugged, exceptionally massive, yet easy-calving contrary to appearances.
“He looks like he would kill every cow...but like, not a single birth weight issue.” – Colton [12:03]
- Works on a wide range of cows, both exotics and Americans.
- Banter:
“Just because you look feminine doesn't mean my bull has to.” – Colton jokes with Weston [14:32]
Lot 3: Cessna Daughter
- Out of one of Colton’s original embryo calves, the foundation “Cessna” cow—responsible for a legacy of champions and banners.
- Colton is emotionally attached and only selling a half ownership, underscoring her value.
“It’s like you are a dadgum idiot for selling an animal like that. And part of me just wants to sit around and look at her all day.” – Colton [17:52]
Lot 4: Little Smokey
- Triple clean, gray hided American bull, admired for his unmatched structure, versatility, and gentle disposition.
“The way that his back ties into his hip...all that lays in and how smooth it is yet wide is absolutely unique.” – Colton [20:08]
- Produces a variety of colors in progeny, despite his own color not being a buyer favorite.
Lots 5–7: Maternal Maid Anchor, Irish Whiskey Bull, Sim Brahman Female
- Maternal qualities, proven production, and strategic pairings discussed for each.
- Colton focuses on matching genetics for maximizing performance and phenotype.
“Do not back up on quality because she is something that...she's going to do nothing but prove me stupid for selling her...” – Colton [24:09]
Lot 8+: Advanced Bulls and Unique Genetics
- Several bulls discussed in rapid succession, including moonshine OJ, El Sueno (El Serino), and unique outcrosses.
- Special emphasis on rare pedigrees, carrier statuses (DS, TH), and suitability for various breeding objectives.
3. Traits Colton Prioritizes
- Structure, Feet, and Legs: A recurring theme is the emphasis on cattle that are free-moving, well-footed, and structurally correct regardless of breed or color.
- Genetic Consistency: Preference for bulls/cows that consistently stamp their progeny.
- Versatility: Many cattle described as “can work on Americans or exotics,” and the importance of color, character, and maternal value is explored.
- Disposition: Gentle, easy-handling cattle are particularly noted.
4. Behind-the-Scenes & Industry Context
- Photography & Promotion: Colton shares the process and challenges of photographing for his own sales, with special credit to Morgan Meisenheimer.
“I'm still on the Morgan train. She's my chick. But she is out this sale was for the moment...” – Colton [08:39]
- Personal Stories on Foundation Animals: Candid stories about the emotional decisions behind selling key females or keeping particular genetics.
- Mentorship: Remarks about other notable breeders and encouragement to involve guests like Brad Smith on the podcast.
5. Memorable Quotes and Moments
- On Lot 2’s Appearance and Disposition:
“He’s so massive that he looks like he would kill every cow...But like, not a single birth weight issue, which is surprising and awesome.” – Colton [12:03]
- On Legendary Cows:
“The Cessna was part of my very first embryo calf crop...never did anything but have great stuff.” – Colton [16:41]
- On Diversifying Bloodlines:
“I make the exotics better by breeding them to Americans.” – Colton [81:29]
Detailed Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:52 – Explanation of new semen sales format (manual/invoiced, delayed response).
- 04:35 – Start of animal-by-animal preview: Lot 1, legendary cow discussion.
- 12:03 – Lot 2, bull described as "dumbest looking animal" but an elite performer.
- 16:19 – Cessna cow family (Lot 3) story and emotional context.
- 20:08 – Little Smokey's phenotype and versatility (Lot 4).
- 24:09 – Maternal Maid Anchor and decision-making around timing of cow offering.
- 38:41 – El Sueno/El Serino, partnership bull with unique Forth Worth-winning pedigree.
- 41:36 – Nitro bull: overview and context for bullish performance.
- 49:36 – Discussion on “How Great Thou Art” bull’s impact and Adam Potts's involvement.
- 58:40 – Raider Red/5319 bull: performance legacy.
- 65:48 – Memo (Brahman bull): why he stands out and breeding plans.
- 69:23 – Pedro and other Brahman-influenced lots and strategies discussed.
- 72:18 – W bull: history, sale result, and impact on herd-building.
- 78:22 – Piece by Piece (¾ Beefmaster bull): color solutions, versatility, and initial calf reports.
- 81:29 – Statement on using American genetics to improve exotics.
- 82:18 – Closing gratitude and invitation to connect with Colton.
Tone & Style
The conversation is candid, occasionally humorous, and filled with inside references familiar to the show cattle world. The three-way banter brings color and a sense of community, with raw honesty about both the animals' strengths and quirks—no sterile sale catalog reading here.
- Example:
“Just because you look feminine doesn't mean my bull has to.” – Colton, teasing Weston [14:32]
Conclusion & Takeaways
- The Bullnanza breeding stock sale is Colton’s most complete and diverse offering since his original "Climb" sale, with top-tier genetics, proven champions, and unique color/pedigree offerings.
- The episode provides an invaluable roadmap for prospective buyers, from practical bidding logistics to nuanced, real-world commentary on each animal’s impact potential.
- Colton and the team emphasize standing behind their cattle and being readily available for support.
“I appreciate any of you that are listening, and I'll do anything I can to support y’all and to help those who are interested in buying the cattle.” – Colton [82:21]
For More Information
- Sale Date: November 11th (on Steer Bidder)
- Contact: Reach out to Colton directly for questions or more detailed animal info
EmpowerU continues to set the standard for empowering and educating livestock enthusiasts, blending humor, deep insights, and unparalleled access to some of the industry’s most influential stockmen.