Podcast Summary: EmpowerU – Reed Vestel Ranches Sale Preview
Date: February 5, 2026
Host: Weston Hendrix (A) with co-host Luke Domingue (B)
Guests: Reed Vestel (C) & Junior Garcia (D/E)
Topic: Preview of the upcoming Reed Vestel Ranches (RVR) club calf sale (February 14th), discussing the genetics, strengths, and prospects of 25 highlighted lots.
Episode Overview
This episode offers an in-depth preview of the Reed Vestel Ranches’ annual club calf sale, featuring elite steers selected for major show prospects. Hosts Weston and Luke are joined by ranch owner Reed Vestel and herdsman/ranch manager Junior Garcia, who walk listeners through the ranch’s background, discuss their strategy for breeding and managing top club calves, and provide detailed commentary on standout lots. The tone is friendly, passionate, and technical—aimed at both industry insiders and prospective buyers.
Ranch & Program Background | [00:36–01:57]
- RVR runs around 700 mama cows, doubling in just a year, with a shift from primarily American breed calves to a strong focus on elite European cross and breed cattle.
- Junior Garcia oversees day-to-day, especially on herd management.
- Both Reed and Junior emphasize the pride and long-term strategy behind this set of calves.
Notable Quote:
"We've really focused on trying to get these elite European cross cattle into our program, and I believe this set we're about to sell represents the best we've ever had."
— Reed Vestel [01:33]
Sale Logistics & Approach | [02:28]
- Date & Location: February 14th, Tolar, Texas (conveniently less than 45 min from showgrounds).
- Format: 25 lots selected for structural integrity, versatility, and show potential—many with dual-purpose hair/slick shearing qualities.
Lot-by-Lot Discussion Highlights
Lot 1 – How Great Thou Art x Smith Carroll 606 | [02:54–06:21]
- Big frame, unique color, champion genetics (full sib to multiple champions, incl. 2026 Denver Grand Champion).
- Outstanding structure, mass, and presence.
- Quote:
"He is perfect structured... you can mash the gas on this one... going to make some major noise." — Reed [04:33] - Junior: "Feet and legs are awesome... he knows he's a show calf. He's cocky, he's arrogant. He was bred to be big time.” [05:27]
Lot 2 – In God We Trust x Kropa 108 | [06:24–08:57]
- Smaller frame, extremely sound, works for both haired and slick shear shows.
- Quote:
"One of the best dual-purpose calves we have in the sale... he's a heavyweight, just a little younger." — Reed [06:54]
Lot 3 – How Great Thou Art x RCC Daky Marsh 980 | [09:08–12:44]
- Massive hair, great depth of body, out of top-tier donor cow.
- Quote:
"This thing is extremely dual purpose... makes your heart pump big time." — Reed [11:55] - Junior: “A show pony... chrome, balance, and the hair quality that gets you fired up.” [12:00]
Lot 4–6 – 6005 Cow Sibs; In God We Trust/How Great Thou Art x 6005 | [12:45–18:51]
- Six outstanding brothers, all versatile with big-time potential, major maternal pedigrees.
- Notables:
- Lot 4: “Big footed, cool necked, still green... a ton of room to keep getting better.” — Reed [13:51]
- Lot 5: “Highest upside animal—bred to be a heavyweight killer.” — Reed [16:18]
- Lot 6: Incredible hair (“shag”), dual breed prospects, Angus headed.
Lot 7 – Say No More x 001 | [21:49–25:25]
- Some hair lost recently; backed by an elite donor cow whose offspring command top dollar.
- Sleeper pick with "impeccable build and big-time muscle."
Lot 8–10 – More Elite AI Sired Prospects | [26:44–36:45]
- Lot 8: "Massive pieces, short backed, huge feet and legs. All he needs is to feed." — Reed [27:19]
- Lot 9: Full sib to a high seller; "hammer in the semi deal," per Junior.
- Lot 10: Raised by Scott Werning's famed Rosita cow; “big bodied, stout, feeding kind.”
Lot 11–12 – In God We Trust x “600” | [36:45–41:05]
- Premier Here I Am cow with “massive body”; top slick shearing prospect.
- “Every one of those 600 daughters that are in gods we’ve kept. Big time potential here.” — Reed [37:17]
Breed Steers – Specialty Breeds | [51:23–56:56]
- Lot 16 (Polled Hereford): “Had some of the biggest Hereford people call asking if we kept him bull; just that unique.” — Reed [51:23]
- Lot 17 (Red Angus): "He could walk in backwards and win it... very, very good calf..." — Reed [55:07]
Key Consignments, Unique Color, & Versatility | [57:33–76:40]
- Black, Cherry Red, Shorthorn, and more: Many lots suitable for multiple breed classifications—Maine, Simmental, Charolais, AOC, Limousin, etc.
- Many calves designed to be flexible for major endpoints—Fort Worth, San Antonio, Houston, OYE, Denver, Louisville, and top counties.
- Reed and Junior emphasize their ongoing support for buyers and commitment to working with families all the way to the backdrop.
Closing Thoughts & Philosophy | [81:26–84:40]
- Reed gives heartfelt thanks to the RVR team and highlights the importance of relationships with partners, crew, and families.
- RVR is committed to supporting customers with feeding, fitting, and show prep.
- The set is “the best we’ve had yet; the sky’s the limit.” [83:24]
Closing Quote:
"We are fully dedicated to helping our families throughout the full extent of the year and being a service from a feeding and fitting perspective. We want to win and win big—do it the right way, with an incredible set here." — Reed Vestel [83:24]
Memorable Moments
- Highest Praise: Multiple lots referenced as the “best ever,” “bred to win,” and “game changers.”
- Buyer Support: Reed and Junior reiterate that they will “clip and fit” customers’ cattle and provide hands-on support.
- Transparency: They openly share when calves are green, have shed hair, or will need management—inviting buyers to come see for themselves.
Important Sale Information
- Date: February 14, 2026
- Location: Tolar, Texas (contact info provided on sale page)
- Online Bidding: SteerBidder
- Support: RVR’s crew is available for consultation and follow-up.
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [00:36] Ranch introduction and growth strategy
- [02:28] Sale logistics/location
- [02:54] Lot 1 – Champion line steer break down
- [06:24] Lot 2 – Dual-purpose calf insights
- [09:08] Lot 3 – Hair quality and body depth
- [12:45–18:51] Lots 4–6 – Notable full siblings, big genetics
- [21:49] Lot 7 – Say No More x 001
- [36:45] Lot 11 – Premier Here I Am cow
- [51:23] Lot 16 – Polled Hereford feature
- [55:07] Lot 17 – Red Angus slick shearing highlight
- [81:26] RVR’s commitment and closing thoughts
Tone, Language & Recommendations
- The tone is energetic, positive, and industry-savvy—with transparency about prospects, tips for families, and an authentic emphasis on building confidence and relationships with buyers.
- The language is authentic to the club calf world, referencing industry-famous cows, bull lines, and show endpoints.
- The episode is an excellent listen for serious show cattle families, potential buyers, and anyone interested in elite livestock genetics.
How to Connect
- Direct contact information for Reed Vestel and Junior Garcia is available on the sale website.
- RVR invites families to visit in person during the Fort Worth Stock Show; support is ongoing, from selecting to winning at shows.