EmpowerU Podcast Summary

Host: Weston Hendrix
Guest: Ryan Johnson (RJ Cattle Co.)
Episode: RJ Cattle Co Fall & Summer Born Steer Sale Preview
Date: February 26, 2026

Episode Overview

In this energized preview, Weston Hendrix and Ryan Johnson of RJ Cattle Co. break down the highlights of RJ’s upcoming Fall & Summer Born Steer Sale, happening March 5th on SC Online Sales. The episode delivers a comprehensive walkthrough of each sale lot, focusing on cattle genetics, physical traits, show potential, and storied history in the ring. Designed for livestock enthusiasts, show families, and fellow breeders, the discussion is full of practical insights, notable sale history, and the excitement behind this year’s lineup.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Sale Logistics and Location

• Kansas Viewing: All steers are available for inspection at Zach and Shelby Wells’ place, Oskaloosa, KS—centrally located, easy access, and a great setting for viewing (00:20-01:05).
• Contact Info: Zach’s number is listed on the sale site for anyone wishing to schedule a walkthrough.

2. Lot-by-Lot Analysis

Lot 1: “Full Sib to Greater Good”

• Genetics: How Great Thou Art x IGWT/HL620.
• Highlights: Big footed, flexible, square, thick, excellent presence and hair.
• Quote (B):

  “When this mating’s good, it’s really, really good... This calf’s a lot of fun in a good home.” (01:37)

Lot 2: “Full Brother to Geier Steer”

• Genetics: How Great Thou Art out of “Stevie.”
• Highlights: Massive feet/legs, highly flexible, great profile; “Could walk from here to Texas and back and never break down.”
• Quote (B):

  “He can walk from here to Texas and back and never break down. Huge, incredible long hairs... really flexible, incredible hair.” (02:50)

Lot 3: “Indy”

• Genetics: How Great Thou Art x Perfection Mab.
• Highlights: Solid black with white accents, dense build, top-five show history in the maternal side.
• Quote (B):

  “One of the biggest footed, biggest legged, stoutest ended females I’ve ever seen and seems to be generating that very, very well.” (03:59)

Lot 4: “San Antonio Contender”

• Genetics: In God We Trust x Apocalypse.
• Highlights: Ideal for haired show, strong back, wide pin set, flexible joints.
• Quote (B):

  “So stout ended and just got a stout attractive hind leg when you slick him off... Very competitive in Texas.” (05:09-05:41)

Lot 5: “Hereford Steer”

• Genetics: Full sib to two heifers in previous sale.
• Highlights: Consistent winner, great markings, “Could be black and still be really good.”
• Quote (B):

  “Brock Welshins bought a full brother... won the Herefords at OYE... This calf, he could be black and still be really good.” (05:48)

Lot 6: “Big Hair, Big Rib”

• Genetics: In God We Trust x MB/McKay 706D.
• Highlights: Showy hair, heavyweight potential for Fort Worth/Denver.
• Quote (B):

  “He’s got the beautiful long hair, soft, easy to work with. Good running gear... a lot of fun.” (06:41)

Lot 7: “The Lightweight Favorite”

• Genetics: MAB Banshee.
• Highlights: Exceptional profile, young/green but high quality, ideal lightweight.
• Quote (B):

  “He is hard not to love... a very, very fun lightweight for a youngster getting started... beautiful hair.” (07:46-08:25)

Lot 8: “The Sweetheart Steer”

• Genetics: In God We Trust x Angels Envy.
• Highlights: Great for beginner showman; calm, manageable, still competitive.
• Quote (B):

  “Literally the gentlest baby calf I have ever been around... a calf that could get a young kid hooked on show cattle.” (08:54)

Lot 9: “Burly Spring-Born”

• Genetics: In God We Trust (Spring '25).
• Highlights: Massive rib cage/hip, ready for Fort Worth heavyweight or middleweight.
• Quote (B):

  “A hind leg that everyone is drawn to... good rib cage... beautiful colored, nice hair.” (10:03)

Lot 10: “Full Brother to Lot 4”

• Genetics: In God We Trust x Apocalypse.
• Highlights: Big back, forearm, rib, and hind leg; slicks off well for Texas majors.
• Quote (B):

  “Their big, big pieces and big just kind of purpose is getting slicked off and being very competitive.” (10:58)

Lot 11 & 12: “Charolais Crosses”

• Genetics: How Great Thou Art (11); In God We Trust (12) x Charolais cows.
• Highlights: Both need time to mature; can go various directions (Fort Worth, OYE, Texas majors).
• Quote (B):

  “Somebody’s got a good feed bucket and a little extra time and patience could get a real good deal on a very high quality calf.” (12:01)

Lot 13: “Soft Butterscotch Hair”

• Genetics: In God We Trust x MAB/McKay 706D.
• Highlights: Great slick, or can show with hair; strong muscle/rib, neat front.
• Quote (B):

  “Just the way his tail head sits up... really punchy in terms of his muscle around... good balance.” (13:56)

Lot 14: “Champion Mating”

• Genetics: In God We Trust x 400.
• Highlights: Multiple champions at major shows, proven competitive pedigree.
• Quote (B):

  “Every year kicks out really good ones... if somebody’s looking to get a deal good with the feed bucket, could look very, very smart in the end.” (14:45)

Lot 15: “One in a Million”

• Genetics: Showy color/presence, unique pattern.
• Highlights: Unmatched color, balanced build, great attitude, extremely rare.
• Quote (B):

  “I’m probably in the doghouse for selling this calf. My wife wants to make a rug out of him... I think that calf is... way more than adequate and has plenty everywhere... everyone will know you’re there for sure.” (16:18)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On exceptional cattle:

  “When this mating’s good, it’s really, really good.” (01:37, B)

• On soundness and function:

  “He can walk from here to Texas and back and never break down.” (02:50, B)

• On unique personalities:

  “Literally the gentlest baby calf I’ve ever been around... could get a young kid hooked on show cattle.” (08:54, B)

• On unique coloring:

  “I’m probably in the doghouse for selling this calf. My wife wants to make a rug out of him...” (16:18, B)

• Advice for buyers:

  “Somebody’s got a good feed bucket and a little extra time and patience could get a real good deal on a very high quality calf.” (12:01, B)

Key Timestamps for Segments

• 00:20 — Sale viewing, location, and logistics
• 01:05-17:24 — Lot-by-lot individual steer discussion
• 17:30 — Closing advice, encouragement to call/view, emphasis on variety and quality

Final Thoughts & Takeaways

• Quality & Variety: This sale offers something for every type of buyer, from first-timers seeking manageable projects to serious competitors targeting Texas majors or national shows.
• Open Invitation: Buyers are encouraged to visit the cattle in Kansas and reach out for videos or information.
• Service-Oriented: RJ and partners are proactive about helping with logistics, questions, and support before and after the sale.

Host’s Closing Remark (A):

“The steer sale happens on March 5th. You can find it on SC Online Sales. Obviously Ryan’s info is on there as well as Zach’s if you’d like to go see the cattle... Grateful for the opportunity... This is what it’s all about.” (17:59)

Ryan’s Final Word (B):

“Don’t hesitate to call us if you got any questions. Definitely a nice set of calves. I’m really proud of them. Kind of a nice variety of different endpoints and purposes as well.” (17:30)

For more information or to view the cattle in person, contact the sale team via details on the sale site. Don’t miss the opportunity to bid on March 5th!