EmpowerU Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Same Judges, Different Turf & Slick Hided Cattle… The Post Game Sort Featuring Blake Bloomberg & Kyndal Reitzenstein
Date: March 3, 2026
Host: Weston Hendrix
Guests: Dr. Blake Bloomberg & Dr. Kyndal Reitzenstein

Episode Overview

This episode delivers an in-depth post-game analysis of the 2026 San Antonio Steer Show. Host Weston Hendrix is joined by returning judges Dr. Blake Bloomberg and Dr. Kyndal Reitzenstein, who previously appeared for the acclaimed Denver Steer Show recap. They dissect the event breed-by-breed, discussing judge dynamics, standout cattle, breed characteristics, the impact of venue, and their personal and professional reflections on judging one of the most elite slick steer competitions in the country.

1. Judging Mindset & Team Dynamics

• Pre-show Expectations

  • Blake and Kyndal reunited after their Denver experience, aiming for cohesion. Both anticipated depth, but the quality surpassed expectations, and their synergy as a judging team was exceptional.
  • Quote:

    "It far surpassed my expectation... I've judged with a lot of people before, but we were step for step, mind for mind, and it was about as perfect of a judging experience as I've had." — Blake Bloomberg (01:05)

• Endurance & Commitment

  • Described the taxing length of judging days — sometimes from 8 am to midnight.
  • Quote:

    “We needed that Tuesday to recuperate. I was worn smooth out after Monday. I think we walked, like, 16 miles, according to my phone.” — Blake (25:42)

2. Breed-by-Breed Analysis

Main Anjou (01:50–04:49)

• Champion & Reserve: Highlighted diversity in the top steers; both contrasting yet high-quality.
• Quote:

  “Class allowed us to really show people that you don't have to have a certain type and kind. They just have to be good.” — Blake (02:30)

Charolais (05:16–08:33)

• Extremely deep division, especially among heavyweights.
• Judges valued structure & handling, placing structure as a differentiator for top honors.

Simmental (08:33–10:55)

• Outlier Grand; balance and proportions stood out.
• Reserve choice was a close call due to differences in width and freshness.

American Breeds (Simbrah, Brahman, Gert, Brangus, ABC) (11:12–25:28)

• Simbrah: Depth and consistency impressed—dark brindle champion had "no holes.”
• Brahman: The champion steer was possibly Blake's favorite of day one. Both judges commented on the animal’s outlier quality.
  • Quote:

    “That was probably my favorite steer from the first day... what he represented for his breed and the outlier pieces that that calf brought to the table made him extremely memorable.” — Blake (15:16)

• Red Brangus, Gerts, ABC: Frequently close contests, noted for depth and quality.

Day Two & British Breeds (Angus, Shorthorn, Hereford, Red Angus, Limousin, Crosses) (26:15–41:51)

• Angus, Shorthorn, Herefords: High caliber in all weight divisions; top end stood out.
• Red Angus: Surprised both judges with its overall depth.
  • Quote:

    “The quality was so good in the Red Angus steer show... That was a heck of a good breed.” — Kyndal (34:34)

• Limousin: The champion ended as Reserve Grand overall. Judged as “nearly perfect in every angle of his skeleton.”
• Crossbreeds: Provided variety and challenge, with both black and red crosses displaying impressive quality.

AOC (All Other Color) Breed (46:35–52:28)

• Stood out for bringing diversity and excellence.
• The champion was memorable:

  “I've been judging for 20, over 20 years now. I don't know that I've ever had an animal hit me as hard as that calf hit me in that moment...” — Blake (48:06)

3. The Grand Drive & Emotional Impact

• Judges’ Reflection:
  Both judges became visibly emotional during the final drive, reflecting on the journey, the youth involved, and the gravity of the show.

  • Quote:

    “The overwhelming pride that I had in those cattle and having somebody that means a lot to me out there judging with me... It just hit me like a ton of bricks.” — Blake (53:43)

  • Quote:

    “You talk to them for three seconds, but, man, you know their life story... I haven’t stopped thinking about it. It was the most fun I’ve ever had judging.” — Kyndal (55:21)

• Grand Selection Mindset (57:50):

  • The arena setting (“surrounded by rodeo horses, everything was happening") heightened the occasion.
  • Main contenders: the two final steers, Brahman, Reserve AOC, Maine, Charolais, Gert, and Simmental.
  • Both thought the top selections were clear, but the Brahman was given special mention as a strong contender.
  • Kyndal highlighted the powerful experience for the kids and their own sense of honor regarding participation.

4. Venue, Footing, and Show Management (61:28–63:58)

• Ring & Environment:
  • Judges praised the San Antonio ring for lighting, turf quality, and space—considered exemplary for the industry.
  • Quote:

    “Every show ring in America should be set up like that one in San Antonio... There's just not a bad spot in that ring.” — Blake (61:28) "Great ring setting, great ring staff. Everything ran so, so smooth, so it was great." — Kyndal (62:12)

  • Both noted the professional management and how smoothly operations ran, even allowing for retakes on cattle that may have been missed on the initial pass.

5. Notable Quotes & Moments

• Memorable Steers:

  • Several champions described as “one of a kind,” “hammer stud,” or the “best handling steer of the week.”
  • Steers in the Red Angus and AOC breeds especially left lasting impressions for both structure and uniqueness.

• Memorable Emotional Exchanges:

  • Judges’ deep pride in both the cattle and the youth presenting them:

    “Those kids are great showmen. Those steers are just absolutely incredible.” — Kyndal (55:21)

  • Audience impact:

    “That kid got pretty emotional leaving the ring when we selected him... it just kind of reminds us why we do it.” — Kyndal (41:03)

• Judging Philosophy:

  • Open-minded sorting—valued not specific types, but overall merit and quality.

6. Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Description | Timestamp | |---------------|-------------------------------------------------|-----------| | Opening & Team Dynamics | Judges discuss synergy and expectations | 00:41–04:49 | | Charolais & Simmental Breeds | Structure, depth, and judging choices | 05:16–10:55 | | American Breeds (Simbrah, Brahman, etc.) | Standouts and breed analysis | 11:12–25:28 | | British & Crossbred Breeds | Breed-by-breed walkthrough | 26:15–41:51 | | AOC & Memorable Steers | Diversity, impact, and champion choices| 46:35–52:28 | | Emotional Reflections | Handling the Grand Drive | 53:43–60:48 | | Venue & Operations | Discussion of ring, footing, lighting | 61:28–63:58 | | Closing Thoughts | Final reflections and gratitude | 64:05–end |

7. Final Takeaways

• Judges’ Message: The San Antonio Steer Show set a new bar for quality, depth, and execution in the world of slick hided cattle.
• Showmen: Youth competitors received praise for exceptional presentation, stockmanship, and resilience in a challenging setting.
• Industry Reflection: The importance of adaptability, teamwork, and the life-changing moments livestock shows can provide—the episode serves both as technical analysis and a heartfelt tribute to the people and animals of the steer show world.

EmpowerU continues to deliver industry insights, judge perspectives, and empowering stories from livestock’s finest.

Select Notable Quotes

• On Judging Teamwork:
  “Kyndal, if I had to give her a grade, was an A plus as a judging partner. It was the best three days of judging I think of my life.” — Blake (01:05)

• On Show Quality:
  “You don’t have to have a certain type and kind. They just have to be good.” — Blake (02:30)

• On Emotional Impact:
  “I haven’t stopped thinking about it. It was the most fun I’ve ever had judging... This could be the last show I ever judged and I’d just die happy.” — Kyndal (55:21)

• On Venue:
  “Every show ring in America should be set up like that one in San Antonio.” — Blake (61:28)

This summary presents a detailed, structured account capturing the language, tone, and highlights of the EmpowerU San Antonio post-game discussion for listeners and livestock enthusiasts alike.