Podcast Summary: EmpowerU

Episode: Slick Cattle Just Continue To Evolve... The Post Game Sort Featuring Scott Greiner

Host: Weston Hendrix
Guest: Scott Greiner (Virginia Tech, School of Animal Sciences)
Date: March 19, 2026

Overview of the Episode

This episode of EmpowerU features a detailed post-show breakdown of the 2026 Austin Steer Show, with Weston Hendrix interviewing esteemed judge Scott Greiner. The conversation provides insightful analysis of breed divisions, showmanship trends, and the evolution of slick sheared steer shows, all through the lens of an experienced judge. The discussion aims to both empower listeners in the livestock industry and provide tangible feedback for exhibitors, breeders, and enthusiasts.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Scott Greiner's Introduction and Background

(00:37 – 02:09)

• Scott Greiner shares his journey from growing up as a 4H member in Iowa to his longstanding faculty role at Virginia Tech.
• Emphasizes his experience in judging various stock shows across the country and multiple species.
• Highlights the honor and excitement of judging a major Texas show for the first time at Rodeo Austin.

Quote:
"It's always an honor to have the opportunity to come do a Texas major... That was my first time at Rodeo Austin and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a great show and great young people, great set of steers, as you always find when we get the opportunity to come to Texas." — Scott Greiner (01:40)

2. Comparing Texas Majors: Austin, San Antonio, Houston

(02:11 – 03:53)

• Greiner notes the overall similarity in quality and competitiveness among Texas majors.
• Though Rodeo Austin may have lower numbers, its cattle and youth exhibitors are on par in terms of excellence.

Quote:
"From a quality and competitiveness standpoint, I'd say [Rodeo Austin] is very similar [to other Texas shows]." — Scott Greiner (02:40)

3. Environment, Lighting & Arena Impact

(03:53 – 04:46)

• Discussion on the importance of lighting and footing for presentation.
• Greiner praises the Austin show's arena setup for consistency, especially in how it handled challenging colored calves (e.g., black steers).

Quote:
"The footing in there is real good... I thought the lighting in that arena was really good... Those folks did a great job with that arena." — Scott Greiner (04:15)

4. Expectations Going In

(04:47 – 06:06)

• Greiner approaches each show with high expectations, confident in both cattle quality and the work ethic of Texas youth.
• Notes that exhibitors often select steers to suit specific judges’ preferences due to his established judging history.

Quote:
"I've probably done these shows enough that most people kind of know what I like... and so they bring me what I like." — Scott Greiner (05:24)

5. Breed-by-Breed Analysis

A. Shorthorns
(06:06 – 09:00)

• Lightweight class: Standout calf for mass, rib shape, and readiness—set the tone for the show.
• Grand and reserve both came from the heavyweights; grand recognized for muscle, balance, and structure.
• Reserve similar in framework but less mass from behind.

B. Herefords & British Breeds
(09:00 – 11:46)

• Noted increased stoutness and burly phenotype among Herefords—exhibitors tailoring cattle to Greiner's preferences.
• Grand (middleweight) champion praised for extra freshness, hip, rib, and mass; reserve (heavyweight) noted for practicality and structure.

C. Brahmans
(14:25 – 16:44)

• Praised exceptional quality despite not usually working with American “eared” breeds.
• Grand champion: extreme mass, handle quality, structure. Reserve: visually striking, high cutability, and structural soundness.

D. ABC (American/Brahman Crosses)
(16:44 – 19:01)

• Largest, most diverse ABC division in Austin's history; praised for uniform muscularity and structure at the top.
• Grand slightly more powerful; reserve appreciated for skeletal width and motion.

E. Black Cross
(19:01 – 21:10)

• Extremely deep division with great uniformity and various types.
• Grand: profile, topline, shape, and freshness; reserve: more center body depth but less balance and handle quality.

F. Red Cross
(21:25 – 23:37)

• Deep with practical, competitive animals.
• Grand (middleweight) noted for terminal value, finish, rib cage, and structure; reserve (heavyweight) commended for mass and productivity.

G. AOC (All Other Colors/Composites)
(23:37 – 27:40)

• Highly competitive; winners possessed both compositional correctness and standout visual appeal.
• Grand and reserve (both white steers from Class 5) separated from the field due to bone, hip, handle, and presence.

Memorable Moment:
"That thing [AOC champion] was tremendously high quality in terms of one that was fresh, ultra big backed, super square hipped and probably had as much look and show ring appeal as any of them that won their class in that breed." — Scott Greiner (24:47)

6. Presort & Grand Drive Selection Process

(30:17 – 33:12)

• Greiner details the process of reviewing breed champions and reserves in the “presort.”
• Emphasizes the importance of side-by-side comparison and recognizing exhibitor efforts.
• Ultimately selected AOC grand and reserve, but notes both Red Cross and Shorthorn were strong contenders.

Quote:
"When I try and prioritize and what I envision them to look like—cattle that are muscular, that are well finished, they're fresh, well presented... The pieces fit together." — Scott Greiner (32:17)

7. Grand Drive in the Rodeo Arena

(33:12 – 35:02)

• Explains the unique excitement, energy, and spectacle of selecting champions during the live rodeo event versus other shows.
• Highlights the honor for youth and the celebratory atmosphere for all 700+ participants.

Quote:
"To have them under the bright lights of the rodeo is just a great, neat experience for the young people." — Scott Greiner (34:47)

8. The Evolution of Slick Sheared Shows

(35:02 – 37:54)

• Reflects on over 25 years of judging slick sheared shows, noting dramatic improvements in cattle quality and phenotype.
• While Greiner's fundamental preferences remain, he observes that more animals now “put all the pieces together,” highlighting the cattle industry's rapid progress.

Quote:
"To say that slick sheared steers have evolved since that time would be... an overwhelming understatement... There are really massive steers that are really good looking, the pieces fit, and they're extremely sound." — Scott Greiner (36:18)

9. Closing Reflections & Appreciation

(37:54 – END)

• Weston expresses gratitude for Greiner’s insights and looks forward to future collaborations.
• Greiner and Weston reinforce the educational and empowering mission of the episode.

Additional Notable Quotes

• On Arena Prep:
  "It's always nice when you kind of get one that way and you're starting the show and it's like, yep, there's what we're looking for and it's going to be a great day." — Scott Greiner (08:00)

• On Showmanship of Youth:
  "Great young people that did an awesome job and had spent tremendous hours fine tuning their projects and it really showed." — Scott Greiner (24:20)

Important Timestamps by Segment

• Introduction, Scott Greiner’s Background: 00:37 – 02:09
• Comparing Texas Majors: 02:11 – 03:53
• Lighting & Environment: 03:53 – 04:46
• Show Expectations: 04:47 – 06:06
• Shorthorns: 06:06 – 09:00
• Herefords/British: 09:00 – 11:46
• Brahmans: 14:25 – 16:44
• ABC: 16:44 – 19:01
• Black Cross: 19:01 – 21:10
• Red Cross: 21:25 – 23:37
• AOC: 23:37 – 27:40
• Presort & Selection: 30:17 – 33:12
• Grand Drive Experience: 33:12 – 35:02
• Evolution of Slick Shows: 35:02 – 37:54
• Closing: 37:54 – END

Summary

Scott Greiner’s commentary provides valuable, breed-specific feedback and insight into the evolving standards of excellence for slick sheared steers in Texas. He celebrates both animal and exhibitor quality, recognizes the rapid advancements in steer breeding and showmanship, and stresses the rewarding atmosphere of Texas major shows. The nuanced breakdown of each breed, the transparency in grand drive selections, and his reflections on years in the industry make this episode a must for anyone involved in competitive livestock showing.