EmpowerU Podcast Summary
Episode: Slick Hides & Red Dirt... The Post Game Sort Featuring Brandon Callis
Host: Weston Hendrix
Guest: Brandon Callis (Judge, Texas Major Shows)
Release Date: February 14, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode breaks down the San Angelo Steer Show with returning guest, cattle judge, and industry thought leader Brandon Callis. The conversation dives deep into Brandon’s judging philosophies, expectations going into the show, selection criteria, insights on each division and class, and reflections on industry trends. There’s an emphasis on authenticity, communication, and stewardship—both in the ring and in life.

Key Themes & Insights

1. Judging Philosophy & Approach

• Home State Pride & Humility: Brandon expresses gratitude for judging in Texas, calling it a “dream” and a “blessing” given where he grew up.
  “It’s a dream for me because I, I never thought it’d be possible growing up where I grew up... So, uh, I'm always excited, always very humbled and blessed to get to come down.” (01:00, Brandon Callis)
• Fairness & Communication: He focuses on doing an “honest good job”—explaining every decision so people understand his reasoning, even if they don’t agree. “Main thing, explain yourself... That way people can kind of get on the same page with you.” (01:33, Brandon Callis)

2. Show Analysis by Division & Class

A. Americans Division

• Lightweight Class
  • A strong opening with well-built cattle, a humpy tiger stripe, and a “brangus looking steer.”
  • Emphasis placed on a market steer appearance, even among lightweights. “Anytime you call it a market steer show, you ought to try to put some priority on that.” (04:16, Brandon Callis)
• Middleweight Class
  • Diverse types, each with unique strengths and weaknesses—judging required navigation between good build vs. small structural differences.
• Heavyweight Class
  • The “heater class”—standout pair of grand and reserve champions, different in type, but both exceptional.
  • Red & white steer praised for power and showmanship; gray steer for freshness and being more “problem free.”

B. British Division

• Lightweight
  • Redneck shorthorn called “denser and better bodied” than contemporaries.
• Middleweight
  • Winner possessed the best skeletal integrity, despite lacking prettiness and having visible flaws (like chest floor scars), beating a “gangster” animal who just couldn’t match on structural correctness.
• Heavyweight
  • Winner “had enough of everything”—long stride, attractive, big pinned; second and third places were competitive but edged out by muscle and balance.

C. Black Cross Division

• Lightweight
  • Most difficult class to sort; “way too many...variations of good and bad.”
  • Judging balanced between outstanding structure/build, but also market steer priorities—width, rib, and back. “We can be so in on the build of an animal and forget that part...is a rib cage in a back and things that make them a market animal.” (19:43, Brandon Callis)
• Middleweight
  • Trio with the winner described as “fat steer built as the other two, but in a different league in terms of bone density.”
• Heavyweight
  • “Fundamental” was the key: deep, bold rib, solid muscle, excellent mobility. Winner’s minor faults didn’t deter his top placing.

D. AOC (All Other Crosses/Exotics) Division

• Lightweight
  • Winner could have been champion if he’d weighed more, “built exactly like I'd want him built.”
• Middleweight
  • Wide range of types; discipline required not to “pull” favorites too soon, letting patience and movement decide.
• Heavyweight
  • Deepest class—kept more for final consideration than typical (“I think I kept 15, maybe something like that in that class”—32:14).
  • Top four were highly competitive; winning steer praised for “freshness of body,” proportions, and mobility.

E. Grand Drive

• Top contenders: both AOC grand & reserve, black cross, American.
• Brandon valued structure (feet, legs, athleticism), saying:
  “I never used to think I was a structural freak, but...I am a nut for a great built one.” (38:49, Brandon Callis)
• Ultimately, AOC grand and reserve stood out for their all-around build and freshness. The American and black cross were very competitive but just edged out.

Notable Moments & Quotes

• On Freshness (Hydration, Look, and Industry Getting It Right)
  • “Freshness is one of those things that I'm not sure everybody really understands... For me...hydration levels were good. Some cattle, their age was getting to them...some pleasantly surprised, some disappointed.” (02:32, Brandon Callis)
• On Lightweights Getting Fatter
  • “Our genetics are so a little slow growing, quick side. And so...a lot more lightweights have more body and look a little more finished...” (05:24, Brandon Callis)
• On Weight Breaks
  • “I want…the frame size, the performance to fit their weight … if a 1499 looks like he should...I'm all with it.” (10:50, Brandon Callis)
• On Showmanship
  • “That girl does such a great job showing that calf, that calf's not naturally just a long sleek necked one but...she…never gives you a view where he looks like he's a down headed one.”* (08:12, Brandon Callis)
• On Ring Management
  • “First thing they always ask a judge...how do you want to run the ring?...My answer is always, you. You actually have worked this facility. I haven't. What's the best flow?” (41:29, Brandon Callis)
• On Faith & Motivation
  • “We do this for the good Lord. If you're not here for that reason, you need to find another hobby or find the good Lord.” (43:45, Host, recalling Brandon's speech)
  • “Keep doing what you're doing, keep improving every day, and keep loving Jesus. That's about it.” (44:16, Brandon Callis)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Opening philosophy & expectations: 00:00–02:29
• Americans division: lightweight/middleweight/heavyweight breakdown: 03:28–09:58
• British division class recaps: 11:13–15:02
• Black cross division – deep dives into lightweight/middleweight/heavyweight: 17:41–23:58
• AOC/exotics breakdown (including lunch break anecdote): 24:17–32:10
• Heavyweight AOC/class 3 sorting challenge: 32:10–37:36
• Grand drive analysis and “structural freak” admission: 37:36–39:51
• Reflections on the show & ring management: 40:01–42:09
• Lighting and presentation analysis: 42:09–43:29
• Final thoughts on faith and personal improvement: 43:45–44:20

Takeaways for Listeners

• Understanding what judges are looking for is multifaceted—it’s not just about phenotype, color, or mass, but function and purpose.
• Explaining decisions transparently improves the experience for exhibitors, families, and the industry as a whole.
• The cattle show circuit is as much about character and faith as it is about competition, a message Brandon subtly and overtly reinforces.
• “Keep doing what you're doing, keep improving every day, and keep loving Jesus. That's about it.” (44:16, Brandon Callis)

Tone & Style

The episode maintains an authentic, candid, and direct tone throughout. Brandon is detail-oriented yet approachable, injecting humor and humility. The conversation is practical and informative, making it accessible to both experienced livestock exhibitors and casual listeners interested in agricultural events and values-driven leadership.