EmpowerU Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: The Turf Is Where It's At... The Post Game Sort Ft. Blake Nelson And Spencer Scotten
Release Date: March 8, 2025
Hosts: Weston Hendrix, Augustus Sexton, Quinn Hartley
Guests: Blake Nelson and Spencer Scotten

Introduction

In this episode of EmpowerU, hosts Weston Hendrix, Augustus Sexton, and Quinn Hartley delve into a comprehensive discussion with seasoned livestock judges Blake Nelson and Spencer Scotten. The focus is on their recent experience at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Steer Show, where they served as judges. This post-game sort offers listeners an in-depth look into the intricacies of livestock judging, the quality of cattle presented, and the judges' personal reflections on the event.

Pre-Show Expectations and Judging Selection

Weston opens the conversation by expressing his excitement about covering both waves of the show and introducing the guests, Blake and Spencer. He invites them to share their thoughts and introduce themselves to the audience.

Blake Nelson shares his anticipation for the event, highlighting the honor of being invited to judge at such a prestigious show. He mentions his experience with heifer shows in San Antonio and his enthusiasm for stepping into the steer show, an arena he hasn't judged recently.

Blake Nelson [00:46]: "After every show I judge, it feels like I relive some of those particularly tougher decisions I made throughout the show. So that's been fun to reflect back and think about what we did."

Spencer Scotten echoes Blake's sentiments, expressing his excitement and eagerness to discuss the show's intricacies, especially aspects that might not have been evident during the live judging.

Spencer Scotten [01:20]: "I'm pumped up for it."

Augustus Sexton then probes into how Blake and Spencer felt upon receiving the judging invitation. Blake details the moment he was informed by Brian, the excitement of transitioning from heifers to steers, and the collaborative process of selecting an associate judge. He emphasizes the importance of choosing someone whose opinions he respects and can engage in meaningful discussions.

Blake Nelson [02:05]: "It's just fun. It's one of those things. We all love looking at good stock, but when you're with a buddy, it's even better."

Spencer adds that while he was initially nervous about judging with Blake due to their limited interaction prior, Blake's proactive approach eased his concerns, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable judging experience.

Spencer Scotten [04:46]: "Whenever Blake asked, I felt like I got really lucky on somebody that I knew that we were just going to have fun out there for the three days judging."

Day One: Setting the Tone

The discussion transitions to their initial impressions upon arriving at the show and their expectations.

Blake emphasizes the camaraderie and the professional organization of the San Antonio crew, highlighting their dedication to making judges feel welcome and appreciated.

Blake Nelson [06:30]: "San Antonio pops up, and you get excited right away. They do such an awesome job of taking care of you as a judge."

Spencer concurs, appreciating the hospitality and the high-quality cattle presented, which set a positive tone for the event.

Mainon and Charlies/Sims Divisions

They begin by discussing the Mains division, noting the high quality of cattle that immediately set the bar for the day. Both judges found alignment in their preferences, focusing on dense, stout steers that showcased excellent structure and balance.

Spencer Scotten [08:04]: "The mains were good. We could have seen the grander reserve that day... They had the kind of freshness, the kind of shape, the kind of boldness, the kind of balance we were looking for."

Augustus commends the two-judge system, specifically highlighting Spencer's method of walking steers in and providing constructive feedback to exhibitors who didn't secure top placements. This approach not only aids breeders and families in understanding areas for improvement but also fosters a more inclusive and educational environment.

Augustus [12:14]: "I wish some other shows would do it as well. Just for help for families that don't know or breeders who don't know."

Spencer and Blake agree on the benefits of this system, noting that it ensures quality feedback and recognition for steers that might be competitive but didn’t make the top placements.

Breed Divisions and Judging Insights

The judges provide a detailed analysis of various breed divisions they encountered, discussing the strengths and challenges of each.

Simbras Division

Blake introduces the Simbra breed as a blend of American and Continental strengths, noting their stout build and excellent structure. He appreciates how the Simbras showcased quality cattle that set a strong foundation for the judges.

Blake Nelson [26:13]: "The Simbra steers probably are just a little stouter built, particularly in terms of bone and foot... They set the tone right off the bat."

Brahmans Division

Spencer shares his admiration for the Brahman-influenced cattle, highlighting their muscular build and the breeders' dedication to advancing the breed.

Spencer Scotten [30:36]: "I really like the Brahman cattle and the Brahman influence cattle. It's amazing how far these breeders have pushed them forward."

They discuss the challenges of handling such muscular steers, especially managing their energy and ensuring they remain well-behaved during the rodeo.

Red Crosses Division

Blake and Spencer reflect on the diversity within the Red Crosses division, which saw a mix of Herefords, Shorthorns, Red Anguses, and other crosses. This diversity made judging more complex due to the varying breed characteristics present.

Spencer Scotten [58:04]: "There were some Herefords, Shorthorns, and even Red Angus cattle. It was a bit of a mix, which made it more challenging."

Blake elaborates on the difficulty of maintaining a consistent judging rhythm due to the varying shapes and types within this division, emphasizing the need for careful consideration to ensure fair evaluations.

Blake Nelson [55:47]: "It was harder to hit a rhythm where it wasn't like, okay, there's that one that hits us hard... but all of a sudden there's one we like really good and then there's six to eight to ten that we all like something about."

ABCs Division

The ABCs (American Breed Crosses) division presented the most significant variety, with numerous breeds represented. Blake points out the challenge in sifting through such a diverse group to identify standout steers.

Blake Nelson [40:51]: "We probably had as much discussion in some of those classes as we did any. Just because you do get into all the different types and seeing what hits you."

Despite the complexity, both judges found the top contenders impressive, maintaining their focus on quality and structure.

ABC Heavier Classes and Decision-Making

As they progressed into the heavier classes, the judges encountered exceptionally high-quality steers. Spencer notes that decisions became increasingly tough, especially when top contenders were exceptionally similar in quality.

Spencer Scotten [75:43]: "The top end I still thought sorted very, very well. Again, we felt like a pair of steers that really hit us dead center."

Blake adds that these decisions were impactful, often requiring them to rely on subtle differences in structure and movement to determine the best steers.

Blake Nelson [68:01]: "That abominable chute winner stood out. We had to decide based on how they held together, their top, and their overall presence."

Challenges and Coping Strategies

Judging at such a large event came with its set of challenges, both mentally and physically. With 497 head of calves on the first day alone, Blake and Spencer discuss the toll it took and the strategies they employed to stay focused and efficient.

Blake Nelson [47:32]: "The turf for us is one of the best surfaces in the world to judge on... You're not dealing with knee-deep shavings or hard concrete."

They emphasize the importance of staying motivated by the quality of cattle and supporting each other throughout the long days.

Spencer Scotten [50:12]: "It's exhausting. Mentally draining after a full day of judging... but the decisions were not taken lightly at all."

The two-judge system proved beneficial in managing the workload, ensuring that no steers were overlooked and providing comprehensive evaluations for exhibitors.

Final Decisions and Reflections

As the event concluded, Blake and Spencer shared their final thoughts on the overall quality of the show and their personal takeaways.

Spencer highlights the memorable experience and the professionalism of the San Antonio crew, noting how the judges’ decisions positively impacted the exhibitors.

Spencer Scotten [93:19]: "That was one of the coolest shows that I ever got to be a part of... it was a great experience."

Blake echoes these sentiments, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and commending the consistency and quality of the steers presented across all breed divisions.

Blake Nelson [93:52]: "It was an outstanding opportunity, the blessing of a lifetime."

Both judges appreciate the new post-game interview format, finding value in reflecting back on their judging experiences and providing insights to listeners.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a heartfelt Bible verse, emphasizing the importance of keeping faith at the forefront.

Augustus [98:41]: "Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven... Always keep God number one."

Weston thanks Blake and Spencer for their participation, commending the effectiveness of the two-judge system and the enriching discussions that followed. The hosts encourage listeners to follow EmpowerU on social media and visit their website for more content.

Key Takeaways

• Two-Judge System: Enhances fairness and provides valuable feedback to exhibitors, ensuring comprehensive evaluations.

• Breed Diversity: Each breed division presents unique challenges, requiring judges to adapt their criteria and focus.

• Judging Challenges: Managing large numbers of steers demands mental resilience and effective cooperation between judges.

• Quality of Cattle: High standards across all breed divisions highlight the dedication of breeders and the prestige of the San Antonio Stock Show.

• Personal Reflections: Blake and Spencer emphasize the unforgettable nature of the event and the profound impact of their judging experience.

Notable Quotes

• Blake Nelson [02:05]: "We all love looking at good stock, but when you're with a buddy, it's even better."

• Spencer Scotten [12:56]: "There is no doubt about it... those ones that were right on the bubble, I'm glad that we got to recognize those for sure."

• Blake Nelson [06:30]: "San Antonio pops up, and you get excited right away."

• Spencer Scotten [85:20]: "It's an experience that those breed champions get to go into the rodeo that night... It was awesome."

• Augustus Sexton [98:41]: "Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven... Always keep God number one."

Conclusion

This episode of EmpowerU offers a profound exploration into the world of livestock judging through the experiences of Blake Nelson and Spencer Scotten. Their reflections not only shed light on the technical aspects of judging various cattle breeds but also underscore the emotional and mental commitments involved. The detailed discussions provide valuable insights for listeners interested in the livestock industry, leadership, and decision-making processes. The integration of personal anecdotes and professional evaluations makes this episode both informative and engaging, embodying EmpowerU's mission to empower leaders and operators within the livestock sector.