EmpowerU Podcast: Triple Crown Volume 1 Sale Preview
Host: Weston Hendrix
Guests: Cali & Mario from Triple Crown Ranch
Date: March 31, 2026
Sale Date: April 4, 2026

Episode Overview

This high-energy episode of EmpowerU dives deep into the Triple Crown Ranch Volume 1 Sale, previewing the cattle (live lots and semen lots) on offer. Host Weston Hendrix is joined by ranchers Cali and Mario, who provide behind-the-scenes insights on each lot, Triple Crown’s customer service, and what makes their program—and their cattle—unique. The tone is conversational, passionate, and full of ranching know-how, offering listeners an informative guide to both buyers and livestock enthusiasts.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Pre- and Post-Sale Customer Service

• Complimentary Services: Mario provides free hoof-trimming for every animal sold, which also serves as a touchpoint to discuss individual animal care and planning. (01:21)
• Feed Solutions: Triple Crown makes their own custom feed, used from “day one to the day they get turned out.” A new branded feed bag is forthcoming for Volume 2 sales. (01:36)
• Breeding Support: Buyers can bring heifers back for breeding to low birth weight bulls and general herd development advice.
• Open Communication: Ongoing support via calls, videos, appointments, vetting game plans for each animal.

“You’re always, always welcome to call us, text us, send us videos, bring your calf over...we’ll try to get the best game plan.” – Cali (01:47)

Lot-by-Lot Sale Preview & Notable Quotes

Live Lots (Lots 1–21)

• Lot 1 – ARB Heifer (Honey Trap x Quirky Wise Man Donor)

  • Cali and Mario both dub her a "unicorn"—rare, elegant, structurally exceptional.

  “She is a freak. She is totally different…her feet and legs are so impeccable.” – Cali (03:24)

  • “She will have some pretty good hair for all the jackpots or major shows next year.” – Mario (04:25)

• Lot 2 – Brangus Heifer (Honey Trap x Ms. Michelle)

  • Stout, robust, large-footed, confident.

  “Holy moly, those are some really big feet…and everything.” – Cali (05:06)

  • “Really like her to make bulls and steers” – Mario (06:18)

• Lot 3 – Steer (In God We Trust x 9F Donor)

  • High shape, great movement; minor blindness in one eye disclosed but manageable.

  “He's got so much shape…always bloomy looking. He never has a bad day.” – Cali (07:24)

  • “Easy to feed…he’ll probably be a middle or heavy” – Mario (08:38)

• Lot 4 – ARB Heifer (Night Moves 2.0 x Retta)

  • Understated, then bloomed into elegance.

  “She’s got so much mass…her feet and legs are absolutely perfect.” – Cali (09:33)

• Lot 5 – Steer "Big Al" (Full sib to a San Antonio reserve calf)

  • Heavyweight, big footed, moves well for breed; ideal for San Antonio. (12:14)

• Lot 6 – Redneck Romeo Over, "Bubblegum" (Gert or ABC)

  • Honest about photos not showing full quality.

  “If there is an underrated steer, it's him….in the end you'll be so pleased.” – Cali (14:33)

• Lot 7 – In God We Trust (Bull/Steer Option)

  • Unique color, hernia to be fixed, suggested as better left a bull.

  “If it was my choice, I would keep him a bull.” – Cali (17:14)

• Lot 8 – Night Moves 2.0 x Samson Daughter (Steer)

  • Lightweight, easy feeder, great for younger showmen.

• Lot 9 – "Zoolander" (Zookeeper x Knock Knock Brahmin Cross)

  • Initially kept for a bull; too clean, now a unique exotic; “cocky” attitude.

  “He walks around like he is a bad dude all the time.” – Cali (21:39)

• Lot 10 – Standout x King Kong American Female (Steer)

  • Best suited for first-year showmen, puppy-dog docile.

  “So important for so many reasons whenever you’re talking about younger kids or kids that have had a bad experience.” – Cali (24:24)

[...]

(Lots 11–21 are reviewed in similar detail. All focus on structure, maternal lines, soundness, and how they’d suit different programs or show levels. Notable attention to structural soundness, especially feet and legs, maternal traits, and hair quality for show readiness.)

Semen Lots (Lots 22–40)

Mario and Cali break down what each bull brings to a program, pairing advice, and share stories of their influence:

• Honey Trap: Strong structure, neck/chest correction, pairs best with cows with depth and clean throat latch.
• Uproar: Adds mass and “zero chest,” works well on plainer cows to build muscle and bone. “If you want mass, he got a big old bone and legs. They are big.” – Mario (58:07)
• CrossFit: Adds stretch, zero chest, and muscle. Breed to cows with bone and "leather."
• Drago: “Such an amazing looking animal…Big top, huge foot.”
• Donkey Kong: DS carrier, no TH/PH; makes flexible, “bendy” calves and brings back structural integrity.

  “He walked around with so much attitude and confidence.” – Cali (62:36)

• Night Moves 2.0: Makes fantastic females; best paired with cows with “enough character.”
• Samson: Featured as Lot 40 for special reasons—a foundation sire for the ranch; excellent maternal producer.

  “The kind of bull that is good today, tomorrow, and in 15 years.” – Cali (68:20)

Additional Highlights & Memorable Moments

• Program Philosophy: Emphasize longevity, soundness, and helping buyers get long-term value out of their cattle.

• Unfiltered Transparency: Candid about flaws, animal quirks, and best uses—"not every animal is perfect, but they will fit someone."

• Naming and Personality: Cattle with names like “Zoolander” and “Bubblegum,” sold with personality profiles and suitability explained.

• Special Breeder Deals

  • Podcast Listeners’ Bonus: Code word "Samson" gets two free straws of semen with any heifer purchase. (68:58)

  “Samson’s the code word. And if you give it to us when you pick up your heifer...we’ll give you two free straws.” – Cali (68:58)

• Breeding Recommendations: Discussion on bull pairing for different phenotype goals, including “squishy feet,” hair coat, and maternal traits.

• Community and Accessibility: Triple Crown’s open-door support for buyers continues post-sale—calls, videos, breeding, and management support are all encouraged.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Pre-sale Customer Service & Support: 01:21–02:56
• Lot 1 (Unicorn ARB Heifer): 02:56–04:47
• Lot 3 (Special Steer, Visual Impairment): 06:50–09:10
• Lot 7 (Bull Option Discussion, Genetic Testing): 16:12–18:47
• Lot 10 (Docility and Showmanship for Kids): 23:51–25:50
• Semen Bull Discussions: 56:38–68:20
• Listener-Only Deal Announced: 68:45–69:13

Tone & Language

• Genuine, upbeat, and collaborative, with a touch of humor and plenty of real-world experience.
• Direct with listeners: Cattle are described with both their standouts and quirks, always aiming to find the right buyer-home fit.
• Encouragement & Invitation: “Reach out to us and we will do the best that we can.” (01:47)

Useful Takeaways

• Triple Crown stands out for exceptional after-sale support and a willingness to guide buyers from selection through breeding and show prep.
• Each lot is more than a number—get matched to your needs, whether show ring, breeding herd, or junior showman.
• Insider breeding tips, genetic transparency, and robust maternal lines mark this sale as a can’t-miss for serious cattlemen and women.
• Podcast-only perks reward those who listen through to the end, reinforcing the ranchers’ commitment to their customer community.

Sale Details:
Triple Crown Volume 1 Sale – April 4, 2026 via SC Online Sales.

Contact & More Info:
For detailed lot info, videos, pictures, and to reach out for customer service, check the sale site or contact Cali & Mario directly via Triple Crown Ranch.

"Bring it on." — Cali, on supporting customers and supplying as much semen as needed for their success. (69:26)

End of summary.