Podcast Summary: EmpowerU – “Waldrip Bros Time To Open The Gate Sale Preview”
Host: Weston Hendrix
Guest: Cade Waldrip
Date: April 1, 2026

Episode Overview

In this special sales preview, host Weston Hendrix sits down with Cade Waldrip of Waldrip Bros to discuss the upcoming “Time To Open The Gate” sale, focusing on the first calf crop from their prized bull, “Open The Gate.” The conversation gives a comprehensive lot-by-lot preview, covers the unique genetics at play, and explores Cade’s philosophy in breeding, selection, and the future direction of their program.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Why This Sale, and the Bull's Impact – [00:34]

• Reason for Sale: Cade shares the motivation for this event is to showcase the first calf crop out of “Open The Gate,” which they acquired as a yearling. This is the chance to let the public see what the bull can do across varied genetic pairings, even acknowledging the challenges and coordination required for embryo transfer and breeding at this level.
• Genetic Range: The sale features roughly 15 head, mostly bred from American cows or half-blood Brahman cows, and includes steers, heifers, and embryos.

Quote:

"...good, bad or ugly, we would offer them here and kind of just show everybody what the bull can do." — Cade, [00:53]

Lot-by-Lot Sale Preview

Lot 1 – The 971 Heifer (Half Interest, Possession Negotiable) – [01:44]

• Out of the O20 female, a Sloan on 5319, noted as a phenomenal base.
• Unique color, excellent structure, favorable for American breed programs—and very promising for breeding American-influenced club calves.
• Genetic Testing: Heifer is DS positive, meaning "every one of her calves will be a carrier...makes for the most desirable hind leg."
• Cade is excited about pairing her with “In God We Trust” American bulls.

Quote:

"I feel like that's where I'm really excited for her...she's tight enough throated and just really good enough everywhere to really match well with those proven kind of brothers to some good steers..." — Cade, [02:30]

Lot 1A – Four Sexed Male Embryos (Brothers to Lot 1) – [03:39]

• Embryos are the same mating as the heifer (Open The Gate x O20).
• Guarantee of one pregnancy per lot purchase.
• Cade discusses past flushes and showcases O20 as a no-miss cow with a record of consistently high-quality progeny.

Lot 2 – American Cross Heifer (Open The Gate x 803 Female) – [06:15]

• Unique Hereford cross, good foundation to breed more Simbrah or American cattle.
• Cade points to her immense versatility and admits he’s reluctant to let her go, but wants to show the bull's versatility.

Lot 2A – Four Sexed Male Embryos, Same Mating – [07:44]

• Focus on not producing more heifers for current needs.
• “The steer game is obviously the easiest way to do that.” — Cade, [07:53]

Lots 3, 3A, 3B – 325 Female and Sibs – [08:07]

• Cade highlights standout qualities in the heifer—color, bone, structural correctness, and unique eared traits.
• Notably excited for her contribution to American steer programs.
• Five flushmate full sibs available in subsequent lots, each with different but high-end qualities.

Quote:

"That thing's front one third's incredible...what dreams are made of. In my opinion. If I ever wanted to show Brahman, if I could make, I'd sign a contract to make them all look like that." — Cade, [14:01]

Lots 4–7 – Sib Steers and Heifers (Varieties from the 325 flush) – [11:04–14:34]

• Each calf brings something unique: one is big-bellied and loose-made, another shines with muscle and a standout neck; colors range from brindle to black.
• Cade is transparent about their strengths and where they might need more time or care.

Memorable Analysis:

“The best-looking one doesn’t always generate the best. I guess what I’m trying to say…and I don't mean to be like, I think her hip and hind leg is still extremely sound. She's just a good, practical female...” — Cade, [14:34]

Lots 8–10 – Young Steers, Diverse Dams – [15:24–18:13]

• Lot 8: Out of long cow “39” (Captain 5319), youngest in the sale, good structure, “sleeper of the sale.”
• Lot 9: Out of a proven championship-line cow; notably already halter broke and “club calf seller’s dream.”
• Lot 10: Favorite of Weston’s for athletic build and good demeanor—described as “a little kid’s dream” steer.

Lot 11 – Out of the “30 Cow” (Captain 5319) – [19:30]

• Cade’s favorite cow, heifer is considered “about as good as we could ever hope to raise”.
• Describes challenges in getting pregnancies from this cow; ultimate success came from a frozen embryo that “was the only one that took.”
• Stresses both the cow's and the heifer’s elite potential for future half-blood progeny.

Lot 12 – Commercial Heifers, Not Pictured – [22:15]

• Not “proven cows” but strong genetics, nice replacement females; offered buyer's choice.
• Cade insists they’re “a step above” ordinary commercial cattle and can generate quality ABC cross steers.

Final Lots – Semen from Open The Gate Bull – [23:44]

• Weston and Cade both stress the bull’s consistency, structural soundness, and versatility across cow types.

Golden Quote:

“Keeping yourself from having throwaways, in my opinion, is the best way to not go broke doing this.” — Cade, [24:30]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Cade on Embryo Transfer:

  "It's mind blowing how much coordination all that takes..." — [00:41]

• Cade on Genetic Programs:

  “The cow's very, very out there built... honestly I just thought, hey, that thing's built perfect to breed back to a Brahman and fix any of their kind of Brahman tendencies to still have really good Simbrahs.” — [06:37]

• Cade on Bull’s Versatility:

  "He works well on crossbreds. I think you can use him on American cows. I think the bull's awesome." — [25:01]

Important Segment Timestamps

• Intro & Sale Philosophy: [00:00–01:44]
• Lot 1 and Embryo Lots: [01:44–06:15]
• Lot 2 and Sibs: [06:15–07:44]
• Lot 3 & Flushmates: [08:07–11:04]
• Lots 4–7 Analysis: [11:04–14:34]
• Steers & Later Lots: [15:24–19:59]
• Final Cow/Heifer Lots: [19:59–22:26]
• Commercial Heifers: [22:26–23:44]
• Bull Commentary & Wrap-Up: [23:44–25:21]

Closing Insights

Weston and Cade deliver an in-depth, transparent, and relatable preview of the Waldrip Bros’ sale. Cade provides practical context for breeding decisions, candidly discusses both highlights and limitations of each offering, and shares valuable perspectives for customers at every level. The conversation, full of camaraderie and authenticity, is a must-listen (or read!) for livestock enthusiasts interested in elite American club calf genetics.

For further information or specific lot details, reach out to Cade Waldrip directly or visit the sale on SE Online Sales on April 3rd, 2026.