EmpowerU Podcast: Weeping Fox Ranch Sale Preview Host: Weston Hendrix
Guest: Todd Vogel (Owner, Weeping Fox Ranch)
Date: March 17, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode delivers an in-depth preview of the Weeping Fox Ranch sale, set for March 22nd on Steer Bidder. Host Weston Hendrix and guest Todd Vogel (ranch owner) discuss each lot in the upcoming sale, offering expert insight into the cattle’s pedigrees, traits, and performance potential. The episode also covers the ranch's shorthorn breeding program and their consignments to the Red Dirt sale, offering listeners a wealth of knowledge for buyers and breeders seeking to build their herds with proven genetics. Throughout, the tone is open, practical, and deeply rooted in livestock industry expertise.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction and Ranch Background

• [00:00–00:35]
  • Weston introduces the episode as a preview for the Weeping Fox Ranch sale, expressing excitement about working with Todd Vogel and discussing the sale logistics.
• [00:35–01:00]
  • Todd Vogel provides background on Weeping Fox Ranch:
    • Family operation in Hartley, NW Iowa, near Minnesota and South Dakota lines.
    • Involvement of his wife Chris and sons Cody and Peyton.
    • Emphasis on both ranching and farming.

2. Weeping Fox Ranch Sale: Lot-by-Lot Preview

Lot 1: Maintainer Female (Maternal Maid/Charisma Shorthorn)

• [01:00–03:36]
  • October-born, deep maternal pedigree via cow “957” (Maternal Maid × Charisma Shorthorn).
  • Seen as exceptionally maternal and structurally sound.
  • Todd: “These Charisma females are known for their maternal power... We'll be hitting her a lot harder going forward.”
  • Limited prior numbers, but early ET calves have had show success.
  • “Great structured, as much power as you'd want... still keep their joints clean and keep them mobile.” (Todd, [02:50])
  • Ideal for a Main NGU program or anyone seeking predictable maternal genetics.

Lot 2: Shorthorn Plus (Worldwide × Right Direction)

• [03:37–05:07]
  • October-born, first calf from a consignment purchase in Oklahoma.
  • Big ribbed, maternal, level-hipped; result of a calving-ease mating.
  • “We couldn't be happier… flat-shouldered, flat-necked… moves great.” (Todd, [04:18])
  • Best suited for those seeking moderate, maternal females.

Lot 3: Polled Hereford (Marksman × 221Z)

• [05:07–08:05]
  • Out of a famed cow “221Z” (Peyton’s past show heifer, proven champion, also cloned).
  • Siblings to this mating have division and reserve division wins at Texas majors.
  • “She’s the bigger statured heifer in the group… She’s going to be a factor in the show ring.” (Todd, [07:20])
  • Predictable mating with proven results in national competition.

Lot 4: Horned Hereford (Dignified × 221Z daughter)

• [08:42–10:19]
  • Moderate, but not too moderate; bred for proportionality, rib shape, and flexibility.
  • “Moderate ones in the horn division probably get along a little better... She’s bred right, great body.” (Todd, [09:15])
  • Ideal for jackpotting, especially in the South.

Lot 5: Polled Hereford (BR Cooper 124Y × Venice 2296)

• [10:19–12:00]
  • Maternal with especially nice hip and hind leg.
  • “Great body, great structured… responded well since weaning.” (Todd, [11:36])
  • Later bloomer; shows promise to be a productive cow with flexible mating opportunities.

Lot 6: Horned Hereford (UPS Sensation 2296 × 221Z)

• [12:00–14:03]
  • Last offering out of original 221Z.
  • “This is the mating that has probably sent as many cattle to the backdrop across the finish line as anything we've ever done.” (Todd, [12:19])
  • Consistently produces show winners; strong, reliable genetics.

Lot 7: Horned Hereford (Marksman × Clone of 221Z)

• [14:03–16:34]
  • Built like a polled heifer but is horned; exceptional structure, dark red with great hair.
  • "She’s kid ready… incredible disposition.” (Todd, [16:09])
  • Ultra competitive, beginner-showman friendly.

Lot 8: Polled Hereford (Full sib to Lot 3, out of original 221Z)

• [16:34–18:45]
  • Closely resembles Lot 7 in type; strong, predictable phenotype.
  • “She was special then and she's special now… structure, the bone, the joint work, the body, her chest floor.” (Todd, [17:22])
  • Predictability limited only by finite recipient cows and semen challenges.

Lot 9: Polled Hereford (Red River × Stock Option)

• [18:45–22:08]
  • Fall-born, considered greener due to age/weaning but regarded as a standout.
  • “One of my favorites, honestly, in the sale… really sends pictures and videos.” (Todd, [20:44])
  • Outcross pedigree; great potential and will improve with time.

Lot 10: Horned Hereford (UPS 2296 × Clone of 221Z)

• [22:08–24:27]
  • Youngest, but from proven, highly successful mating.
  • “You throw 800, 900 pounds on her and she's going to be a force… I just about guarantee it.” (Todd, [23:28])
  • Not just show quality—shows promise as a future donor cow.

3. Transportation and Buyer Support

• [36:18–37:37]
  • Willingness to accommodate buyers for cattle delivery, especially to southern customers.
  • “Last year, we just threw everybody on a trailer… met up with most of the buyers South [of] Oklahoma City…” (Todd, [37:05])
  • Will also deliver to Red Dirt sale in Seminole, Oklahoma, at no charge.

4. Shorthorn Program & Red Dirt Treasure Sale Consignments

• [24:51–35:39]
  • Family deeply rooted in cattle industry (4th and 5th generation).
  • Early involvement with Shorthorns; Herefords added to provide a new focus for the kids’ show circuits.
  • Notable cow lines:
    • Emily (Charisma): Dominant, predictable, maternal.
      • “This lot 9A heifer… probably one of the most dominating individuals you've ever had out of that flush.” (Todd, [28:43])
    • Picture Perfect Family: Influential on both commercial and show circuits.
    • Tony (Purebred Shorthorn): “There probably is not a more dominating purebred shorthorn steer mama… she's had two reserve champion steers at junior nationals.”
  • Detailed Red Dirt sale highlights:
    • Lot 9A/B: Emily × Charisma.
    • 3A/3B: Out of 22 model Brooke Puckett cow × Dream Weaver.
    • Lot 10: Evolution × Emily—moderate, good structure.
    • Lot “Bee”: Red Knight × 044 Picture Perfect, orphaned but recovering and promising.
    • Shorthorn Plus out of Toni × St. Jude—rare female from dominant steer cow; “big bone, nice jointed, a beast.”

5. Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Maternal Genetics & Breeding Philosophy

  • “I grew up in a commercial working cow operation… That still holds true… these cattle need to be functional… They're not just show cattle.” (Todd, [25:16])

• On Predictability of “221Z” Line

  • “We know how these cattle feed. We know how they turn out in the right home.” (Todd, [07:45])

• On the Sale’s Youngest Lots

  • “They might have been maybe, what, three and a half months old… get the beller off them… and they went to the picture pen.” (Todd, [21:00])

• On Customer Service

  • “If you want to run up, take a peek, the weather's going to be good… we'd love to have you up.” (Todd, [36:28])
  • “...we can get them to that Seminole, Oklahoma City area at no charge...for our Southern people.” (Todd, [37:10])

Notable Timestamps

• 00:35 – Todd Vogel introduces Weeping Fox Ranch
• 01:00–24:27 – Lot-by-lot preview for main sale
• 24:51–35:39 – Deeper dive into ranch background, shorthorn program & Red Dirt consignment details
• 36:18–37:37 – Transportation and logistics for cattle buyers

Tone & Language

Throughout the episode, Todd and Weston speak candidly and knowledgeably, often delving into specifics about pedigrees, cattle structure, and the realities of preparing young show prospects. There is an air of helpfulness and pride in the program’s consistency and emphasis on functional, industry-relevant cattle.

Final Notes

This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering participation in the Weeping Fox Ranch sale or learning about high-quality shorthorn and Hereford cattle. Todd Vogel’s practical philosophy and multi-generational experience shine through, making clear the rigorous standards and care that define the Weeping Fox program.

Sale date: March 22 on Steer Bidder
Consignment: Red Dirt Sale, April 11 in Seminole, OK

For more videos and to arrange a visit, listeners are encouraged to call ahead and check social media for updates.