EmpowerU Podcast Summary
Episode Title: What It's like On The Green Chips... The Post Game Sort Ft. Jack Ward
Hosts: Weston Hendrix, Augustus Sexton, Quinn Hartley
Guest: Jack Ward
Release Date: April 5, 2025
Description: This episode delves into Jack Ward’s experiences and insights from judging the Houston Steer Show 2025, exploring various breed divisions, the decision-making process, and the overall significance of livestock shows in empowering individuals within the industry.
Introduction and Guest Background
The episode opens with host Weston Hendrix expressing enthusiasm about covering major Texas steer shows, including Houston, Fort Worth, and San Antonio. He introduces Jack Ward as the guest for this post-game sort, highlighting Jack’s extensive background in the seed stock cattle business.
Notable Quote:
"My family moved around a little bit through Indiana, but grew up in the seed stock cattle business."
— Jack Ward ([00:46])
Jack Ward provides an overview of his upbringing in west central Indiana, his active participation in 4H and FFA, and his early involvement in livestock judging contests. He details his educational journey, including an associate's degree from Blackhawk East’s judging program, a BS from Purdue University, and graduate work at the University of Kentucky. Currently, Jack is a part managing partner at Samanga's Cattle Farms in Northeast Indiana, raising two sons who are active in 4H and junior beef cattle breed associations.
A Memorable Judging Experience
Augustus Sexton brings up a pivotal moment in Jack’s career when he was initially ranked 12th on his team for the American Royal Contest and was on the verge of being cut. However, his coach recognized Jack’s potential and retained him, leading to a series of successful placements in various contests.
Notable Quote:
"When you get a call like that to come judge a Texas major, you would expect to see a well run show."
— Jack Ward ([08:11])
Judging the Houston Steer Show 2025
Jack shares his excitement and honor upon receiving the call to judge the Houston Steer Show 2025. He anticipated high-quality presentations and was not disappointed, praising the organization and the efficiency with which nearly 2,000 steers were managed.
Notable Quote:
"The way they get them in and out of there is really remarkable."
— Jack Ward ([08:11])
Breed Division Analysis
Charolais
Jack begins by discussing the Charolais division, noting the strong first impression steers made with their muscle and bone structure.
Notable Quote:
"He kind of just grabbed your attention. He looked fresh and he really moved well."
— Jack Ward ([10:40])
American Breeds
The American breeds, including the Gert breed, showcased high competitiveness. Jack highlights the quality and presentation of the steers, emphasizing their market-ready attributes without excess body mass.
Notable Quote:
"These are market animals and some of that extra body depth and volume gets to be just a little more wasteful than it needs to be."
— Jack Ward ([17:12])
Simbras
In the Simbras division, Jack appreciates the muscle and capacity of the champion steer compared to the more moderate reserve steer, noting the balance and quality.
Notable Quote:
"He was a little earlier or lower weight, tremendous bone. He kind of ran downhill just a little bit."
— Jack Ward ([18:46])
Bring Us
The Bring Us division featured steers with excellent nutrient density and balance. Jack commends their muscle shape and presence.
Notable Quote:
"I like that dirt steer a lot. There's no doubt."
— Jack Ward ([20:03])
ABCs
The ABC division showcased heavily muscled steers with density and thick muscle structure. Jack admired their movement and presence.
Notable Quote:
"They were just incredibly well built, for sure."
— Jack Ward ([22:36])
Brahmas
In the Brahma division, Jack evaluates steers based on balance and progress. He prefers calves with length and proportion over those that are overly compact.
Notable Quote:
"He was a massive body calf. And I felt like he probably needed to have just a touch more bone for the amount of mass that he had."
— Jack Ward ([24:17])
AOCs
The AOCs division introduced multiple classes, allowing for better competition and evaluation. Jack appreciates the organizational changes and the quality of the steers.
Notable Quote:
"They were in the same class. Was really an attractive steer."
— Jack Ward ([26:18])
Herefords
The Hereford division featured well-balanced steers with strong muscle and bone structure. Jack shares a story about a competitor who struggled but ultimately performed well.
Notable Quote:
"He was long and extremely thick, big bone, stop featured, handled well and really moved well."
— Jack Ward ([35:40])
Shorthorns
Jack observes an improvement in the depth and quality of the Shorthorn steers, making them highly competitive. He selects steers based on muscle shape and balance, often finding it a tough decision between similarly qualified calves.
Notable Quote:
"They were a really nice set of steers that, I'm a first impression guy..."
— Jack Ward ([39:46])
Red Angus
The Red Angus steers in 2025 are noted for their exceptional quality and competitiveness. Jack acknowledges their growth and improvement within Texas majors.
Notable Quote:
"He was a really, really good meat animal calf."
— Jack Ward ([41:44])
Black Cattle
The Black Cattle division presented a highly competitive field with aggressive steers. Jack appreciates their muscle shape and reliable movement, selecting based on presence and form.
Notable Quote:
"He was spot on. His legs were set pretty perfectly nice at the edge of his body and just a quality calf."
— Jack Ward ([43:07])
Decision-Making Process
Jack emphasizes his reliance on first impressions and muscle composition when selecting steers. He navigates the high volume of excellent steers by focusing on balance, presence, and the non-wasteful finish of the animals.
Notable Quote:
"I just try to stay relaxed and not get too worried and just kind of run some things to my head."
— Jack Ward ([50:32])
He also shares a humorous incident known among judges as the "Shane Bedwell rule," highlighting the importance of adhering to judging protocols to avoid premature selections.
Final Reflections
Jack concludes with reflective thoughts on the high quality and organization of the Houston Steer Show. He praises the dedication of the staff and volunteers, emphasizing the event’s role in supporting youth involvement in the livestock industry.
Notable Quote:
"As I challenge them, just keep it up. It's good. It's what we need to do."
— Jack Ward ([55:02])
He expresses gratitude for being part of such a prestigious event and underscores the importance of mentorship, passion, and precision in the livestock industry.
Conclusion
The episode provides an in-depth exploration of the complexities involved in judging a major steer show. Jack Ward’s expert insights highlight the dedication required, the evaluative criteria for different breeds, and the satisfaction derived from upholding high standards in livestock judging. His reflections underscore the significance of mentorship, passion, and precision in empowering individuals within the livestock industry.
Notable Closing Quote:
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."
— Proverbs 16:3, discussed by Augustus Sexton ([57:24])
Note: Advertisements and sponsor messages were present in the transcript between [29:31] and [31:31] but have been omitted from this summary as per instructions.