EmpowerU Podcast
Host: Weston Hendrix
Episode: Wilson Farms Elite Heifer Sale Preview
Date: February 25, 2026
Episode Overview
This episode of EmpowerU features a detailed preview of the upcoming Wilson Farms Elite Heifer Sale, hosted by Weston Hendrix and featuring guest Chris Wilson of Wilson Farms. The conversation spotlights the standout heifers and embryo lots being offered, delving into their genetics, cow families, and the philosophies underlying Wilson Farms' program. The aim is to empower listeners with knowledge and insight from a leading operator in the livestock industry and provide an inside look at some of the sale’s top prospects.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Introduction to Wilson Farms & Sale Philosophy
[00:28]
- Chris Wilson introduces himself and his son, Caden, explaining the foundation and mission behind Wilson Farms:
- They run about 100 head of show cows in Southwest Iowa, focusing on “cow families” as the backbone of their breeding program.
- Wilson Farms also operates 212 Livestock Products, supplying livestock products in addition to raising cattle.
- Quote: “We kind of build everything around cow families, you know and, and I think that's what this sale kind of talks about.” – Chris Wilson [00:28]
Lot-by-Lot Heifer Sale Preview
Lot 1: “On the Brink over Affliction on JSOL Blue”
[01:03]
- Not bred by Wilson Farms, but was a unique opportunity acquisition.
- Backed by the influential JSOL Blue donor cow lineage.
- Grandam was a top show heifer; great presence and exceptional style.
- Quote: “This heifer is going to make an extremely good donor cow prospect for anybody…just demands your presence.” – Chris Wilson [01:25]
- Expected to compete as a show heifer and later excel as a donor.
Lot 2: “Mach 2 – U Proof over Logic Lucy”
[02:30]
- Strong Simmental genetics from the Lucy cow at Stacks.
- Sired by the U Proof bull, bred for reliable first-calf heifer results.
- Large framed, big-ribbed, very symmetrical, with show and donor potential.
- Quote: "This is a foundation Simmental female I think could show at a very high level... definitely one that needs to be watched very closely." – Chris Wilson [03:39]
Lot 3: “Full Tilt over Chanel”
[04:10]
- High-percentage Maine female boasting a unique, stacked pedigree.
- From Schaefer Cattle Company’s distinguished donor line.
- Described as proportional, sound, and structurally correct.
- Quote: “Had a lot of interest in her when she was a little calf... thinking that we might kind of offer her for this sale just to kind of add some genetics to the lineup.” – Chris Wilson [05:30]
Lot 4: “U Proof over Limitless Broker Harrietta”
[05:50]
- Noted for hip and hind leg design, and “donor cow written all over her.”
- Originates from Finning family genetics in Ohio known for their Hara family flushes.
- First calf from dam—a strong start for cow’s productive future.
- Quote: “All the features are big, you know, on this heifer... she ties back to that broker Harrietta cow.” – Chris Wilson [06:23]
Lot 5: “Paradox over Encore Style Dixie Erica”
[07:33]
- Noted for density, body, and balanced movement.
- Connection to high-selling females (Encore at Schaefer sale $127K).
- Dixie Erica lineage produces high-level competitive cattle.
- Quote: “You're just stacking pedigree all the way back through there... and that's why she's as good as she is.” – Chris Wilson [08:54]
Embryo Lots
Lots 6 & 7: Full Sib Embryos to 2026 FWSS Champion Shorthorn Steer
[09:27]
- Mating producing the Fort Worth champion shown by Ace James.
- Multiple siblings on the ground with high potential.
- Genetic combination from a “young money go” cow, sired by Next Man Up.
- Quote: “It’s my son's idea to flush her to Next Man Up. I’m glad he did; that mating really worked...” – Chris Wilson [10:33]
Lots 8 & 9: Spread the Word over Unstoppable/Made to Order Cow
[11:00]
- Matings consistently yield “extremely unique” market heifers.
- Pictured examples used in sale publicity.
Lots 10-13: U Proof Offspring
[11:23]
- Emphasis on U Proof's reliability and impact as a sire, especially for first-calf heifers.
- Backstory of the bull’s acquisition and use in the herd.
- Quote: “He’s been a style of a Whiskey Dixie crawls... it's obviously following through to the calves, and you can see it in this sale.” – Chris Wilson [07:13]
Notable Quotes & Moments
- “I think this heifer's going to make an extremely good donor cow prospect for anybody… just demands your presence.” – Chris Wilson on Lot 1 [01:25]
- “These are all our first calf heifers. And that's what's truly exciting about this lineup, how deep our cow power is going to run going forward.” – Chris Wilson [08:14]
- “[U Proof] just doesn’t a tremendous job. There hasn't been one yet that we haven’t been happy with.” – Chris Wilson [03:16]
- “It’s my son’s idea to flush her to Next Man Up. I’m glad he did; that mating really worked.” – Chris Wilson [10:33]
Sale Logistics & Closing Thoughts
[00:00], [11:40]
- The Elite Heifer Sale takes place March 2nd on Steer Bidder.
- Chris and Weston underscore the depth, quality, and donor potential of the offering.
- Emphasis on the importance of investing in cow families and proven genetics.
- Closing: “Empowerment is what it’s all about. Thank you for everybody for tuning in.” – Weston Hendrix [11:48]
For listeners considering the sale:
- This episode provides essential pedigree insights, key mating rationales, and highlights on cow power behind each offering.
- Wilson Farms’ commitment to “building around cow families” and using proven genetics is evident throughout the lineup, and both cattle breeders and show enthusiasts will find actionable information in this preview.
Timestamps Recap
- Wilson Farms overview: [00:28]
- Lot 1: [01:03]
- Lot 2: [02:30]
- Lot 3: [04:10]
- Lot 4: [05:50]
- Lot 5: [07:33]
- Lots 6 & 7 (Embryo matings): [09:27]
- Lots 8–13 (Sire focus & further embryo lots): [11:00]
End of Summary