EmpowerU Podcast: Wootan Show Cattle Elite Sale Preview
Host: Weston Hendrix
Guests:
- Jason Wooten (Wooten Show Cattle)
- Clay Tarter (Wooten Show Cattle)
- Austin Almond (Jade Livestock)
Date: April 9, 2026
Episode Focus: Preview and deep discussion of the upcoming Wootan Show Cattle Elite Sale, held on April 14th via Steer Bidder, highlighting each of the 14 lots, featuring expert breeder insights and practical show advice.
Episode Overview
This episode gives listeners a comprehensive preview of the Wootan Show Cattle Elite Sale, detailing the stories and characteristics behind each of the 14 lots offered. Key members of the sale discuss cattle genetics, structure, show potential, and strategic advice for buyers and families seeking competitive show calves. The conversation provides not just a sale rundown but also valuable education for anyone in the show cattle industry.
Main Themes and Discussion Points
- Background and Purpose of the Sale
- The sale is a collaboration between leading breeders in the Texas Hill Country, pooling resources to present a deep, versatile set of cattle suitable for both novice and experienced show families.
- Importance placed on quality, genetics, and versatility, with offerings for multiple breeds and endpoints.
Lot-by-Lot Breakdown and Insights
Lot 1: Sugar Bear x Solid Gold 620 (Jason Wooten)
[01:27]
- “She’s been extremely successful for us. It seems like it just keeps getting better and better every year. I think this Lot 1...he’s going to have a really bright future.” — Jason Wooten
- Highlighted for incredible structure, hip/hind leg, balanced profile -- ideal lightweight slick shearing prospect.
Lot 2: Full Sib to Lot 1
[02:30]
- “He might be just the roundest bodied and punchiest one in the set. Lots of versatility in terms of breed type…” — Clay Tarter
- Compact, dense, unique hair coat, and versatile for light/middle weights; strong classifier potential.
Lot 3: Holy Grail x American Legacy Wise Guy (Dzak Bros. Consignment)
[03:49]
- “I read that one to have some gas...feed that one, his feet and legs hold up incredibly well. His presence through his front end is awesome.” — Austin Almond
- Distinctive ABC breed prospect, especially promising for heavyweight Houston classes.
Lot 4: Trust No Bay x Solid Gold 620
[05:23]
- “This might be just the stoutest skull, biggest forearmed one in the pile...his ability to be so powerful and mobile is pretty unique.” — Clay Tarter
- Considered a top-tier state fair candidate; ahead in maturity, balanced and strong featured.
Lot 5: In God We Trust
[06:35]
- “For that guy judging, man, I think he hits him right in the mouth...I just love the shape of his body. He’s huge on his feet, so good and comfortable.” — Clay Tarter
- Versatile for lightweight Dallas or San Angelo/San Antonio endpoints; honest and fresh, cost-effective to feed.
Lot 6: In God We Trust x Solid Gold 620 (Full Sib to Lot 10)
[08:12]
- “You just don’t ever get in a hurry and kind of ease him along. I think he’ll be a lot to medium weight from San Antonio to Houston.” — Jason Wooten
- Early maturing, stout, easy-feeding; particularly called out for being extremely gentle and ideal for newcomers.
Lot 7: Doghouse x BDR Cow (ABC Prospect, Bros. Consignment)
[09:22]
- “This one has got just the build, the presence and the quality to…get a guy’s attention…the calf’s just color, his presence and his shape is real high end.” — Clay Tarter
- Unique look, long neck, versatile; eye-catching in the ring, especially for San Antonio.
Lot 8: Chosen One x Solid Gold 620
[10:28]
- “This one had the mega hair…maybe one of the best just market steers in the whole bunch. He’s probably just the most intimidating in shape and dimension from behind.” — Clay Tarter
- Standout for profile and presence; high-potential for Fort Worth, especially with restored hair.
Lot 9: In God We Trust x “Lady” (Out There x 369)
[11:54]
- “He’s starting to act like he wants to really be a show steer…” — Jason Wooten
- Needs experienced showman, exceptional presence and “arrogance,” big punch from behind.
Lot 10: In God We Trust x Solid Gold 620 (Full Sib to Lot 6)
[13:29]
- “You can take him probably anywhere you want from Fort Worth to Houston.” — Jason Wooten
- Called one of the most complete and versatile in the sale.
Lot 11: Golden Boy x Solid Gold 620
[14:44]
- “He is extremely burly, dense, huge footed, stout featured…follows you around. He’s senior year good as they say.” — Jason Wooten
- Described as exemplifying the modern winning haired American.
Lot 12: Chosen One x Solid Gold 620
[16:21]
- “We did this breeding trying to make slicking black ones…I think we also made an American, a Brangus probably.” — Jason Wooten
- Versatile, bold, shapely; potential to run American or Brangus.
Lot 13: John the Baptist x Red Angus/Red Cross
[17:35]
- “A real nice, problem-free red one there…always going to be in the mix no matter who’s judging.” — Clay Tarter
- Either Red Angus or Red Cross, polled, practical and smooth-profiled.
Lot 14: Full Sib to 10 & 6
[18:46]
- “I think this one is about as dual purpose as it gets…extremely versatile, just coast that one along and there’s so many endpoints.” — Clay Tarter
- Stout, bold, shapely, adaptable to varying show needs/styles.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Lot 1’s Dam:
- "She’s been extremely successful for us. It just keeps getting better and better every year." — Jason Wooten [01:27]
- About Versatility:
- “The fact you can have one that is so versatile with all the shows that we have now is incredibly valuable. I don’t think you can put a price tag on that.” — Clay Tarter [14:11]
- On Hill Country Cattle:
- "There’s some really good cattle being made here in the Hill Country…not just the Panhandle." — Clay Tarter [20:57]
- Advice to Buyers:
- "It’s so important to go see these things in person…develop your own opinion of them…so you can get a better game plan…” — Clay Tarter [20:40]
- Closing Encouragement:
- "Come out and see us for sure." — Jason Wooten [20:26]
Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
- Depth of Offering: Lots 1–14 cover multiple breeds, endpoints, and maturity patterns, allowing for broad buyer strategies.
- Versatility & Structure: Emphasis on animals that balance power, look, and structure, ensuring show success in Texas and nationally.
- Buyers’ Experience: Sale organizers encourage visiting in person and evaluating cattle firsthand, speaking to the value of connection and empowered decision-making.
- Hill Country’s Growing Reputation: Guests underscore the strong cattle genetics and opportunity available outside Texas’ traditional steer country.
Timestamps for Segment Navigation
- Introductions and Sale Background: [00:00–00:47]
- Lot 1–4 In-depth Breakdown: [00:56–06:35]
- Lots 5–8 Discussion: [06:35–11:54]
- Lots 9–12 Discussion: [11:54–17:06]
- Lots 13–14 and Broader Reflections: [17:35–20:15]
- Final Reflections and Advice: [20:15–21:32]
Stay informed and empowered—check the sale April 14th on Steer Bidder, and consider a visit to Llano, Texas, for firsthand perspective on an elite offering curated for today’s competitive show ring.