The Championdrive Podcast
Episode: 2.16 - Texas Time! The Red Raider Sale in Lubbock, Texas and Bryce Fisher - Texas State FFA Officer!
Release Date: March 28, 2025
Seasonal Shifts and the American Royal Show
The hosts, Kaitlyn Sister Urban and Steva Robinson, kick off the episode by discussing the transition of the stock show seasons. While major stock shows in the South are winding down, the Midwest is gearing up for activities like shearing and preparing for jackpots. They highlight the excitement surrounding the second Spring American Royal, described by Steva as a more laid-back version of the Fall Kansas City event:
Steva Robinson (00:22): "It's the changing of the seasons... I'm excited to go to it."
Bryce Fisher echoes the sentiment, sharing his positive experience from last year and the unique aspects of the prospect show compared to traditional shows.
Red Raider Sale in Lubbock, Texas
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the upcoming Red Raider Sale in Lubbock, Texas, scheduled for April 4th and 5th. Brent Titus from NextGen Sales joins the discussion to elaborate on this new sale event.
Key Highlights:
- Preview Event: Scheduled for Friday night, April 4th, featuring a preview of all sale animals, a social gathering, and a live band.
- Sale Timing: The auction begins at 3 PM on Saturday, April 5th, strategically timed after the Texas State Livestock judging contest to accommodate participants (07:28).
Brent Titus (06:22): "We're always looking to expand... to capitalize on that for our consignors."
Steva and Brent discuss the logistics, including the sale location at the South Plains Fairgrounds and accommodation suggestions for attendees.
Attractions Include:
- A live band by Lindsay’s department.
- A social and preview day to build community engagement.
- High-quality sheep in a professional ring environment, contrasting with more informal Midwest barns.
Brent Titus (07:47): "We'll have the sheep and the swine barns both... the actual auction facility."
Essential Feeds Introduces Repro Plus
The hosts introduce a product from Essential Feeds called Repro Plus, a specialized feed designed for donors, AI, and bucks. Kaitlyn shares her positive personal experience with the feed, emphasizing its benefits for AI and flush results.
Steva Robinson (11:21): "It's a feed that helps with AI and flush results... an extra percent or so more through your nutrition being on point."
They encourage listeners to reach out to Barrett Carlisle and J.D. Pruitt for more information, highlighting the campaign slogan:
"Every Percent Counts."
Spotlight on Sud Ram Showcases
Several high-quality rams are showcased, each with unique pedigrees and ownership:
- San San Antonio (RRFD): Bred by Zachary Shoemaker on Pride Milk and Honey, with an 8173 donor.
- Tough Love Up (RRFD): Bred by Kirschner and owned with Smithwick, featuring 1132 Freaky Friday on Dirty Fixin.
- White Man (RRFD): Presented by Barry Farms, known for its striking white buffalo appearance.
- Club Level (RRFD): Owned by Estes, Kennedy, Leggett, and Pingle, detailed for its impressive lineage.
Steva Robinson (11:29): "Be sure to check him out on the Champion Drive Stud Ram Showcase."
These showcases are promoted to listeners to visit the Champion Drive Stud Ram Showcase for more details.
Engaging Bracket Challenge and Social Media Initiatives
Kaitlyn admits her bracket challenge is "busted," humorously reflecting on her favorite team not performing as hoped. The hosts encourage listeners to participate for a chance to win gear and mention their active engagement on Champion Drive's Snapchat.
Kaitlyn Sister Urban (12:50): "My bracket is terrible... Be sure to keep an eye on the top three winners."
Additionally, they promote the Show Gear hat special, offering a bundle of six hats with customizable embroidery, suitable for giveaways and valid through the end of the month.
Steva Robinson (14:34): "A lot of times you have to hit a minimum of 12 hats with us."
Interview with Bryce Fisher - Texas State FFA Officer
The episode delves into an in-depth interview with Bryce Fisher, a respected Texas State FFA Officer. Bryce shares his journey from growing up in Florence, Texas, to his extensive involvement in FFA, highlighting key experiences and lessons learned.
Background and Early Involvement:
- Grew up in a large family with six siblings, all actively showing livestock.
- Inspired by family members deeply involved in FFA and rodeo.
- Began showing sheep in third grade, showcasing at major events across Texas and beyond.
Bryce Fisher (17:10): "We have shown everywhere else and really enjoyed it."
FFA Leadership Journey:
- Progressed from chapter officer to district and area officer, eventually becoming the state first vice president.
- Participated in the State Leadership Conference, where Bryce learned the importance of diverse perspectives and collaboration.
- Emphasizes the FFA motto "Good People Win," a principle instilled by his parents and mentors.
Kaitlyn Sister Urban (43:48): "Good people win... I would just really hammer home the fact that good people win at the end of the day."
Challenges and Personal Growth:
- Faced setbacks, including not being elected as a national FFA officer, leading to significant personal reflection and growth.
- Learned to rely on faith and community support, transforming disappointment into resilience.
Bryce Fisher (50:44): "I just heard those lyrics and thought, like, man, it's going to be okay."
Impact of FFA:
- Bryce's involvement in FFA shaped his leadership skills, community service ethos, and personal values.
- Highlights the importance of relationship-building and being present for others.
Kaitlyn Sister Urban (55:57): "Just the power of presence... someone to love them and to listen to them."
Closing Remarks and Future Plans
The hosts wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with Champion Drive through various channels, including email and social media. They invite audience participation for future podcast topics and guests.
So You Suck Segment: Steva shares insights from a recent Zoom call with a young marketer, emphasizing the importance of adapting marketing strategies to current trends.
Steva Robinson (59:50): "Never be so stuck in your own ways, but be willing to change, but still be yourself."
Upcoming Events:
- Spring Kansas City: Although Bryce won't attend, he assures listeners that Steva will represent Championdrive.com.
Bryce Fisher (59:50): "Be sure to let her know if you have any questions."
Notable Quotes:
- Steva Robinson (04:53): "Kansas City is one of my favorite food towns... there's just a little bit more downtime."
- Bryce Fisher (28:47): "Good people win... we're not living for the earth, we're living to get into heaven."
- Kaitlyn Sister Urban (41:59): "God put me in this room for no reason... it's about me serving the organization."
- Kaitlyn Sister Urban (55:22): "Good people win... showing livestock ends. We both experienced that."
This episode of The Championdrive Podcast offers a comprehensive look into the seasonal dynamics of the show lamb industry, introduces upcoming events like the Red Raider Sale, explores new products, celebrates standout rams, engages with community challenges, and provides an inspiring narrative through Bryce Fisher's leadership journey in FFA. Whether you're a seasoned exhibitor or new to the industry, this episode delivers valuable insights and heartfelt stories that resonate with the Championdrive community.
