The Championdrive Podcast – Episode 3.2 Summary

Title: Episode 3.2 - Guest Brad Amthauer + The Essentials Product Spotlight - Keep’n On & Uni4m
Release Date: August 4, 2025
Host: Championdrive.com
Guest: Brad Amthauer
Product Spotlight: JD Pruitt from Essential Feeds

1. Breeding Season Operations with Brad Amthauer

Semen Collection Process

Brad Amthauer provides an in-depth look into the daily operations during the breeding season.

• Frequency of Collection:
  “Pretty much we're collecting every day... whenever everybody needs it for the most part.” (01:01)

• Volume Determination:
  Brad explains the concept of a "half jump" and "full jump" in semen collection to meet breeders' needs.
  “A half a job covers 15 use... half a jump is 7 and a half mils, and 15 mils will cover 30 use.” (01:30)

Time Commitment and Shipping

Shipping semen is a time-intensive process requiring meticulous planning and coordination.

• Daily Schedule:
  “We're in the semen lab from about 11:30 until we have to leave by about 3 o' clock to make it to the FedEx and UPS place.” (02:26)

• Shipping Methods:
  Brad discusses the reliance on trusted FedEx and UPS drivers, emphasizing the importance of clean and secure packaging.
  “I try to make sure that it's as clean or as good as possible going through the airport... I don't want them to have to drive through the night.” ([Brook amthauer's detailed explanation spanning 02:26 to 10:28])

Challenges in Semen Collection

Brad highlights the unpredictability and challenges of working with livestock, such as variable collection success and the need for flexibility.

• “Some days, like a pug's been really, really good, and then maybe that day is just not hot... it's the reality of working with livestock.” (05:46)

Balancing Operations and Personal Life

He shares insights into managing time and maintaining a consistent routine for the animals while handling logistics.

• “I enjoy my time of, like, decompressing from the world... it's honestly really nice to not talk to anybody for those four hours.” (05:46)

2. Insights from Brad Amthauer

Experience in the Industry

Brad reflects on his journey, emphasizing the importance of hard work and learning from experienced individuals.

• “Butch was a very, very good guy... thoroughly charismatic.” (17:40)

Building the Operation

He discusses the growth of his sheep operation over 15 years, dealing with high-quality row crop land and expanding infrastructure.

• “We started with two acres... now we have four acres and five buildings.” (32:00)

Financial Management and Banking

Brad intertwines his experience in banking with sheep breeding, highlighting the importance of financial planning and partnerships.

• “I like to think of myself as a partner with my customers... I'm there to troubleshoot and put them in a better spot.” (37:22)

Advice for Farmers and Breeders

He offers practical financial advice, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with knowledgeable bankers and utilizing resources like the FSA office.

• “Find a good banker... they will lead you to multiple opportunities.” (42:12)

3. Show Dad Experiences

Role of Family in Sheep Breeding

Kaitlyn Sister Urban shares her experiences as a show dad, learning work ethic and the importance of hands-on involvement from her father.

• “My dad was always willing to do whatever it took to put us in a better spot.” (42:37)

Memorable Moments

She highlights a standout memory of her daughter Stella confidently walking into the grand drive at Denver, symbolizing the culmination of their hard work.

• “There's a picture of Stella going into the grand drive at Denver... it reminds me that we can get it done.” (47:08)

Lessons Learned

Kaitlyn emphasizes the evolution of her approach to sheep handling, focusing on flexibility and temperament to ensure smoother shows.

• “It's a lot easier when their necks function right and their spines stay right.” (45:16)

4. The Essentials Product Spotlight with JD Pruitt

Uniform – High-Calorie Supplement

JD Pruitt introduces "Uniform," a high-calorie supplement used to enhance the condition of livestock for shows.

• “Uniform is a high calorie product that we use almost year-round... it keeps their energy in them so they don't stress.” (59:05)

Keep It On – Drench Enhancement

"Keep It On" is described as a drench product that adds muscle shape and desirable expressions, essential for show animals.

• “Keep it on is going to add the muscle shape and the texture... it's going to give them that handle and that desired look.” (60:20)

Usage Recommendations

• Uniform:
  “We give anywhere from 10 to 30 cc's twice a day.” (60:07)

• Keep It On:
  “Start about three days prior to the show... half a bottle twice a day.” (60:20)

Availability and Purchasing

JD explains how listeners can purchase these products via the Essential Show Feeds website or through local feed stores.

• “The easiest way is you can get on our website... or find out where the closest is to you.” (61:44)

5. Additional Highlights

Sponsorships and Promotions

• Rural Supplements:
  Brad Amthauer promotes Rural Supplements as a comprehensive resource for show lamb needs, including halters, wraps, and more.

• Social Media Packages:
  Steva Robinson outlines new social media packages offered by Novel Designs, catering to various needs from on-demand graphics to full social media takeovers.

Community Engagement

The hosts encourage community involvement, seeking assistance for covering the upcoming Kentucky State Fair and promoting exhibitor and breeder spotlights on Championdrive.com.

6. Key Takeaways and Conclusions

• Commitment to Quality:
  Both Brad Amthauer and Kaitlyn Sister Urban emphasize the importance of dedication, whether in daily operations or in honing the genetics and presentation of show animals.

• Financial Prudence:
  Effective financial management and strong banking relationships are crucial for sustaining and growing sheep breeding operations.

• Community and Support:
  Building a supportive network, whether through trusted drivers, local assistance, or family involvement, is essential for overcoming challenges in the industry.

• Product Utilization:
  Utilizing products like Uniform and Keep It On from Essential Feeds can significantly enhance the condition and performance of show animals, contributing to success at fairs and competitions.

Notable Quotes:

• “It's a lot harder to manage fallborns from a feeder standpoint.” – Brad Amthauer (23:09)
• “If you're dealing with livestock, it's a lot like the rest of our lives. It's dynamic and always changing.” – Kaitlyn Sister Urban (33:59)
• “Our finances are one of the biggest, most challenging things in our lives, and I like the ability to troubleshoot that for people.” – Kaitlyn Sister Urban (37:22)

This episode of The Championdrive Podcast offers a comprehensive look into the intricacies of the sheep breeding industry, blending practical operations insights with personal experiences and valuable product recommendations. Whether you're a seasoned breeder or new to the field, the discussions provide actionable advice and a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in the competitive world of show lambs.