The Cattle Coach Show

Bonanza Stud Services:https://bullnanza.comCattle Coach Course:https://www.cattle-coach.com/kolten-landing-pageIn this episode of The Cattle Coach Show, we take on one of the most debated questions in the cattle business:What matters more — the bull or the cow?Today, we make the case for the bull.We break down why one bull influences an entire calf crop, why sire selection carries more weight than most people admit, and how owning, believing in, and actually knowing your bull can create real value in a breeding program.This episode isn’t about discrediting the cow.Next week, we’ll make the case for her.👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments:Do you build around the bull — or the cow?

Access the Cattle Coach Academyhttps://www.cattle-coach.com/kolten-landing-pageBullnanzahttps://bullnanza.comIn this episode, we tackle the other side of the argument.Last week we made the case that the bull matters most.This week, we explain why the magic is actually in the cow.It’s not anti-bull.And it’s not theory.It’s understanding where consistency, longevity, and predictability in a herd actually come from.We walk through why elite breeders focus on cow families first, how maternal power compounds over time, and why two people can use the same bull and end up with completely different results.We talk about:Why cow families build herds, not individualsWhat separates a good calf crop from a repeatable programHow maternal traits quietly determine long-term profitabilityWhy chasing hot sires won’t fix foundational problemsAnd how to evaluate cows beyond just phenotypeThis episode isn’t about winning an argument — it’s about understanding leverage.If you want cattle that improve instead of reset every generation, this conversation is for you.Drop your thoughts in the comments.Keep learning.Keep building.And don’t quit.

In this episode, we break down the one decision that quietly ruins more herds than any market crash, bad year, or tough break.It’s not a drought.It’s not a bad bull.And it’s not bad luck.It’s a decision most producers make early — and then live with for years.We walk through how this single choice affects herd direction, cash flow, breeding flexibility, and long-term momentum. You’ll hear why fixing it later is exponentially harder than getting it right up front, and how even “good cattle” can get trapped in a system that never compounds.We talk about:The decision most people don’t realize they’re makingHow it limits breeding and marketing optionsWhy it feels productive but quietly stalls progressThe difference between growing a herd and building a businessAnd how to course-correct before it costs you yearsThis episode isn’t about perfection — it’s about clarity. If you’ve ever felt stuck despite doing the work, this conversation will help you identify why.If you’re serious about protecting your herd’s future and making decisions that actually compound, this episode is for you.Drop your thoughts in the comments.Keep learning.Keep building.And don’t quit.

In this episode, we dive head-first into one of the most polarizing topics in the show cattle world: slick vs hair shows.Few debates get people more fired up than this one — and most of the arguments miss the point entirely.We break down why slick shearing isn’t just about looks, why hair shows still matter, and how environment, genetics, and management play a much bigger role than most people want to admit. You’ll hear how the same cattle, under the same judge, can place completely differently depending on whether they’re shown slick or in the hair — and why that doesn’t mean either result is wrong.We talk about:Why slick cattle force honesty in breeding and feedingWhat judges really mean by “freshness”How climate and geography changed the rulesWhy different breeds succeed in different systemsAnd why losing either slick or hair shows would hurt the industryThis isn’t about picking a side. It’s about understanding the system — and making better decisions because of it.If you’ve ever wondered why cattle win one show and fall apart at another, or why this debate never seems to go away, this episode will give you the clarity most conversations never reach.Drop your thoughts in the comments — this one’s meant to be discussed.Like, share, and subscribe for more real conversations about cattle, business, and the decisions that actually matter.

Get Access to the Cattle Coach Academy:https://www.cattle-coach.com/kolten-landing-pageIn this episode, I break down why most cattle businesses fail and how to avoid the mistakes that keep people stuck growing herds instead of building wealth.If I were starting a cattle operation today, this is exactly how I would do it. Not by buying cows first. Not by buying land first. But by building the business backwards, the way most people don’t.We talk about quality, recipes, embryo strategy, loan structure, cattle debt, and why passion alone isn’t enough to make this business work.If you’re serious about turning cattle into a real business, this episode will save you years of frustration and expensive mistakes.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:22 Why Most People Start the Cattle Business Wrong01:05 Why Quality Comes Before Everything02:10 Why You Should Build the Business Backwards03:45 Securing Recipes Before Land or Donor Cows05:10 Creative Ways to Get Calves on the Ground06:35 Loan Structure Most Producers Get Wrong07:45 Why Cattle Debt Keeps You From Building WealthIf you’re new here, my name is Kolten. I created Cattle Coach to help producers think more clearly about the business side of cattle.This channel is about:Building cattle operations that actually make moneyAvoiding the most common (and expensive) mistakesTurning cattle from a hobby into a businessCreating long-term wealth through better decisionsAs long as you have cattle debt, you’re not truly growing wealth, you’re growing a herd.Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it’s impossible.Keep learning.Keep building.And don’t quit.

Cattle Coach Academy & course: https://www.cattle-coach.comKnow Your Cattle Business — Trade vs Raise: which lane should you pick? Kolten Thigpen breaks down the risks, money mindset, and discipline that separate a profitable cattle business from an expensive hobby.Key takeaways (quick)Trading = fast turnaround, higher risk — must know the market.Raising = slow, requires discipline & tight finances — focus on systems.If you love buying and never selling, that’s a hobby — plan accordingly.Start with one discipline (budget, herd plan, or market tracking) and stick with it 90 days.Decide your lane — comment “Trader” or “Producer.”

https://www.cattle-coach.com/kolten-landing-pageIn this episode, we break down the real reason most cattle operations never make money. It’s not lack of effort, passion, or good cattle. It’s failing to run the operation like a business.We talk about:🐂 The #1 mistake cattlemen make📊 Why not knowing your numbers quietly destroys your operation💰 How to think about cattle as a long-term investment⏳ Why patience matters more than talent🚨 What to fix before you become part of the 90%If you’re building a show cattle operation, running cows, or working nonstop without seeing results, this conversation will hit close to home.🔔 Subscribe for real-world cattle business strategy, mindset, and management.

Cattle Coach Academy — course & sign up: https://www.cattle-coach.comIn this episode I dig into beginnings — the mistakes, the lessons, and the moments that made the ride worth it. I tell the full story of buying my first promo bull with money I didn’t have, a terrifying vet reaction, a fence accident that looked like the end, and how that same bull ultimately helped build QB Cattle. I also share the single lesson from my grandpa that changed how I chase goals: if you want something, you’ll find a way.If you’re starting a cattle business, rebuilding, or just on the edge of a risky move, this one’s for YOU.Chapters (edit to match final cut)00:00 — Welcome / New Year talk01:20 — The $5,000 bull purchase (Woodrow)04:10 — Vet shots & bad reaction — panic moment06:00 — The fence accident — he looked dead08:30 — Recovery, semen sales, and selling for $20K10:20 — Lessons learned: fail forward, don’t despise small beginnings12:00 — Grandpa’s “no” story — why I bought my first heifer14:00 — How I rebuilt and what I teach in the Cattle Coach Academy15:30 — CTA / How to get involvedResources & LinksWhat helped me most: share one “small beginning” you’re proud of (or one mistake you learned from) — drop it in the comments below. I read them.If this episode helped you:Like the video — it helps other cattle families find itSubscribe for weekly episodes: short lessons, interviews, and cattle business strategyShare with a friend who’s on the fence about startingFollow & connect!

In this episode Kolten Thigpen and our favorite guests from 2025, reflect on building a cattle business grounded in faith and family, the bold decisions that changed everything (including the sell‑out that netted six‑figures), and the community that’s helped them raise banner-winning cattle. You’ll get candid stories about growth, the Heart of a Champion sale, rebuilding QB Cattle, and why doing the work the right way matters more than the trophy.Join the movement:Learn more and enroll in the Cattle Coach Academy (preview & full course): https://www.cattle-coach.com/kolten-landing-page• Buy a preview (Only $150): https://www.cattle-coach.com/offers/oz8EkgD4• Buy the full course: https://www.cattle-coach.com/offers/xLBMcFL9/checkoutFollow the channel:Cattle Coach on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@qbcattlecoSponsors & partners mentioned:Bullnanza Stud Services — custom bull collection & semen salesExpress Livestock Genomics — fast genetic defect testing for cattleIf this episode helped you:Like, comment, and subscribe — it helps us get these stories and lessons to more producers and families.Tell us: which moment in 2025 resonated most with you? Drop a comment below.Want more? Watch the full interviews, deep dives, and how‑to lessons on the Cattle Coach channel — from breeding strategies to running a profitable cattle business.#CattleCoach #QBcattle #KoltenThigpen #ShowCattle #CattleBusiness #FaithFamilyFarming #Bullnanza #ExpressLivestockGenomics

Kolten Thigpen sits down with Skeet & Tyler Smith — the small‑town restaurateurs behind Skeet’s and Scooter’s Coffee — to talk faith, family, restaurant life, and the hard lessons behind a long comeback. If you’re a restaurant owner, small‑business operator, cattleman, or anybody who cares about stewardship over hustle, this episode is full of practical leadership advice, real vulnerability about failure (fire, debt, COVID), and the mindset that helped them rebuild.What you’ll learn in this episode:How they grew from a one‑fryer start to multiple locationsWhy faith and community drove their business decisionsThe story of a devastating fire and a 10‑year financial recoveryHow COVID forced them to simplify and focus on what matteredHiring, culture, and the systems that let you scale with integrityPractical takeaways for entrepreneurs, ranchers, and family businessesTimestamps / Chapters0:00 — Intro: “It is a beautiful day…”0:27 — Meet Skeet & Tyler Smith (Skeet’s / Scooter’s Coffee)3:01 — From dishwasher to founder: their origin story9:58 — What makes their menu and steaks special17:14 — Faith, worship, and community impact23:36 — COVID: “we were done mathematically” — the pivot that saved them34:02 — Why Scooter’s / franchising story mattered40:59 — Character moment: “He’d give you his last shirt”1:03:09 — Fire, loss, and 10 years to recover1:12:34 — Advice for new entrepreneurs & show cattle families1:17:23 — Closing thoughts & where to find themResources mentionedCattle Coach Academy — Learn the business side of cattle & ranching: https://www.cattle-coach.com/kolten-landing-pageKolten Thigpen / Cattle Coach channel: https://www.youtube.com/@qbcattlecoLove this episode? Do these 3 things:Like the video — it helps others find these stories.Subscribe & hit the bell — new Cattle Coach Show episodes weekly.Comment below — what was the single biggest lesson you took from Skeet & Tyler?

Cattle Coach Academy: https://www.cattle-coach.comShould you breed for the quick dollar or breed for the future? In this episode Kolten Thigpen walks through the tradeoffs every breeder faces — short‑term profit, long‑term genetics, how to use line breeding and outcrossing intentionally, and a practical checklist for mating decisions that protect your herd’s future.What you’ll learn in this episodeWhy “breeding for the dollar” can lock you into a cornerThe power of heterosis vs. the benefits of homozygosity (consistency)How to balance quick profit matings with future herd developmentWhen linebreeding works — and when it becomes harmful inbreedingPractical due‑diligence: what to look at when you go see a bull in personOne short piece of advice that ties it all together: “Breed them how you like them.”Subscribe for weekly episodes & cattle business tips: If this episode helped you:Hit Like — it helps other breeders find this contentComment below: What mating are you debating right now? Tell us the scenario and we’ll weigh in.Share this with a friend who’s breeding for the quick dollar — they need to hear this.#CattleCoach #Breeding #Heterosis #Linebreeding #CattleBusiness #ShowCattle

Learn more about the Cattle Coach Academy: https://www.cattle-coach.com/kolten-landing-pageIn this engaging episode, we explore crucial "life lessons" and "personal development" insights that often go unrecognized on the journey to achieving your aspirations. Discover the power of a strong "mindset" and how cultivating a "success mindset" can reshape your approach to challenges. We also discuss practical "goal setting" strategies to help you realize your true potential.What you’ll hear in this episode:Why “the chase” becomes an addiction — and how to replace it with repeatable systemsThe recipe Kolten discovered for creating his first champion (and why persistence mattered more than pedigree)Why selling to the right family / keeping your circle small is critical for long‑term successThe #1 habit that changed his program: reviewing raw footage (the eye-in-the-sky doesn’t lie)How the “Heart of a Champion” sale and the big sell‑out reset his priorities and businessPractical, faith- & family-centered advice for raising champions while protecting your home lifeJoin our community and get notified about new episodes and trainingsLeave a comment with your biggest takeaway — and what you want us to cover nextIf this episode helped you, consider checking out the Academy — it’s designed to put you in business for the long haul, not just chase one banner.

Cattle Coach Academy – https://www.cattle-coach-academy.comWhen a buyer asks, “What do you want for her?” the worst answer a seller can give is:“As much as I can get.”Not because you don’t want to maximize profit — but because that answer instantly kills confidence, slows down the sale, and makes buyers question whether it’s worth pursuing.In this episode, we break down why having a clear price (or price range) is one of the simplest ways to look professional, build trust, and actually move cattle faster.

Want to go deeper? Learn more about our coaching & courses at https://www.cattle-coach.comYou have greatness inside of you — and in this Thanksgiving‑week message Kolton lays out the single mindset shift that unlocks it: trade expectations for appreciation. Honest, faith‑centered, and practical, this episode walks through why gratitude is the “ultimate enhancer,” how expectations crush joy and performance, and how the darkest pits can become the launching pad for your greatest comebacks.What you’ll get from this episode:Why an attitude of gratitude multiplies success, relationships, and resilienceHow to replace toxic expectations with appreciation in everyday lifeReal‑world examples (show‑ring analogies and an A&M comeback) that illustrate how perspective changes outcomesA faith‑rooted call to live on purpose and love your familyStandout lines (shareable)"Trade your expectations for appreciation and your whole world changes in an instant.""Gratitude is the ultimate enhancer. It's the ultimate encourager.""If you want to change the world, go home and love your family." — Mother TeresaIf this episode helped you, please:Like, comment who needs to hear this today, and share it with someone you’re grateful for.Subscribe for more weekly messages.

Cattle Coach Academy — full course & previews: https://www.cattle-coach.com/kolten-landing-pageWhat really goes on behind a flush & transfer day? In this episode we sit down with Casey Ballard and Matthew Markwood of Legacy Genetic Resources for a behind‑the‑scenes look at embryo transfer, conception rates, donor performance, and the management choices that make (or break) a program.What you’ll learn in this episodeThe months and management that tend to give the best conception rates (why April and November show up a lot)Why “big number” donors can be amazing — and why they sometimes have lower pregnancy stick‑ratesThe lab and field split: conventional flushes vs. IVF transfers (what Legacy handles and what they don’t)Real donor stories — the unicorn that repeatedly produced 24–30 embryos and one day almost made 24/25 pregnancies Practical tips for someone getting started in repro work: where to get hands‑on experience, what schools can’t teach, and how many reps it takes to get comfortableHow weather, nutrition and on‑farm management show up in your transfer resultsIf you found the episode helpful, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE — it helps us get more repro experts on the show. Drop your questions in the comments.#CattleCoach #EmbryoTransfer #LegacyGenetics #CattleRepro #Livestock

Cattle Coach Academy - https://www.cattle-coach.com/kolten-landing-pageExpress Livestock Genomics- https://expresslivestockgenomics.comLearn how to use genetic testing and smart mating plans to protect your herd, keep the show look you want, and avoid heartbreaking losses. In this episode we break down the three most‑tested defects in show cattle (TH, PHA, DS), show easy Punnett‑square math you can use for every mating, and explain the real-world risks and strategies breeders use to either eradicate or responsibly retain carrier genes.What you’ll learn in this videoQuick definitions: TH (tibial hemimelia), PHA (pulmonary hypoplasia/anascara), DS (digital subluxation)How each defect behaves (lethal vs non‑lethal) and what that means for calves and pregnanciesSimple Punnett‑square outcomes for Carrier × Carrier, Carrier × Clean, Positive × Carrier matingsWhy DS is different (variable expression) and why DS + PHA can be a dangerous combinationPractical breeding rules: when to test, when to mate carriers, and how to keep desired traits while minimizing riskReal examples, breeder best practices, and lab turnaround expectationsWhy this mattersIf you buy bulls, semen, or embryos — or if you’re building a show herd — understanding TH, PHA and DS is essential. These defects affect fertility, calf survival, conformation, and can even cause late‑term abortions. Testing and planned matings protect your herd’s welfare and your bottom line.TH, PHA, DS, tibial hemimelia, pulmonary hypoplasia, digital subluxation, carrier, lethal gene, Punnett square, genetic testing, show cattle genetics, breeding strategy, Express Livestock GenomicsTimestamps (approx.)0:00 Intro & why testing matters1:10 TH explained — genetics & outcomes6:20 PHA explained — pregnancy risks & outcomes10:30 DS explained — prevalence, expression & risks16:00 DS + PHA interactions & why this pairing is risky19:40 Practical mating rules & Punnett‑square examples23:00 How to use carriers responsibly in show programs26:30 How & where to get tested + lab turnaroundIf you’re buying genetics (bulls, semen, embryos) — ALWAYS test before you buy and plan matings using the sire/dam genotypes.Mentioned resources / partnersBullnanza Stud Services — semen collection, housing & custom bull services: https://bullnanza.com/QB Cattle Company — Kolten Thigpen’s QB Cattle program & sales: https://qbcattle.comExpress Livestock Genomics — genetic testing for TH, PHA, DS (fast turnaround): https://expresslivestockgenomics.comIf this video helped you: please Like, Subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss future breeding strategy episodes! Share with a friend who’s buying bulls or planning matings this season.Questions? Drop them below — genotype data, mating scenarios, or requests for a downloadable planning sheet and I’ll help.

Cattle Coach Academy - https://www.cattle-coach.com/kolten-landing-pageExpress Livestock Genomics- https://expresslivestockgenomics.comToday we walk through flush‑day roster management: how we plan for a target number of fresh transfers, how we rank donors, what to do when a donor “bombs,” why you should enter flush day with frozen embryos as insurance, and fast decision rules for transfer vs. freeze. If you raise show cattle or run ET programs, this episode gives actionable steps you can use on the next flush.

Cattle Coach Academy — step‑by‑step training and mentorship from Kolten Thigpen: https://www.cattle-coach.com/kolten-landing-page (course & signups)https://bullnanza.com/#next Join Kolten Thigpen and his special guest Lawson Thigpen — a seven‑year‑old with a huge heart for cattle and an even bigger skillset. In this episode Lawson walks us through how he halters calves, the roping trick he learned that catches even wild youngsters, what he looks for when picking a show steer, and the show‑ring habits that actually win. Warm, practical, and full of kid‑power — this one’s packed with actionable tips for show families and anyone who works cattle.What you’ll hear:Lawson’s roping/halter story with “Shooty” and why the trick worksPractical halter training tips you can use in the pen todayHow Lawson picks calves (fluff, stoutness, boxy face)Show‑ring details: head carriage, ears forward, pace & positioningMindset: how Lawson treats losses and stays focusedFamily stories and why early practice mattersTop takeawaysPractice in the pen beats fancy equipment — repetition builds calm, catchable calves.Small details win shows: head carriage, ears forward, pace, and feeling movement through the halter.Treat losses as lessons — focus on one fix at a time and keep working.Resources mentionedLike this episode? Do this next👍 Like the video if you learned something🔔 Subscribe to the Cattle Coach Show for weekly episodes on breeding, showing, and building a profitable cattle business💬 Tell us in the comments: What halter trick do you use? What’s one thing you’ll try from Lawson’s tips?

Cattle Coach Academy Course (How To Actually Make $$ With Your Cattle):https://www.cattle-coach.com/kolten-landing-pageIn this episode of The Cattle Coach Show, Kolten Thigpen flips the script on how most people pick breeding stock. Instead of chasing “pretty” bulls and cows, Kolten shows you why the offspring — not the parent’s appearance — is the money-maker. Learn the questions to ask at a sale, how to use carrier genetics to your advantage, and the mindset for selecting animals 1–4 generations ahead.What you’ll learn:-Why “offspring first” is the only metric that matters for profit.-The exact questions to ask at auctions so you don’t overpay.-How genetic-defect carriers can carry valuable traits — and how to manage the risk.-Why you must evaluate animals for your herd (not someone else’s).-How to think 1–4 generations ahead when buying AI sires, donors, or herd bulls.

In this episode of The Cattle Coach Show, the host delves into the theme of adversity, loss, and perseverance within the competitive show cattle industry. He encourages viewers to allow adversity to build rather than break them, emphasizing that the path to success is often fraught with challenges and setbacks. Through personal anecdotes, including his pursuit of raising breed champions and the unforeseen journey to winning a grand champion title in Houston, the host underscores the importance of resilience and maintaining a positive attitude. He advises against adopting a defeatist or blame-oriented mindset, instead urging viewers to focus on helping others and learning from every experience. The episode concludes with an inspiring message to embrace adversity as a growth opportunity.00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic00:09 Embracing Adversity in the Show Industry01:34 Journey to Raising a Breed Champion02:58 The Story of the First Breed Champion04:01 Overcoming Setbacks and Celebrating Success06:48 A Grand Champion at Houston12:14 The Highs and Lows of Calving Season14:45 Final Thoughts on Adversity and Encouragement18:03 Conclusion and FarewellThis show dives into the world of elite show cattle producers—highlighting successful financial, show ring, and stock management strategies from elite breeders to junior exhibitor families. We unpack advanced cattle operation tools like embryo transfer and artificial insemination (AI), how to professionally manage recip and donor herds in order to make money and gain a competitive edge with every generation. Each episode explores the nuances of high quality cattle selection, next level money management,  genetic defect testing practices, plus show ring success strategies and mastering breeding decisions. We also highlight modern marketing strategies through online sales and digital marketing for show cattle, while not neglecting the tried and true sales like live and private treaty—featuring interviews with producers utilizing live-stream auctions, social media promotion, and out of the pasture or barn private treaty sales practices to capture premium prices.The Cattle Coach Show is ideal for seedstock and show calf breeders, show families, and livestock competitors aiming to combine financial strategy, genetic selection, and sales or show presentation to succeed in the ring and the business.Visit our website: www.cattle-coach.comAnd Explore Our Other Business Ventures Below ⁠www.bullnanza.com⁠ • •  ⁠www.expresslivestockgenomics.com⁠