In this episode of the Over the Hump podcast, Keaton Dodd interviews Ray and Ryan Salinas of Salinas Ranch. The discussion journeys through the history and operational insights of Salinas Ranch, touching upon topics such as polled Brahman cattle, their approach to cattle breeding, and the importance of maternal merit and functionality. The Salinas share anecdotes about their journey, the genetic evolution of their herd, and their thoughts on the future of Brahman breeding. Emphasis is placed on the move towards polled genetics and the practical benefits they offer. The episode concludes with reflections on the broader challenges and opportunities within the Brahman breed.

• 00:00  Welcome and Introduction of Special Guests
• 00:49  History and Background of Salinas Ranch
• 02:18  The Brahman Bug and Early Ranching Days
• 03:26  The Visionary Drawing and Realizing the Dream
• 04:46  Re-entering the Brahman Breeding World
• 06:40  Acquiring and Building the Herd
• 12:17  The Shift to Polled Cattle
• 15:08  Challenges and Successes in Polled Breeding
• 22:09  Focus on Fertility and Functionality
• 25:24  Marketing and Avoiding the Show Ring
• 30:17  Discussing Polled Gene Testing and Irregularities
• 30:35  DNA Testing Methods and Challenges
• 31:02  Understanding Polled Gene Variants
• 32:35  Breeding Outcomes and Genetic Variability
• 35:45  The Importance of Complete Animals in Breeding
• 37:22  Challenges and Misconceptions in Polled Breeding
• 42:02  Future of the Brahman Breed
• 48:14  Pet Peeves in the Brahman Business
• 52:10  Favorite Brahman Animals of All Time
• 55:44  Final Thoughts and Shameless Plugs