This episode of Over the Hump podcast features Derrick Smith of Bullseye Ranch discussing the ranch’s Brahman history from starting with a first female bought in Louisiana in the late 1980s, moving to Brenham, Texas, in 1996, and building the herd by sourcing genetics from multiple programs. Smith explains how embryo work accelerated progress while still requiring cows to have natural calves.

He shares experiences judging over 300 U.S. shows and judging internationally (beginning in Panama at age 25), importing about 10 bulls from Mexico, and stressing respectful, encouraging judging. Smith also describes diversifying income through Bullseye concrete products and his brother’s septic business to stabilize ranch cash flow, and he notes Bullseye markets via its website, Brahman Journal ads, two annual sales, and private treaty.

This week on Over the Hump, Rachel welcomes Jake Scott of Krebs Ranch in Gordon, Nebraska, to discuss his path from an Oklahoma FFA program and livestock judging to joining the Angus seedstock business through his wife’s family. Jake describes working at Krebs Ranch, returning to Oklahoma as manager of Roland R3 Ranch, then moving back to Nebraska in 2007. He notes Krebs Ranch’s upcoming 46th annual bull sale, selling about 400 bulls annually, and growing demand in the Southeast and Texas for northern Angus genetics on Brahman-based herds to add performance and carcass value. He outlines breeding priorities, emphasizing Angus maternal and marbling strengths while adding performance, muscle, and visual quality, and mentions their Western Sire Service bull stud. The episode centers on “Influence,” a Zoom-based faith curriculum Bible study that grew from a small men’s group to about 75 participants, honoring late member Travis Pembroke, with plans to broaden resources for families and junior nationals; joining is via the private Facebook group “Influence Bible Study.”

Follow Over the Hump on all social media platforms at BRC Ranch or online at https://brcutrer.com/category/over-the-hump-brahman-podcast/

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The Over the Hump podcast crew records a Houston wrap-up in their new office, recapping BRC’s 2026 Houston show: Connor’s first year as official herdsman resulted in Champion Bull (Six Gun) and Reserve Champion Heifer, strong group class performances, and praise for a mostly first-time Houston crew and interns Eduardo and Alexis, plus ranch support from Ishmael. They discuss judge PJ’s efficient “cinnamon roll” group-class format, the decision to keep Johnny Brahman at collection after a serious Christmas illness and due to semen demand, and Six Gun’s preparation (time off feed, turned out with cows, then collection and final push). The group raises concerns about over-aging in calf classes and debates bringing back weights/measures.

Follow along at https://brcutrer.com/category/over-the-hump-brahman-podcast/ and on Facebook at BRC Ranch!

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In this episode of Over the Hump Podcast, Rachel and Brandon share BRC’s Brahman calving strategy—favoring March–May and early fall (Sept–Nov) for optimal weather and forage, while avoiding February and limiting summer calving. They note some January calves are planned for show and sale timing despite winter risk, with records showing most births in March, very few in January, and none in February. Summer calves mainly result from ET/AI resets to keep cows productive and maintain cash flow. They also outline practical calving management: a simple, well-prepped barn; moving cows close and monitoring without crowding; when to assist or call a vet; immediate cow-calf reunions; cautious inducing; and first-48-hour care like cleanliness, navel treatment, tagging, weighing, and calving scores.

This week on Over the Hump, Rachel talks with Cyler Frost of Frost Farms about building a Brahman herd with patience and purpose.

Cyler shares how a champion loaner heifer sparked his move into registered cattle, starting with one bull and three cows while focusing on data, udder quality, and long-term consistency. They also discuss his impact as an ag teacher and FFA coach, his junior heifer lease program, lessons in marketing cattle, and why real progress in a breeding program takes about a decade.

1. 00:00 Welcome to Over the Hump: Brahmans, faith & the 10-year long game
2. 02:18 Meet Cyler Frost: 7th-gen ranch roots & finding Brahmans
3. 07:09 First registered cattle: Fort Worth win & scholarship momentum
4. 10:06 Fort Worth Stock Show stories: the tunnel, the ring & show-day nerves
5. 13:56 The foundation bull: Janessa genetics, heifer ratios & udder fixes
6. 21:31 Day job spotlight: becoming an ag teacher & building champions
7. 29:09 Inside Longview FFA: massive chapter growth, programs & classes taught
8. 32:41 Family time, emotional intelligence & a thesis that sparks laughs
9. 35:01 Emotional Intelligence in Ag: Tests, Hiring, and Leadership Ideas
10. 37:40 Starting a Registered Brahman Herd: Early Buys, Hard Lessons, and Drought Reality
11. 40:17 Genetics & Mentors: Research, Ranch Visits, and Doing Business with Integrity
12. 43:21 Building for Juniors: The Loaner/Lease Program and Giving Kids a Return
13. 53:34 Show Circuit Talk: Favorite Shows, Winning Stories, and What’s Next
14. 58:17 All-Time Favorite Brahman Animals: Janessa, Elmo, and “Wicked”
15. 01:01:16 Photos vs Reality + AI in Breeding: Visuals, Authenticity, and Future Tools
16. 01:05:43 Where to Find Frost Farms: Contact Info and Final Sign-Off

Follow along at https://brcutrer.com/category/over-the-hump-brahman-podcast/ and on Facebook at BRC Ranch!

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In this episode of the Over the Hump Podcast, Brandon and Rachel sit down with Kolton Thigpen, a notable figure in the Brahman breed community. They explore Kolton's unique journey with Half-Blood Brahman Club calves and his innovative breeding techniques. The discussion also delves into Kolton's entrepreneurial ventures, including his new initiative, Cattle Coach, which blends education and coaching for aspiring cattle breeders. Throughout the episode, Kolton shares insights on the importance of faith, family, and maintaining integrity in the competitive world of cattle breeding. The conversation is both inspiring and informative, providing listeners with a deep dive into what it takes to succeed in the industry while remaining true to one's values.

1. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
2. 01:07 Meet Kolton Thigpen
3. 02:32 The Journey of Half-Blood Brahman Club Calves
4. 06:06 Breeding Strategies and Challenges
5. 16:46 Building a Brand in the Show Steer Industry
6. 22:59 Cattle Coach: Inspiring the Next Generation
7. 32:51 Innovative Sales Strategies
8. 37:19 The Heart of a Champion Process
9. 37:50 Challenges of Public Auctions
10. 38:59 Private Treaty Sales Benefits
11. 40:18 Accountability and Ownership in Projects
12. 42:18 A Turning Point: Selling the Herd
13. 43:07 Listening to God's Guidance
14. 46:22 Starting Bonanza and Rebuilding the Herd
15. 49:12 Venturing into Bull Stud Business
16. 54:40 DNA Testing Business
17. 59:03 Personal Mindset and Motivation
18. 01:00:25 The Journey and Hard Work Behind Success
19. 01:08:20 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
20. 01:10:50 Conclusion and Gratitude

Follow Over the Hump on all social media platforms at BRC Ranch or online at https://brcutrer.com/category/over-the-hump-brahman-podcast/

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In the first-ever video podcast for Over the Hump, Brandon and Rachel interview Kyle Hudgins from J.D. Hudgins Ranch. The discussion covers Kyle's background, the J.D. Hudgins operation, and his transition from a wildlife biology major to a sixth-generation rancher. Kyle shares insights on Brahman cattle breeding, including AI practices, and reminisces about significant bulls and cattle practices. The podcast also delves into Kyle's accomplished hunting career, featuring memorable hunts for polar bears, grizzly bears, and leopards. Kyle's ventures into the boat storage business are explored, showcasing his strategic diversification beyond ranching. The episode concludes with a tour of Kyle's trophy room and a reflection on experiences, family, and the balance of ranching with a successful business.

Catchthe video on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BRCranch

Follow along at https://brcutrer.com/category/over-the-hump-brahman-podcast/ and on Facebook at BRC Ranch!

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In this episode of Over the Hump, Rachel and Brandon break down Milk EPDs in Brahman cattle breeding after a question from an international client.

Rachel and Brandon explore how Milk EPD measures the genetic ability of a bull's daughters to produce milk and its influence on weaning weight. They discuss the challenges in understanding and utilizing Milk EPD, the reliability of EPD data, and share insights from their research and practical experience.

Find this episode wherever you listen to podcasts!

In this special Christmas episode of 'Over the Hump,' Brandon and Rachel sit down with BJ Dickens for a nostalgic discussion about their shared experiences in the Brahman cattle world. The episode kicks off with festive greetings and then delves into BJ's childhood memories, including winning trivia as kids, their family's bull, The Redneck, and various Brahman cattle shows. BJ recounts stories of growing up in Mississippi, participating in livestock competitions, and the influence of older cattlemen like his grandfather. The conversation highlights the lifelong friendships formed through junior Brahman programs and ends with BJ's appreciation for the Brahman cattle community.

Follow along at https://brcutrer.com/category/over-the-hump-brahman-podcast/ and on Facebook at BRC Ranch!

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In this part one of a special two-part holiday edition of the Over the Hump podcast, Rachel and Brandon sit down with BJ Dickens, a lifelong Brahman breeder from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and part of Lazy D Farms. BJ shares his extensive history with Brahman cattle, detailing the origins and success of Lazy D Farms, influential breeding stock like Caru and the 4 over 5 cow, and humorous stories from his youth in Mississippi. He recalls numerous experiences, including buying cattle at significant sales, serving on the AJBA board, and the journeys with lifelong friend and host Brandon. The conversation also touches on their mutual passion for pedigree knowledge and the role of influential figures in their breeding program’s development.

Follow Over the Hump on all social media platforms at BRC Ranch or online at https://brcutrer.com/category/over-the-hump-brahman-podcast/

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