Over the Hump

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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In this episode of Over the Hump podcast, Rachel has an in-depth conversation with Jake Dixon, the owner of Dixon Ranches, a Brahman and F1 operation in Dodge, Texas. The discussion delves into the functionality of cattle, particularly the types of cattle that work well for Dixon Ranches. They explore historical aspects, including the use of old Brahman bulls, and discuss the importance of cattle functionality, such as udder quality, milk production, and overall herd management. Jake and Rachel emphasize transparency, ethics, and integrity in ranching. They also touch upon the challenges of running a largely one-man operation, the role of family in the business, and the current market dynamics for F1 cattle.

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, Rachel interviews the renowned cattle photographer, Carlos Guizar. They explore Carlos's journey from filmmaking to becoming a sought-after livestock photographer. The discussion covers his beginnings in the photography scene at MTV, his transition to working with Netflix, and eventually his seamless shift into cattle photography. Carlos shares his experiences with various breeders, including his longstanding collaboration with BRC and other notable ranches. He delves into technical aspects, such as his preferred camera gear and photography techniques, as well as addressing the ethics of photo manipulation. The episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at capturing stunning cattle photography and recounts memorable photo shoots and iconic images from Carlos's career.

Follow Carlos on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/creative_cattle/

• 00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome
• 00:50 How Rachel and Carlos Met
• 02:57 Carlos' Journey into Photography
• 03:16 MTV and Music Video Career
• 07:27 Transition to Cattle Photography
• 10:41 Challenges and Techniques in Cattle Photography
• 16:52 Favorite Seasons and Shooting Conditions
• 17:41 A Day in the Life of a Cattle Photographer
• 22:05 Finding the Perfect Photography Spot
• 22:58 The Ideal Grass Length for Photos
• 25:06 Editing Techniques and Workflow
• 32:52 Ethical vs. Unethical Photoshopping
• 42:55 Challenges in Animal Photography
• 46:56 Favorite Brahman Photos and Memories
• 53:09 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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 this episode of the Over the Hump Podcast, Rachel interviews Dr. David Riley, a professor of animal breeding and genetics at Texas A&M University. Dr. Riley discusses his background, including his work with Brahman cattle at the USDA Agriculture Research Station in Florida and his current projects at Texas A&M. One significant project involves investigating the genomics of heterosis using Brahman and Angus breeds. He explains the genetics behind Brahman cattle characteristics such as horned vs. polled, coat color, and pigmentation. The conversation also touches on genetic defects in cattle and the emerging interest in Wagyu cattle and methane emissions research. The importance of accurate data for Estimated Progeny Differences (EPDs) is emphasized, and Dr. Riley provides insights into the current trends and future directions in cattle genetics research.

Follow along with Over the Hump on our website https://brcutrer.com/category/over-the-hump-brahman-podcast/ and on social media at BRC Ranch.

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