The Cattle Coach Show

Kolten Thigpen

Everything show cattle! We will talk about everything we love from management in the show ring to the pasture, but most importantly how to make money doing it! Hear from industry leaders who have broke through the impossible financial barriers to live the dream as full time stockman. Learn more at www.cattle-coach.com. Resources: www.bullnanza.com www.expresslivestockgenomics.com

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    The Most Overrated Trait in the Show Cattle Industry

    Bullnanza Stud Services:https://bullnanza.comCattle Coach Academy:https://www.cattle-coach.com/kolten-landing-pageIs the “squishy pastern” actually one of the most overrated traits in show cattle?In this episode of The Cattle Coach Show, we’re tackling a topic that might ruffle some feathers in the show cattle industry. For years, breeders, judges, and buyers have placed huge emphasis on the “squishy pastern” — often treating it as a defining trait of high-quality show cattle.But is that focus actually justified?Today we break down why the obsession with soft pasterns may be misguided, how this trend developed in the show ring, and what traits may actually matter far more when evaluating cattle structure and longevity.We dive into:• Why extremely soft pasterns can actually cause structural issues• How pastern flexibility changes throughout a calf’s life• Why feeding, stress, hoof trimming, and growth stages can alter how pasterns appear• The relationship between pastern angle, hoof shape, and heel depth• Why some of the best cattle don’t have the “trendiest” pasterns• How chasing trends can distract breeders from structural correctnessIf you’re involved in show cattle, breeding cattle, judging livestock, or raising competitive show steers, this episode will challenge some commonly accepted ideas and encourage you to evaluate cattle with a more balanced approach.At the end of the day, great cattle aren’t built on trends — they’re built on correct structure, functional feet, and long-term durability.Topics Covered in This Episode• What a pastern is in cattle and why it matters• The rise of the “squishy pastern” trend in the show ring• Structural correctness vs. cosmetic traits• Why hoof shape and heel depth are often more important• Long-term soundness in show cattleIf you’re passionate about livestock judging, breeding better cattle, and understanding what truly matters structurally, this episode is for you.👍 Like the video if you enjoy practical cattle knowledge💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments — do you think the squishy pastern is overrated?🔔 Subscribe for more episodes of The Cattle Coach Show#ShowCattle #CattleCoachShow #LivestockJudging #CattleBreeding #ShowSteers #LivestockIndustry #BeefCattle #CattleStructure #Pasterns #LivestockEducation

    10 min

  2. 3 MAR

    The Old Way Of Selling Cattle is DEAD

    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?

    9 min

  3. 24 FEB

    The Biggest Breeding Mistake Cattlemen Make

    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.

    11 min

  4. 17 FEB

    The Bull Sets the Ceiling

    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.

    14 min

  5. 10 FEB

    The Show Cattle Debate No One Actually Understands

    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.

    15 min

  6. 3 FEB

    Why Most Cattle Businesses Fail (And How to Avoid It)

    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.

    8 min

  7. 27 JAN

    Cattle Business 101: Should You Buy or Breed

    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.”

    16 min

  8. 20 JAN

    The Cattle Business Mistake Everyone Makes

    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.

    30 min
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About

Everything show cattle! We will talk about everything we love from management in the show ring to the pasture, but most importantly how to make money doing it! Hear from industry leaders who have broke through the impossible financial barriers to live the dream as full time stockman. Learn more at www.cattle-coach.com. Resources: www.bullnanza.com www.expresslivestockgenomics.com

Information

  • Creator
    Kolten Thigpen
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kolten Thigpen
  • Show Website
    The Cattle Coach Show

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