The Sort

On today's episode, Brett sits down with Tyson Kimble and Thomas Owings, two members of the Top Judge program and students at the University of Arkansas.Tyson Kimble attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M college where he received his Associate degree and was a member of the livestock judging team. He was also involved in numerous clubs while at NEO. He now attends the University of Arkansas and is an Agriculture Education major. Tyson's family runs a commercial cow calf operation and wheat farm located in Pomeroy, Washington. He was heavily involved in FFA growing up, showing cattle and competing in numerous CDE and LDEs.Thomas Owings attended Redlands Community College where he graduated with an Associate degree in Agricultural Sciences. He now attends the University of Arkansas majoring in Agriculture Education, spending his final semester student teaching at Mountain Home Public Schools in Northern Arkansas. Thomas was awarded 4th High Individual Overall at the American Royal, High Individual Overall at Triple Crown in California, and 8th High Individual Overall at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.

This episode is a re-release of Episode #6 of The Sort, originally released on December 16th, 2024.This week, The Sort welcomes three legends of the swine industry into the studio: Al Christian, Al Snedegar and Steve Nichols. Listen in as they talk about their time either judging or exhibiting at the International in the Chicago Stockyards. Each will also speak of their opportunities judging "The Majors" and shows all over the world. If you worked at the swine teaching farms at Iowa State, Michigan State or Purdue University you may want to tune in and listen also.

This episode is a re-release of Episode #5 of The Sort, originally released on December 9th, 2024.This week, The Sort welcomes three legends of the swine industry into the studio: Al Christian, Al Snedegar and Steve Nichols. Listen in as they talk about their time either judging or exhibiting at the International in the Chicago Stockyards. Each will also speak of their opportunities judging "The Majors" and shows all over the world. If you worked at the swine teaching farms at Iowa State, Michigan State or Purdue University you may want to tune in and listen also. *Note this is a two-week episode* Catch the first half this week and tune in again next week to finish the discussion.

On today's episode, Brett sits down with Cade Anderson and Brenn Edwards, two members of the Top Judge program and students at Texas Tech University.Cade Anderson attended Blinn Junior College and was a member of the livestock judging team. Following Blinn, Cade transferred to Texas Tech University where he concluded his collegiate livestock judging career. Cade credits his involvement in agriculture and pursuit of livestock judging to his dad's side of the family who have always been passionate in the industry. Cade has been awarded many opportunities to judge as well as commentate several shows.Brenn Edwards is currently a student at Texas Tech University and transferred from South Plains College where he was part of their livestock judging team. At TTU, he competed for both the livestock judging and meat animal evaluation teams, earning top honors such as high individual in reasons at the American Royal. He will graduate in May with a degree in agricultural economics and has secured a position in Viterra Grain's grain merchandising trainee program. Brenn's family owns and operates Tribe Genetics, the show-pig operation based in Lubbock, Texas.

This episode is a re-release of Episode #1 of The Sort, originally released on November 11th, 2024.THE SORT welcomes Warren Beeler to the podcast. Warren is the Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and an adjunct instructor for Western Kentucky University. A tireless advocate for the agricultural industry, Warren has been awarded the Distinguished Rural Kentuckian award, been inducted into the Kentucky Pork Producers Hall of Fame, the Western Kentucky University Hall of Fame, and the University of Kentucky Animal and Food Science Hall of Fame.Beyond his work, Warren is recognized as one of most notable swine judges in the United States. He has judged state fairs in 43 states and every Texas Major show. His passion for the industry is only surpassed by his deep desire to see young people excel in life. Warren has been married to DeeDee for 42 years and they have 5 children and 2 grandchildren. We are beyond excited to have Warren kick off our show and look forward to you hearing from him.

On today's episode, Brett sits down with Tate Hogan and Gunner Coburn, two members of the Top Judge program and students at Texas A&M University.Tate is currently a student at Texas A&M University studying animal science. At TAMU, Tate was a member of the highly competitive livestock judging team earning top 5 finishes individually at multiple contests. Prior to Texas A&M, Tate attended Butler Community College where he was an intricate part of a successful judging team where he ended his junior college career with multiple top 10 finishes. Tate credits Chad Coburn for molding him into the evaluator and person he is today by competing in youth judging contests all across the country.Gunner began his collegiate livestock judging career at Blinn College in Brenham, Texas. He was a part of a successful livestock judging team while studying animal science. He is currently a student at Texas A&M University, where he is finishing up a degree in animal science. While at TAMU, he was a member of the highly competitive livestock judging team. He plans to pursue a master's degree in animal science with a focus on beef cattle production.Tate is currently a student at Texas A&M University studying animal science. At TAMU, Tate was a member of the highly competitive livestock judging team earning top 5 finishes individually at multiple contests. Prior to Texas A&M, Tate attended Butler Community College where he was an intricate part of a successful judging team where he ended his junior college career with multiple top 10 finishes. Tate credits Chad Coburn for molding him into the evaluator and person he is today by competing in youth judging contests all across the country. He plans to finish his degree and continue helping young people develop their eye and passion for judging livestock.

This episode is a re-release of Episode #2 of The Sort, originally released on November 18th, 2024.THE SORT welcomes what many call one of the GOATS of the livestock judging world (no pun intended) into the studio- Dr. Scott Greiner.Dr Greiner is a Professor and Extension Animal Scientist in the School of Animal Sciences at Virginia Tech. Scott was raised on a diversified livestock farm in eastern Iowa. He attended Iowa State University where he majored in Animal Science. While at Iowa State he was a member of the Reserve National Champion Meats Judging Team and the National Champion Livestock Judging Team and was the high individual at the national contest. His graduate studies include an M.S. from Michigan State University and a Ph.D. from Iowa State.While in graduate school Scott coached highly competitive livestock judging teams, including two National Champion teams at Iowa State. His graduate work at ISU was fundamental to the incorporation of ultrasound as a genetic improvement tool in beef cattle. In 1998, Greiner joined the faculty at Virginia Tech and serves at Extension Department Leader as well as co-chair of the interdisciplinary college Animal Production Program Team. As an Extension Animal Scientist, he designs and delivers educational programs in beef cattle and sheep to adults and youth, and conducts applied research. Specific responsibilities include design and delivery of educational programs and materials related to beef and sheep genetics and associated production and marketing issues, providing leadership for statewide programs in beef cattle and sheep; and maintaining strong working relationships with the beef and sheep industries and allied organizations. Dr. Greiner also teaches senior-level production and management coursework, and mentors graduate students.Dr Greiner resides outside Christiansburg, VA. Along with his wife Lori they raised two daughters, Kaylee and Leah, through the youth livestock program and the family continues to be very involved in 4-H activities. The family also operates Greiner Sisters club lambs, focusing on Dorset, whiteface cross, and Southdown sheep.Dr. Greiner has judged national, state, and local livestock shows of multiple species in 37 states as well as internationally. Since 2006 he has been Superintendent of the National Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest.

Join host Brett Kaysen as he sits down for an extended conversation with two legends: Jim Williams and Randy Daniel. *This episode is the second of two episodes. Part 1 was released last week, and it is recommended that listeners hear Part 1 before continuing with Part 2.

Join host Brett Kaysen as he sits down for an extended conversation with two legends: Jim Williams and Randy Daniel. *This episode is the first of two episodes, with Part 2 releasing next week.

On today's episode, Brett sits down with Kyla Mennen and Logan Buhrman, two members of the 2024 National Champion Livestock Judging Team at Kansas State University.Kyla began her collegiate career at Joliet Junior College where she was recognized as an Academic All-American. She is currently a senior at Kansas State University studying Agricultural Business. At K-State, Kyla enjoys working as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant and a College of Agriculture Ambassador. She is proud to be a member of the 2024 National Champion Livestock Judging Team and the 2024 National Champion Meat Animal Evaluation Team, where she was the high individual.Logan is currently a student at Kansas State University. At KSU, he was a part of the champion livestock judging team at the American Royal and the NAILE while also earning 7th high individual finishes at both. Logan transferred from Fort Scott Community College where he was a member of the livestock judging team. He and his family operate Buhrman Brothers Livestock located in Wisner, Nebraska where they run a two hundred head commercial and registered Simmental and Angus cow-calf operation. Additionally, they have a small herd of show goats that they market annually to youth exhibitors and also farm row crops.

Today's guest on THE SORT podcast is Chris Mullinix, Instructor of Animal Sciences at Kansas State University and Co-Coach of the Meat Animal Evaluation Team. Originally from Maryland, Chris grew up on a diversified cattle and farming operation. He was a National Champion Livestock Judging Team member and had tremendous coaching success at Butler Community College and Kansas State University, coaching over 30 collegiate national contest winning teams. Adding to an already impressive resume, Chris has judged livestock exhibitions in 42 different states and Canada.

On Today's Episode: Joining us are Emerson Tarr and Jacob Klaudt, two students from Kansas State University selected to participate in the Top Judge program this year. Emerson is a senior at Kansas State University where she is studying agriculture communications and journalism with a minor in animal science. Emerson is involved in the College of Agriculture Ambassadors, Block and Bridle, and Agriculture Communicators of Tomorrow. She was also a member of the 2024 National Champion Livestock Judging and Meat Animal Evaluation Teams.Jacob is a senior at Kansas State University majoring in animal sciences and industry with an option in communications and marketing. He was a member of national champion livestock judging and meat animal evaluation teams, and achieved high individual overall in Louisville. Jacob earned two associate degrees from Casper College where he was awarded All-American honors in livestock judging. He works for the Agriculture Today radio show, writes for K-State Research & Extension news, and is on staff for the College of Agriculture's Agriculturist magazine.

Today's guest is Dr. Rathmann, who holds the John W. and Doris Jones Professorship in Animal Science at Texas Tech University where he specializes in Beef Cattle Biology and serves as Faculty Coordinator and Coach of the Livestock Judging Team. Passionate about student success, Dr. Rathmann teaches courses on animal science, breeding, and beef production systems, and conducts research in feedlot nutrition, carcass composition, and muscle growth. No stranger to success, he led Texas Tech and Texas A&M to a combined 7 national championships.

Our guest this week on THE SORT podcast is Terry Burks. Terry is a retired Professor of English Studies from Chifeng University in The People’s Republic of China and has judged nearly 1300 Junior and open livestock shows in 43 states. You won’t want to miss this one!

On Today's Episode: Brett sits down with two students from Oklahoma State University, Ashlyn O'Brien and Jed Sidwell.Ashlyn attended Butler Community College as a member of the livestock judging team. Upon graduation, she continued her judging career at Oklahoma State University while working towards a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science. Along with being honored as an Academic All-American, she was named the High Individual Overall at the Cattlemen's Congress, San Antonio Livestock Show & Rodeo, and the National Western.Livestock judging led Jed to Butler Community College where he was a member of the Champion Team at the Cattlemen's Congress. After two years at Butler, he went to Stillwater, Oklahoma where he just finished up his time as a member of the Livestock Judging team at Oklahoma State University. He was a member of the Champion team at the Cattleman's Congress, National Western, and National Barrow show. Jed was also the high individual at the Dixie National judging contest.

On Today's Episode: Brett sits down with two students from Oklahoma State University, Anna Hannon and Kale Campbell.Anna began her collegiate judging career at Northern Oklahoma College, where her team was named 2023 Team of the Year after winning American Royal, NAILE, Denver, and Houston. She then transitioned to Oklahoma State University, where she is currently finishing a degree in Recreational Therapy. Her time at NOC and OSU culminated in earning several individual accolades, including being named an All-American in both junior and senior college.Kale is currently pursuing a degree in animal science at Oklahoma State University. While at OSU, Kale competed on the livestock judging team where he earned top ten individual honors at multiple contests. Prior to OSU, he attended Northern Oklahoma College and was awarded All-American honors for his judging and academic achievements. During his collegiate career, he was also involved in the Meat Animal Evaluation Team, the NOC Aggie Club, and the Oklahoma State Livestock Judging Camp.

On Today's Episode, we welcome Brian Faris to the show. Brian currently serves as the Competitive Events Director at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo and has judged numerous county, state, and national shows throughout the country and has judged in Canada. His passion is working with kids and to see them learn about agriculture through 4-H/FFA projects, which makes him a perfect mentor and leader for the Top Judge program.

On Today's Episode: Brett sits down for a legendary conversation with Joel Cowley, Chief Executive Officer of the Calgary Stampede.Before taking on the role of CEO, Joel was most recently the president of Angus Genetics Incorporated, following 15 years with the internationally renowned Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

On today's episode, The Sort is thrilled to welcome the dynamic duo of Kandy and Al Schminke! Lots of knowledge and diversified agriculture experience is shared in this episode!

The Sort is excited to welcome Kyle Stephens to the show! Kyle is the 4th generation of his family to farm and ranch in Yoakum County (Texas) while also owning Stephens Farms, one of the nation’s premier show pig operations. He brings a wealth of experience and success both in and out of the show ring!

The Sort is excited to welcome this week's podcast guest: Marvin Ensor! Marvin has 37 years of experience as a retired Texas A&M AgriLife Extension specialist and an impressive resume of judging market lambs, market goats, and breeding sheep at many of the state fairs and major livestock shows across the nation.

THE SORT is excited to welcome Mr. Brian Arnold into the studio to share some of his memories and ideas with us. Brian grew up on a grain and swine farm in northeast Indiana and his family raised a few show pigs. Brian competed on college judging teams at Blackhawk East (BHE) and Purdue. Upon graduation, he had the opportunity to serve as an agriculture instructor and co-coach the livestock judging team at BHE. Brian has also worked for the National Swine Registry and Zoetis. Today, his current role is Sr. Product Manager–Direct Fed Microbials for United Animal Health.

This week, we are excited to welcome into the studio Jack Ward, Executive Vice President of the American Hereford Association in Kansas City, Missouri. Jack received his Associate of Science degree from Black Hawk East College in Kewanee, Illinois and his BS degree from Purdue University. He and his wife, Mary Ann, have two sons, Cameron and Carter. Ward has judged every major show across the U.S. and in multiple foreign countries!

This episode is the second of a two-part extended interview special. Part 1 was released on Monday, December 9th.This week, The Sort welcomes three legends of the swine industry into the studio: Al Christian, Al Snedegar and Steve Nichols. Listen in as they talk about their time either judging or exhibiting at the International in the Chicago Stockyards. Each will also speak of their opportunities judging "The Majors" and shows all over the world. If you worked at the swine teaching farms at Iowa State, Michigan State or Purdue University you may want to tune in and listen also.

This episode is the first of a two-part extended interview special. Part 2 will release on Monday, December 16th.This week, The Sort welcomes three legends of the swine industry into the studio: Al Christian, Al Snedegar and Steve Nichols. Listen in as they talk about their time either judging or exhibiting at the International in the Chicago Stockyards. Each will also speak of their opportunities judging "The Majors" and shows all over the world. If you worked at the swine teaching farms at Iowa State, Michigan State or Purdue University you may want to tune in and listen also. * Note this is a two-week episode* Catch the first half this week and tune in again next week to finish the discussion.

The Sort is excited to welcome Shane Bedwell into the studio this week. Mr. Bedwell is the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Breed Improvement for the American Hereford Association.

THE SORT is thrilled to welcome Dr. W. Shawn Ramsey, Ph.D., a Professor, and Assistant Head for Undergraduate Programs in the Texas A&M Department of Animal Science into the studio!  Dr. Ramsey received his bachelor’s degree in animal science from Texas A&M University and his master’s and doctorate degrees in animal and range sciences from New Mexico State University.Dr. Ramsey teaches an introductory animal science class (ANSC 107), sheep and goat production (ANSC 414), and the wool and mohair judging class (ANSC 314). He also serves as the coordinator of the Texas A&M Wool and Mohair Judging Team and the Breeding Sheep Show Team. He also serves at the faculty coordinator for the Sheep and Goat Center and the Louis Pearce Pavilion.Beyond his teaching responsibilities Dr. Ramsey helps with the sheep and goat shows at the Texas majors and judges shows across the country. Each year he hosts a lamb and goat camp at TAMU bringing over 600 kids in for each to learn more about the industry. His knowledge of the sheep/goat industry is vast and we are excited to have him to be a part of the program!

THE SORT welcomes what many call one of the GOATS of the livestock judging world (no pun intended) into the studio- Dr. Scott Greiner.Dr Greiner is a Professor and Extension Animal Scientist in the School of Animal Sciences at Virginia Tech. Scott was raised on a diversified livestock farm in eastern Iowa. He attended Iowa State University where he majored in Animal Science. While at Iowa State he was a member of the Reserve National Champion Meats Judging Team and the National Champion Livestock Judging Team and was the high individual at the national contest. His graduate studies include an M.S. from Michigan State University and a Ph.D. from Iowa State.While in graduate school Scott coached highly competitive livestock judging teams, including two National Champion teams at Iowa State. His graduate work at ISU was fundamental to the incorporation of ultrasound as a genetic improvement tool in beef cattle. In 1998, Greiner joined the faculty at Virginia Tech and serves at Extension Department Leader as well as co-chair of the interdisciplinary college Animal Production Program Team. As an Extension Animal Scientist, he designs and delivers educational programs in beef cattle and sheep to adults and youth, and conducts applied research. Specific responsibilities include design and delivery of educational programs and materials related to beef and sheep genetics and associated production and marketing issues, providing leadership for statewide programs in beef cattle and sheep; and maintaining strong working relationships with the beef and sheep industries and allied organizations. Dr. Greiner also teaches senior-level production and management coursework, and mentors graduate students.Dr Greiner resides outside Christiansburg, VA. Along with his wife Lori they raised two daughters, Kaylee and Leah, through the youth livestock program and the family continues to be very involved in 4-H activities. The family also operates Greiner Sisters club lambs, focusing on Dorset, whiteface cross, and Southdown sheep.Dr. Greiner has judged national, state, and local livestock shows of multiple species in 37 states as well as internationally. Since 2006 he has been Superintendent of the National Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest.

THE SORT is excited to kick start our series with Warren Beeler. Warren is the Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and an adjunct instructor for Western Kentucky University. A tireless advocate for the agricultural industry, Warren has been awarded the Distinguished Rural Kentuckian award, been inducted into the Kentucky Pork Producers Hall of Fame, the Western Kentucky University Hall of Fame, and the University of Kentucky Animal and Food Science Hall of Fame.Beyond his work, Warren is recognized as one of most notable swine judges in the United States. He has judged state fairs in 43 states and every Texas Major show. His passion for the industry is only surpassed by his deep desire to see young people excel in life. Warren has been married to DeeDee for 42 years and they have 5 children and 2 grandchildren. We are beyond excited to have Warren kick off our show and look forward to you hearing from him.

Hop into the ring with Season 1 of The Sort, the new podcast offering both a historical and forward-looking exploration of the world of livestock judges. This podcast is designed to support, engage, mentor, and advance the future leaders of the livestock industry. Every week we invite guests to share their personal journeys, visions, and enthusiasm for the livestock industry. These individuals bring unique perspectives, enriching our program with their real-world experiences of challenges and successes that have shaped them into the leaders the are today.The Sort is hosted by Brett L. Kaysen, Ph.D., the senior vice president of producer and state engagement for the National Pork Board. He leads the organization-wide grassroot relations effort to support pork producers in their priorities and build trust and add value in U.S. Pork. He also serves as the administrator for the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence.The Sort is powered by Primo Feeds. Primo Feeds is delivered fresh and affordable for your show pigs. Always improving with science proven formulations with targeted feed options to get your show pig to the backdrop. Visit primofeeds.com to learn more.