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.