The Sort

This episode is a re-release of episode #19 of The Sort podcast, originally released on March 17th, 2025.

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...

In this episode of The Sort Podcast, host Brett Kaysen and guest Galen McCune, a respected livestock judge and educator, discuss Galen’s journey from rural Oklahoma 4-H and FFA member to judging major national shows. Galen shares insights from his experiences in the show ring, his transition from aspiring veterinarian to ag teacher, and his philosophy on honesty and integrity in judging. He reflects on memorable animals, influential mentors, and the importance of putting youth first. This episode offers valuable lessons and inspiration for livestock judges, students, and industry professionals alike.

This episode is a re-release of episode #39 of The Sort podcast, originally released on August 4th, 2025.

This week, we are excited to sit down for a conversation with a legend of the industry: Dr. John Edwards, whose 50-year career as a livestock judge included judging every major steer show in the county as well as serving as the official judge for eight national beef breed shows. He also judged cattle in eight foreign countries on four continents.

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...

In this episode, Brett welcomes Glen Alan Phillips, who shares his journey from growing up in a small Texas town immersed in 4-H and FFA to becoming a respected livestock judge and industry leader. Glen discusses the impact of early mentors, the value of being coachable, and lessons learned from collegiate judging and coaching. He offers insights on integrity, faith, and navigating career challenges, including managing major events during COVID-19. The conversation emphasizes the importance of relationships, personal values, and lifelong learning for current and aspiring livestock judges and industry professionals.

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...

On today's episode, Host Brett Kaysen sits down with guest Dr. Joel DeRouchey, Professor of Swine Nutrition at Animal State University.

Today's guest on the show is Clay Zwilling, CEO of the National Swine Registry. Clay’s a driving force behind the purebred swine industry, helping breeders and show pig producers innovate and grow. He’s all about blending fresh ideas with trusted traditions to keep this key part of agriculture moving forward. He’s also no stranger to the judging arena. You won’t want to miss this one!

This episode features an interview previously released on the podcast on March 3rd, 2025.

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.<...

Please welcome Ben Cooley to THE SORT this week! Ben hails from Merino, CO and brings a wealth of experience in livestock production. A Colorado State alum and former member of the Reserve National Champion Livestock Judging Team, he’s also served as a professor and judging coach at Northeastern Junior College. Today, he works as a Cattle Productivity Manager at Zoetis and co-owns Flatland Show Pigs, managing around 70 sows. Don't miss this episode!

This episode features two interviews previously released on the podcast with students who took part in the Top Judge program. The interview with Cole Murphy first released on August 18th, 2025 and the interview with Braylon Spears first aired on July 7th, 2025.

Cole Murphy attended Lake Land College where he was on the judging team and high individual at several major contests while also earning All-American honors. Cole currently attends Kansas State University where he was a member of the National Champion team and High Team at the American Royal. In May, he graduated with a bachelor's degree...

On Today's Episode: Brett sits down with Rachel Meyer of Zinpro Corporation to discuss how Zinpro is working to improve the health and wellbeing of both animals and people as a pioneer in the research and development of performance trace minerals and innovative nutritional solutions. Rachel also shares why this family-owned, privately held company decided to support The Sort podcast and the Top Judge program this past season.

Then, the tables turn as Ed Tice, a longstanding industry leader and the owner of Tice LS Enterprises, joins the show to interview our host, Dr. Brett Kaysen, about...

This episode features two interviews previously released on the podcast with students who took part in the Top Judge program. The interview with Emerson Tarr first released on March 10th, 2025 and the interview with Salem Sifford first aired on August 18th, 2025.

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.

In this episode, Dr. Clint Schwab shares his journey from his Colorado roots and early involvement in 4-H and FFA to becoming a respected leader in livestock judging and animal genetics. He discusses the impact of mentorship, community, and lifelong learning, highlighting key influences and pivotal career decisions. Dr. Schwab offers practical advice for livestock judges and students, emphasizing the value of fundamentals, networking, and adaptability. The conversation provides valuable insights into professional development within the livestock industry, celebrating the tradition and future of livestock judging.

This episode originally released on April 7, 2025.

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.

This episode originally released on March 31, 2025.

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.

This episode features two interviews previously released on the podcast with students who took part in the Top Judge program. The interview with Anna Hannon first released on February 10th, 2025 and the interview with Reagan Gibson first aired on July 21st, 2025.

Anna Hannon 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...

On Today's Episode, Host Brett Kaysen sits down with two more university students who take part in the Top Judge program.

Cole Murphy attended Lake Land College where he was on the judging team and high individual at several major contests while also earning All-American honors. Cole currently attends Kansas State University where he was a member of the National Champion team and High Team at the American Royal. In May, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in animal science with a minor in agricultural sales. This summer, Cole served as the Field Staff Intern with the...

This episode features two interviews previously released on the podcast with students who took part in the Top Judge program. The interview with Jed Sidwell first released on February 17th, 2025 and the interview with Jacob Klaudt first aired on March 10th.

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...

This week, we are excited to sit down for a conversation with a legend of the industry: Dr. John Edwards, whose 50-year career as a livestock judge included judging every major steer show in the county as well as serving as the official judge for eight national beef breed shows. He also judged cattle in eight foreign countries on four continents.

This episode originally was released on December 23rd, 2024.

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!

On Today's Episode, Host Brett Kaysen sits down with two more university students who take part in the Top Judge program.

Zane Redifer is currently a senior at Kansas State University studying animal science. Zane was a member of both the 2024 National Champion Meat Animal Evaluation and Livestock Judging teams. Prior to KSU, Zane attended Butler Community College where he earned an associate's degree in animal science while competing on the livestock judging team. He and his family own and operate Redifer Livestock, which currently consists of about 60 ewes, 50 does, and 10 cows in Blacksburg, Virginia.

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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, Host Brett Kaysen sits down with two more university students who take part in the Top Judge program.

Braylon Spears attends Oklahoma State University where he is studying animal science. He was a member of the highly successful livestock judging team that won the Cattleman's Congress, National Western, Dixie National, National Barrow Show, and Tulsa State Fair contests while finishing as Reserve National Team at the North American International Livestock Exposition. Prior to OSU, Braylon attended Eastern Oklahoma State College where he was a member of a successful livestock judging team and graduated with...

This episode originally was released on January 27th, 2025.

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: Brett sits down for a conversation with Shane Brinning, Co-Owner and Co-Operator of Brinning Genetics, which specializes in raising elite show pigs.

On Today's Episode: We revisit two conversations from earlier episodes of The Sort where Brett had the opportunity to chat with two women who represent the future of the industry - Kyla Mennen from Kansas State University and Ashlyn O'Brien from Oklahoma 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...

On Today's Episode: Brett sits down for a conversation with Dr. Scott Schaake, Associate Professor with a specialization in Beef Cattle Production & Management at the Kansas State University School of Animal Sciences and Industry.

This episode is a re-release of episode #8 which was originally released on December 30th, 2024.

On Today's Episode: 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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 He...

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...

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...

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 a...

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...

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...

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 s...