The Sort

In this episode of The Sort, host Dr. Brett Kaysen sits down with Steve Gabel, a Colorado-based cattle feeder, entrepreneur, and longtime livestock judging coach. Steve shares his journey from growing up on a farm in Fort Lupton to building Magnum Feed Yards into a 36,000-head operation. He reflects on his college judging career at CSU, his 21 years coaching Weld County's 4-H judging team to nine state titles, and his commitment to hosting teams at his feed yard. Steve also candidly discusses overcoming a serious injury in 1999 and the values of integrity, hard work, and giving back that have defined his career.

This episode features two interviews previously released on the podcast with students who took part in the Top Judge program. The interview with Jack Habjan first released on May 4th, 2026 and the interview with Mason Allan first aired on May 25th, 2026.Jack Habjan, from Linwood, Kansas, shares his journey from sports announcing dreams to pursuing ruminant nutrition at Texas Tech, with plans for graduate studies at the University of Arkansas. He also shares memorable experiences from the Top Judge program and offers inspiring insights on perseverance, mentorship, and career growth.Mason Allan, from Schulenburg, Texas, discusses his family's Hereford operation and plans for a master's degree at Texas Tech while assistant coaching the judging team. He also highlights the Top Judge program's value and encourage young 4-H and FFA members to embrace livestock judging's opportunities.

In this episode, host Dr. Brett Kaysen interviews Kayla Rathmann from Texas Tech University's Department of Animal and Food Sciences. Kayla shares her West Texas roots, her family's deep ties to agriculture and livestock judging, and her unexpected path into academic advising. She reflects on Texas Tech's remarkable growth from 368 to 1,500 students over 20 years, crediting strong leadership, faculty, and alumni support. Kayla discusses her mentorship philosophy, evolving student demographics, and the enduring value of judging programs. She also opens up about personal hardships that shaped her resilience and faith, offering heartfelt advice for students and parents navigating agricultural education and career decisions.

This episode features two interviews previously released on the podcast with students who took part in the Top Judge program. The interview with Chyann Emerson first released on April 13th, 2026 and the interview with Jackson Tarrance first aired on April 20th, 2026.Chyann Emmerson, from Tuttle, Oklahoma, shares how a soccer injury redirected her toward livestock judging, ultimately leading her to a national championship and internships with pork industry organizations. She reflects on teamwork, building confidence, communication skills, and the lasting relationships forged through competitive livestock judging.Jackson Tarrance, from Welling, Oklahoma, shares his journey from showing pigs to collegiate judging, discussing mentors, career goals in agricultural lending, and plans to grow his family's show pig operation. He emphasizes judging's value in building skills, relationships, and professional networks.

In this episode of The Sort, host Dr. Brett Kaysen welcomes Jerry (J.R.) Reid—elite hog breeder, livestock evaluator, 20-year NCAA basketball referee, and Missouri State Fair superintendent. J.R. shares his family's multi-generational hog breeding legacy dating back to the 1940s, highlighting how foundational evaluation terminology remains relevant today. He draws compelling parallels between refereeing and livestock judging, emphasizing professionalism, consistency, and giving full effort at every event—large or small. J.R. also reflects on career pivots, resilience, and the work ethic instilled by his farming roots, leaving listeners with timeless advice: your word is your bond, and hard work never goes out of style.

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.

In this episode, Dr. Brett Kaysen interviews Jennifer Cannon, Competitive Events Director at the Iowa State Fair, and volunteer swine superintendent Ernie Barnes. Jennifer shares her 18-year journey managing 40,000 annual entries across diverse competitions, from livestock to food. Ernie discusses his 20-plus years volunteering in the swine barn. Together, they explore what makes the Iowa State Fair unique, including its park-like historic fairgrounds, strong community spirit, and ongoing barn renovations. They also highlight the importance of balancing tradition with innovation and discuss their support for the Top Judge program in developing future livestock judges.

In this episode of The Sort Podcast, Dr. Brett Kaysen interviews Glen Martin, a respected multi-species livestock expert from Mason, Texas. Glen traces his journey from growing up in a diversified ranching family with deep Texas roots, to competing in FFA judging teams at Texas A&M, to managing a 6,500-acre operation today. He shares candid stories about teamwork, humility, and mentorship, emphasizing that helping young people is his God-given purpose. Grounded in Christian faith, Glen reflects on overcoming droughts and personal challenges, ultimately expressing his desire to be remembered for planting seeds of faith and growth within the livestock industry.

In this episode of The Sort, host Dr. Kaysen sits down with two Texas A&M University students, Bryson Stone and Dillon Prokop, to discuss their journeys in agriculture and livestock judging. Bryson, raised on a cotton farm near Lubbock, shares how resilience, diverse experiences, and strong mentorship shaped his path in agribusiness. Dillon, from Llano's Texas Hill Country, reflects on his unexpected shift from engineering to animal science and his plans to pursue a master's degree in meat science. Both students emphasize the lasting value of relationships, mentorship, and embracing opportunities within the livestock judging community.

In this episode of the Sort podcast, host Dr. Brett Kaysen interviews Nathaniel Gaul (Iowa State University) and Joscelyn Layman (Michigan State University), both participants in the Top Judge program—a transitional initiative helping senior collegiate livestock judges move into professional roles. Nathaniel shares his journey from a northeast Iowa farm to securing a grain merchandising career, while Joscelyn discusses her path toward veterinary school. Both reflect on memorable contest experiences at Louisville and San Antonio, the value of mentorship, and lessons learned through livestock judging. They offer thoughtful advice to aspiring judges about integrity, relationships, and embracing the journey beyond competition.

In this episode of "The Sort" podcast, host Dr. Brett Kaysen interviews three collegiate livestock judging competitors. Caden Schwab from Fort Collins, Colorado, discusses growing up as a coach's son, his journey from Connors State to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and his plans to pursue a finance master's degree in Texas. Kade Mennen from Indiana shares his path through Lincoln Land Community College to Iowa State, balancing farming with academics. Tucker Woods from Mississippi details his unique turfgrass management major at Mississippi State. All three discuss the Top Judge program, favorite contests, and offer advice encouraging youth to embrace confidence and seek mentorship.

In this episode of The Sort podcast, host Dr. Brett Kaysen interviews two Iowa State University students, Hadley Broadwater and Kaitlyn Zeedyk, both deeply involved in livestock judging and animal science. Hadley, from Indiana, shares her journey from showing swine and sheep to pursuing a master's degree in reproductive physiology, crediting mentorship and Iowa State's supportive community. Kaitlyn, from Ohio, discusses her path from a grain and sheep farm to a nutrition and sales career, highlighting how livestock judging built her confidence and communication skills. Both guests emphasize hard work, mentorship, and the invaluable experiences gained through the Top Judge Program.

In this episode of the Sort podcast, host Dr. Brett Kaysen sits down with two standout collegiate livestock judges: Alexandra Duckworth from the University of Tennessee and Kellum Carnahan from Kansas State University. Alexandra shares her passion for beef cattle genetics and genomics, her journey from aspiring veterinarian to future academic researcher, and her experience in the Top Judge program. Kellum discusses his ranching roots in Wyoming and Colorado, his development as a judge, and his aspirations to coach and eventually expand his family's seedstock operation. Both guests offer inspiring perspectives on mentorship, personal growth, and careers in agriculture.

In this episode of The Sort, powered by Primo Feeds, host Dr. Brett Kaysen features two Texas A&M University students from the Top Judge program. Kylie Kunzler, raised on a commercial cow-calf operation in rural Utah, shares her journey from Butler County Community College to Texas A&M, crediting key mentors and encouraging youth to bet on themselves. Blane Warnken, a first-generation college student from Schulenburg, Texas, reflects on his family's registered Hereford operation and his path through Blinn College to Texas A&M. Both students highlight the value of mentorship, hard work, and the unique networking opportunities the Top Judge program provides.

In this episode of The Sort podcast, powered by Primo Feeds, host Brett Kaysen interviews two Kansas State University livestock judging team members. Luke Raudebaugh, from Ohio, shares his background in sheep production, his journey through Casper College, and his plans to manage a club lamb operation post-graduation. Savannah Page, from Georgia, discusses her family's swine operation, her extensive experience with the National Junior Swine Association, and her aspirations in the swine industry. Both guests highlight the invaluable life skills, mentorships, and connections gained through collegiate livestock judging.

In this episode of the Sort podcast, host Brett Kaysen interviews Bradie Midcap and Mason Allan, two Texas Tech University students passionate about livestock judging and the cattle industry. Bradie, from Ray, Colorado, shares her journey from a Simmental cow-calf operation to pursuing a master's degree in ruminant nutrition at Kansas State University. Mason, from Schulenburg, Texas, discusses his family's Hereford operation and plans for a master's degree at Texas Tech while assistant coaching the judging team. Both highlight the Top Judge program's value and encourage young 4-H and FFA members to embrace livestock judging's opportunities.

In this episode of The Sort, host Brett Kaysen welcomes two outstanding collegiate livestock judges and Top Judge program members: Megan Zipprich from Penn State and Lexi Hunt from Texas Tech. Megan shares her journey from rural Pennsylvania to committing to Purdue's DVM program, her passion for serving agricultural communities, and her love of judging contests like the All-East and Blue Dragon Classic. Lexi, from Buckeye, Arizona, discusses her path through South Plains College to Texas Tech, her evolving career goals, and her philosophy of giving back to youth in the show ring. Both highlight the Top Judge program as an invaluable bridge from collegiate to professional judging.

In this episode of the Sort podcast, host Dr. Brett Kaysen sits down with two Texas Tech University livestock judging team members, Kinsey Gardner and Blake Janssen. Kinsey shares her journey from Gatesville, Texas, balancing softball and judging before pursuing a CPA career specializing in farm and ranch accounting. Blake, raised in Amber, Oklahoma, discusses his deep-rooted passion for cattle and plans to work in cattle genetics post-graduation. Both students reflect on the impact of mentorship, the Top Judge program, and Texas Tech's faculty, offering inspiring advice on relationships, integrity, and embracing challenges to grow as agricultural professionals and future leaders.

This episode of The Sort podcast, powered by Primo Feeds, features interviews with Jack Habjan and Skyler Ward, two rising stars in collegiate livestock judging and animal science. Jack, from Linwood, Kansas, shares his journey from sports announcing dreams to pursuing ruminant nutrition at Texas Tech, with plans for graduate studies at the University of Arkansas. Skyler, from New Paris, Ohio, discusses her livestock judging family roots, her time at Kansas State University, and upcoming graduate work in pet food nutrition. Both share memorable experiences from the Top Judge program and offer inspiring insights on perseverance, mentorship, and career growth.

In this episode of The Sort podcast, host Brett Kaysen interviews two agriculture students passionate about livestock judging. Paige Lemenager, from Texas Tech University, shares her journey from aspiring veterinarian to future agricultural attorney, focusing on estate planning for farming families. Colt Blacklock, originally from Saskatchewan, Canada, and attending Kansas State University, discusses his cow-calf operation background and plans to return home to lead a bull test program. Both guests reflect on memorable judging contests, influential mentors, and humorous team road trip stories, showcasing the camaraderie and opportunities that livestock judging provides.

In this episode of “The Sort”, powered by Primo Feeds, host Brett Kaysen interviews two Oklahoma State University livestock judging team members, Jackson Tarrance and Kolton Lake. Jackson, from Welling, Oklahoma, shares his journey from showing pigs to collegiate judging, discussing mentors, career goals in agricultural lending, and plans to grow his family's show pig operation. Kolton Lake, from Laramie, Wyoming, reflects on his path through Butler Community College to OSU, a national championship win, and aspirations in ruminant nutrition or coaching. Both emphasize judging's value in building skills, relationships, and professional networks.

In this episode of "The Sort," host Brett Kaysen sits down with two Oklahoma State University livestock judging standouts: Chyann Emerson and Preston Rhode. Chyann, from Tuttle, Oklahoma, shares how a soccer injury redirected her toward livestock judging, ultimately leading her to a national championship and internships with pork industry organizations. Preston, from Carlock, Illinois, discusses growing up in a cattle and show pig family, his path through junior college, and his passion for animal science at OSU. Together, they reflect on teamwork, building confidence, communication skills, and the lasting relationships forged through competitive livestock judging.

In this episode of The Sort, host Brett Kaysen sits down with Oklahoma State University livestock judging team members Connor Pell and Dax DeLozier. Connor shares his journey from northeast Oklahoma, his roots in horse judging, and his transition to livestock judging at Redlands Community College before landing at OSU. Dax, a sixth-generation rancher from Adair, Oklahoma, discusses growing up on a cow-calf operation and his pivot from veterinary aspirations to meat science research. Both reflect on mentors, favorite contests, memorable road trip stories, and their futures in the livestock industry — offering valuable perspective for judges and agricultural professionals alike.

This episode originally aired on February 24th, 2025.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!

In this episode, Tim Fort shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings in White Deer, Texas, to becoming a respected leader in the swine industry. Listeners gain insights into Tim’s experiences in show pig raising, livestock judging, and commercial pig production, including international projects in Russia and China. He discusses the founding of Primo, a family-run pig feed company, and emphasizes the importance of mentorship, decision-making, and giving back. Tim’s story offers valuable lessons for livestock judges, students, and industry professionals on resilience, networking, and building a legacy through service and innovation.

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.

In this episode, host Brett Kaysen interviews Kim Brock, a legendary figure in Oklahoma State University’s Animal Science department. Kim shares his journey from growing up on a Missouri farm to becoming OSU’s swineherd manager, livestock judging coach, and farm coordinator. The conversation highlights his passion for mentoring students, the importance of youth development in livestock judging, and the enduring support of OSU alumni. Kim reflects on leadership, career transitions, and the value of integrity, leaving listeners inspired by his dedication to excellence and positive impact on generations within the agricultural community.

This episode originally aired on January 6th, 2025.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.

In this episode, host Brett Kaysen interviews Jim McCoy, a respected leader in the swine industry known for his work with purebred and show hogs. Jim shares his journey from growing up on a commercial hog farm in Ohio to becoming a renowned judge and breeder, highlighting the mentors who guided him. He discusses overcoming challenges, the importance of perseverance, and his transition into consulting after selling his farm. Jim emphasizes the value of community, mentorship, and integrity in livestock shows, offering insights and encouragement for both industry veterans and newcomers.

This episode originally was released on February 3rd, 2025.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.

In this episode, guest Nick Hofschulte shares his journey from growing up on a family farm in northeast Oklahoma to becoming a respected livestock judge and industry leader. Nick discusses the influence of his family, the importance of 4-H and FFA, and key moments in his judging and show pig career. He offers practical advice on building networks, balancing family and career, and the value of mentorship. Listeners gain insights into the challenges and rewards of livestock judging, as well as the importance of humility, relationships, and passion in the livestock industry.

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!

In this episode, host Brett Kaysen interviews Bob Kimm, a respected livestock judge and educator. Bob shares his journey from growing up on an Iowa farm and competing in FFA, to coaching successful junior college livestock judging teams and teaching at Hawkeye Community College. He discusses the evolution of livestock contests, the importance of integrity, and his philosophy of breeding functional, balanced animals. Bob’s stories highlight mentorship, perseverance, and the value of hands-on learning. The episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for current and aspiring livestock judges, educators, and industry professionals.

This episode is a re-release of episode #4 of The Sort podcast, originally released on December 2nd, 2024.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.

In this episode of The Sort Podcast, host Brett Kaysen sits down with guest Brandon Callis—a respected livestock judging coach—to discuss Brandon’s journey from his Texas upbringing to a successful career in livestock judging and coaching. Brandon shares insights on the value of focusing on the process over results, the importance of mentorship, and how to balance professional ambition with personal values. He emphasizes starting small, continual self-improvement, and maintaining integrity both in and out of the ring. The episode offers practical advice and inspiration for livestock judges, students, and industry professionals, highlighting the deeper purpose and lifelong impact of livestock evaluation.

This episode features two interviews previously released on the podcast with students who took part in the Top Judge program. The interview with Ashlyn O'Brien first released on February 17th, 2025 and the interview with Gunner Coburn first aired on April 21st, 2025.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.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.

In this episode of The Sort podcast, host Brett Kaysen talks with Tom Farrer, a renowned livestock breeder and judge from Indiana. Tom shares insights from his multi-generational family operation, his experiences in 4-H, and his journey judging at major shows nationwide. He discusses the importance of independent thinking, adapting to industry changes, and maintaining high standards in both breeding and evaluation. Tom emphasizes the value of youth development, family legacy, and staying true to one’s ideals—offering practical advice and inspiration for current and aspiring livestock judges and industry professionals.

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 and Canada.

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 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.

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 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, 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 in animal science with a minor in agricultural sales. This summer, Cole served as the Field Staff Intern with the National Swine Registry.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 an associate's degree. Braylon's family owns a showpig operation in Hartsthorne, Oklahoma that consists of 20 sows.

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 his life and career.