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The Sort

Upload Media Group, LLC

Hop into the ring with The Sort, the podcast offering both a historical and forward-looking exploration of the world of livestock judges. The goal of The Sort is designed to support, engage, mentor, and advance the future leaders of the livestock industry. In each episode, 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.

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32 episodes
weekly
Avg 1 hr 4 min
English

Episodes 32

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S2 · E51
Monday · 1 hr 1 min
#104: REVISIT - Warren Beeler
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.
S2 · E50
November 2 · 59 min
#103: Tyler Grandil
A free parrot-mouth lamb helped set Tyler Grandil on the path from Arizona FFA leader to executive director of the Arizona National Livestock Show. In this episode of *The Sort*, host Dr. Brett Kaysen talks with Grandil about how that early break shaped his commitment to creating meaningful experiences for young exhibitors—and why he tells show staff, “We’re in the customer service business. It just happens to be a livestock show.” Grandil also discusses the challenge of running a major show on a state-owned fairground, building a career path through internships, and the judging habits that can damage a young judge’s reputation. Along the way, he makes a case for keeping work in perspective: the show matters, but family is the purpose. Bullet Points - Early experiences showing livestock and the mentors who helped shape a career - A career in Arizona FFA and the transition to leading a major livestock show - Work-life balance, personal priorities, and defining success - The Arizona National Livestock Show’s history, growth, and national reach - Creating a welcoming, exhibitor-focused experience for youth and families - Show facilities, logistics, capacity, and plans for future development - Leadership principles, continuous improvement, and learning from other events - Career pathways into livestock show management through internships - Professional standards for livestock judges, including fair conduct and sound judgment - Personal growth, handling setbacks, and building a legacy through kindness and service Timestamps **Welcome and Tyler’s location (00:00:24)** The host welcomes Tyler Grandil and asks where he is joining from. **Growing up and discovering livestock showing (00:01:19)** Tyler describes growing up in Mesa, following his brother into FFA and showing livestock. **The parrot-mouthed lamb that changed Tyler’s path (00:02:27)** A sheep breeder gives Tyler a lamb to show, creating a turning point in his livestock-showing experience. **Youth development as the show’s purpose (00:04:36)** Tyler explains how his own experience shapes his focus on making the show positive for young people. **College, Arizona FFA, and career beginnings (00:05:43)** Tyler recounts studying agribusiness, becoming Arizona FFA executive secretary, and later joining the Arizona National. **Lessons from 15 years in FFA and work-life balance (00:06:48)** Tyler reflects on serving students, avoiding overwork, and keeping family and personal values in perspective. **Starting as Arizona National executive director (00:13:05)** Tyler discusses taking the role, facing a steep learning curve, and relying on experienced staff. **Supporting youth-focused programs (00:16:19)** The host and Tyler discuss the Arizona National’s support for programs that develop young people. **Arizona National’s history and evolution (00:17:16)** Tyler traces the show’s history, growth into a junior market livestock event, and broad range of competitions. **The show’s atmosphere and customer service (00:20:13)** Tyler describes the relaxed exhibitor experience and the staff’s emphasis on welcoming service. **Livestock numbers and facility challenges (00:24:40)** Tyler shares show counts and discusses the downtown Phoenix fairgrounds, capacity, logistics, and facility limitations. **Finding purpose in show management (00:28:08)** Tyler talks about the challenges of the job, making improvements, and treating people with kindness. **Process, competition, and perspective (00:31:21)** The conversation explores continuous improvement, enjoying the journey, and keeping results in perspective. **Pathways into stock-show careers (00:35:17)** Tyler recommends internships, hands-on experience, and returning interns as ways to enter show management. **Learning from other shows (00:37:52)** Tyler explains how observing other events and borrowing effective ideas help improve the Arizona National. **Vision for the Arizona National’s future (00:40:26)** Tyler discusses expanding the visitor experience, financial resilience, international opportunities, and local engagement. **What the show looks for in judges (00:42:49)** Tyler emphasizes judging skill, youth-focused conduct, customer experience, and professional awareness of appearances. **Helping first-time exhibitors (00:47:44)** Tyler encourages newcomers to call the show for help and focus on having a good experience. **Handling mistakes and difficult decisions (00:49:21)** Tyler shares advice about learning from wrong turns, seeking guidance, and avoiding assumptions. **Legacy, kindness, and work-life balance (00:51:39)** Tyler describes the values he hopes to embody and how family priorities connect with professional life. **Closing thanks and credits (00:54:52)** The host thanks Tyler, recognizes his youth-focused work, and closes with podcast credits.
S2 · E49
October 26 · 1 hr 6 min
#102: REVISIT - Savannah Page and Dillon Prokop
This episode features two interviews previously released on the podcast with students who took part in the Top Judge program. The interview with Savannah Page first released on June 1st, 2026 and the interview with Dillon Prokop first aired on July 20th, 2026. 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. She highlights the invaluable life skills, mentorships, and connections gained through collegiate livestock judging. Dillon Prokop, 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. He emphasizes the lasting value of relationships, mentorship, and embracing opportunities within the livestock judging community.
S2 · E48
October 19 · 1 hr 1 min
#101: REVISIT - Jim McCoy
This episode is a re-release of episode #67 of The Sort podcast, originally released on February 16th, 2026. 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.
S2 · E47
October 12 · 1 hr
#100: Brady Jensen
Brady Jensen started his coaching job at South Dakota State with just four students—and no time to recruit. He built the program into a national contender, with teams reaching reserve national champion at Louisville, before leaving to return to his family’s Hereford and Angus operation in Kansas. In this conversation with Dr. Brett Kaysen, Jensen reflects on learning to judge by listening to visiting coaches at his family’s barn, coaching students who had barely judged before, and the advice he wishes he’d understood as a competitor: master the tools, then learn to control your mindset. He also shares how judging checks saved for his wife’s engagement ring—and what he hopes his legacy will be.
S2 · E46
October 5 · 1 hr
#99: REVISIT - Tom Farrer
This episode is a re-release of episode #59 of The Sort podcast, originally released on December 22nd, 2025. 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.
S2 · E45
September 28 · 57 min
#98: Dr. Jason Ross
In this episode of The Sort, host Dr. Brett Kaysen interviews Dr. Jason Ross, Department Head of Animal Sciences at Iowa State University. Dr. Ross shares his journey from growing up on an Iowa farm to becoming a faculty member and department head at Iowa State, with stops at Oklahoma State and the University of Missouri. He discusses his passion for swine reproductive physiology, his strong support for livestock judging programs as high-impact practices that build critical thinking and leadership skills, and the launch of an exciting new degree program focused on precision technology, business, and data analytics within animal industries.
S2 · E44
September 21 · 1 hr 6 min
#97: REVISIT - Hadley Broadwater and Skyler Ward
This episode features two interviews previously released on the podcast with students who took part in the Top Judge program. The interview with Hadley Broadwater first released on June 29th, 2026 and the interview with Skyler Ward first aired on May 4th, 2026. In this episode of The Sort podcast, host Dr. Brett Kaysen interviews Hadley Broadwater and Skyler Ward. 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. She also emphasizes hard work, mentorship, and the invaluable experiences gained through the Top Judge Program. 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. She also shares memorable experiences from the Top Judge program and offer inspiring insights on perseverance, mentorship, and career growth.
S2 · E43
September 14 · 1 hr 7 min
#96: Steve Gabel
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.
S2 · E42
September 7 · 1 hr 6 min
#95: REVISIT - Jack Habjan and Mason Allen
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.
S2 · E41
August 31 · 49 min
#94: Kayla Rathmann
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.
S2 · E40
August 24 · 1 hr 3 min
#93: REVISIT - Chyanne Emmerson and Jackson Tarrance
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.
S2 · E39
August 17 · 1 hr 1 min
#92: Jerry Reid
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.
S2 · E38
August 10 · 1 hr 4 min
#91: REVISIT - Dr. John Edwards
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.
S2 · E37
August 3 · 1 hr 9 min
#90: Jennifer Cannon and Ernie Barnes
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.
S2 · E36
July 27 · 1 hr 18 min
#89: Glen Martin
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.
S2 · E35
July 20 · 59 min
#88: Bryson Stone and Dillon Prokop
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.
S2 · E34
July 13 · 1 hr 3 min
#87: Nathaniel Gaul and Joscelyn Layman
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.
S2 · E33
July 6 · 1 hr 28 min
#86: Caden Schwab, Kade Mennen, Tucker Woods
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.
S2 · E32
June 29 · 1 hr 6 min
#85: Hadley Broadwater and Kaitlyn Zeedyk
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.

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