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.