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.

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 and Mohair Judging Team and the Breeding Sheep Show Team. He also serves at the faculty coordinator for the Sheep and Goat Center and the Louis Pearce Pavilion.

Beyond his teaching responsibilities Dr. Ramsey helps with the sheep and goat shows at the Texas majors and judges shows across the country. Each year he hosts a lamb and goat camp at TAMU bringing over 600 kids in for each to learn more about the industry. His knowledge of the sheep/goat industry is vast and we are excited to have him to be a part of the program!