The Sort

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 judgin...

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....

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 opportunitie...

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 opportunitie...

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...

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 h...

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 We...

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 indus...