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.

This episode features two interviews previously released on the podcast with students who took part in the Top Judge program. The interview with Emerson Tarr first released on March 10th, 2025 and the interview with Salem Sifford first aired on August 18th, 2025.

Emerson is a senior at Kansas State University where she is studying agriculture communications and journalism with a minor in animal science. Emerson is involved in the College of Agriculture Ambassadors, Block and Bridle, and Agriculture Communicators of Tomorrow. She was also a member of the 2024 National Champion Livestock Judging and Meat Animal Evaluation Teams.

Salem Sifford is a junior at Virginia Tech, majoring in dairy science and minoring in animal and poultry sciences and agricultural business. She competed on the dairy judging team at World Dairy Expo, earning 2nd individual overall, and All-American honors. Salem was also a highly competitive member of the livestock judging team. Salem serves on the NJHA board of directors as communications chair. She is an officer in several clubs, including Alpha Zeta, Dairy Club, and Beef Leadership Council.

In this episode, Dr. Clint Schwab shares his journey from his Colorado roots and early involvement in 4-H and FFA to becoming a respected leader in livestock judging and animal genetics. He discusses the impact of mentorship, community, and lifelong learning, highlighting key influences and pivotal career decisions. Dr. Schwab offers practical advice for livestock judges and students, emphasizing the value of fundamentals, networking, and adaptability. The conversation provides valuable insights into professional development within the livestock industry, celebrating the tradition and future of livestock judging.

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.

This episode features two interviews previously released on the podcast with students who took part in the Top Judge program. The interview with Anna Hannon first released on February 10th, 2025 and the interview with Reagan Gibson first aired on July 21st, 2025.

Anna Hannon began her collegiate judging career at Northern Oklahoma College, where her team was named 2023 Team of the Year after winning American Royal, NAILE, Denver, and Houston. She then transitioned to Oklahoma State University, where she is currently finishing a degree in Recreational Therapy. Her time at NOC and OSU culminated in earning several individual accolades, including being named an All-American in both junior and senior college.

Reagan Gibson attends lowa State University majoring in agricultural education with a minor in animal science. At ISU, she is a member of the Block and Bridle Club and the highly competitive 2024 Livestock Judging and Meat Animal Evaluation Teams. She found success while also working as an undergraduate teaching assistant for two classes. Outside of school, she serves as secretary of the Team Purebred Junior Board and operates Stock Show Therapies, an animal-focused PEMF therapy business.

On Today's Episode, Host Brett Kaysen sits down with two more university students who take part in the Top Judge program.

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.

Salem Sifford is a junior at Virginia Tech, majoring in dairy science and minoring in animal and poultry sciences and agricultural business. She competed on the dairy judging team at World Dairy Expo, earning 2nd individual overall, and All-American honors. Salem was also a highly competitive member of the livestock judging team. Salem serves on the NJHA board of directors as communications chair. She is an officer in several clubs, including Alpha Zeta, Dairy Club, and Beef Leadership Council.

This episode features two interviews previously released on the podcast with students who took part in the Top Judge program. The interview with Jed Sidwell first released on February 17th, 2025 and the interview with Jacob Klaudt first aired on March 10th.

Livestock judging led Jed to Butler Community College where he was a member of the Champion Team at the Cattlemen's Congress. After two years at Butler, he went to Stillwater, Oklahoma where he just finished up his time as a member of the Livestock Judging team at Oklahoma State University. He was a member of the Champion team at the Cattleman's Congress, National Western, and National Barrow show. Jed was also the high individual at the Dixie National judging contest.

Jacob is a senior at Kansas State University majoring in animal sciences and industry with an option in communications and marketing. He was a member of national champion livestock judging and meat animal evaluation teams, and achieved high individual overall in Louisville. Jacob earned two associate degrees from Casper College where he was awarded All-American honors in livestock judging. He works for the Agriculture Today radio show, writes for K-State Research & Extension news, and is on staff for the College of Agriculture's Agriculturist magazine.