The Sort

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.

On Today's Episode: Brett sits down for a legendary conversation with Joel Cowley, Chief Executive Officer of the Calgary Stampede.

Before taking on the role of CEO, Joel was most recently the president of Angus Genetics Incorporated, following 15 years with the internationally renowned Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

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 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.