The Sort

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!

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 he was a member of the Reserve National Champion Meats Judging Team and the National Champion Livestock Judging Team and was the high individual at the national contest. His graduate studies include an M.S. from Michigan State University and a Ph.D. from Iowa State.

While in graduate school Scott coached highly competitive livestock judging teams, including two National Champion teams at Iowa State. His graduate work at ISU was fundamental to the incorporation of ultrasound as a genetic improvement tool in beef cattle. In 1998, Greiner joined the faculty at Virginia Tech and serves at Extension Department Leader as well as co-chair of the interdisciplinary college Animal Production Program Team. As an Extension Animal Scientist, he designs and delivers educational programs in beef cattle and sheep to adults and youth, and conducts applied research. Specific responsibilities include design and delivery of educational programs and materials related to beef and sheep genetics and associated production and marketing issues, providing leadership for statewide programs in beef cattle and sheep; and maintaining strong working relationships with the beef and sheep industries and allied organizations. Dr. Greiner also teaches senior-level production and management coursework, and mentors graduate students.

Dr Greiner resides outside Christiansburg, VA. Along with his wife Lori they raised two daughters, Kaylee and Leah, through the youth livestock program and the family continues to be very involved in 4-H activities. The family also operates Greiner Sisters club lambs, focusing on Dorset, whiteface cross, and Southdown sheep.

Dr. Greiner has judged national, state, and local livestock shows of multiple species in 37 states as well as internationally. Since 2006 he has been Superintendent of the National Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest.

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 Western Kentucky University Hall of Fame, and the University of Kentucky Animal and Food Science Hall of Fame.

Beyond his work, Warren is recognized as one of most notable swine judges in the United States. He has judged state fairs in 43 states and every Texas Major show. His passion for the industry is only surpassed by his deep desire to see young people excel in life. Warren has been married to DeeDee for 42 years and they have 5 children and 2 grandchildren. We are beyond excited to have Warren kick off our show and look forward to you hearing from him.

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 industry. These individuals bring unique perspectives, enriching our program with their real-world experiences of challenges and successes that have shaped them into the leaders the are today.

The Sort is hosted by Brett L. Kaysen, Ph.D., the senior vice president of producer and state engagement for the National Pork Board. He leads the organization-wide grassroot relations effort to support pork producers in their priorities and build trust and add value in U.S. Pork. He also serves as the administrator for the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence.

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