The Sort

This episode originally aired on February 24th, 2025.

Our guest this week on THE SORT podcast is Terry Burks. Terry is a retired Professor of English Studies from Chifeng University in The People’s Republic of China and has judged nearly 1300 Junior and open livestock shows in 43 states. You won’t want to miss this one!

In this episode, Tim Fort shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings in White Deer, Texas, to becoming a respected leader in the swine industry. Listeners gain insights into Tim’s experiences in show pig raising, livestock judging, and commercial pig production, including international projects in Russia and China. He discusses the founding of Primo, a family-run pig feed company, and emphasizes the importance of mentorship, decision-making, and giving back. Tim’s story offers valuable lessons for livestock judges, students, and industry professionals on resilience, networking, and building a legacy through service and innovation.

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.

In this episode, host Brett Kaysen interviews Kim Brock, a legendary figure in Oklahoma State University’s Animal Science department. Kim shares his journey from growing up on a Missouri farm to becoming OSU’s swineherd manager, livestock judging coach, and farm coordinator. The conversation highlights his passion for mentoring students, the importance of youth development in livestock judging, and the enduring support of OSU alumni. Kim reflects on leadership, career transitions, and the value of integrity, leaving listeners inspired by his dedication to excellence and positive impact on generations within the agricultural community.

This episode originally aired on January 6th, 2025.

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.

In this episode, host Brett Kaysen interviews Jim McCoy, a respected leader in the swine industry known for his work with purebred and show hogs. Jim shares his journey from growing up on a commercial hog farm in Ohio to becoming a renowned judge and breeder, highlighting the mentors who guided him. He discusses overcoming challenges, the importance of perseverance, and his transition into consulting after selling his farm. Jim emphasizes the value of community, mentorship, and integrity in livestock shows, offering insights and encouragement for both industry veterans and newcomers.

This episode originally was released on February 3rd, 2025.

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.

In this episode, guest Nick Hofschulte shares his journey from growing up on a family farm in northeast Oklahoma to becoming a respected livestock judge and industry leader. Nick discusses the influence of his family, the importance of 4-H and FFA, and key moments in his judging and show pig career. He offers practical advice on building networks, balancing family and career, and the value of mentorship. Listeners gain insights into the challenges and rewards of livestock judging, as well as the importance of humility, relationships, and passion in the livestock industry.

This episode originally was released on December 23rd, 2024.

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!