The Sort

This episode is a re-release of Episode #1 of The Sort, originally released on November 11th, 2024.

THE SORT welcomes Warren Beeler to the podcast. 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.

On today's episode, Host Brett Kaysen sits down with guest Dr. Joel DeRouchey, Professor of Swine Nutrition at Animal State University.

Today's guest on the show is Clay Zwilling, CEO of the National Swine Registry. Clay’s a driving force behind the purebred swine industry, helping breeders and show pig producers innovate and grow. He’s all about blending fresh ideas with trusted traditions to keep this key part of agriculture moving forward. He’s also no stranger to the judging arena. You won’t want to miss this one!

This episode features an interview previously released on the podcast on March 3rd, 2025.

Today's guest is Dr. Rathmann, who holds the John W. and Doris Jones Professorship in Animal Science at Texas Tech University where he specializes in Beef Cattle Biology and serves as Faculty Coordinator and Coach of the Livestock Judging Team. Passionate about student success, Dr. Rathmann teaches courses on animal science, breeding, and beef production systems, and conducts research in feedlot nutrition, carcass composition, and muscle growth. No stranger to success, he led Texas Tech and Texas A&M to a combined 7 national championships.

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.