To The Front

Episode 19 Summary:

This week on To The Front, Tony Morris and Thomas Gross answer listener questions about getting new show pigs started on feed, monitoring their health, and washing pigs during cold weather.

Starting New Pigs

How long does it take a new pig to adjust? The guys discuss feed transitions, consistent feeding routines, gut health, water intake, and why giving pigs time to settle in is important.

Daily Health Checks

Learn what to watch for when bringing new pigs into the barn, including appetite, hydration, energy, breathing, temperature, and manure quality. They also discuss when it's time to call your veterinarian or breeder.

Cold-Weather Washing

Tony and Thomas share tips for keeping pigs clean during the winter, including using warm water, taking advantage of good weather, washing less frequently, and making sure pigs are dry and protected from drafts.

Thanks for listening to To the Front! Send us your livestock questions and be sure to leave a review wherever you listen.

Episode 18: Which Feed To Use, Ideal Market Weight and Show Pig Gut Health 

Episode Summary: This week on To The Front, Tony Morris and Thomas Gross discuss three key topics for show-pig exhibitors:

• Choosing Show Feed: Start with your breeder’s recommendation, then prioritize a feed that is high quality, fresh, readily available, and consistent. Several major brands make good feeds, so consistency matters more than chasing a specific brand.
• Ideal Market Weight: For show pigs, 250–285 pounds is a general target, but the right weight depends on the individual pig. Show them at the weight where they look their best rather than forcing them heavier.
• Chiseled & Gut Health: Chiseled is formulated with acid buffers, probiotics, and prebiotics to support gut health. The hosts explain why it can be used safely without adding Thrive or other products specifically to offset its tomato content.

Bottom Line: Feed consistently, find the weight that best fits your animal, and prioritize gut health throughout the feeding program.

Episode: Confusing Judging Terms, Part II

Episode Summary:

In this episode of To The Front, Tony Morris and Thomas Gross dive back into some of the confusing judging terms exhibitors hear in the show ring. They break down what judges mean when they describe a pig as short-backed, looking like a show pig, or dense, while also discussing the differences between what wins in the show ring and what has real-world value.

The conversation also touches on judging communication, carcass value, and why judges should take the time to explain what they mean when using vague terms. Plus, Tony and Thomas discuss the importance of being a good member of the livestock community and choosing to serve others with a positive attitude.

Key Topics

• What judges mean when they say a pig is short-backed

• Why shorter-backed pigs can look more proportional and appealing in the show ring

• The difference between show-ring preferences and commercial carcass value

• What makes a pig “look like a show pig”

• Tall shoulders, front end, bone, hair, and presentation

• Why the show world and commercial world don't always align

• What judges mean when they describe a pig as dense

• Why terms like “dense” and “looks like a show pig” can be confusing

• The importance of judges explaining their terminology

• Understanding the arena you're competing in and playing the game accordingly

• Choosing kindness, service, and consideration for others at livestock events

Episode: Finding & Selecting Your Next Show Calf with Jon Gevelinger

Episode Summary

In this episode of To The Front, Tony Morris is joined by special guest Jon Gevelinger to talk about selecting your next show calf and setting your family up for success.

They discuss why the "best" calf isn't always the best calf for your family, how to define your goals before buying, the importance of finding the right people to have in your corner, and why Jon's number-one rule is to go see the calf in person.

Tony and Jon also talk about making the livestock community more inclusive, providing education, and helping families shorten the learning curve.

In This Episode:

• Define your goals before you buy.

• Find the animal that fits your goals—not necessarily the "best" one.

• Know what support and guidance you need.

• Build a team you trust and commit to their plan.

• Always go see the animal in person before buying.

• Make education more accessible and help bring more families into the livestock community.

Key Takeaway

The best animal isn't always the best animal for you.

Episode 15: How Do You Know If You Should Even Show Livestock?

Episode Summary

In this episode of To The Front, Tony Morris and Thomas Gross tackle a bigger question facing livestock families: Should you even show livestock? Following their experiences at the Indiana State Fair, they

discuss what makes the livestock project worthwhile beyond winning a banner, how families can balance different kids and their interests, and how to approach the rising cost of competitive livestock projects.

Tony and Thomas share personal stories about raising their own kids in the livestock industry, making trade-offs between sports and livestock, setting realistic goals based on time and budget, and finding value

in the project even when winning isn't the outcome. They also discuss how exhibitors can become part of the solution when they're frustrated with county fair rules and close with an important reminder to

members of the livestock community: you are not alone.

Key Topics & Timestamps

00:00 – 10:00 | More Than Just Winning

Tony and Thomas reflect on their Indiana State Fair experiences, including Thomas' Champion Landrace Gilt and Tony's favorite memories of working cattle with his family. They discuss why celebrating others,

spending time with friends and family, and creating meaningful memories can be more important than what's written on the banner.

10:00 – 18:08 | Balancing Kids, Sports & Livestock

How do families draw lines when different kids have different interests? Tony and Thomas share how they've navigated baseball, softball, livestock, time, energy, and finances with their own families—and why

honest conversations and realistic expectations are necessary when you can't do everything.

18:08 – 29:07 | Showing Livestock Without Breaking the Bank

Tony and Thomas address the frustration many families feel about the cost of competitive livestock projects. They discuss setting goals based on your resources, finding success through showmanship and

hard work, learning from losing, and remembering that the value of livestock showing isn't determined by how much money you spend or how many banners you win.

29:07 – 33:11 | Getting Involved & Supporting the Livestock Community

The conversation turns to county fair frustrations, volunteering, and finding constructive ways to create change. Tony and Thomas also close with an important message about supporting one another and reminding people in the livestock community that they are not alone.

Key Takeaways

• Livestock showing is about much more than winning banners.
• Different kids may have different passions, and families have to make decisions based on their individual interests.
• You can't give unlimited time, energy, and money to every activity.
• Set goals that are realistic for your family's resources and circumstances.
• A smaller livestock budget doesn't mean your kids can't learn valuable lessons from the project.
• Showmanship, herdsmanship, responsibility, hard work, and relationships are all important parts of livestock showing.
• Losing can provide valuable lessons and opportunities to grow.
• Don't compare your family's project or budget to someone else's.
• If you're frustrated with your county fair, get involved and look for ways to help make it better.
• The livestock community should be a place where people feel supported—and know that they are not alone

County fair season always brings new lessons and in this episode of To The Front, Tony Morris and Thomas Gross are joined by special guest Charley Morris, fresh off her Grand Champion county fair win. Together, they reflect on the highs of fair week, share what they learned from this year's experience, and discuss why enjoying the journey can be just as important as bringing home banners.

The conversation then shifts into one of the most common questions exhibitors ask: Should you play the weight game? Tony and Thomas break down weigh-in strategies, explain how much weight pigs can realistically lose before weigh-in and discuss how hydration, timing and understanding each individual pig play a role in success.

The episode wraps up with a discussion about melatonin - what it is, how it works, and why it's a valuable tool for growing hair, but not a replacement for good genetics and consistent daily management.

00:00 – 10:45 | County Fair Recap & Lessons Learned

Tony, Thomas, and special guest Charley Morris recap their county fair experiences, celebrate recent wins, and share why having fun, making memories, and enjoying the people around you often leads to a better week in the show barn.

10:45 – 20:30 | Playing the Weight Game: How Much Weight Can a Pig Lose?

The crew answers a listener's question about weigh-in strategy, discussing trailer shrink, hydration, declared weights, and why every pig responds differently. They explain how understanding your own livestock is the key to making smart weight decisions.

20:30 – 28:30 | Melatonin Explained

Tony and Thomas break down the purpose of melatonin in livestock, how it helps promote hair growth, when to start using it, and why it's best viewed as one piece of a complete hair-care program—not a miracle solution.

• County fair success isn't measured only by banners—it's also about the memories you create with family and friends.
• Taking pressure off yourself and enjoying the experience can often lead to better results in the show ring.
• There is no universal weigh-in strategy. Every pig loses weight differently, and every situation should be evaluated individually.
• Knowing what your pigs weigh—and what they look like at their ideal condition—makes weigh-in decisions much easier.
• Trailer rides, hydration, feed, and time between weigh-in and show day all influence how much weight an animal gains or loses.
• Melatonin is an effective tool for promoting hair growth, but it works best alongside good genetics, consistent daily care, and proper management.
• Supplements can enhance good management, but they cannot replace hard work or quality livestock.

County fair season is one of the most exciting—and sometimes stressful—times of the year for livestock families. In this episode of To The Front, Tony Morris and Thomas Gross answer listener questions about preparing for your first county fair, managing livestock through long fair schedules, and why county fairs can feel more competitive than any other show.

From practical feeding and hydration strategies to reminders about keeping the experience fun, this episode is full of advice to help exhibitors and families make the most of fair week while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

00:00 – 04:50 | County Fair Kickoff & Fair Season Traditions
Tony and Thomas kick off county fair season by sharing stories about their own county fairs, discussing why kids love fair week, and reminding families to embrace the entire experience—not just the show ring.

04:50 – 13:20 | First County Fair? Here's Our Advice
The guys answer a listener's question about attending their very first county fair, offering tips on managing expectations, letting kids enjoy the fair, and focusing on learning instead of winning.

13:20 – 19:10 | Keeping Livestock on Track During Long Fair Weeks
Learn how Tony and Thomas approach feeding and hydration for county fairs that last several days. They discuss preparing animals before arrival, using hydration strategies throughout the week, and planning around your target show day.

19:10 – End | Why Is the County Fair So Competitive?
The episode wraps up with a discussion about why county fairs often feel more intense than larger shows, how hometown expectations affect exhibitors, and why keeping the right perspective makes all the difference.

• The county fair is about more than showing livestock—it's about making memories, building friendships, and enjoying the experience.
• Let kids experience everything the fair has to offer while still teaching responsibility and good stockmanship.
• Start preparing livestock before arriving by considering travel conditions, weather, and hydration.
• During long fair weeks, keep your target show in mind and avoid having animals at their peak too early.
• Hot weather and older fair barns can increase the need for proper hydration and livestock comfort.
• Stay disciplined with your feeding plan and avoid making emotional decisions based on day-to-day results.
• Parents play a huge role in setting the tone. Keeping expectations realistic and focusing on fun helps create a better experience for the whole family.
• At the end of the day, the county fair is about developing young people, creating lifelong memories, and enjoying time together as a family.

In this episode of To The Front, Tony Morris and Thomas Gross answer three timely listener questions covering everyday challenges faced by livestock exhibitors. They discuss effective walking routines for show pigs, practical ways to manage heat stress during the summer months, and strategies for helping young exhibitors overcome anxiety before entering the show ring.

Whether you're preparing for your next jackpot, battling rising temperatures, or looking to build confidence in your young showman, this episode is packed with practical advice you can apply at home and in the barn.

00:00 – 08:30 | Building an Effective Walking Routine
Tony and Thomas discuss how their approach to walking pigs has evolved, why shorter, purposeful workouts are more effective than long sessions, and how to build stamina without creating ring-sour pigs.

08:30 – 14:55 | Managing Heat Stress During the Summer
Learn practical tips for keeping pigs comfortable during hot weather, including airflow, feeding schedules, hydration, rinsing, gut health, and electrolyte support to help maintain feed intake and performance.

14:55 – 24:55 | Helping Young Showmen Manage Ring Anxiety
Tony and Thomas share personal experiences as parents, discussing ways to reduce anxiety before entering the ring, the importance of repetition, positive coaching, and keeping livestock showing fun for the entire family.

• Walking pigs consistently for 5–7 minutes is often more beneficial than long, exhausting workouts.
• Build stamina without overworking pigs to prevent burnout and ring sourness.
• During hot weather, prioritize airflow, hydration, cool water, and feeding during cooler parts of the day.
• Healthy gut function and proper hydration play a major role in maintaining feed intake during periods of heat stress.
• Confidence in the show ring comes through repetition and experience.
• Parents set the emotional tone—staying positive and keeping showing enjoyable helps young exhibitors perform their best.
• Remember to separate coaching from parenting, celebrating effort before focusing on corrections.
• Success in the show ring is important, but the lessons learned and memories made are even more valuable.

In this episode of To The Front, Tony Morris and Thomas Gross answer three common questions from stock show families. They discuss how to improve dingy skin and hair on white pigs, the best strategies for putting weight on a pig quickly without sacrificing quality, and how to identify and treat cracked backs before they become a major issue. Along the way, they share practical management tips, product recommendations, and real-world experiences from the show barn.

Tony and Thomas read listener reviews, share a few laughs, and kick off another listener Q&A episode.

How clean pens, healthy skin, quality water, proper washing routines, and whitening products can help white pigs look their best.

The hosts discuss increasing feed intake, feeding schedules, hydration, and practical ways to safely add weight before a show.

What cracked backs are, early warning signs to watch for, why acting quickly is critical, and the importance of having a treatment plan with your veterinarian before problems arise.

Clean pens, healthy skin, and consistent daily management are the foundation for great skin and hair. When trying to add weight quickly, focus on increasing feed intake—not shortcuts—and use hydration to your advantage. Finally, cracked backs are much easier to manage when caught early, making daily observation and a relationship with your veterinarian essential for success.

In this episode of To The Front, Tony Morris and Thomas Gross simplify one of the most intimidating parts of feeding show pigs: understanding the feed tag. They walk through what every feed tag includes, explain the purpose of key nutrients like protein, lysine, fat, and fiber, and discuss how those nutrients affect muscle, body condition, and gut health. They also cover the role of vitamins and minerals, common misconceptions about supplements, and why a balanced pig feed should always be the foundation of any feeding program.

00:00 – 05:05 | Expo Recap & Barn Updates
Thomas shares the story behind his Reserve Champion Landrace Gilt at Exposition, while Tony and Thomas catch up on recent events before introducing the episode.

05:05 – 09:50 | Feed Tag Basics
An overview of what every feed tag contains, including guaranteed analysis, ingredient lists, medication statements, feeding directions, and species-specific warnings.

09:50 – 15:20 | Protein & Lysine Explained
Why protein and lysine are the foundation of muscle development, how they work together, and what the numbers on a feed tag really mean.

15:20 – 19:45 | Supplements vs. Complete Feed
The importance of using supplements to fine-tune a feeding program rather than replacing the majority of a pig's complete feed.

19:45 – 22:50 | Understanding Fat
How fat serves as an energy source, contributes to bloom and body condition, and when higher- or lower-fat diets make sense.

22:50 – 26:50 | Fiber's Role in Feeding
How fiber influences gut health, body fill, digestive regularity, and holding diets, plus the difference between common fiber sources.

26:50 – 30:20 | Micronutrients Made Simple
A look at calcium, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, vitamins, and why quality feed manufacturers formulate balanced diets you can trust.

30:20 – 32:10 | Final Feeding Advice
The hosts wrap up with practical reminders to make pig feed the foundation of every feeding program and use supplements strategically.

Understanding a feed tag doesn't have to be overwhelming. By learning the purpose of protein, lysine, fat, fiber, and essential micronutrients, exhibitors can make smarter feeding decisions throughout the project. A quality complete feed should always be the foundation of a successful nutrition program, while supplements are most effective when used strategically to fine-tune specific traits rather than replace a balanced diet.