To The Front

Episode 22 | Ringside for Riley: Turning a Family's Story into a Mission with guests, Pam & Andon Boocher

This week on To The Front, Tony Morris sits down with longtime friends Pam and Andon Boocher of Alexandria, Indiana, to talk about one of the most meaningful fundraisers in the livestock industry: Ringside for Riley.

What started as their daughter Cadley's desire to give back to the hospital that helped save her life has grown into an annual event that brings the livestock community together for a much bigger purpose.

Pam and Andon share Cadley's story, from being born with multiple heart defects and undergoing life-saving heart surgery at just six days old to growing up, showing cattle, and living the life her family once wondered if she would have. They reflect on the doctors, nurses, and medical team at Riley Children's Hospital who walked alongside their family and the impact that care continues to have on their lives.



That experience sparked an idea. With Cadley leading the charge, Ringside for Riley was born. Now entering its third year, the fundraiser brings adult showmanship to the Hoosier Beef Congress, featuring two categories: Top Showman and Most Entertaining. Each year, a Riley child gets the opportunity to serve as the event's judge, bringing their own story and connection to the hospital to the center of the event.



Over the last two years, Ringside for Riley has raised $34,000 for Riley Children's Hospital, and the goal is to make an even bigger impact this year.

In this episode, we're talking about:

• The Boocher family's journey with Riley Children's Hospital and Cadley's story.
• How Cadley came up with the idea to give back and how Ringside for Riley got its start.
• The adult showmanship competition and the Riley kids who make the event so special.
• How the livestock community can participate, nominate someone, watch, and donate.
• The Indianapolis Monthly Giving Challenge and how donations can make an even bigger impact.
• A few show-parent fails, some friendly competition, and, of course, Pam's famous chocolate chip cookies.

Ringside for Riley | Hoosier Beef Congress
Friday, December 4, at 1:00 PM

• Participate: Nominate someone for $5. If nominated, participants can buy out for $20.
• Watch: Come watch the fun in person or tune in through Walton Webcast.
• Donate: Visit the Ringside for Riley Facebook page to find the fundraising link and make a direct contribution to Riley Children's Hospital.

Mark your calendar: November 30 – December 10.

Ringside for Riley will participate in the Indianapolis Monthly Giving Challenge during this window. Donations made through the designated challenge link will count toward the competition, where the top fundraisers have the opportunity to earn additional funds for their causes.

After raising $34,000 in the first two years, the goal is to keep that momentum going and help even more kids and families.

This is what makes the livestock industry more than an industry. It's a community that shows up, supports one another, and uses its platform to make a difference.

Listen, share, and help us get behind Ringside for Riley!

To The Front, baby!

Episode 15: Chiseled, Hydrate, Thrive & Introducing PAUSE!

Episode Summary:

In this episode of To The Front, Tony Morris and Thomas Gross answer frequently asked questions about TTF Nutrition's Chiseled™, Hydrate®, and Thrive®, covering feeding recommendations, expected results, hydration, and gut health.

They also introduce PAUSE™, a nutritional supplement designed to help show pigs maintain shape, freshness, and body dimension while slowing growth before a target show. Tony and Thomas explain how to use it and share real-world success stories.

Whether you're fine-tuning your feeding program or preparing for your next show, this episode offers practical advice for managing livestock and a first look at TTF Nutrition's newest product.

Key Topics & Timestamps

00:00–10:45 | Chiseled™: Feeding Recommendations & Results

Discuss feeding rates, timing, fat cover, crest fat, hair coat, ulcers, and proper product storage.

10:45–20:00 | Hydrate®: Supporting Hydration Across Species

Learn how Hydrate® supports pigs, cattle, sheep, and goats, including proper mixing, water intake, heat stress, transitions, and show preparation.

20:00–25:55 | Thrive®: Gut Health & Nutrient Absorption

Explore how probiotics and colostrum proteins support gut health, appetite, and nutrient absorption during transitions, recovery, and show preparation.

25:55–30:30 | Introducing PAUSE™

Discover how PAUSE™ helps show pigs maintain shape, freshness, and body dimension while slowing growth through a reduced-calorie feeding program.

Key Takeaways

• Chiseled™: Start early, adjust feeding to each pig, and allow time for results.
• Hydrate®: Prioritize water, proper mixing, and consistent use before shows.
• Thrive®: Support gut health, appetite, and nutrient absorption.
• PAUSE™: Help maintain body, shape, freshness, and dimension while slowing growth.

New Product Spotlight: PAUSE™

PAUSE™ helps show pig exhibitors slow growth while maintaining body, shape, freshness, and dimension. Tony and Thomas share how they've used it to hold pigs for extended periods before target shows.

Follow TTF Nutrition on social media and visit ttfnutrition.com for PAUSE updates and availability.

Send Tony and Thomas your questions for future episodes of To The Front.

Episode 20: What do you really need to get started showing pigs? Which bedding is best for your livestock? And how quickly should you push a green show pig with feed?

On Episode 20 of To The Front, Tony Morris and Thomas Gross tackle three listener questions about raising and showing livestock. From building a basic show box to choosing quality bedding and developing a feeding plan, the guys share practical advice to help exhibitors focus on what matters most: keeping livestock healthy, comfortable, and on track for the target show.

The 3 Main Questions:

1. What equipment do you really need when starting out with show pigs?
You don't need the biggest show box or the fanciest barn to raise a champion. Tony and Thomas break down the essentials for new exhibitors, including a quality feeder, clean water, good feed, brushes, show whips, proper bedding, and a thermometer to help monitor pig health. The biggest takeaway? Focus on the basics, pay attention to the details, and don't feel pressured to buy every piece of equipment you see at the show.

2. What is the best bedding to use for show pigs and other livestock?
Tony and Thomas discuss why clean, low-dust bedding is so important for animal health, skin, feet, and overall comfort. They share why white pine shavings are their preferred choice for pigs, where pellet bedding can be useful, and what to consider when choosing bedding for goats, sheep, and cattle. They also explain why unknown wood products, recycled pallets, and potentially contaminated mulch can pose unnecessary risks.

3. When you get a green show pig home, how quickly should you push them with feed?
Should you start pushing feed immediately or give a green pig time to develop? Tony and Thomas explain why the answer depends on the pig's health, appetite, development, and target show date. Before increasing feed or adding supplements, make sure the pig is healthy, eating well, and able to utilize what you're feeding. They also discuss evaluating indicators of future body and muscle development and why your long-term goal should guide your feeding decisions.

Whether you're new to the show pig world or a seasoned exhibitor fine-tuning your program, this episode is full of practical reminders to keep the focus on good livestock care and thoughtful management.

Have a question for Tony and Thomas?

Send it in through social media, and be sure to leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. To The Front, baby!

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.