The Sort
Hop into the ring with The Sort, the podcast offering both a historical and forward-looking exploration of the world of livestock judges. The goal of The Sort is designed to support, engage, mentor, and advance the future leaders of the livestock industry. In each episode, 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.
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#86: Caden Schwab, Kade Mennen, Tucker Woods
<p>In this episode of "The Sort" podcast, host Dr. Brett Kaysen interviews three collegiate livestock judging competitors. Caden Schwab from Fort Collins, Colorado, discusses growing up as a coach's son, his journey from Connors State to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and his plans to pursue a finance master's degree in Texas. Kade Mennen from Indiana shares his path through Lincoln Land Community College to Iowa State, balancing farming with academics. Tucker Woods from Mississippi details his unique turfgrass management major at Mississippi State. All three discuss the Top Judge program, favorite contests, and offer advice encouraging youth to embrace...
#85: Hadley Broadwater and Kaitlyn Zeedyk
<p>In this episode of The Sort podcast, host Dr. Brett Kaysen interviews two Iowa State University students, Hadley Broadwater and Kaitlyn Zeedyk, both deeply involved in livestock judging and animal science. Hadley, from Indiana, shares her journey from showing swine and sheep to pursuing a master's degree in reproductive physiology, crediting mentorship and Iowa State's supportive community. Kaitlyn, from Ohio, discusses her path from a grain and sheep farm to a nutrition and sales career, highlighting how livestock judging built her confidence and communication skills. Both guests emphasize hard work, mentorship, and the invaluable experiences gained through the Top...
#84: Alexandra Duckworth and Kellum Carnahan
<p>In this episode of the Sort podcast, host Dr. Brett Kaysen sits down with two standout collegiate livestock judges: Alexandra Duckworth from the University of Tennessee and Kellum Carnahan from Kansas State University. Alexandra shares her passion for beef cattle genetics and genomics, her journey from aspiring veterinarian to future academic researcher, and her experience in the Top Judge program. Kellum discusses his ranching roots in Wyoming and Colorado, his development as a judge, and his aspirations to coach and eventually expand his family's seedstock operation. Both guests offer inspiring perspectives on mentorship, personal growth, and careers in agriculture.<...
#83: Kylie Kunzler and Blane Warnken
<p>In this episode of The Sort, powered by Primo Feeds, host Dr. Brett Kaysen features two Texas A&M University students from the Top Judge program. Kylie Kunzler, raised on a commercial cow-calf operation in rural Utah, shares her journey from Butler County Community College to Texas A&M, crediting key mentors and encouraging youth to bet on themselves. Blane Warnken, a first-generation college student from Schulenburg, Texas, reflects on his family's registered Hereford operation and his path through Blinn College to Texas A&M. Both students highlight the value of mentorship, hard work, and the unique networking opportunities...
#82: Luke Raudebaugh and Savannah Page
<p>In this episode of The Sort podcast, powered by Primo Feeds, host Brett Kaysen interviews two Kansas State University livestock judging team members. Luke Raudebaugh, from Ohio, shares his background in sheep production, his journey through Casper College, and his plans to manage a club lamb operation post-graduation. Savannah Page, from Georgia, discusses her family's swine operation, her extensive experience with the National Junior Swine Association, and her aspirations in the swine industry. Both guests highlight the invaluable life skills, mentorships, and connections gained through collegiate livestock judging.</p>
#81: Bradie Midcap and Mason Allan
<p>In this episode of the Sort podcast, host Brett Kaysen interviews Bradie Midcap and Mason Allan, two Texas Tech University students passionate about livestock judging and the cattle industry. Bradie, from Ray, Colorado, shares her journey from a Simmental cow-calf operation to pursuing a master's degree in ruminant nutrition at Kansas State University. Mason, from Schulenburg, Texas, discusses his family's Hereford operation and plans for a master's degree at Texas Tech while assistant coaching the judging team. Both highlight the Top Judge program's value and encourage young 4-H and FFA members to embrace livestock judging's opportunities.</p>
#80: Megan Zipprich and Lexi Hunt
<p>In this episode of The Sort, host Brett Kaysen welcomes two outstanding collegiate livestock judges and Top Judge program members: Megan Zipprich from Penn State and Lexi Hunt from Texas Tech. Megan shares her journey from rural Pennsylvania to committing to Purdue's DVM program, her passion for serving agricultural communities, and her love of judging contests like the All-East and Blue Dragon Classic. Lexi, from Buckeye, Arizona, discusses her path through South Plains College to Texas Tech, her evolving career goals, and her philosophy of giving back to youth in the show ring. Both highlight the Top Judge program...
#79: Kinsey Gardner and Blake Janssen
<p>In this episode of the Sort podcast, host Dr. Brett Kaysen sits down with two Texas Tech University livestock judging team members, Kinsey Gardner and Blake Janssen. Kinsey shares her journey from Gatesville, Texas, balancing softball and judging before pursuing a CPA career specializing in farm and ranch accounting. Blake, raised in Amber, Oklahoma, discusses his deep-rooted passion for cattle and plans to work in cattle genetics post-graduation. Both students reflect on the impact of mentorship, the Top Judge program, and Texas Tech's faculty, offering inspiring advice on relationships, integrity, and embracing challenges to grow as agricultural professionals and...
#78: Jack Habjan and Skyler Ward
<p>This episode of The Sort podcast, powered by Primo Feeds, features interviews with Jack Habjan and Skyler Ward, two rising stars in collegiate livestock judging and animal science. Jack, from Linwood, Kansas, shares his journey from sports announcing dreams to pursuing ruminant nutrition at Texas Tech, with plans for graduate studies at the University of Arkansas. Skyler, from New Paris, Ohio, discusses her livestock judging family roots, her time at Kansas State University, and upcoming graduate work in pet food nutrition. Both share memorable experiences from the Top Judge program and offer inspiring insights on perseverance, mentorship, and career...
#77: Paige Lemenager and Colt Blacklock
<p>In this episode of The Sort podcast, host Brett Kaysen interviews two agriculture students passionate about livestock judging. Paige Lemenager, from Texas Tech University, shares her journey from aspiring veterinarian to future agricultural attorney, focusing on estate planning for farming families. Colt Blacklock, originally from Saskatchewan, Canada, and attending Kansas State University, discusses his cow-calf operation background and plans to return home to lead a bull test program. Both guests reflect on memorable judging contests, influential mentors, and humorous team road trip stories, showcasing the camaraderie and opportunities that livestock judging provides.</p>
