This episode is a re-release of episode #19 of The Sort podcast, originally released on March 17th, 2025.

Today's guest on THE SORT podcast is Chris Mullinix, Instructor of Animal Sciences at Kansas State University and Co-Coach of the Meat Animal Evaluation Team. Originally from Maryland, Chris grew up on a diversified cattle and farming operation. He was a National Champion Livestock Judging Team member and had tremendous coaching success at Butler Community College and Kansas State University, coaching over 30 collegiate national contest winning teams. Adding to an already impressive resume, Chris has judged livestock exhibitions in 42 different states and Canada.

In this episode of The Sort Podcast, host Brett Kaysen and guest Galen McCune, a respected livestock judge and educator, discuss Galen’s journey from rural Oklahoma 4-H and FFA member to judging major national shows. Galen shares insights from his experiences in the show ring, his transition from aspiring veterinarian to ag teacher, and his philosophy on honesty and integrity in judging. He reflects on memorable animals, influential mentors, and the importance of putting youth first. This episode offers valuable lessons and inspiration for livestock judges, students, and industry professionals alike.

This episode is a re-release of episode #39 of The Sort podcast, originally released on August 4th, 2025.

This week, we are excited to sit down for a conversation with a legend of the industry: Dr. John Edwards, whose 50-year career as a livestock judge included judging every major steer show in the county as well as serving as the official judge for eight national beef breed shows. He also judged cattle in eight foreign countries on four continents.

This episode is a re-release of Episode #2 of The Sort, originally released on November 18th, 2024.

THE SORT welcomes what many call one of the GOATS of the livestock judging world (no pun intended) into the studio- Dr. Scott Greiner.

Dr Greiner is a Professor and Extension Animal Scientist in the School of Animal Sciences at Virginia Tech. Scott was raised on a diversified livestock farm in eastern Iowa. He attended Iowa State University where he majored in Animal Science. While at Iowa State he was a member of the Reserve National Champion Meats Judging Team and the National Champion Livestock Judging Team and was the high individual at the national contest. His graduate studies include an M.S. from Michigan State University and a Ph.D. from Iowa State.

While in graduate school Scott coached highly competitive livestock judging teams, including two National Champion teams at Iowa State. His graduate work at ISU was fundamental to the incorporation of ultrasound as a genetic improvement tool in beef cattle. In 1998, Greiner joined the faculty at Virginia Tech and serves at Extension Department Leader as well as co-chair of the interdisciplinary college Animal Production Program Team. As an Extension Animal Scientist, he designs and delivers educational programs in beef cattle and sheep to adults and youth, and conducts applied research. Specific responsibilities include design and delivery of educational programs and materials related to beef and sheep genetics and associated production and marketing issues, providing leadership for statewide programs in beef cattle and sheep; and maintaining strong working relationships with the beef and sheep industries and allied organizations. Dr. Greiner also teaches senior-level production and management coursework, and mentors graduate students.

Dr Greiner resides outside Christiansburg, VA. Along with his wife Lori they raised two daughters, Kaylee and Leah, through the youth livestock program and the family continues to be very involved in 4-H activities. The family also operates Greiner Sisters club lambs, focusing on Dorset, whiteface cross, and Southdown sheep.

Dr. Greiner has judged national, state, and local livestock shows of multiple species in 37 states as well as internationally. Since 2006 he has been Superintendent of the National Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest.

In this episode, Brett welcomes Glen Alan Phillips, who shares his journey from growing up in a small Texas town immersed in 4-H and FFA to becoming a respected livestock judge and industry leader. Glen discusses the impact of early mentors, the value of being coachable, and lessons learned from collegiate judging and coaching. He offers insights on integrity, faith, and navigating career challenges, including managing major events during COVID-19. The conversation emphasizes the importance of relationships, personal values, and lifelong learning for current and aspiring livestock judges and industry professionals.

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!