The Sort

This episode features two interviews previously released on the podcast with students who took part in the Top Judge program. The interview with Hadley Broadwater first released on June 29th, 2026 and the interview with Skyler Ward first aired on May 4th, 2026.In this episode of The Sort podcast, host Dr. Brett Kaysen interviews Hadley Broadwater and Skyler Ward. 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. She also emphasizes hard work, mentorship, and the invaluable experiences gained through the Top Judge Program.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. She also shares memorable experiences from the Top Judge program and offer inspiring insights on perseverance, mentorship, and career growth.

In this episode of The Sort, host Dr. Brett Kaysen sits down with Steve Gabel, a Colorado-based cattle feeder, entrepreneur, and longtime livestock judging coach. Steve shares his journey from growing up on a farm in Fort Lupton to building Magnum Feed Yards into a 36,000-head operation. He reflects on his college judging career at CSU, his 21 years coaching Weld County's 4-H judging team to nine state titles, and his commitment to hosting teams at his feed yard. Steve also candidly discusses overcoming a serious injury in 1999 and the values of integrity, hard work, and giving back that have defined his career.

This episode features two interviews previously released on the podcast with students who took part in the Top Judge program. The interview with Jack Habjan first released on May 4th, 2026 and the interview with Mason Allan first aired on May 25th, 2026.Jack Habjan, 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. He also shares memorable experiences from the Top Judge program and offers inspiring insights on perseverance, mentorship, and career growth.Mason Allan, 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. He also highlights the Top Judge program's value and encourage young 4-H and FFA members to embrace livestock judging's opportunities.

In this episode, host Dr. Brett Kaysen interviews Kayla Rathmann from Texas Tech University's Department of Animal and Food Sciences. Kayla shares her West Texas roots, her family's deep ties to agriculture and livestock judging, and her unexpected path into academic advising. She reflects on Texas Tech's remarkable growth from 368 to 1,500 students over 20 years, crediting strong leadership, faculty, and alumni support. Kayla discusses her mentorship philosophy, evolving student demographics, and the enduring value of judging programs. She also opens up about personal hardships that shaped her resilience and faith, offering heartfelt advice for students and parents navigating agricultural education and career decisions.

This episode features two interviews previously released on the podcast with students who took part in the Top Judge program. The interview with Chyann Emerson first released on April 13th, 2026 and the interview with Jackson Tarrance first aired on April 20th, 2026.Chyann Emmerson, from Tuttle, Oklahoma, shares how a soccer injury redirected her toward livestock judging, ultimately leading her to a national championship and internships with pork industry organizations. She reflects on teamwork, building confidence, communication skills, and the lasting relationships forged through competitive livestock judging.Jackson Tarrance, from Welling, Oklahoma, shares his journey from showing pigs to collegiate judging, discussing mentors, career goals in agricultural lending, and plans to grow his family's show pig operation. He emphasizes judging's value in building skills, relationships, and professional networks.