To The Front

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 IIEpisode 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 GevelingerEpisode SummaryIn 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 TakeawayThe best animal isn't always the best animal for you.

Episode 15: How Do You Know If You Should Even Show Livestock?Episode SummaryIn 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, theydiscuss 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 valuein 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 tomembers of the livestock community: you are not alone.Key Topics & Timestamps00:00 – 10:00 | More Than Just WinningTony 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 & LivestockHow 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 whyhonest conversations and realistic expectations are necessary when you can't do everything.18:08 – 29:07 | Showing Livestock Without Breaking the BankTony 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 andhard 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 CommunityThe 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 TakeawaysLivestock 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

Episode SummaryCounty 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.Key Topics & Timestamps00:00 – 10:45 | County Fair Recap & Lessons LearnedTony, 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 ExplainedTony 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.Key TakeawaysCounty 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.