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 Savannah Page first released on June 1st, 2026 and the interview with Dillon Prokop first aired on July 20th, 2026.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. She highlights the invaluable life skills, mentorships, and connections gained through collegiate livestock judging.Dillon Prokop, from Llano's Texas Hill Country, reflects on his unexpected shift from engineering to animal science and his plans to pursue a master's degree in meat science. He emphasizes the lasting value of relationships, mentorship, and embracing opportunities within the livestock judging community.

This episode is a re-release of episode #67 of The Sort podcast, originally released on February 16th, 2026.In this episode, host Brett Kaysen interviews Jim McCoy, a respected leader in the swine industry known for his work with purebred and show hogs. Jim shares his journey from growing up on a commercial hog farm in Ohio to becoming a renowned judge and breeder, highlighting the mentors who guided him. He discusses overcoming challenges, the importance of perseverance, and his transition into consulting after selling his farm. Jim emphasizes the value of community, mentorship, and integrity in livestock shows, offering insights and encouragement for both industry veterans and newcomers.

Brady Jensen started his coaching job at South Dakota State with just four students—and no time to recruit. He built the program into a national contender, with teams reaching reserve national champion at Louisville, before leaving to return to his family’s Hereford and Angus operation in Kansas. In this conversation with Dr. Brett Kaysen, Jensen reflects on learning to judge by listening to visiting coaches at his family’s barn, coaching students who had barely judged before, and the advice he wishes he’d understood as a competitor: master the tools, then learn to control your mindset. He also shares how judging checks saved for his wife’s engagement ring—and what he hopes his legacy will be.

This episode is a re-release of episode #59 of The Sort podcast, originally released on December 22nd, 2025.In this episode of The Sort podcast, host Brett Kaysen talks with Tom Farrer, a renowned livestock breeder and judge from Indiana. Tom shares insights from his multi-generational family operation, his experiences in 4-H, and his journey judging at major shows nationwide. He discusses the importance of independent thinking, adapting to industry changes, and maintaining high standards in both breeding and evaluation. Tom emphasizes the value of youth development, family legacy, and staying true to one’s ideals—offering practical advice and inspiration for current and aspiring livestock judges and industry professionals.

In this episode of The Sort, host Dr. Brett Kaysen interviews Dr. Jason Ross, Department Head of Animal Sciences at Iowa State University. Dr. Ross shares his journey from growing up on an Iowa farm to becoming a faculty member and department head at Iowa State, with stops at Oklahoma State and the University of Missouri. He discusses his passion for swine reproductive physiology, his strong support for livestock judging programs as high-impact practices that build critical thinking and leadership skills, and the launch of an exciting new degree program focused on precision technology, business, and data analytics within animal industries.