To The Front

Episode 15: Chiseled, Hydrate, Thrive & Introducing PAUSE!Episode Summary:In this episode of To The Front, Tony Morris and Thomas Gross answer frequently asked questions about TTF Nutrition's Chiseled™, Hydrate®, and Thrive®, covering feeding recommendations, expected results, hydration, and gut health.They also introduce PAUSE™, a nutritional supplement designed to help show pigs maintain shape, freshness, and body dimension while slowing growth before a target show. Tony and Thomas explain how to use it and share real-world success stories.Whether you're fine-tuning your feeding program or preparing for your next show, this episode offers practical advice for managing livestock and a first look at TTF Nutrition's newest product.Key Topics & Timestamps00:00–10:45 | Chiseled™: Feeding Recommendations & ResultsDiscuss feeding rates, timing, fat cover, crest fat, hair coat, ulcers, and proper product storage.10:45–20:00 | Hydrate®: Supporting Hydration Across SpeciesLearn how Hydrate® supports pigs, cattle, sheep, and goats, including proper mixing, water intake, heat stress, transitions, and show preparation.20:00–25:55 | Thrive®: Gut Health & Nutrient AbsorptionExplore how probiotics and colostrum proteins support gut health, appetite, and nutrient absorption during transitions, recovery, and show preparation.25:55–30:30 | Introducing PAUSE™Discover how PAUSE™ helps show pigs maintain shape, freshness, and body dimension while slowing growth through a reduced-calorie feeding program.Key TakeawaysChiseled™: Start early, adjust feeding to each pig, and allow time for results.Hydrate®: Prioritize water, proper mixing, and consistent use before shows.Thrive®: Support gut health, appetite, and nutrient absorption.PAUSE™: Help maintain body, shape, freshness, and dimension while slowing growth.New Product Spotlight: PAUSE™PAUSE™ helps show pig exhibitors slow growth while maintaining body, shape, freshness, and dimension. Tony and Thomas share how they've used it to hold pigs for extended periods before target shows.Follow TTF Nutrition on social media and visit ttfnutrition.com for PAUSE updates and availability.Send Tony and Thomas your questions for future episodes of To The Front.

Episode 20: What do you really need to get started showing pigs? Which bedding is best for your livestock? And how quickly should you push a green show pig with feed?On Episode 20 of To The Front, Tony Morris and Thomas Gross tackle three listener questions about raising and showing livestock. From building a basic show box to choosing quality bedding and developing a feeding plan, the guys share practical advice to help exhibitors focus on what matters most: keeping livestock healthy, comfortable, and on track for the target show.The 3 Main Questions:1. What equipment do you really need when starting out with show pigs?You don't need the biggest show box or the fanciest barn to raise a champion. Tony and Thomas break down the essentials for new exhibitors, including a quality feeder, clean water, good feed, brushes, show whips, proper bedding, and a thermometer to help monitor pig health. The biggest takeaway? Focus on the basics, pay attention to the details, and don't feel pressured to buy every piece of equipment you see at the show.2. What is the best bedding to use for show pigs and other livestock?Tony and Thomas discuss why clean, low-dust bedding is so important for animal health, skin, feet, and overall comfort. They share why white pine shavings are their preferred choice for pigs, where pellet bedding can be useful, and what to consider when choosing bedding for goats, sheep, and cattle. They also explain why unknown wood products, recycled pallets, and potentially contaminated mulch can pose unnecessary risks.3. When you get a green show pig home, how quickly should you push them with feed?Should you start pushing feed immediately or give a green pig time to develop? Tony and Thomas explain why the answer depends on the pig's health, appetite, development, and target show date. Before increasing feed or adding supplements, make sure the pig is healthy, eating well, and able to utilize what you're feeding. They also discuss evaluating indicators of future body and muscle development and why your long-term goal should guide your feeding decisions.Whether you're new to the show pig world or a seasoned exhibitor fine-tuning your program, this episode is full of practical reminders to keep the focus on good livestock care and thoughtful management.Have a question for Tony and Thomas? Send it in through social media, and be sure to leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. To The Front, baby!

Episode 19 Summary:This week on To The Front, Tony Morris and Thomas Gross answer listener questions about getting new show pigs started on feed, monitoring their health, and washing pigs during cold weather.Starting New PigsHow long does it take a new pig to adjust? The guys discuss feed transitions, consistent feeding routines, gut health, water intake, and why giving pigs time to settle in is important.Daily Health ChecksLearn what to watch for when bringing new pigs into the barn, including appetite, hydration, energy, breathing, temperature, and manure quality. They also discuss when it's time to call your veterinarian or breeder.Cold-Weather WashingTony and Thomas share tips for keeping pigs clean during the winter, including using warm water, taking advantage of good weather, washing less frequently, and making sure pigs are dry and protected from drafts.Thanks for listening to To the Front! Send us your livestock questions and be sure to leave a review wherever you listen.

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