Meet the Intern – Livestock Judging, Internships & Preparing for Life After College

Meet the Intern – Livestock Judging, Internships & Preparing for Life After College

EPISODE 8: MEET THE INTERN – LIVESTOCK JUDGING, INTERNSHIPS & PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of To The Front, Thomas Gross sits down with TTF Nutrition intern McKenna Sobasky to discuss her journey through the livestock industry, her success in collegiate livestock judging, and the lessons she's learned preparing for life after college. From growing up raising show pigs to becoming a collegiate All-American livestock judge, McKenna shares practical advice for young exhibitors, future judging team members, and students looking to get ahead through internships and networking. Whether you're preparing for your senior year, considering collegiate livestock judging, or wondering how to start building your career, this episode offers valuable insight into making the most of every opportunity. KEY TOPICS & TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – 05:45 | MEET MCKENNA: FROM SHOW PIGS TO COLLEGIATE JUDGING McKenna shares her livestock background, growing up in a family show pig operation, and how her passion for livestock judging developed through youth and collegiate competition. 05:45 – 08:25 | ADVICE FOR SENIORS PREPARING FOR COLLEGE The conversation focuses on making the most of your final years in the show ring, enjoying the journey, and developing the skills that will help you succeed once college begins. 08:25 – 10:10 | HOW TO GET STARTED IN LIVESTOCK JUDGING McKenna explains what young people should prioritize when joining a judging team, the importance of finding mentors, and why staying humble while remaining hungry to learn is key to long-term success. 10:10 – 12:55 | THE REALITY OF COLLEGIATE LIVESTOCK JUDGING What does a judging team schedule actually look like? McKenna breaks down the time commitment, balancing academics with practice, and the accountability required to compete at a high level. 12:55 – 16:05 | WHY INTERNSHIPS MATTER Thomas and McKenna discuss how internships help students gain experience, discover career interests, and develop professional skills before entering the workforce. 16:05 – 17:45 | BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS & PREPARING FOR THE REAL WORLD The episode wraps up with a conversation about networking, communication skills, and how the livestock industry provides opportunities to build connections that can impact your future career. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Enjoy your senior year, but start preparing for what's next. * Success in livestock judging comes from consistency, humility, and a willingness to learn. * Collegiate judging requires significant commitment, discipline, and time management. * Don't wait until you're "qualified" to pursue an internship—take initiative and ask for opportunities. * Networking and communication skills can create opportunities long after the internship or judging contest ends. * The relationships built through the livestock industry often become some of your most valuable professional connections

Confusing Judging Terms: Part I

In this episode of To The Front, Tony Morris and Thomas Gross tackle some of the most commonly misunderstood terms heard in livestock judging. From "fresh" and "green" to "funneling at the ground" and "flat-caged," they break down what judges are really describing and how exhibitors can better understand the language used in the show ring. Whether you're new to livestock judging or looking to sharpen your evaluation skills, this episode helps translate judging jargon into practical concepts you can apply at your next show. KEY TOPICS & TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – 03:30 | Ice Cream Talk & Introducing Confusing Judging Terms Tony and Thomas kick off the episode with a discussion about favorite ice cream flavors before diving into judging terminology. 03:30 – 06:40 | What Does "Fresh" Mean? The hosts explain how judges use the term "fresh" to describe livestock that have the right balance of muscle, fat cover, presentation, and youthful appearance. 06:40 – 12:00 | Understanding "Green" and "Past Their Prime" A discussion on maturity, growth stages, and how animals can be either too immature ("green") or pushed beyond their optimal condition ("past their prime"). 12:00 – 17:00 | What Does It Mean to Funnel at the Ground? Tony and Thomas explain base width, skeletal alignment, and why judges reference animals that narrow from their chest or hip toward the ground. 17:00 – 19:45 | Truer Coming and Going The conversation covers structural correctness, movement, and why alignment matters when evaluating livestock on the move. 19:45 – 25:15 | Flat-Caged vs. Round-Ribbed The hosts discuss rib shape, body design, and how terms like "flat-caged," "spring of rib," and "round-bodied" relate to muscle expression and overall quality. KEY TAKEAWAYS Understanding judging terminology helps exhibitors better evaluate livestock, interpret reasons, and make more informed decisions at home and in the show ring.

How to Build Confident Showmen, Good Barn Habits and Red Flags for Buying Livestock

EPISODE 106: HOW TO BUILD CONFIDENT SHOWMEN, GOOD BARN HABITS AND RED FLAGS FOR BUYING LIVESTOCK In this episode of To The Front, Tony Morris and Thomas Gross answer listener questions about building confidence in young showmen, developing habits that lead to success, and what to look for when purchasing livestock. KEY TOPICS & TIMESTAMPS 00:01:10 – 00:09:58 | Building Confidence in Young Showmen Tony and Thomas discuss how small wins, consistent practice, and positive encouragement help young exhibitors gain confidence both in and out of the show ring. 00:09:58 – 00:13:53 | Habits That Create Success The hosts share why consistency, accountability, and attention to detail are some of the most important habits families can develop in the barn. 00:13:53 – 00:18:49 | Red Flags & Green Flags When Buying Livestock Learn what Tony and Thomas look for when selecting livestock, from trustworthy breeders and strong partnerships to animal health and structural correctness. EPISODE TAKEAWAY Success in the livestock industry isn't just about winning banners—it's about building confidence, creating strong habits, and surrounding yourself with good people along the way.

What Makes a Good Judge, Hydrating for Jackpot Shows and Daily Skin and Hair Routines

Episode Summary: What Makes a Good Judge, Hydrating for Jackpot Shows and Daily Skin and Hair Routines In this episode of To The Front, Tony Morris and Thomas Gross answer listener questions about what makes a great livestock judge, how to properly use electrolytes, and their daily skin and hair care routines. Key Topics & Timestamps 00:01:14 – 00:08:18 | What makes a good livestock judge? Tony and Thomas discuss the qualities that separate great judges from average ones, including consistency, honesty, integrity, and communication. They also emphasize the importance of judges creating a positive experience for kids, while giving exhibitors clear, honest reasons behind their decisions. 00:08:18 – 00:16:53 | Do I need electrolytes and how do I use them? The conversation shifts to hydration strategies and why electrolytes are an important tool during jackpot season. The hosts explain how they build hydration programs leading up to shows, why starting early matters, and how to avoid common mistakes that showmen make. 00:16:53 – 00:23:12 | Daily skin and hair care routine for pigs Tony and Thomas break down their everyday skin and hair care routine, including rinsing, brushing, blow drying, and using conditioning products. They also discuss the importance of monitoring skin health, preventing parasites, and developing consistent daily habits to maintain healthy skin and quality hair coats.

Electrolytes, Hard Bodied Gilts and Goats are Picky Eaters

Electrolytes, Hard Bodied Gilts and Goats are Picky Eaters In this episode of To The Front, Tony Morris and Thomas Gross answer listener questions about using electrolytes at jackpot shows, managing hard-bodied gilts while controlling weight, and helping picky-eating goats stay on feed and in condition. KEY TOPICS & TIMESTAMPS * 00:02:20 – 00:04:36 | Why Should You Use Electrolytes at Jackpot Shows? Tony and Thomas explain why electrolytes aren’t just for major target shows. They discuss how trailer rides can dehydrate animals quickly and why starting an electrolyte program early helps animals stay hydrated and come off the trailer looking their best. They also explain how jackpot shows are a great opportunity to test which hydration program works best for each animal. * 00:04:36 – 00:08:46 | Feeding Hard Bodied Gilts The conversation shifts to managing hard-bodied gilts while staying within weight limits. The hosts discuss using high-fiber feeds to expand body shape without excessive weight gain, saving pounds for the final push before a target show, and strategies to improve gut fill and appearance while keeping animals fresh and functional. * 00:08:46 – 00:14:47 | Boosting Goat Appetite with Thrive™ Tony and Thomas tackle a question about goats that won’t eat. They explain why goats are naturally picky eaters, how gut health and digestion impact appetite, and how Thrive™ may help increase feed intake by supporting the digestive microbiome. They also share practical feeding tips, including fresh feed, clean water buckets and adding calorie-dense supplements to help goats maintain condition and stay on feed.