The Fitter’s Perspective - Troy Goretska

Your First Jackpot Show: Everything You Need to Know (HYSLC Explained)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2530977/fan_mail/new] Thinking about going to your first jackpot show… but not sure where to start? This episode is for you. We sat down with Daren Chambers and Cody Long from the Heartland Youth Show Lamb Circuit (HYSLC) to break down everything a show family needs to know before pulling into their first jackpot. From finding and entering shows on the Showman app… to what actually happens when you arrive… to how the rings work and how to not miss your class — we walk through the entire day step-by-step. If you’ve never been to a jackpot before, this is the conversation we wish we had. In this episode, we cover: * What the HYSLC circuit is and how it works * How to find and enter jackpot shows * What to expect when you arrive on show day * How classes, rings, and double headers actually run * What to bring (for both your lambs and your kids) * Common beginner mistakes — and how to avoid them * Why showmanship still matters (more than you think) Whether you’re just getting started or looking to get more comfortable on the circuit, this episode will help you show up prepared and confident. Because the hardest part of jackpots… is just getting started.

Feeding, Fueling, and Building Show Stock from the Inside Out- Rob Cooper

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2530977/fan_mail/new] If you’ve ever felt like you’re just guessing when it comes to feeding your animals… this episode is for you. In this conversation, I sit down with Rob Cooper, a PhD-level ruminant nutritionist with over 20 years of experience developing feeding programs for large-scale cattle operations, to break down what actually matters when it comes to feed, supplements, and performance. We dive into the fundamentals of nutrition—energy, protein, and what’s really happening inside the rumen—and then connect it directly to what you’re seeing in the barn. From analyzing your animals, to adjusting feed, to understanding why some lambs handle soft while others stay hard, this episode is built to give you a clearer framework instead of more confusion. We also get into: *  How feeding changes when you introduce exercise (treadmill, walking, etc.)  *  The truth about supplements—and what’s actually worth your money  *  Why consistency in feeding matters more than most people realize  *  The biggest mistakes beginners make (and how to avoid them)  *  Practical strategies for lambs, steers, and breeding heifers  One of the biggest takeaways: you can’t just throw more feed at an animal and expect results. Understanding what to change and why is what separates average programs from great ones.  If you’re serious about improving your feeding program—or just want to stop second-guessing yourself every time you walk into the barn—this is a must-listen.

What I Got Wrong My First 2 Years in Show Stock - Kaid Panek

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2530977/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Cheat Codes, I sit down with Kaid Panek—someone who’s just a couple years ahead of me in the show stock world and still very much in the trenches figuring it out. This isn’t a polished “expert” interview. It’s a real conversation between two show dads comparing notes, sharing mistakes, and trying to shortcut the learning curve for anyone getting started. We talk through what we both got wrong early on, the things we completely overcomplicated, and what actually matters once you get a little experience under your belt. From getting roped into goats (that definitely aren’t “low maintenance”), to building routines, to realizing that sometimes the best education is just showing up and getting beat—there’s a lot in here for beginners and parents navigating this world for the first time. Kaid also shares his perspective on documenting the journey on TikTok, why people connect with real content over highlight reels, and how social media has actually helped him learn faster. We wrap up talking about goals for this season, what he’s trying to do differently, and the bigger picture behind all of it. Because at the end of the day… We’re not just raising animals—we’re raising kids. 🎯 In this episode, we cover: *  The biggest misconceptions when starting in show stock  *  What beginners tend to overcomplicate  *  How routines and systems evolve over time  *  Lessons learned from jackpots and getting beat  *  Goats, lambs, steers… and yes, treadmills  *  Using TikTok to document and accelerate the learning curve  *  What actually matters vs what doesn’t  *  Goals and mindset going into this season  If you’re new to show stock or figuring it out as you go, this podcast is for you. Share this episode with someone else getting started—let’s learn this together.

Perception, Data & Visibility in Show Stock-Allison May

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2530977/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Cheat Codes: Show Stock Edition, we sit down with Allison May of Pinnacle Livestock Solutions to unpack one of the most misunderstood forces in the show stock world—perception. From the way animals are presented in sale photos to how families show up at jackpots, perception quietly influences outcomes at every level. But what does that actually mean for families who are just getting started? We break down: * How perception develops in show stock (and why it matters) * Where it shows up—from fitting and showmanship to online sales * Whether new families should even worry about “marketing” in their first few years * The role social media really plays (and what you can safely ignore) * And how emerging sale data is starting to bring more clarity to an otherwise “gut-feel” market Allison also shares insight from tracking weekly online lamb sale averages—offering a rare, data-driven look into pricing trends, buyer behavior, and what drives value in today’s market. If you’ve ever wondered: * “Am I behind?” * “Do I need to be on social media?” * “How do I know what a lamb is actually worth?” This episode will help you think about the show stock world in a much clearer—and healthier—way. As always, this isn’t about shortcuts.  It’s about understanding the game so you can play it better.

The Fitter’s Perspective - Troy Goretska

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2530977/fan_mail/new] What do fitters actually see when your animal walks into the barn? In this episode of Cheat Codes: Show Stock Edition, Tom sits down with experienced fitter Troy Goretska to talk about what separates average projects from great ones — and why most success in the show barn comes down to daily habits, consistency, and good management, not just feed or supplements. Troy shares how he got started in fitting, what he notices immediately when he looks at a new animal, and the biggest mistakes newer show families tend to make. They also break down some of the confusing terminology used by judges and fitters — words like cover, bloom, freshness, and handle — so beginners can better understand what those comments actually mean in the ring.  The conversation also dives into: * Why daily management and routine matter more than most people think * How to evaluate livestock and identify what your project actually needs * When supplements help — and when they don’t * Why finding the right mentors and “your people” can accelerate your learning curve * The philosophy Troy calls “Rule #1: Be a good home” for your livestock For new families especially, Troy offers practical advice on building a foundation, learning from experienced exhibitors, and focusing on the process rather than just the color of the ribbon. If you’re new to show livestock — or looking to level up your program — this episode will help you better understand how experienced fitters think about managing animals and preparing them for the ring. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with another show family who’s just getting started so more people can learn a thing or two along the way. And don’t forget to subscribe to Cheat Codes: Show Stock Edition so you don’t miss upcoming conversations with breeders, fitters, judges, and other experts across the industry.