Teaching Pigs to Drive, Making Videos for Your Breeder and Confusing Judging Terms

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.

Teaching Pigs to Drive, Making Videos for Your Breeder and Confusing Judging Terms

The conversation covers topics related to livestock showing, including teaching pigs to walk with their heads up, creating effective videos for breeders, and understanding judging terminology such as 'sleeker' cattle. The hosts provide practical tips and insights for stock show families. Takeaways * Teaching pigs to walk with head up requires early training and the use of effective tools. * Creating effective videos for breeders involves capturing all views and providing additional information about the animal's weight, diet, and growth. * Understanding judging terminology, such as 'sleeker' cattle, is important for livestock show participants to make necessary adjustments. Chapters * 00:00 Teaching Pigs to Walk with Head Up * 08:00 Creating Effective Videos for Breeders * 13:14 Understanding Judging Terminology: 'Sleeker' Cattle

Tight-Moving Pigs, Feeding for Bigger Backs and Show Animal Prices

On this episode of To The Front, Tony and Thomas recap a weekend full of jackpot shows, family memories, and life lessons from the barn before diving into listener questions covering feeding strategies, building shape and muscle, and the rising cost of show livestock. Feeding Tight-Moving Pigs The guys break down how to manage tight-moving pigs and those pinched through their ham-loin junction, including practical feeding adjustments like lowering protein and lysine while increasing calories and fat cover. They also discuss supplements, barley-based feeds, egg products, and even therapeutic options like MagnaWave to help loosen up movement and improve appearance. Feeding for Bigger Backs Next up, a listener wants to know how to make their gilt bigger backed and bolder topped. Tony and Thomas explain the balance between adding real muscle and creating the right kind of finish and shape through nutrition. They share the products and strategies they’ve seen work in the barn and in the ring. The Price of Show Animals The conversation then shifts to one of the biggest topics in the show livestock industry today: the skyrocketing price of elite show animals. Tony and Thomas share why they still believe families can compete and win on a budget if they’re willing to outwork the competition, focus on stockmanship, and find fundamentally sound livestock that simply need time and care. The episode closes with an honest discussion about “politics” in the show ring, personal accountability, and why success usually comes down to preparation, presentation, and effort long before the judge steps into the ring. More importantly, they remind listeners that the real value of showing livestock isn’t banners or price tags — it’s the friendships, family memories, and lessons learned along the way. As always, send in your questions and join the conversation next week on To The Front.