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.

On this episode of To the Front, Tony and Thomas tackle three common challenges Stock Show families face: learning how to feed, handling gilts in heat at a show, and getting animals properly show broke.

They kick things off by answering a listener question about feeding—emphasizing that no matter your experience level, everyone is still learning. From leaning on trusted mentors and breeders to understanding feed tags and nutrient functions, they share practical ways to build confidence and make smarter feeding decisions. The key takeaway: ask questions, use available resources, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from those who seem to be doing it well.

Next, they dive into the frustrating reality of having a gilt come into heat during a show. With a mix of honesty and humor, they explain what to expect, how to manage the situation with patience, and strategies to prevent it altogether—including timing cycles. (Talk to your veterinarian.)

Finally, they break down how to transition animals from being calm in the pen to being show-ready. Starting small, staying patient, and creating positive experiences are the foundation. Whether it’s pigs or cattle, they walk through practical training tips that build confidence in both the animal and exhibitor.

As always, the episode is packed with real-world advice, relatable stories, and actionable insights to help you improve and ultimately… get TO THE FRONT!

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.

• 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Understanding judging terminology helps exhibitors better evaluate livestock, interpret reasons, and make more informed decisions at home and in the show ring.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thomas and McKenna discuss how internships help students gain experience, discover career interests, and develop professional skills before entering the workforce.

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.

• 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

In this episode of To The Front, Tony Morris and Thomas Gross discuss one of the biggest challenges in the show pig industry: holding pigs to hit a target weight without sacrificing quality. They break down the difference between slow rolling and holding, when to start making adjustments, the key nutrients involved, and how to avoid common mistakes. The conversation also covers compensatory gain, signs a pig is being held too hard, and why helping new exhibitors learn is important for the future of the industry.

Tony and Thomas share updates from their barns before diving into the topic of holding show pigs.

The hosts explain the difference between managing growth over time and aggressively limiting gain to hit a weight target.

Why regular weigh-ins, average daily gain calculations, and early planning are critical to success.

A look at the role fiber, fat, protein, and lysine play in maintaining shape while limiting growth.

How to recognize when a holding program is working and when a pig is starting to lose too much condition.

Understanding rebound growth and how to freshen pigs up before a show.

Real-world experiences, mistakes, and a memorable story about a pig that ended up 38 pounds overweight.

A reminder that everyone starts somewhere and that growing the industry starts with helping others.

Holding show pigs successfully requires planning, routine weighing, and smart nutritional management. By making adjustments early, monitoring growth, and understanding how pigs respond to feed changes, exhibitors can better manage weight while maintaining quality and competitiveness in the show ring.

In this episode of To The Front, Tony Morris and Thomas Gross simplify one of the most intimidating parts of feeding show pigs: understanding the feed tag. They walk through what every feed tag includes, explain the purpose of key nutrients like protein, lysine, fat, and fiber, and discuss how those nutrients affect muscle, body condition, and gut health. They also cover the role of vitamins and minerals, common misconceptions about supplements, and why a balanced pig feed should always be the foundation of any feeding program.

00:00 – 05:05 | Expo Recap & Barn Updates
Thomas shares the story behind his Reserve Champion Landrace Gilt at Exposition, while Tony and Thomas catch up on recent events before introducing the episode.

05:05 – 09:50 | Feed Tag Basics
An overview of what every feed tag contains, including guaranteed analysis, ingredient lists, medication statements, feeding directions, and species-specific warnings.

09:50 – 15:20 | Protein & Lysine Explained
Why protein and lysine are the foundation of muscle development, how they work together, and what the numbers on a feed tag really mean.

15:20 – 19:45 | Supplements vs. Complete Feed
The importance of using supplements to fine-tune a feeding program rather than replacing the majority of a pig's complete feed.

19:45 – 22:50 | Understanding Fat
How fat serves as an energy source, contributes to bloom and body condition, and when higher- or lower-fat diets make sense.

22:50 – 26:50 | Fiber's Role in Feeding
How fiber influences gut health, body fill, digestive regularity, and holding diets, plus the difference between common fiber sources.

26:50 – 30:20 | Micronutrients Made Simple
A look at calcium, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, vitamins, and why quality feed manufacturers formulate balanced diets you can trust.

30:20 – 32:10 | Final Feeding Advice
The hosts wrap up with practical reminders to make pig feed the foundation of every feeding program and use supplements strategically.

Understanding a feed tag doesn't have to be overwhelming. By learning the purpose of protein, lysine, fat, fiber, and essential micronutrients, exhibitors can make smarter feeding decisions throughout the project. A quality complete feed should always be the foundation of a successful nutrition program, while supplements are most effective when used strategically to fine-tune specific traits rather than replace a balanced diet.