To The Front
The show that answers questions for stock show families. Whether you show cattle, pigs, sheep or goats hosts Tony Morris and Thomas Gross along with special guests are here to listen to your challenges and guide you on the path to becoming a more confident feeder and more successful show family. New episodes weekly on YouTube and anywhere you listen to podcasts.To The Front is presented by TTF Nutrition - Livestock Supplements that Get You To The Front.
How To FAQs and A New Show Pig Supplement!
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 n...
Must-Have Show Pig Equipment, The Best Bedding To Use, and Feeding Green Show Pigs
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:<...
Starting Baby Pigs On Feed, Daily Health Checks, & Washing In The Cold
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 Pigs
How 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 Checks
Learn what to watch for when bringing new pigs into the barn, including appetite...
Which Feed To Use, Ideal Market Weight and Show Pig Gut Health
Episode 18: Which Feed To Use, Ideal Market Weight and Show Pig Gut HealthÂ
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 indiv...Confusing Judging Terms: Part II
Episode: Confusing Judging Terms, Part II
Episode 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...
Finding & Selecting Your Next Show Calf
Episode: Finding & Selecting Your Next Show Calf with Jon Gevelinger
Episode Summary
In this episode of To The Front, Tony Morris is joined by special guest Jon Gevelinger to talk about selecting your next show calf and setting your family up for success.
They discuss why the "best" calf isn't always the best calf for your family, how to define your goals before buying, the importance of finding the right people to have in your corner, and why Jon's number-one rule is to go see the calf in person.
Tony and...
How Do You Know If You Should Even Show Livestock?
Episode 15: How Do You Know If You Should Even Show Livestock?
Episode Summary
In this episode of To The Front, Tony Morris and Thomas Gross tackle a bigger question facing livestock families: Should you even show livestock? Following their experiences at the Indiana State Fair, they
discuss what makes the livestock project worthwhile beyond winning a banner, how families can balance different kids and their interests, and how to approach the rising cost of competitive livestock projects.
Tony and Thomas share personal stories about raising their own kids in...
County Fair Lessons, Weigh-In Strategies & Melatonin Explained
Episode Summary
County fair season always brings new lessons and in this episode of To The Front, Tony Morris and Thomas Gross are joined by special guest Charley Morris, fresh off her Grand Champion county fair win. Together, they reflect on the highs of fair week, share what they learned from this year's experience, and discuss why enjoying the journey can be just as important as bringing home banners.
The conversation then shifts into one of the most common questions exhibitors ask: Should you play the...
Everything County Fair
Episode Summary
County fair season is one of the most exciting—and sometimes stressful—times of the year for livestock families. In this episode of To The Front, Tony Morris and Thomas Gross answer listener questions about preparing for your first county fair, managing livestock through long fair schedules, and why county fairs can feel more competitive than any other show.
From practical feeding and hydration strategies to reminders about keeping the experience fun, this episode is full of advice to help exhibitors and families make the most of fair week whil...
Walking Pigs, Beating the Heat & Helping Anxious Showmen
Walking Pigs, Beating the Heat & Helping Anxious Showmen
Episode Summary
In this episode of To The Front, Tony Morris and Thomas Gross answer three timely listener questions covering everyday challenges faced by livestock exhibitors. They discuss effective walking routines for show pigs, practical ways to manage heat stress during the summer months, and strategies for helping young exhibitors overcome anxiety before entering the show ring.
Whether you're preparing for your next jackpot, battling rising temperatures, or looking to build confidence in your young showman, this episode is...
Show Pig Problems: Bad Hair, Fast Gains & Cracked Backs
Show Pig Problems: Bad Hair, Fast Gains & Cracked Backs
Episode Summary
In this episode of To The Front, Tony Morris and Thomas Gross answer three common questions from stock show families. They discuss how to improve dingy skin and hair on white pigs, the best strategies for putting weight on a pig quickly without sacrificing quality, and how to identify and treat cracked backs before they become a major issue. Along the way, they share practical management tips, product recommendations, and real-world experiences from the show barn.
Key...
How to Read a Feed Tag: Show Pig Edition
Episode 10: How to Read a Feed Tag | Show Pig Edition
Episode Summary
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...
How to Hold Show Pigs
Episode 9: How to Hold Show Pigs
Episode Summary
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.
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.
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 Ta...
How to Build Confident Showmen, Good Barn Habits and Red Flags for Buying Livestock
Episode 106:Â 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...
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 jud...
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 help...
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...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...
Learning to Feed, Gilts in Heat and Training Show Animals
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 afra...
