To The Front

TTF Nutrition
  • 4.7 (13)
  • How To

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.

  1. 2d ago

    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 Jon also talk about making the livestock community more inclusive, providing education, and helping families shorten the learning curve. In This Episode: • Define your goals before you buy. • Find the animal that fits your goals—not necessarily the "best" one. • Know what support and guidance you need. • Build a team you trust and commit to their plan. • Always go see the animal in person before buying. • Make education more accessible and help bring more families into the livestock community. Key Takeaway The best animal isn't always the best animal for you.

  2. Aug 26

    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 the livestock industry, making trade-offs between sports and livestock, setting realistic goals based on time and budget, and finding value in the project even when winning isn't the outcome. They also discuss how exhibitors can become part of the solution when they're frustrated with county fair rules and close with an important reminder to members of the livestock community: you are not alone. Key Topics & Timestamps 00:00 – 10:00 | More Than Just Winning Tony and Thomas reflect on their Indiana State Fair experiences, including Thomas' Champion Landrace Gilt and Tony's favorite memories of working cattle with his family. They discuss why celebrating others, spending time with friends and family, and creating meaningful memories can be more important than what's written on the banner. 10:00 – 18:08 | Balancing Kids, Sports & Livestock How do families draw lines when different kids have different interests? Tony and Thomas share how they've navigated baseball, softball, livestock, time, energy, and finances with their own families—and why honest conversations and realistic expectations are necessary when you can't do everything. 18:08 – 29:07 | Showing Livestock Without Breaking the Bank Tony and Thomas address the frustration many families feel about the cost of competitive livestock projects. They discuss setting goals based on your resources, finding success through showmanship and hard work, learning from losing, and remembering that the value of livestock showing isn't determined by how much money you spend or how many banners you win. 29:07 – 33:11 | Getting Involved & Supporting the Livestock Community The conversation turns to county fair frustrations, volunteering, and finding constructive ways to create change. Tony and Thomas also close with an important message about supporting one another and reminding people in the livestock community that they are not alone. Key Takeaways Livestock showing is about much more than winning banners. Different kids may have different passions, and families have to make decisions based on their individual interests.You can't give unlimited time, energy, and money to every activity.Set goals that are realistic for your family's resources and circumstances.A smaller livestock budget doesn't mean your kids can't learn valuable lessons from the project.Showmanship, herdsmanship, responsibility, hard work, and relationships are all important parts of livestock showing.Losing can provide valuable lessons and opportunities to grow.Don't compare your family's project or budget to someone else's.If you're frustrated with your county fair, get involved and look for ways to help make it better.The livestock community should be a place where people feel supported—and know that they are not alone

  3. Aug 18

    County Fair Lessons, Weigh-In Strategies & Melatonin Explained

    Episode SummaryCounty 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 weight game? Tony and Thomas break down weigh-in strategies, explain how much weight pigs can realistically lose before weigh-in and discuss how hydration, timing and understanding each individual pig play a role in success. The episode wraps up with a discussion about melatonin - what it is, how it works, and why it's a valuable tool for growing hair, but not a replacement for good genetics and consistent daily management. Key Topics & Timestamps00:00 – 10:45 | County Fair Recap & Lessons Learned Tony, Thomas, and special guest Charley Morris recap their county fair experiences, celebrate recent wins, and share why having fun, making memories, and enjoying the people around you often leads to a better week in the show barn. 10:45 – 20:30 | Playing the Weight Game: How Much Weight Can a Pig Lose? The crew answers a listener's question about weigh-in strategy, discussing trailer shrink, hydration, declared weights, and why every pig responds differently. They explain how understanding your own livestock is the key to making smart weight decisions. 20:30 – 28:30 | Melatonin Explained Tony and Thomas break down the purpose of melatonin in livestock, how it helps promote hair growth, when to start using it, and why it's best viewed as one piece of a complete hair-care program—not a miracle solution. Key TakeawaysCounty fair success isn't measured only by banners—it's also about the memories you create with family and friends.Taking pressure off yourself and enjoying the experience can often lead to better results in the show ring.There is no universal weigh-in strategy. Every pig loses weight differently, and every situation should be evaluated individually.Knowing what your pigs weigh—and what they look like at their ideal condition—makes weigh-in decisions much easier.Trailer rides, hydration, feed, and time between weigh-in and show day all influence how much weight an animal gains or loses.Melatonin is an effective tool for promoting hair growth, but it works best alongside good genetics, consistent daily care, and proper management.Supplements can enhance good management, but they cannot replace hard work or quality livestock.

  4. Jul 24

    Everything County Fair

    Episode SummaryCounty 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 while creating memories that will last a lifetime. Key Topics & Timestamps00:00 – 04:50 | County Fair Kickoff & Fair Season Traditions Tony and Thomas kick off county fair season by sharing stories about their own county fairs, discussing why kids love fair week, and reminding families to embrace the entire experience—not just the show ring. 04:50 – 13:20 | First County Fair? Here's Our Advice The guys answer a listener's question about attending their very first county fair, offering tips on managing expectations, letting kids enjoy the fair, and focusing on learning instead of winning. 13:20 – 19:10 | Keeping Livestock on Track During Long Fair Weeks Learn how Tony and Thomas approach feeding and hydration for county fairs that last several days. They discuss preparing animals before arrival, using hydration strategies throughout the week, and planning around your target show day. 19:10 – End | Why Is the County Fair So Competitive? The episode wraps up with a discussion about why county fairs often feel more intense than larger shows, how hometown expectations affect exhibitors, and why keeping the right perspective makes all the difference. Key TakeawaysThe county fair is about more than showing livestock—it's about making memories, building friendships, and enjoying the experience.Let kids experience everything the fair has to offer while still teaching responsibility and good stockmanship.Start preparing livestock before arriving by considering travel conditions, weather, and hydration.During long fair weeks, keep your target show in mind and avoid having animals at their peak too early.Hot weather and older fair barns can increase the need for proper hydration and livestock comfort.Stay disciplined with your feeding plan and avoid making emotional decisions based on day-to-day results.Parents play a huge role in setting the tone. Keeping expectations realistic and focusing on fun helps create a better experience for the whole family.At the end of the day, the county fair is about developing young people, creating lifelong memories, and enjoying time together as a family.

  5. Jul 16

    Walking Pigs, Beating the Heat & Helping Anxious Showmen

    Walking Pigs, Beating the Heat & Helping Anxious ShowmenEpisode SummaryIn 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 packed with practical advice you can apply at home and in the barn. Key Topics & Timestamps00:00 – 08:30 | Building an Effective Walking Routine Tony and Thomas discuss how their approach to walking pigs has evolved, why shorter, purposeful workouts are more effective than long sessions, and how to build stamina without creating ring-sour pigs. 08:30 – 14:55 | Managing Heat Stress During the Summer Learn practical tips for keeping pigs comfortable during hot weather, including airflow, feeding schedules, hydration, rinsing, gut health, and electrolyte support to help maintain feed intake and performance. 14:55 – 24:55 | Helping Young Showmen Manage Ring Anxiety Tony and Thomas share personal experiences as parents, discussing ways to reduce anxiety before entering the ring, the importance of repetition, positive coaching, and keeping livestock showing fun for the entire family. Key TakeawaysWalking pigs consistently for 5–7 minutes is often more beneficial than long, exhausting workouts.Build stamina without overworking pigs to prevent burnout and ring sourness.During hot weather, prioritize airflow, hydration, cool water, and feeding during cooler parts of the day.Healthy gut function and proper hydration play a major role in maintaining feed intake during periods of heat stress.Confidence in the show ring comes through repetition and experience.Parents set the emotional tone—staying positive and keeping showing enjoyable helps young exhibitors perform their best.Remember to separate coaching from parenting, celebrating effort before focusing on corrections.Success in the show ring is important, but the lessons learned and memories made are even more valuable.

  6. Jul 10

    Show Pig Problems: Bad Hair, Fast Gains & Cracked Backs

    Show Pig Problems: Bad Hair, Fast Gains & Cracked BacksEpisode SummaryIn 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 Topics & Timestamps00:00 – 03:40 | Podcast Reviews & Show Barn BanterTony and Thomas read listener reviews, share a few laughs, and kick off another listener Q&A episode. 03:40 – 11:30 | Fixing Dingy Skin & HairHow clean pens, healthy skin, quality water, proper washing routines, and whitening products can help white pigs look their best. 11:30 – 17:40 | How to Put Weight on a Pig FastThe hosts discuss increasing feed intake, feeding schedules, hydration, and practical ways to safely add weight before a show. 17:40 – 25:50 | Cracked Backs : Prevention & TreatmentWhat cracked backs are, early warning signs to watch for, why acting quickly is critical, and the importance of having a treatment plan with your veterinarian before problems arise. Key TakeawaysClean pens, healthy skin, and consistent daily management are the foundation for great skin and hair. When trying to add weight quickly, focus on increasing feed intake—not shortcuts—and use hydration to your advantage. Finally, cracked backs are much easier to manage when caught early, making daily observation and a relationship with your veterinarian essential for success.

  7. Jul 6

    How to Read a Feed Tag: Show Pig Edition

    Episode 10: How to Read a Feed Tag | Show Pig EditionEpisode SummaryIn 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. Key Topics & Timestamps00:00 – 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. Key TakeawaysUnderstanding 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.

  8. Jun 25

    How to Hold Show Pigs

    Episode 9: How to Hold Show PigsEpisode SummaryIn 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. Key Topics & Timestamps00:00 – 03:45 | Show Barn Updates & Introducing Holding PigsTony and Thomas share updates from their barns before diving into the topic of holding show pigs. 03:45 – 06:30 | Slow Roll vs. HoldThe hosts explain the difference between managing growth over time and aggressively limiting gain to hit a weight target. 06:30 – 10:20 | When to Start HoldingWhy regular weigh-ins, average daily gain calculations, and early planning are critical to success. 10:20 – 13:30 | Nutrition Strategies for HoldingA look at the role fiber, fat, protein, and lysine play in maintaining shape while limiting growth. 13:30 – 18:25 | Signs You're on Track—or in TroubleHow to recognize when a holding program is working and when a pig is starting to lose too much condition. 18:25 – 22:20 | Compensatory Gain & Show Day PreparationUnderstanding rebound growth and how to freshen pigs up before a show. 22:20 – 25:30 | Holding Stories & Lessons LearnedReal-world experiences, mistakes, and a memorable story about a pig that ended up 38 pounds overweight. 25:30 – 28:10 | Supporting New ExhibitorsA reminder that everyone starts somewhere and that growing the industry starts with helping others. Key TakeawaysHolding 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.

See All (16)

4.7
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    TTF Nutrition
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 TTF Nutrition