the JOE show

It’s Texas major season! I’ll be interviewing some of the recent champions, and first up is Cambrey Wilson. She just took home Reserve Grand Champion barrow at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo with her crossbred pig, Howard. (Got to love that name!) Fun fact, Howard was actually raised by some friends of ours here in Iowa. We’ll talk about how an Iowa-bred pig ended up in Cambrey’s hands, along with what it takes to make a winner.

On today’s show, my guest knew she had something special when she came across Thunder. Madilyn Norvell from Oklahoma took home the Grand Champion steer title at the 2025 National Western Stock Show. Tune in to hear more about her big win in Denver, other accomplishments and what makes her stand out from the competition.

The American Royal was founded in 1899 as the first-ever exhibition and sale of purebred cattle. One hundred twenty-five years later, the annual livestock show tradition continues with record-setting results. On today’s episode, meet Ruby Bell of Oklahoma. She showed this year’s Grand Champion Market Steer at the Royal and although she’s been showing for years, this was the milestone in her career.

Meet Olivia Shike—a trailblazer in the hog community. Olivia has been making waves this year with her Chesters at three national shows and then winning the Illinois State Fair market barrow show. In addition to pigs, she also shows horses, she’s involved with Queen contests and livestock judging.

Joining us is Sam Schmillen. Sam was Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb at this year’s Iowa State Fair 4H Show; however, that was not his first time on the purple chips. In today’s conversation, we talk about the lamb industry, his career thus far and the stories and lessons that have shaped Sam’s journey.

It’s been quite a summer and it’s time I fill you in. On this special edition podcast, the roles have been reversed and my mom, Katie, interviews me. I talk about my Reserve Grand Champion Market Hog at the Iowa State Fair, my Third Overall Market Hog at the Aksarben Stock Show and much more. This is one you won’t want to miss! Let’s go!

This episode was a treat as I got to interview the big winner of the summer, Mya Holderly. She recently won the Grand Champion Crossbred Gilt at the Exposition in Indianapolis AND the National Junior Summer Spectacular in Louisville. For those not involved with pigs, this is a really big deal and extremely hard to do. We’re talking beating out thousands of pigs! Mya is on the Danner Livestock team and had some fun facts to share.

Kamlynn Mason of Montgomery, Texas, has had one of the best spring show seasons of all time. She had Reserve Grand Champion hog at Denver, Reserve at Houston, Grand Champion at San Angelo and Forth Worth. It’s incredible! So, I wanted to talk with Kamlynn about her recent hot streak and how she consistently does what she does.

The Oklahoma Youth Expo is an event like I’ve never seen! I went a few years ago to watch. Let alone is their grand drive the coolest thing ever, bringing kids in the arena with a limo, but the event itself is huge! OYE is the world’s largest Junior Livestock Show with more than 7,000 4-H and FFA members and more than 13,000 head of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and ag mechanics projects. It’s amazing to see all of the livestock shown by exhibitors just from Oklahoma. The show is so tough, so getting in the top in a big deal. That’s why I wanted to bring on the Grand Champion Barrow winner of this year’s OYE, Wade Richey, to learn what it takes and his tips to being the best.

We’re in the midst of spring which means it’s Texas Major time. I’ve loved hearing about who’s winning what and how high the auctions go with these shows. And when talking about the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, this year has been nothing short of exciting. I was lucky enough to have winner of the Grand Champion Steer from Houston, Blaize Benson, join me on this episode. Blaize won with his Simmental steer named Woozy. So, join me as learn more about Blaize’s showing career and his crazy ride with his Simmental.