The Pork Podcast: Clint Schwab: Building the Future of Swine Genetics | Episode 53

How do we bridge the gap between highly complex genetic science and practical, bottom-line solutions for commercial pork producers? In this episode of The PORK Podcast, host Jennifer Shike sits down with Dr. Clint Schwab, Vice President of Technology and Customer Success at AcuFast Genetics. A lif…

The Pork Podcast: Jill Resler - The Impact of Today’s Decisions on Tomorrow’s Farmers | Episode 52.

How do you lead over 3,000 family pig farms into the next generation while keeping your own boots dirty on the farm? In this episode of The PORK Podcast, host Jennifer Shike sits down with Jill Resler, the CEO of Minnesota Pork. Jill isn't just an executive leading from a boardroom; she is a Sout…

The Pork Podcast: Kyle & Ellen Knauth: Building Proven Genetics & Winning Show Pigs

When you walk the aisles of the Indiana State Fair or San Antonio, the name Knauth is synonymous with champion banners and high-selling lots. But what does it take to build a powerhouse sow herd from the ground up? In this episode of The Pork Podcast, host Jennifer Shike sits down with Kyle and E…

Pork Podcast: Mike Paustian - Dirty Boots Science | Episode 50

How does a PhD microbiologist end up leading the Iowa pork industry through its greatest modern crisis? In this milestone 50th episode of The PORK Podcast, host Jennifer Shike sits down with Mike Paustian—a man who sits at the unique intersection of cutting-edge science and generational farming. P…

The Pork Podcast: David Newman and Glynn Tonsor: Pursuing One More Pound | Episode 49

In Episode 49 of The PORK Podcast, host Jennifer Shike sits down with two heavyweights of the industry: Dr. David Newman, CEO of the National Pork Board, and Dr. Glynn Tonsor, Agricultural Economist from Kansas State University. The goal? A radical vision called "One More Pound." If every America…

The Pork Podcast: Ashley Hengen: How to Build Career 'Jungle Gyms' in the Swine Industry | Episode 48

In this episode of the Pork Podcast, host Jennifer Shike sits down with Ashley Hengen, human resources manager for PIC North America, to explore the intersection of human resilience and modern agricultural operations. Ashley’s path to the swine industry was anything but linear—spanning from kinesio…

The Pork Podcast: The Pig Pays the Bills with Joe Dykhuis | Episode 47

In this episode of the Pork Podcast, host Jennifer Shike sits down with Joe Dykhuis of Dykhuis Farms in Holland, Mich. Although Dykhuis has deep roots in pork production, he’s not stuck in how things have always been done. As the owner of a large sow farm that relies on contract growers to finish 4…

Maddison Caldwell: Recovering Loudly | Episode 46

In 2022, Maddison Caldwell shared a story of survival that resonated deeply across the pork industry and rural America. In honor of National Mental Health Month, host Jennifer Shike catches up with Maddison for a raw and powerful conversation on the reality of long-term healing. Read her story here…

Anna Forseth: The Unconventional Path | Episode 45

Dr. Anna Forseth didn’t just follow a path; she carved one. In this episode, National Pork Producers Council’s Director of Animal Health shares how her Montana upbringing forged the grit necessary to bridge the gap between local farms and global policy. From the front lines of disease defense to hi…

Mark Knauer: Wrestling with Sow Mortality | Episode 44

What does it take to move the needle in the pork industry? For North Carolina State University professor Mark Knauer, it takes the same discipline he learned wrestling under legendary coaches at Iowa State University: the commitment to the "grind." In this episode, we explore how Knauer is bringing…