From the DC suburbs to the heart of Iowa, Harrison Furlow’s journey into the pork industry is anything but conventional. Discover why he believes producer-led advocacy is the key to a sustainable future in agriculture and how he’s helping build a more resilient industry in his new role at the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

From the DC suburbs to the heart of Iowa, Harrison Furlow&rsquo;s journey into the pork industry is anything but conventional. Discover why he believes producer-led advocacy is the key to a sustainable future in agriculture and how he&rsquo;s helping build a more resilient industry in his new role at the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

There’s just something about the story behind the story. As a storyteller, I’m always searching for ways to give readers just a little more. That’s what The PORK Podcast is all about – bringing you stories of the people and the progress of the pork industry.  I’m Jennifer Shike – let’s go find just a little more.

There’s just something about the story behind the story. As a storyteller, I’m always searching for ways to give readers just a little more. That’s what The PORK Podcast is all about – bringing you stories of the people and the progress of the pork industry.  I’m Jennifer Shike – let’s go find just a little more.

The Pork Podcast

Harrison Furlow: Policy at the Slat Level | Episode 39

State of the Pork Industry: Spring 2026 Report

After 20 years in the U.S. Army and multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Michael Williford was ready to retire—but he wasn't ready to slow down. In this episode, he shares his incredible journey from serving in the military to becoming a contract hog grower in Clinton, Ky. Discover how he used the discipline of the military to master swine management and how he’s using "black gold" to transform his family’s row-crop operation.

After 20 years in the U.S. Army and multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Michael Williford was ready to retire&mdash;but he wasn't ready to slow down. In this episode, he shares his incredible journey from serving in the military to becoming a contract hog grower in Clinton, Ky. Discover how he used the discipline of the military to master swine management and how he&rsquo;s using "black gold" to transform his family&rsquo;s row-crop operation.

Michael Williford: From the Front Lines to the Finishing Barn | Episode 43

Every small decision matters. Whether Dusty Oedekoven, chief veterinarian for the National Pork Board, is talking about wrestling or swine health, he says progress starts with belief. He outlines the newly adopted path forward for the National Swine Health Strategy to help the U.S. pork industry stop living with PRRS and PEDV. Drawing on historical successes like pseudorabies eradication and his own experiences in livestock disease elimination, Oedekoven shares why he believes the industry can move from managing endemic diseases to total elimination.

Every small decision matters. Whether Dusty Oedekoven, chief veterinarian for the National Pork Board, is talking about wrestling or swine health, he says progress starts with belief. He outlines the newly adopted path forward for the National Swine Health Strategy to help the U.S. pork industry stop living with PRRS and PEDV. Drawing on historical successes like pseudorabies eradication and his own experiences in livestock disease elimination, Oedekoven shares why he believes the industry can move from managing endemic diseases to total elimination.

Harrison Furlow: Policy at the Slat Level | Episode 39

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