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 elite-level precision to sow management.
We discuss:
The Sow Caliper: How this simple tool is saving producers money by eliminating subjectivity.
The Longevity Secret: Why early growth and puberty are the best predictors of a sow’s lifetime success.
Global Competition: What the U.S. must do through nutrition and health research to out-compete Brazil.
Practical Research: Why the best insights come from "listening" to the pigs and the people in the barns.

Whether you are a producer looking to improve your bottom line or a fan of agricultural innovation, this conversation offers a masterclass in practical swine science.

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 elite-level precision to sow management. We discuss:
<ul>
<li>The Sow Caliper: How this simple tool is saving producers money by eliminating subjectivity.</li>
<li>The Longevity Secret: Why early growth and puberty are the best predictors of a sow&rsquo;s lifetime success.</li>
<li>Global Competition: What the U.S. must do through nutrition and health research to out-compete Brazil.</li>
<li>Practical Research: Why the best insights come from "listening" to the pigs and the people in the barns.</li>
</ul>
Whether you are a producer looking to improve your bottom line or a fan of agricultural innovation, this conversation offers a masterclass in practical swine science.

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

Mark Knauer: Wrestling with Sow Mortality | Episode 44

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 lifelong stockman, builder, and academic, Schwab shares his incredible career trajectory—from growing up on a Colorado seedstock farm and coaching collegiate livestock judging to serving as CEO of the National Swine Registry, leading science at The Maschhoffs, and navigating major industry mergers.

Tune in as Schwab breaks down the future of pork production, exploring:


The ROI of Genetic Technology: How producers can navigate challenging market cycles by implementing genetic progress that compounds over time.


The "Two AIs" in Swine Breeding: The powerful intersection of Artificial Intelligence (data frameworks) and Artificial Insemination (reproductive technologies like low-dose techniques, IVF and gender-skew technologies).


Precision Phenotyping: How modern biological data and bioinformatics are mitigating risk and uncovering elite genetic outliers.


The Livestock Judging Mindset: Why evaluating "puzzle pieces" in the judging ring is the ultimate training ground for system-thinking, team-building and data analysis.


People-First Leadership: Why AI will never replace emotional intelligence, humility, and mentorship.

Whether you are a commercial pork producer looking to optimize your herd’s genetic potential or an ag professional passionate about the future of livestock innovation, this episode is packed with actionable insights on technology, grit, and leadership.

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 lifelong stockman, builder, and academic, Schwab shares his incredible career trajectory&mdash;from growing up on a Colorado seedstock farm and coaching collegiate livestock judging to serving as CEO of the National Swine Registry, leading science at The Maschhoffs, and navigating major industry mergers. Tune in as Schwab breaks down the future of pork production, exploring:
<ul dir="ltr">
<li>
The ROI of Genetic Technology: How producers can navigate challenging market cycles by implementing genetic progress that compounds over time.
</li>
<li>
The "Two AIs" in Swine Breeding: The powerful intersection of Artificial Intelligence (data frameworks) and Artificial Insemination (reproductive technologies like low-dose techniques, IVF and gender-skew technologies).
</li>
<li>
Precision Phenotyping: How modern biological data and bioinformatics are mitigating risk and uncovering elite genetic outliers.
</li>
<li>
The Livestock Judging Mindset: Why evaluating "puzzle pieces" in the judging ring is the ultimate training ground for system-thinking, team-building and data analysis.
</li>
<li>
People-First Leadership: Why AI will never replace emotional intelligence, humility, and mentorship. Whether you are a commercial pork producer looking to optimize your herd&rsquo;s genetic potential or an ag professional passionate about the future of livestock innovation, this episode is packed with actionable insights on technology, grit, and leadership.
</li>
</ul>

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

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 Southwest Minnesota farm kid, a pig farmer, a crop grower, a wife, and a mother of three daughters.

Jill shares her unique journey of working her way through the grassroots of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association to step into the shoes of a legendary 28-year leader. She dives deep into the realities of modern agriculture—navigating market volatility, fighting animal health challenges like PRRS, and driving a culture centered on trust, vulnerability, and continuous improvement.

Whether you are in the barns power washing, managing a multi-generational business, or looking for ways to develop the next generation of ag leaders, Jill’s perspective on leadership, "big rocks," and building resilient relationships will challenge and inspire you.

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 Southwest Minnesota farm kid, a pig farmer, a crop grower, a wife, and a mother of three daughters. Jill shares her unique journey of working her way through the grassroots of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association to step into the shoes of a legendary 28-year leader. She dives deep into the realities of modern agriculture&mdash;navigating market volatility, fighting animal health challenges like PRRS, and driving a culture centered on trust, vulnerability, and continuous improvement. Whether you are in the barns power washing, managing a multi-generational business, or looking for ways to develop the next generation of ag leaders, Jill&rsquo;s perspective on leadership, "big rocks," and building resilient relationships will challenge and inspire you.

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

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 Ellen Knauth of Knauth Show Pigs to discuss the reality of life in the trenches of the show pig industry. From the science of internal genetics to the "blue texter" rule, the Knauths share the secrets behind their success.

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 Ellen Knauth of Knauth Show Pigs to discuss the reality of life in the trenches of the show pig industry. From the science of internal genetics to the "blue texter" rule, the Knauths share the secrets behind their success.

Mark Knauer: Wrestling with Sow Mortality | Episode 44

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