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.