The Pork Podcast

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. Paustian takes listeners behind the scenes of his 2020 Iowa Pork Producers Association presidency, sharing the lessons learned from leading during a global pandemic. He also takes a deep dive into the "nerdy" side of agriculture, discussing: Gene Editing vs. GMOs: The why and what behind genetic tools that could be a game-changer for animal agriculture. Building Your Own AI: How Paustian uses his computer programming skills to turn barn data into smarter decisions. The "Full Value" Goal: Why we should never settle for "good enough" in pig production. The Journey Home: Why Paustian traded a USDA research career for the chance to raise his kids on the farm. Whether you're interested in the molecular biology of a disease-resistant pig or the grit required to manage a century farm, this episode offers a deep perspective in leadership, innovation and authenticity.

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 American consumed just one more pound of pork per year without a price decline, it would inject over $1.5 billion in retail value into the industry. But this isn't just about eating more—it’s about a strategic "pull" strategy driven by data, innovation and a deep understanding of the future consumer. In this episode, we dive deep into: The Power of Belief: Why the industry must align on a vision of growth to move the needle. The "Meat is In" Phenomenon: Why vegan/vegetarian trends are receding, and protein demand is hitting a fever pitch. Innovation Beyond the Chop: How ground pork and "Boston Butt Burgers" are capturing the air-fryer generation. The Hispanic Market Opportunity: Tapping into the $4.2 trillion GDP of the most pork-loyal demographic in the US. Supply vs. Demand: Balancing world-class production efficiency with a new focus on consumer value. Swine Health & Economics: How tackling PRRS and disease is the ultimate "Grow the Pie" strategy. Whether you are a producer at the farm gate or an industry stakeholder, this conversation offers a data-backed dose of confidence for the future of the U.S. pork industry.

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 kinesiology studies to public policy work—but a pivotal mountain hike and a life-altering health challenge at age 14 shaped her into the leader she is today. Ashley shares how she moved PIC’s HR department from a transactional, "elementary" function to a strategic business partnership. Listeners will gain practical insights into: Recruitment with the End in Mind: How to attract talent that aligns with long-term production goals. Retention Strategies: The shift from traditional career ladders to "jungle gyms" and the importance of transparent development paths. The Power of Listening: Why simple tools like suggestion boxes and Net Promoter Scores are essential for understanding the "slat-level" needs of a workforce. Whether you are managing a small team or a global operation, Ashley’s "work hard, play hard" mentality and her focus on leading with empathy provide a roadmap for building a more engaged and successful team.

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 450,000 pigs a year, he has a unique perspective on how to align people, resources and the pigs themselves to make sure everyone thrives. He dives deep into the evolving landscape of grow-finish production, explaining why the old "rules of thumb" no longer apply to contract growing and disease management. From navigating the complexities of a multi-generational family business to calculating the staggering up to $1,500-per-sow cost of a PRRS L1C break, Dykhuis shares why he believes high-risk environments offer the greatest returns for those willing to lead. Key highlights include: The "Pig Pays the Bills" Philosophy: Why animal husbandry and business economics are inseparable. Contract Growing 2.0: Navigating high interest rates, rising construction costs, and the shift from transactions to true partnerships. The Reality of Risk: A sobering look at the modern cost of disease and the urgent need for industry-wide risk mitigation. Legacy and Leadership: How a "learner" mindset and involvement in industry organizations helps drive the farm’s success. Read more at https://www.porkbusiness.com/topics/grow-finish.

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: https://www.porkbusiness.com/news/industry/her-own-hand-farm-girls-miraculous-journey-death-hope From navigating the "gray areas" of life to redefining what "grit" looks like in agriculture, Maddison opens up about her journey from her darkest days to becoming a beacon of hope for others. This episode isn't just a follow-up; it’s a vital toolkit for anyone in the ag community struggling with the pressure to be "perfect" or "fine." Tune in to hear: The Reality of Recovery: Why healing isn't a straight line and how Maddison manages the pressure of being the "face" of a movement. Breaking the Silence: How to move past the "grit" culture and have the uncomfortable conversations that save lives. Support Systems: The role of "uncomplicated" joy and how to stay for someone beyond the crisis moment. Whether you’re a producer, a parent, or someone fighting a silent battle, this episode of The PORK Podcast is a testament to the fact that hope is a choice we make every day. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24/7. Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

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 high-level trade negotiations in Paris, Forseth discusses the critical stakes of protecting the U.S. swine herd and why her unconventional journey provides a necessary perspective for the industry’s most pressing challenges.

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.

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.

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.

Dan Hamilton, senior director for product performance at PIC, explores the vital intersection of swine genetic innovation and personal resilience. He shares how digital phenotyping and AI are revolutionizing the industry—from analyzing the "social networks" of pigs to improve welfare to using camera-based algorithms that enhance sow longevity by removing human subjectivity. While discussing the future of precision agriculture through real-time health monitoring and AI-driven feeding, he also addresses critical industry hurdles such as biological robustness and the evolving demands of pork quality. Most poignantly, he reflects on how the tragic loss of his first wife shaped his philosophy on leadership, underscoring that true success in the pork industry is built on a foundation of work-life balance, perspective, and the resilience to navigate challenges both in production and in life.

Building trust is key to retaining top talent in the pork industry. Melanie Langley, director of people care at Fine Swine, discusses how you can transform barn culture through empathy. Langley shares her three Ps framework—protection, purpose and presence—to show how prioritizing the person behind the pig is the ultimate key to success.

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.

After a challenging 2023, Chet Mogler of Pig Hill Farms is shifting his focus from physical expansion to professionalizing operations through enhanced biosecurity and innovative grower incentives. Learn what’s happening with their new meat company, Iowa Craft Meats, and how their farm is focused on building a resilient and sustainable foundation for the next generation of pork producers. He also shares his experience as a father of 11 children and stresses the importance of learning from others and maintaining core values in both family and business.

As Sylvester Stallone’s character Rocky says, “Life's not supposed to be sunshine and rainbows.” But Jennifer Tirey, Illinois Pork Producers Association executive director, points out what he has to say next about moving forward is the most important part of that famous quote. Tirey is no stranger to struggles in this world. She opens up about her fight with cancer when she was a young wife, the critical role of building relationships with decisionmakers, and battles that go on behind the scene in the pork industry.

Professors Bob Goodband and Mike Tokach are retiring after 30 years dedicated to the swine industry at Kansas State University. Discover how these legends prioritized people over publications, shaping the next generation of industry leaders with their selfless mentorship and innovative research. Tune in to hear their reflections on a lifetime of impact, the evolution of swine production, and their challenge to the pork industry.

Chelsea Schminke Grieder, Director of Team Purebred, shares her unique and resilient journey on The PORK Podcast. Her path to leading the national youth swine organization was shaped by significant life experiences, including caring for her mother during a kidney transplant. Grieder brings a unique perspective, offering encouragement as she discusses life's ups and downs.

No one wants their family business to look like the Dutton family’s in Yellowstone. Todd Wiley created a succession planning tool to avoid unnecessary drama and position his four children for success in their family pork operation in eastern Iowa. He believes being able to understand everyone's strengths and weaknesses will help them achieve greater success together.

Micah Jansen knows that the key to juggling a busy life as a mother and swine tech services veterinarian at Zoetis is to differentiate the “glass balls” from the others. In other words, she’s learned how to prioritize what matters most as she strives to find a healthy balance between her passions. She joins The PORK Podcast to discuss the future of swine health and how she makes decisions with producers’ ROI in mind.

With a deep-rooted passion for agriculture, Maddie Hokanson follows a simple but profound philosophy in life: Start with why. A seventh-generation farmer, Maddie explains how her “why” – to ensure a successful, thriving future for the generations she will never meet – drives all aspects of her life, from family to farming to advocating for the pork industry.

The U.S. pork industry is undergoing an exciting transformation. After weathering historic losses in 2023, producers are now returning to profitability and uniting behind the bold new Taste What Pork Can Do campaign. To mark the one-year anniversary of The PORK Podcast, host Jennifer Shike sits down with National Pork Board CEO David Newman. He shares his forward-looking vision for the industry and emphasizes how authenticity and transparency are essential for driving long-term success for producers.

A thoughtful, inspiring and quiet leader, Brian Arnold is no stranger to the swine industry. Prior to joining United Animal Health as senior product manager of direct fed microbials, he gained a deeper perspective of the industry through his work at the National Swine Registry and Zoetis. Arnold enjoys raising a few showpigs with this family and judging youth stock shows. But his greatest contribution isn’t in what he has achieved – it’s the impact he has had on those who have watched him lead his family through challenging times, including his wife's cancer diagnosis and sons’ health challenges.

The current pain level of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) in the U.S. is extreme, says swine veterinarians Scott Dee and Gordon Spronk. That’s why they are calling for transformational change - the eradication of PRRS from the U.S. swine herd - in a viewpoint article in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

As an educator at Kansas State University, Joel DeRouchey has had the opportunity to be a part of many teams and see a lot of teams in action. From his perspective, teams must constantly evaluate if they need to refocus, recharge or reset. From understanding your role on a team to embracing horizontal accountability to knowing when it’s time to move on, teamwork sets the pace for success.

Showing livestock has taught Olivia Shike much more than how to care for animals and present them in the show ring — it’s opened doors for a future in animal agriculture. She joins her mom, host Jennifer Shike, on The PORK Podcast to reflect on her last summer at home working in the show barn and the lessons she has gleaned through 4-H, FFA, Team Purebred and the National Junior Swine Association. Learn how Olivia relies on her faith and humor to keep a positive outlook on life, and how mentors in the industry have helped her develop critical life skills such as time management, resilience and leadership.

A true pork power couple, Rob and Char Brenneman of Washington, Iowa define a symbiotic relationship. Word on the street is that “Rob is the gas pedal and Char is the brakes!” The farm team is quick to point out that they are both good drivers because nobody is slamming on either pedal unnecessarily and there is always a check and balance in play. Today they join the podcast to discuss how this system has allowed them to build a pork legacy.

The passion and leadership Clay Zwilling brings to the purebred swine industry as CEO of the National Swine Registry is not only creating opportunities for purebred swine breeders and show pig breeders, but it’s also opening doors for the next generation to find their future in the swine industry. The purebred swine industry is constantly changing and evolving to help pig enthusiasts find a place to enter into the pork industry at all levels.

Are you a stock show parent or thinking about getting your kids involved in showing livestock? In this episode, we sit down with Emily Spray—better known as The Funny Fair Mom—to reveal the real-life challenges and rewards of being a stock show mom. Emily shares honest advice on handling comparison, helping kids through disappointment, and focusing on what truly matters at livestock shows. She also opens up about balancing family life, her journey as a social media influencer in the ag community, and practical hacks every show family can use.

JayJay Goodvin, the man who recently ate a pork tenderloin in every Iowa county, shines a light on rural America, agriculture and the food that unites people. Although he’s not engaged in production agriculture every day, the work he does on behalf of agriculture, particularly the pork industry, is changing lives and creating opportunities.

Dr. Clayton Johnson is a champion of the pig, there’s no doubt about that. When he steps onto the stage to speak, the room instantly quiets and people can’t get enough of what he has to say. It’s his perspective and wisdom, his experience and application, but I think a big part of his draw is the passion and urgency in his messages. Johnson joins The PORK Podcast to discuss the hottest topic in the pork industry today – health. From porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) to porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) and from highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) to African swine fever, Johnson opens up about what he’s seeing and hearing in regard to the greatest challenges facing the industry. His advice for producers, perspective for allied industry and wisdom about barn management is something you won't want to miss.

When you think about Josh Maschhoff, many things come to mind. He’s a husband, father, president, son, nephew, firefighter, friend, church elder, coach, sixth-generation hog farmer and director of production and flow for The Maschhoffs, to name a few. What he is not is an overly emotional person, says his wife, Angela, until you get him talking about the family business.

Scott Hays never imagined a Missouri farm boy would be doing what he’s doing today. When he was told he couldn’t come back to the farm without trying something else first, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. His Army training taught him the value of courage and seeking to better understand other people. This served him well as he moved back home to raise pigs for the next 35 years and eventually rise up to lead the National Pork Producers Council as president in 2023-24. When that role ended, he was hired as the executive director of the Missouri Pork Association. Although he still farms with his family, his role is different today. He’s using his leadership skills in new ways to benefit other farmers in his state. Although Hays would rather spend time talking about pigs and people than himself, it’s easy to see why his friends and family say he is as genuine as it gets.

Although she projects calm composure in nearly every situation, National Pork Producers Council Vice President of Government Affairs Maria C. Zieba admits some days are easier than others. Still, her passion for the pig farmers she represents fuels her to keep going despite challenging circumstances. She joins the podcast to discuss the hottest topics in Washington, DC, including trade, Proposition 12, labor and the farm bill. She also opens up about her role as a mother and how that drives her in her job every day.

As one of the youngest executive directors of a state swine organization, Seth Mitchell’s path is one that’s turning heads. The first person selected for the Pork Industry Immersion Program, a two-year deep dive into organizational leadership in the swine industry, Mitchell is blazing trails at the Nebraska Pork Producers Association and reminding the younger generation of the important role they play in the future of the U.S. pork industry. Although other agricultural industries are finding it challenging to engage Generation Z, the pork industry has a different story to tell. Mitchell shares how engaging young people in swine leadership opportunities and experiences is paving the way for future longevity.

As generations become further removed from the farm, the need for people who can educate and inspire the next generation of livestock industry leadership has never been greater. From the classroom to the judging contest to the show ring, Dan Hoge is one of the greatest of all times. He opens up about 55 years of inspiring the next generation.

Whether she’s busy on the farm or speaking in front of the Senate on behalf of America’s pork producers, NPPC Past President Lori Stevermer models speaking out and showing up for who and what you believe in.

Sometimes waiting for answers to questions causes us to miss opportunities in agriculture. Tracy Walder, author of "The Unexpected Spy," shares how saying “yes” led her to an incredible career in the CIA and FBI chasing down terrorists.

Meat industry entrepreneur and innovator Doug Hankes of Western Smokehouse Partners joins the podcast to discuss how calculated risks changed the trajectory of his life and family business.

There’s just something about the way love sparks in a pig barn. For the Archers and the Sidwells, this proved to be the perfect place for authenticity, trust and friendship to explode into a love that has stood the test of time.

When you hear the Hord name, it’s quickly associated with farming excellence. However, it's their unwavering commitment to their faith and core values that sets them apart. For the Hord family, this isn’t just something they put on a sign on the wall, it’s how they live their lives personally and professionally. Their values impact their farm team based in their Ohio home community and now more broadly as they have expanded their footprint as a bigger player in the U.S. pork industry. For Pat and Phil Hord, their “why” is much bigger than themselves.

In the fourth edition of the State of the Pork Industry Report, Farm Journal’s PORK editor Jennifer Shike asks experts to share takeaways and lessons learned from 2024 from PRRS and labor turnover to third-party Prop 12 audits and influenza. Listen to Cara Haden, veterinarian with Pipestone; Randy Kuker, director of swine production for The Equity; Adam Annegers, sow production manager at JBS; and Brad Eckberg, account executive at MTech Systems, dig into hot topics in the industry.

The Dadson family's iconic TikToks, shorts, videos and reels about showing pigs are capturing attention worldwide. Not only are these videos reaching other youth exhibitors, but they are bringing awareness of the stock show industry to the general public who just can't get enough of their story.

The PORK Podcast wraps up 2024 on a more personal note. Jennifer Shike’s husband, Dan, a University of Illinois professor, joins her to tackle what it means to try to win and why mentoring matters to parenting lessons and how the stock show industry has influenced their lives. Get ready for a little extra on this one.

Is influenza a greater concern to pigs and people now in light of the Oct. 30 USDA announcement that H5N1 was detected for the first time ever in a pig at a backyard Oregon farm? If so, how? Andrew Bowman, DVM, one of the country's top swine influenza experts, joins The PORK Podcast to answer that question and more during a special report on H5N1.

It’s true that Scott Dee, a retired veterinarian with Pipestone, has thought about porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) more than most people throughout his lifetime. He joins The PORK Podcast to discuss how PRRS started, what producers are facing today, and how the industry needs to move forward to win the battle.

From protecting farmers’ freedom to operate to reflecting on her collegiate livestock judging experiences to balancing motherhood with a demanding career, Oklahoma Pork Council Executive Director Kylee Deniz proves why she's 'team everything.'

Illinois pork producer Hannah Miller shares about winning the National FFA Swine Entrepreneurship Proficiency Award and what she's learned from starting up her own show pig herd while balancing life as a high school student.