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.

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&mdash;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:
<ul>
<li>Gene Editing vs. GMOs: The why and what behind genetic tools that could be a game-changer for animal agriculture.</li>
<li>Building Your Own AI: How Paustian uses his computer programming skills to turn barn data into smarter decisions.</li>
<li>The "Full Value" Goal: Why we should never settle for "good enough" in pig production.</li>
<li>The Journey Home: Why Paustian traded a USDA research career for the chance to raise his kids on the farm.</li>
</ul>
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.

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

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

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.

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

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