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.