Popular Pig

About the Guest Ben Blair was raised in Sparta, Illinois, where he grew up helping on his family’s corn, soy, wheat, and farrow-to-finish farm. He always enjoyed the numbers behind how things worked, which led him to study engineering at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. After finishing his engineering degree, he felt the pull back toward animal health and entered the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Following a short time in clinical practice, he returned to Illinois to complete a PhD with Dr. Jim Lowe. His work focused on the cull sow marketing network and strengthened his interest in advanced analytics, machine learning, and applying AI to livestock systems. He then spent two years at the University of Minnesota as a researcher while also running a consulting business centered on data and AI projects in agriculture. In 2023 Blair returned to the University of Illinois, where he now serves as an assistant professor in Livestock Health. His research combines infectious disease modeling with practical applications of AI in veterinary medicine and modern farming. He lives in Villa Grove, Illinois, with his wife Cathy and their three children, Charlie, Liz, and Lincoln. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? How AI really works — breaking down machine learning, computer vision, and language models in everyday terms. Why the swine industry needs “homegrown” AI solutions that understand how farms truly operate. The biggest challenges holding back AI adoption in ag — from messy data to slow decision-making. How “crawl, walk, run” thinking can help farms start small with AI before chasing advanced automation. Ben’s “golden nugget.”

About the Guest After earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University in 1984, Dr. Jeff Okones spent nearly two decades in food animal practice in Eastern Iowa honing his expertise in swine health and production. His problem solving and communication skills led him from private practice to industry, first as a phone consultant for Pfizer Animal Health, and later as a Professional Service Veterinarian with Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. where he supported the Swine Sales and Marketing team. In 2020, Jeff joined Pharmgate Animal Health as a Technical Service Veterinarian. Drawing on more than 30 years of hands-on experience, he bridges the gap between science and the barn, helping producers turn complex product data into practical real-world strategies. He’s particularly passionate about vaccine technology and how it can set pigs up for healthier, more productive lives while supporting producers’ bottom lines. When he’s not working with pork producers and veterinarians, you’ll find him golfing, visiting small towns looking for the best pork tenderloin, following Iowa State athletics or spending time with his five grand kids. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? The real-world causes of swine respiratory disease (SRD) and how it often stems from multiple bacteria and stressors, not just one source. The most common bacterial culprits behind SRD and what symptoms to watch for before things get out of hand. Why stressors like weaning, weather swings, and transportation can quickly trigger respiratory issues—and how to prevent them. The role of good husbandry, strong biosecurity, and smart antibiotic use (like Tulissin and Tenotryl) in protecting herd health. Jeff’s “golden nugget.” Products Featured in This Episode These Pharmgate products were discussed as part of SRD management strategies and responsible treatment approaches: Tenotryl Tulissin 25 Tulissin 100

About the Guest Originally from Brazil, Lucas received his DVM and Master’s degrees from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG, Brazil) and completed his doctoral degree at the Prairie Swine Centre and the University of Saskatchewan in Canada. Lucas joined Zinpro Corporation in 2022 as a discovery researcher for swine. His current role includes product development and support, directing and coordinating research studies and providing training for internal employees and external customers. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? How sow lameness quietly reduces herd productivity and longevity, often before visible signs appear. The connection between claw lesions and lost piglets—how one sow can lose nearly a pig per litter due to hoof pain and imbalance. Why gilt care, flooring, and proper trace mineral nutrition matter more than ever for healthy feet and lasting herd performance. How early prevention and better diagnostics can protect your herd’s bottom line and animal welfare. Lucas’s “Golden Nugget”

About the Guest Twyla Stevens is an accomplished HR executive with broad experience leading people strategies across national and international teams. As Chief Human Resources Officer at Professional Swine Management, she oversees talent acquisition, organizational development, compensation and benefits, and compliance initiatives. With expertise in workforce planning, leadership development, and change management, Twyla aligns HR strategy with business goals to drive organizational success. She holds a degree in Business Administration from Middle Tennessee State University, is a certified HR professional, and serves on the HR Advisory Board and the Sandburg Agriculture Advisory. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Why real leadership starts with knowing yourself (your style, how you decide, and how you communicate). How a clear leadership path and training can turn nervous first-time leaders into confident managers. Simple ways to build trust and engagement every day (hands–heart–mind, first-day experience, being present). Practical habits you can put in place tomorrow, like quick standups and genuine check-ins with your team. How growing leaders from within cuts turnover, boosts promotions, and strengthens farm culture and performance.

About the Guest Courtney Gray has been the executive director of the Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council since 2022, where she represents Pennsylvania’s 2,500 pig farmers. Prior to that, she was on the producer education and engagement team at Pennsylvania Beef Council and was a loan officer at Farm Credit. She is a graduate of Penn State University with a degree in agricultural science. She and her husband, Brian, operate a commercial cattle operation in Central Pennsylvania alongside their two kids, Porter and Hattie. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? How the “Taste What Pork Can DoTM” campaign connects state-level programs with consumers through relatable storytelling and flavor inspiration. Why digital marketing and influencer partnerships are key to reaching millennial and Gen Z audiences who make meal decisions. How retargeting and recipe content boosted Pennsylvania’s pork engagement by 48% — and what that means for local producers. Creative ways Pennsylvania’s Pork Producers Council blends consumer events, from Rib Fest to the State Farm Show, to make pork approachable and fun. Courtney’s “golden nugget”

About the Guest Ton Kramer holds both master’s and doctorate degrees in Animal Science focused on Swine Locomotion and Health from Federal University of Paraná in Brazil. He has MBAs in Business Management and Project Management from Fundação Getúlio Vargas and a postgraduate degree in Marketing from Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing. Ton has also held leadership roles in the Brazilian Association of Veterinary Specialists in Swine. Currently, he serves as the South American Business Manager at Zinpro. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? How claw lesions have grown from a hidden problem to one of the top causes of sow mortality—affecting nearly 90% of herds. Why modern genetics and higher production demands make gilts and first-parity sows especially vulnerable. The real economic cost of lameness—replacement losses, lost production, and herd-health setbacks. How trace minerals like zinc, copper, and manganese help strengthen tissues, improve healing, and reduce claw damage. What producers can do to score, monitor, and improve claw health using Zinpro’s lesion index and daily nutrition strategy.

About the Guest Brian Martin is a 5th generation farmer from Northwest Indiana, a husband and father of 3. He has 40 years of experience in Pork industry around the US, and he is Co-Owner and Manager of a 14,000 sow pork production operation. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? How Martin Family Farms grew from ~600 sows to two sow farms—including a 10k-head Prop 12 site—by taking smart, steady risks. Why “health first” drives everything: tight biosecurity, clear processes, and doing what you say you’ll do—every day. How modern sow housing evolved there (early ESF/loose housing, later Prop 12 retrofit) and what actually held up in the real world. What really keeps teams together: frequent personal touch-points, culture-building, and growing long-tenured staff (not just chasing numbers). Brian’s “Golden Nugget”

About the Guest Kyle Schulte, originally from Norway, Iowa, has built a career rooted in agricultural excellence and innovation. He earned a B.S. in Agricultural Studies (2007) and an M.S. in Animal Science (2010) from Iowa State University, where his master’s thesis, “An Evaluation of Equipment and Procedures for the Prediction of Intramuscular Fat in Live Swine,” advanced knowledge in swine science. While at Iowa State, Kyle was actively involved in Alpha Gamma Rho Agricultural and Professional Fraternity, the Livestock Judging Team, and the Block and Bridle Club. Kyle’s career began at Biotronics, Inc., providing technical service and sales support for swine ultrasound technology, where he focused on live animal and carcass measurement of body composition traits and loin intramuscular fat. He then joined The Maschhoffs, taking on multiple leadership roles including production research technician, genetic research farm manager, gilt multiplication production manager, and wean-to-finish production manager. Later, at Ralco Agriculture, he supported swine and poultry diet formulation, coordinated swine research farms, and authored technical research reports. Today, Kyle is a Production Partner (contract grower) with The Maschhoffs and the owner of Riverside Agriculture LLC, a swine production management and agricultural construction company employing 25 team members. In addition, he operates a show pig business, raising 30 crossbred and purebred Spot sows. Kyle lives in Oakford, Illinois, with his wife, Rachel Schulte, DVM, and their four daughters—Reagan, Kendra, Madeline, and Corinn. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? How Kyle’s start in 4-H show pigs shaped a lifelong career in the swine industry. Lessons from research at Iowa State, early work with ultrasound, and genetic development at The Maschhoffs. The journey from production and nutrition roles to managing and then owning Applewood Farms. Why his family chose to depopulate sows and remodel into wean-to-finish barns, creating Riverside Ag. Kyle’s “golden nugget.”

About the Guest John Carroll is a managing partner of Carroll Family Farms, a multi-generational farming operation with roots in the U.S. and expansion into Brazil. Known for his strategic vision, John has built a globally integrated operation focused on long-term value, operational excellence, and leadership. His work reflects a deep respect for the land, and a dedication to building a legacy through innovation and hard work. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? How a 5th-generation Illinois farm grew into a Brazilian ag powerhouse with soybeans, cotton, and more. What it really takes to adapt to a new culture and business climate when building abroad. Why professionalizing farm operations with clear rhythms (daily, weekly, quarterly) pays off. How Carroll Family Farms uses a counter-cyclical mindset to expand when others pull back. John’s “golden nugget.”

About the Guest Lindsay Case is a senior leader in the global livestock genetics industry, where she directs the commercialization strategy for the world’s first PRRS-resistant pig. She has more than a decade of experience translating genetic innovations into practical solutions for producers worldwide and leads global go-to-market efforts to ensure this breakthrough technology delivers value across the pork production chain. Lindsay also oversees PIC’s sustainability initiatives, including advancing Genetic Carbon as a novel environmental value for the pork industry as well as driving PIC’s internal carbon reduction strategies. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? How “genetic carbon” works and why it matters for the future of pork production. Why efficiency in raising pigs naturally lowers environmental impact without extra investments. How PIC proved their claims with life cycle assessments, ISO standards, and peer-reviewed research. What this means for producers today, and how it could shape pork’s place in global markets tomorrow. Lindsay’s “golden nugget.”

About the Guest Dr. DeDecker received her Ph.D. in swine well-being at the University of Illinois in 2011 and then started her career with Smithfield Foods. Currently Senior Director of Research and Extension for Smithfield Hog Production, Dr. DeDecker oversees applied research in all disciplines of swine production with the goal to identify cost effective solutions that can be implemented at the farm level using Extension services and outreach. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Why split suckling is complex, time-sensitive to colostrum (~12 hours), and hard to execute consistently. What the evidence actually shows: across 12 studies (1985–2023) most found no difference in survival/gain; Smithfield ran 3 more trials with no benefit—and one protocol doubled mortality in the biggest pigs. Why today’s sows change the equation (higher total born and heavier birth weights, more functional teats) making old assumptions less relevant. Where to focus Day-1 labor: primary care for all (feed, water, environment) first, then individual/secondary care (drying, assisting, oxytocin) only as needed. Ashley’s “golden nugget.”

About the Guest Dr. Joel DeRouchey grew up on a diversified purebred swine, cattle and sheep operation in Pukwana, S.D. He graduated with his Animal Science degree from South Dakota State University in 1997 and his M.S. (1999) and Ph.D. (2001) in Swine Nutrition from Kansas State University. He is currently full professor and State Animal Science Extension Program Leader and has a 50% Extension and 50% Research appointment. Joel works with the productive K-State Applied Swine Nutrition Team that mentors graduate and undergraduate students, works directly with producers to provide up-to-date information and focuses on generating information with direct industry application. Joel has been named the National ASAS Outstanding Extension Specialist, AFIA Nonruminant Nutrition Research Award, North Central Region Excellence in 4-H Volunteerism Award, and South Dakota State University Distinguished Young Alumni. Joel and his wife, Julene, have three children James, Jenna and Jacob and currently lives on a small farm near Wamego, KS. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? What the Pig Livability Project is (who’s involved, why it started) and how it turns field data into practical results. What actually moves the needle post-weaning: mat feeding gives a small but real gain; bigger “cube-style” pellets help early intake and cut pulls; current split-suckling protocols haven’t delivered. Why early ID and individual care (getting pigs/sows up, eyes-on checks) beat “set-and-forget” routines. How modern practices (full-feed lactation, group housing) can hide problems—and simple ways to adjust so you still catch issues fast. Joel’s “golden nugget.”

About the Guest Ton Kramer holds both master’s and doctorate degrees in Animal Science focused on Swine Locomotion and Health from Federal University of Paraná in Brazil. He has MBAs in Business Management and Project Management from Fundação Getúlio Vargas and a postgraduate degree in Marketing from Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing. Ton has also held leadership roles in the Brazilian Association of Veterinary Specialists in Swine. Currently, he serves as the South American Business Manager at Zinpro. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Why today’s high-producing sows are like “athletes” — and how that raises lameness risks. How lameness and claw lesions have doubled in recent years and their hidden costs. The impact lameness has on sow longevity, herd immunity, and piglet performance. Practical strategies — from flooring to nutrition — that help prevent claw problems and removals. Ton’s “golden nugget.”

About the Guest Willem Steyn is a distinguished Nutritionist and the Founder and Owner of SwiNE Nutrition Management Pty Ltd, a reputable nutrition consultancy company based in South Africa and The Netherlands. With a profound passion for animal nutrition and an extensive international network, he has devoted his career in aiding pig farmers in unleashing the genetic potential of their livestock. Willem’s expertise and substantial contributions have left an indelible mark on the agricultural sector, with a distinct focus on the swine industry. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Why pig farmers across the world face the same core challenges, no matter the country or setup. How labor differences (hands-on vs. automated) impact pre-weaning mortality and piglet care. The value of technology like electronic sow feeders and RFID scales for tracking intake and weight in real time. Why starting piglets on feed early—through a “learn to eat” and “learn to digest” approach—pays off at weaning and beyond.

About the Guest Yolande Seddon is an associate professor in swine behaviour and the Enhancement Chair in Swine Welfare at the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Yolande leads a research group in Saskatoon, Canada, and provides animal welfare consultation for swine industry groups. Her academic training is in applied ethology (animal behaviour) and the scientific assessment of animal welfare, with a PhD in finisher pig health management (Newcastle University, UK). Her research mandate is to contribute science to help develop lasting solutions to swine welfare challenges and to support sustainable farming practices. Her areas of research include management of gestating sows in group-housing, the economics of higher welfare free-farrowing systems, weaner transport, environmental enrichment, and the development of improved methods of swine welfare assessment. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Why animal welfare is not just a nice extra but a key part of production, sustainability, and pig care. How Canada blends science with producer input so research actually gets put into practice on farms. Why enrichment and play are important, how they reduce stress, improve health, and even help pigs handle challenges like PRRS. What freedom of movement really looks like, why sows will choose it, and why group housing is more effective than short exercise routines. Yolande’s “golden nugget.”

About the Guest Dr. Lauren Glowzenski, VMD, is a 2016 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, and has been a swine exclusive practitioner for over a decade. With experience in all phases of production, from birth to market, Dr. Glowzenski has previous experience working for TriOak Foods (JBS USA) and Tyson Foods. She currently works for Pipestone Veterinary Services where she provides care for client farms throughout the Midwest. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Why sow prolapses spiked (since ~2013) with the push for more total born—and why better “robustness” genetics are starting to taper it off. What you can control today: quick, humane on-farm fixes—vaginal box-sutures; rectal purse-string or band-and-ring amputation—with simple tools and clear SOPs. The payoff: cutting prolapse-related deaths from ~20–30% of sow mortality down to ~5–10%, keeping more sows alive to wean and cull. How to make it stick: train the team (including TN-visa staff), focus on speed, safety, and food-safety-friendly methods. Dr. Lauren’s “Golden Nugget”

About the Guests After studying at the Faculty of Agrifood, Forestry, and Engineering at the University of Lleida, Oscar Toledano worked as a production manager on large pig farms. Twenty-four years ago, he joined Rotecna, where he has had the opportunity to collaborate with pig production and farm construction companies in more than 80 countries. Mr. Toledano has experience as a speaker at national and international events and has also written technical articles on current topics related to the pig industry. Tyler Leete grew up around the Genetics side of the swine industry. Following graduation from Iowa State University with a degree in Animal Science and Minor in Meat Science. He worked as a Genetic Technician for a large swine genetics company. He then dove into the research side of the industry, followed by joining a large Integrator as a Genetic Supervisor on multiple sow units at the multiplication and nucleus sow farm levels before taking on a role collection, troubleshooting, and validating packing plant and trail data. Tyler then served two years as an independent contractor managing 10,000 nursery spaces before joining Rotecna in 2024. Oscar Toledano (Left) and Tyler Leete (Right) What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Labor and generational change are the #1 challenge on farms worldwide. Environmental rules and consumer expectations are reshaping production Economics drive everything. Automated body condition management is a game-changer. Oscar and Tyler’s golden nuggets

About the Guest Dr. DeDecker received her Ph.D. in swine well-being at the University of Illinois in 2011 and then started her career with Smithfield Foods. Currently Senior Director of Research and Extension for Smithfield Hog Production, Dr. DeDecker oversees applied research in all disciplines of swine production with the goal to identify cost effective solutions that can be implemented at the farm level using Extension services and outreach. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig Why most transport losses happen before the pigs even leave the farm. The barn and site design factors that make loading easier and safer for pigs. Simple, low-cost changes that can reduce pig stress and improve loading efficiency. How driver handling and truck setup play a role in transport losses. Ashley’s “golden nugget”

About the Guests Neal Hull joined the National Pork Board in 2019 as director of domestic market development. He leads the field team of channel market development managers to align NPB’s strategies with key retail and foodservice customers across the country; he is focused on building trust, adding value and creating demand for U.S. pork. Neal has more than 30 years’ experience in the food industry, including foodservice and retail. Neal grew up on a small farm near Moravia, Iowa, where his family raised pigs and other livestock. He graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in marketing and minored in speech communication. Neal and his wife, Sara, have three children and reside in Austin, Minn. Born in the Netherlands, Tony has lived in St. Louis, Mo., since he was 3 years old. He began his career at Schnucks as a bagger when he was 16 and held various positions at multiple stores throughout high school and college while he earned a pre-architecture degree at the University of Missouri-Columbia. After graduating, he continued his career with Schnucks and has held positions in the Meat/Seafood Department as a QA inspector, visual merchandiser, buying analyst and category manager. He has been with Schnucks for 29 years and currently serves as the senior director of meat and seafood. He has been happily married to his wife, Jennifer, for 18 years, and they have two children, Aiden and Alexis. Neal Hull (left) and Tony Manker (right) What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Pork wins on flavor and the new campaign leans into that How producers and retailers are working together to grow demand Why younger shoppers want pork that’s easy, bold, and versatile Smart marketing moves that are getting pork noticed Neal and Tony’s golden nuggets

About the Guest Chris Ford works with swine operations across the Farm Credit Services of America, Frontier Farm Credit, and Ag Country Associations’ state territory and throughout the Midwest ranging in a variety of sizes. Chris is a part of the specialized Swine Team which has lending relationships with 28 of the 40 largest swine producers in the nation. Prior to becoming a Vice President of Corporate Swine Lending, Chris was a Credit Underwriter that specialized in swine operations. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Why knowing your true cost of production is critical for smart financial decisions—especially when it comes to risk management. How the most successful producers use benchmarking to spot strengths and weaknesses and stay ahead. Why succession planning isn’t just about legacy—it’s about survival and choosing the right future leader. How aging facilities (and aging owners) are forcing hard choices: renovate, rebuild, or get out. Chris’s “golden nugget”