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The Pork Podcast

The Pork Podcast
Author: Farm Journal
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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.
32 Episodes
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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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.