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.
Latest episodes
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4 min
Tough Markets Ahead? How Pork Producers Are Preparing for 2027 | State of the Pork Industry Report
With economic headwinds looming and margin pressure projected into 2027, what should pork producers be doing right now to protect the bottom line without sacrificing herd health? I…
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51 min
The Pork Podcast: Brett Stuart: Is the Bottom in Sight? | Episode 57
People across the globe know Brett Stuart as the go-to mind for global protein trends, famous for his sharp data, honest delivery and on-the-ground market research. But his grounde…
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48 min
The Pork Podcast: Andy Rash: The Power of Asking ‘What If?’| Episode 56
In modern pork production, market swings, rapid tech shifts and sheer volumes of data can quickly become overwhelming. How do the best leaders cut through the noise, embrace the ch…
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54 min
The Pork Podcast: Hyatt Frobose: Modern Stockmanship in Tech-Driven Barns | Episode 55
If you ask Dr. Hyatt Frobose what he wants written on his headstone someday, it isn’t corporate titles—it’s simply "Stockman."In this candid and thought-provoking conversation, Jen…
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44 min
The Pork Podcast: Jackie Bowman Ponder: From the Coal Mine to the Pig Barn | Episode 54
What can a 25-year trial lawyer, a University of Chicago MBA, and a former coal mining executive teach us about the future of the pork industry? A lot more than you might think.In…
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40 min
The Pork Podcast: Clint Schwab: Building the Future of Swine Genetics | Episode 53
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 Jennif…
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53 min
The Pork Podcast: Jill Resler - The Impact of Today’s Decisions on Tomorrow’s Farmers | Episode 52.
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 d…
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53 min
The Pork Podcast: Kyle & Ellen Knauth: Building Proven Genetics & Winning Show Pigs
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 power…
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48 min
Pork Podcast: Mike Paustian - Dirty Boots Science | Episode 50
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…
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47 min
The Pork Podcast: David Newman and Glynn Tonsor: Pursuing One More Pound | Episode 49
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, Agri…
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51 min
The Pork Podcast: Ashley Hengen: How to Build Career 'Jungle Gyms' in the Swine Industry | Episode 48
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 resilienc…
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50 min
The Pork Podcast: The Pig Pays the Bills with Joe Dykhuis | Episode 47
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…
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44 min
Maddison Caldwell: Recovering Loudly | Episode 46
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 Shik…
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42 min
Anna Forseth: The Unconventional Path | Episode 45
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 th…
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41 min
Mark Knauer: Wrestling with Sow Mortality | Episode 44
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 legend…
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48 min
State of the Pork Industry: Spring 2026 Report
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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44 min
Michael Williford: From the Front Lines to the Finishing Barn | Episode 43
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…
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54 min
Dusty Oedekoven: Every Decision Matters | Episode 42
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 beli…
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47 min
Dan Hamilton: Building Resilience in the Barn and in Life | Episode 41
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…
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46 min
Melanie Langley: Prioritize the Person Behind the Pig | Episode 40
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 emp…