Popular Pig

About the Guests SwineTech is an agtech company transforming pork production through its PigFlow platform, an AI-powered operating system designed to coordinate people, protocols, and priorities at the point of care. Rather than focusing solely on data collection and reporting, PigFlow drives real-time execution by embedding standard operating procedures directly into daily workflows, ensuring consistency, compliance, and performance across every stage of production. At the center of the platform is Charlotte, SwineTech’s AI-powered digital assistant, which enables users to interact with operational data and institutional knowledge through natural language. By making information more accessible and actionable, Charlotte helps teams make faster, better decisions while reducing administrative burden. Together, PigFlow and Charlotte represent a shift toward execution-driven technology in agriculture, connecting data, people, and processes to improve outcomes across modern production systems. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? How SwineTech first used sound patterns to identify piglet distress Why AI still needs human review, context, and critical thinking What to consider before letting AI into daily farm or business work How producers can ask better questions when vendors mention AI Abe, Adam, and John “Golden Nugget”

About the Guest Dr. Ramirez is a scientific advisor for Clipper Distributing Company, LLC. Dr. Ramirez developed the first accelerated peroxide (AHP®) formulations which asides from Intervention disinfectant, also include hospital and dental disinfectants, a reuse medical sterilant, an antimicrobial hand wash, and a dairy teat dip. He holds more than 20 issued or pending patents ranging from cleaning & disinfection, to water treatment and chemical process sensors & controls. His first patent was filed in 1999 – the first AHP® formulation. Dr. Ramirez has more than 25 years of experience in disinfectant formulation development as applied to infection prevention and biosecurity in a variety of markets. He has started two companies based on his inventions and has won several business pitch competitions, including technologies for wastewater processing and wastewater control. He has been featured and interviewed several times in the press. Dr. Ramirez holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering, and MS and PhD degrees in Chemical Engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? How dilution mistakes can reduce disinfectant performance without being obvious Why application and training matter just as much as the product itself What lower-cost disinfectants may miss in bacteria and virus coverage How disinfectants can impact lagoon systems and biogas production Why foam application improves visibility, coverage, and contact time  

About the Guest José Santiago is a sow production supervisor leading teams with Tosh Pork, LLC based in Henry, Tennessee.  José has had extensive experience throughout many segments of the pork industry which has positioned him to excel in production management and José’s teams routinely lead the industry in sow productivity, pig quality, and pig care. Although José’s strengths in pig production are evident, his true passions are rooted in the people who care for those pigs.  José believes in the value that all members of a team can contribute and encourage and develop his people to be as successful as possible. On his free time José is the Youth director for Holy Cross Catholic Church as well as the baseball coach for the Henry County Middle School team.  José currently resides in Paris, Tennessee with his lovely wife, Jaryssel and their two outstanding children, José (20 years old) and Angelica (18 years old). What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Why swine production is really a people business first—and pigs come second when it comes to success. How great leaders build trust by showing up, listening, and giving their teams the tools and “why” behind the work. Why fear of failure “holds teams back and how creating a culture where it’s okay to try (and miss) helps people get better. How to better coach your team by understanding strengths, avoiding knee-jerk reactions, and putting people in roles where they can win. Jose’s “Golden Nugget”

About the Guests Joseph Galasso Jr. is a seasoned C-suite executive with over 40 years in food protein sales, operations, business development, and biosecurity technologies tailored for livestock and swine operations. As Chief Operating Officer at WT Associates and WT BIO-TECH, he leads commercialization of mortality management systems—including EPA-compliant incinerators, anaerobic digestion like KLEENPAS BioGestor, and aqueous ozone/nanobubble solutions—for large-scale beef and pork processing facilities in Iowa. His expertise spans pioneering green chemistry biosecurity for clients like Walt Disney and Wynn Resorts, full P&L management of 12M+ lb protein lines, and regulatory navigation (USDA FSIS, EPA, DNR), making him a key contributor to the protein industry. Kit Thomas Laramore was born in 1953 in Gillette, Wyoming, and grew up attending school first at a family ranch and later in Gillette. He pursued higher education initially in vocal performance and then in Agricultural Business, graduating from the University of Wyoming in 1978. After college, he worked in trades and construction before focusing on ranching and cattle operations, eventually moving into the beef meat business. Laramore attended a one-room schoolhouse taught by his mother, completed his primary and secondary education in Gillette, and studied vocal performance and agricultural business at universities in Utah and Wyoming. During college, he worked as an electrician earning substantial wages and post-graduation chose to build houses during a coal mining boom, becoming a general contractor for over 130 structures in six years. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? You will learn how a vertically integrated system can connect livestock production directly to processing and distribution. You will understand why smaller regional plants can improve access to processing and support local producers. You will learn how genetics and production choices impact meat quality, animal welfare, and efficiency. You will hear how workforce housing, training, and community investment can support long term rural development. You will learn the key risks in launching a facility like this and how planning addresses capital, labor, and food safety.

About the Guests Daniel Linhares, DVM, MBA, PhD –  Professor & Director of Graduate Education at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Worked for 8 years as a practicing veterinarian, technical services, and health assurance; now he is dedicated to training MSc and PhD students as part of the ISU fieldepi team, working with swine producers and health professionals in the US and abroad. Edison Magalhães, DVM, MBA, MSc, PhD  – Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University. Dr. Edison Magalhaes previously worked for four years in the Brazilian swine industry as a swine veterinarian practitioner. He then pursued his Master’s and PhD in Swine Epidemiology at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Currently, Dr. Magalhaes leads the SwinalytIQ Lab, a multidisciplinary team composed of undergraduate and graduate students from veterinary medicine, animal science, data science, and computer engineering. His program focuses on research and extension that supports the U.S. and global swine industries by developing data-driven approaches to improve health, productivity, and decision-making, helping producers better utilize their production data. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? You will learn how most grow-finish mortality ties back to conditions and performance in the sow farm. You will learn how integrating siloed data reveals connections between health, environment, and production outcomes. You will learn why weaning age, variation within groups, and early health challenges influence downstream performance. You will learn how barn setup, environment, and basic husbandry practices impact pig survivability early on. You will learn how gilt development and sow farm management set the ceiling for overall system productivity.

About the Guest Dr. Bill Christianson is the former Chief Operating Officer of PIC. He has a background in agriculture and biotechnology, with broad industry knowledge and extensive commercial and global experience. He earned his DVM and PhD in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Christianson joined PIC in 1993 and held a range of operational roles across Europe, South America, and the United States before becoming General Manager of PIC North America in 2007. He later led the combined ABS and PIC businesses across the Americas starting in 2010 and became COO of Genus PIC in 2012. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? How growing up around a family farm and machinery business led into the swine industry. What it was like working on PRRS during its early discovery and research phase. How large systems approached eliminating PRRS and the time and cost involved. Why taking opportunities before feeling ready can help you grow in your career. Bill “Golden Nugget”

About the Guest Edwina and her husband run Blantyre Farms, a 2,200 sow pig farm and a mixed farm of sheep, cattle and crops, near Young, NSW, Australia. In operation for more than a decade, a methane digestion system captures methane gas from pig manure and converts it into electricity. Blantyre also utilizes food waste products for pig feed and saves 13,500 of tonnes of landfill each year. The NSW EPA has awarded Blantyre with a Green Globe Award for Resource Efficiency. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? How a family pig farm in Australia grew from a small farrow-to-finish operation into a much larger sow farm over time. How using liquid feeding and food waste products can help reduce feed costs and create new opportunities on a pig farm. How capturing methane from pig manure can generate electricity and lower energy costs on the farm. How pig producers in Australia are dealing with activist pressure and protecting their farms and teams. Edwina’s “Golden Nugget”

About the Guest What began as a spontaneous job application became a lifelong commitment to protecting animals across New South Wales and supporting some of the state’s most underserved and marginalized communities. Throughout his career, Steve has developed a deep understanding of human behavior and an exceptional ability to inspire people to take meaningful action. His experience across animal welfare, government relations and the justice system has shaped his insight into what drives individuals, organizations and communities. As CEO, Steve leads the largest animal welfare organization in Australia with authenticity, integrity and a clear strategic vision — creating the conditions for lasting, impactful change. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? The difference between animal welfare and animal rights — and why the pork industry needs to understand that distinction. Why communication and working with producers often leads to better animal welfare outcomes than enforcement alone. How real farm constraints influence decisions around housing systems like farrowing crates. Why consumer expectations, economics, and welfare improvements are closely connected in pork production. Steve’s “Golden Nugget”

About the Guest Dr. Dustin Oedekoven is the chief veterinarian for the National Pork Board, based in Des Moines, Iowa. In this role, Dr. Oedekoven leads a team of veterinarians and swine production experts in Pork Checkoff-funded work for pork producers, including foreign animal disease (FAD) preparedness, protecting the U.S. herd from African swine fever and developing a national swine health strategy. Dr. Oedekoven has over 20 years of experience in the agriculture sector. Prior to joining the National Pork Board in 2022, he served as state veterinarian and executive secretary for the South Dakota Animal Industry Board, where he provided strategic leadership and direction for the state’s animal health agency – a seven-member, governor-appointed board of livestock producers with responsibility for all animal health programs and disease control efforts in the state. Dr. Oedekoven received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University and bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science from South Dakota State University. He resides in Pierre, South Dakota, with his wife and kids. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Why the National Swine Health Strategy was created and how pig health directly impacts producer profitability. The two big goals guiding the strategy: reduce the impact of domestic diseases and keep foreign and emerging diseases out. Why PRRS elimination is now being set as a long term industry destination. Why PED elimination may be more achievable in the near term and how recent progress gives the industry momentum.

About the Guest Nat Stas is a Technical Services Director for PIC and has been in the commercial swine industry for 15 years, 8 of which have been with PIC. He holds a master’s degree from University of Illinois under Dr. Mike Ellis focusing on swine genetics and reproduction. In addition to Nat’s commitment to the commercial swine industry, he currently stays involved in the American Society of Animal Science and many livestock youth development programs and swine research programs. Nat resides in Latrobe, Pennsylvania with his wife and twin daughters. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Why finishing mortality keeps climbing and why it costs you the most money. How tracking week on feed at death can quickly narrow down where your real problems are. Why cutting pigs open and getting a true diagnosis beats guessing every time. The simple things that matter most: getting pigs started right, keeping feed in front of them, avoiding feed outages, and managing space and sound feet late in finishing.  

About the Guest Al Wulfekuhle lives on Lake Delhi in east central Iowa, he is the owner of G&W Pork, a farrow-finish operation that markets around 50,000 pigs per year to Tyson Foods. Al also farms 640 acres of corn and soybeans. Al has business experience in managing farrow to finish pig farms and providing pork industry consulting and is a past President of the Iowa Pork Producers Association and is now serving as Past President of the National Pork Board. Al has a passion for improving pig production and health, creating more long term demand for pork and assisting others to be successful in the pig industry. He has served on numerous IPPA, NPB and Iowa State University research projects, advisory boards, committees, and task forces. Al and his wife Kathy have 3 married children, all very successful in their careers outside of the pork industry and 9-grandchildren. His personal hobbies are traveling, physical fitness and spending time with family and friends. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? How Al Wulfekuhle built a hog operation from 45 gilts starting in 1979 and grew through both good times and hard ones. How relationships and trust helped Al move forward when lenders said no on a barn loan. Why some of the toughest times in pork production created the biggest opportunities for growth and leadership. Why pork demand became a top priority after 2023 and how the domestic marketing campaign took shape. Al’s “Golden Nugget”

About the Guest Dr. Derald Holtkamp is a Professor in the Department of Veterinary Diagnostics and Production Animal Medicine (VDPAM) in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University (Ames, Iowa, U.S.). He received his DVM, MS in Agricultural Economics, and B.S. in Agricultural Business with a minor in statistics, all from Iowa State University. Prior to joining Iowa State, he was a private veterinary consultant. He has also served as a technical services veterinarian for ADViSYS Inc., Vice President of Swine Applications for MetaFarms Inc., Director of Pork Development for E-Markets, Inc., and veterinarian for Smithfield Foods in Warsaw, North Carolina. Dr. Holtkamp’s research focuses on managing infectious swine diseases, biosecurity, disease risk assessment, and the economics of animal health and disease. He has authored more than 70 peer-reviewed publications, delivered over 70 invited presentations internationally, and given more than 220 invited talks across the United States. In addition, he has mentored over 275 professional and graduate students. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? How pig mortality directly impacts US competitiveness and why productivity gaps matter far beyond individual farms. What global benchmarking data shows about how the US compares to countries like Brazil and why mortality is a major driver. How PRRS continues to play a significant role in lost productivity and why its true economic impact is likely underestimated. Why biosecurity failures are usually tied to everyday processes, not rare events or one time mistakes. How identifying, prioritizing, and monitoring biosecurity risks matters more than debating rules like downtime length.  

About the Guests Sawyer Whisler is an Iowa hog farmer and the co-founder of Farmer Grade. He built an audience by sharing real day-to-day farm life through the @thislldofarm channel and later launched the Barn Talk podcast. His father, Tork Whisler, is part of the father-son dynamic behind the show and the long-term focus on trust and credibility. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? How Barn Talk grew from farm YouTube videos showing modern hog farming day to day. Why authenticity on camera matters when showing the good, bad, and frustrating moments. How the Barn Talk studio came together in a hayloft barn that had never been uncovered. Why avoiding sponsorships can protect credibility and help keep a weekly show sustainable. How Farmer Grade started when people asked to buy pork based on trust, not claims.

About the Guest Jenelle Dunkelberger has worked as a geneticist at Topigs Norsvin for the past eight years. She holds a PhD from Iowa State University, where the focus of her research was on the role of host genetics in response to viral disease in pigs. She continues to study this topic, along with other health-related issues, as Head of the Topigs Norsvin Global Health and Behavior Research Platform. Jenelle resides in Minnesota with her husband and young boys. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Why improving pig livability through genetics is not as simple as it sounds and why what we measure matters more than what we assume. How collecting data from commercial herds helps reveal traits like resilience, robustness, and longevity that elite nucleus animals never get the chance to show. How genetic selection is being used today to reduce sow death loss tied to feet and leg issues, prolapse, and unknown sudden death. Why disease resilience can only be improved by measuring performance under real disease pressure, not ideal conditions. Jenelle’s Golden Nugget

About the Guest PJ Corns is the Technical Director for JBS Live Pork, Greeley, CO. Responsible for nearly 260,000 sows, boar studs and gilt development units across the Midwest. PJ has spent his entire career forging world class results with every step from managing large sow units in North Carolina, to working internationally with PIC and his own consultancy firm where his involvement in well over 2 million sows was driven by delivering results based upon proven protocols, system maximization, people development and biosecurity implementation and execution. PJ joined JBS in his current role in September, 2021. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Why the best farms don’t just “track KPIs” — they focus on what they can improve today. How to stop relying on lagging data (like farrowing rate or closeouts) and start using leading indicators. Why execution on the farm matters more than having the “perfect” SOP. Where AI is headed in pig production — and why it only works if people follow through and execute. PJ’s Golden Nugget

About the Guest Dr. Clayton Johnson is a globally recognized swine health expert with Carthage Veterinary Services in Carthage, Illinois. A 2008 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, he began his career with The Maschhoffs, LLC—where he helped double sow production—and later joined Carthage in 2016 to lead company health initiatives. Internationally recognized for pioneering bioeconomic models to manage PRRS and PEDrelated diseases, he’s a sought-after consultant in China, Southeast Asia, and beyond. In 2020, Dr. Johnson received the prestigious Allen D. Leman Science in Practice Award for excellence in integrating scientific rigor into swine health management. He is licensed in seven states, leads a team of veterinary professionals, and, beyond veterinary practice, hosts “The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast” a weekly podcast series reaching a global audience of +100,000 listeners serving to distill complex swine health research into actionable insights. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Why pig livability decisions range from quick, day to day treatment calls to major capital investments and why they should not be evaluated the same way. How biosecurity functions more like insurance than a line item expense and why doing it right often goes unnoticed until it fails. Why preventing disease on the front end usually delivers more value than managing problems after pigs get sick. How economics, animal care, employee experience, and long term operation health all need to be considered together when making decisions. Clayton’s Golden Nugget  

About the Guest Kiersten Hafer is Vice President of Business Intelligence and Innovation for the National Pork Board and provides strategy, insights and guidance to the pork industry and supply chain on where to play and how to win with pork. She has leveraged her 30 years of experience with Fortune 500 companies and high-growth organizations to uncover and unlock potential, facilitate change and measure expansion. As a lifelong connector and change agent, she has strategized business growth with retailers, marketing agencies, food brokers, food-service operators, market research firms, and consumer goods manufacturers. Before her role with the National Pork Board, she served as vice president of marketing for Clemens Food Group where she was responsible for marketing, innovation and business insights across its retail and food-service businesses. Hafer is a graduate of Saint Joseph’s University with a Master of Science degree in food marketing from the Haub School of Business. She resides in the Greater Philadelphia region with her husband, two children and two golden retrievers. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Why pork’s future growth depends on understanding today’s consumer and not just producing a great product. How data and business intelligence are being used to help sell more pork at retail and food-service. Why younger consumers want bold flavors, global cuisine, and finished dishes; not whole muscle cuts. How rethinking naming, portion size, and presentation can remove barriers to buying fresh pork. Kiersten’s “Golden Nugget”  

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”

About the Guest Jordan is the founder and CEO of Phinite and a seasoned entrepreneur currently leading his third startup. He first recognized the opportunity to recycle animal waste nutrients into high-value fertilizer while managing wastewater treatment and resource recovery projects in Darwin, Australia. In 2016, he earned top honors from the U.S. EPA in their Nutrient Recycling Challenge for his innovative work in this field. Jordan relocated with his family to North Carolina,one of the largest hog-producing regions in the U.S., to launch Phinite. Under his leadership, the company has grown into a regional leader in waste management and sustainable fertilizer production, driving innovation at the intersection of agriculture and environmental stewardship. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Why animal manure is one of the most underutilized resources in agriculture. How Phinite is transforming costly waste into valuable, sell-able organic fertilizer. What makes drying sludge so difficult—and how Phinite solved it using solar power and robotics. The impact this innovation could have on global food security and fertilizer independence. Jordan’s “golden nugget”

About the Guest Shonda Sammons is a partner and Program Leader with the sister organization of 21st Century, 21st Century Agriculture Leadership. With over 30+ years of experience, she works with employers and employees to provide coaching, guidance, and leadership development. In addition to her highly engaging facilitation style, Shonda converts individuals into enterprising champions and assists companies in identifying in-house talent and matching employee skill sets to job responsibilities. Originally from Indiana, Shonda has called Kentucky home for the last 23 years. After graduating from Austin Peay State University with a Bachelor of Science in Agri-Business, Shonda held many financial services roles but always knew she wanted to own her own business. She established Advocate Builders in 2013 and has remained an integral part of her company. She is also the author of a tracking program that offers the ability to manage advocate relationships and to track cross-sells and referrals company-wide. She is an adjunct professor at West Kentucky Community and Technical College. She also specializes in Corporate Culture Development, Customer Service, DISC and Motivators, EQ-i 2.0, EQ 360, and Performance Management. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? How real-world leadership development is being shaped by cross-industry ag exposure. The power of collaborative learning and lifelong professional trios. How investing in early- and mid-stage professionals builds trust and strengthens culture. Why mentorship—done right—matters deeply for organizational longevity. Shonda’s golden nugget

About the Guest Gary Weihs serves as Managing Partner for Kincannon & Reed, the world’s premier search firm for senior leadership roles in food, agribusiness, and life sciences organizations. Leveraging more than 30 years of management experience in technology, production, renewables, biotech and agricultural equipment environments, Weihs focuses on senior executive and direct-report-level assignments within agricultural and food sectors. Weihs and the Kincannon & Reed team work to become trusted partners with their clients through a consultative approach, strong work ethic, deep industry knowledge, and extensive professional networks. Early in an engagement, Weihs and his colleagues gain a thorough understanding of their clients’ near-term business objectives, long-term strategies, and organizational culture. This discovery process enables them to apply their executive experience into recruiting skilled, results-oriented, and visionary leaders for their clients. Before joining Kincannon & Reed, Weihs led domestic and international organizations ranging from Fortune 100 companies to entrepreneurial start-ups. Weihs was COO of the then NYSE-listed RDO Equipment, which owns and operates the largest group of John Deere dealerships in North America with over 1600 employees, 54 locations and $650M in sales. In the consumer products and food arenas, Weihs gained over 15 years of progressive management experience in strategy, manufacturing, and supply chain roles with Procter & Gamble, Pepsi, and ConAgra. Weihs’ management experience in the chemicals industry includes leading Monsanto’s Crop Chemical’s supply chain for North and South America and serving as Global VP/GM of Industrial Products for Solutia (a Monsanto spin-off company) where he managed three specialty chemical companies as well as its Asian business units. Weihs’ agribusiness entrepreneurial experiences include starting and managing large pork, dairy, and farming operations in U.S., Brazil, and Eastern Europe for which he raised over $60M in private equity. Weihs received a Civil Engineering degree from the Colorado School of Mines and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He currently resides near Omaha, Nebraska in Harlan, Iowa. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Why being open to relocation and new industries can accelerate your career path. How executive recruiters think about leadership—and why being a “strategic doer” matters. What early-career professionals should do now to develop into strong leaders later. Why humility, initiative, and people development are core traits of great executives. Gary’s “Golden Nugget”

About the Guests Emily Pottorf is the Territory Representative for Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin for Gestal. She has been with the company for 4 years. Emily grew up on an Iowa farm with her 3 sisters and spent her high school through college career working on nursery and sow farms. She followed her passion for the pork industry to Iowa State University where she earned her degree in Animal Science. She continued to work in the swine industry post-graduation; her favorite part of working with Gestal is helping farmers find solutions and improve efficiencies in their operations. Dr. Dalton Obermier is the Farm Research and AI specialist for JYGA Technologies, residing in central Nebraska. Dalton grew up on a diversified livestock farm in Nebraska, where he developed a deep passion for the livestock industry. Dalton earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Nebraska, followed by a master’s degree in swine genetics at North Carolina State University. He then completed his doctorate in animal breeding and genetics at the University of Nebraska, where he utilized machine learning and computer vision systems to study swine behavior in relation to feed efficiency. Dalton has been with Gestal for one year and enjoys working with producers from around the world. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Why the GDU is often ignored and how that’s hurting sow longevity and productivity. The three easiest fixes in GDUs: matching waters and environments, and better-timed nutrition. Why feeding to the average fails most gilts and how technology now lets us feed each one right. How custom feeding and better GDU design can lead to stronger sows, fewer culls, and less stress for farm teams. Emily & Dalton’s “golden nugget”

About the Guest Thomas W. Campi, DVM, MPVM is CEO and co-founder of Modulant Biosciences, a new biotech company focusing on antivirals for pets and livestock.  Their current pipeline includes an antiviral for cats suffering from FIP and an antiviral for pigs infected with the PRRS virus.  They also have a One Drug for All Cancers platform. Tom is a veterinarian and is board certified by the American College of Poultry Veterinarians. He has extensive experience in drug development, regulatory affairs and technology evaluation.   Dr. Campi’s career spans 35 years and includes leadership roles in regulatory, research and technology acquisitions at Elanco, and Head of Research and Regulatory Affairs at Huvepharma. He was also a founder and partner in Reliance Animal Health Partners and Covenant Animal Health Partners. Tom received his veterinary degrees from the University of California, Davis. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Why PRRS continues to cost the industry over $1 billion a year, even with vaccines in play. How a new treatment stops the virus after infection by blocking capsid assembly. Why this antiviral tech could work across PRRS strains and avoid resistance. What a one-shot solution could mean for producers aiming to stay PRRS-free. Tom’s “golden nugget”

About the Guest Mallory Strickland is a graduate of Ohio State University and NC State University. She joined Smithfield Hog Production in 2010, as a production trainee from Cardington, Ohio, where she grew up raising her own breeding stock along with 4-H and FFA show pigs. Currently, she is the animal care program manager for Smithfield Hog Production and oversees the Animal Care Management System for the company and contract farms across the nation. Mallory is responsible for the internal and third party/external animal care audits on company and contract sites. She is the lead for the Animal Care pillar of Smithfield’s Sustainability Impact Report. She serves as Smithfield Hog Production representative on the National Pork Board Common Swine Industry Audit Task Force, PQA Task Force. Mallory also serves on the NC Pork Council conference and producer education committee and scholarship committee. She was a participant in the 2024 Pork Leadership Institute class (PLI). The PLI program is a year-long collaboration hosted by The National Pork Board (NPB) and National Pork Producers Council (NPPC)  Mallory resides in Warsaw, NC with her husband, and dogs. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Why a game plan is essential when responding to animal welfare concerns—and how gathering facts before reacting can set the tone for a thorough and fair investigation. What goes into the “practice before game day”—from reviewing video footage to prepping logistics and getting the right team aligned (vets, translators, experts, etc.). How “boots on the ground” visits actually work, including walking every barn and pen, verifying claims, and ensuring full transparency throughout the process. Why documentation and teamwork matter—especially in defining key terms like group housing and building new tools like flowcharts to help others respond the right way. Mallory’s “Golden Nugget”

About the Guest Kyle Leistikow began his research career at UW-Madison where he worked for three years under the guidance of Eric Johnson investigating the secretion and stability of Clostridial neurotoxins. He received his PhD from Marquette University under the guidance of Krassimira Hristova and Christopher Marshall where his work on bacterial communication systems led to the discovery of a novel antimicrobial compound capable of inhibiting clinical and agricultural MRSA infections. Kyle currently leads a research team at Microbial Discovery Group that uses ecological, evolutionary, and computational approaches to understand and harness the ways in which commensal bacteria reduce disease and antimicrobial resistance evolution both in the host microbiome and in downstream environments. Over the last 10 years, he has established numerous collaborative relationships with both industrial and academic partners that have resulted in multiple patents, publications, and the adoption of One Health-based microbial surveillance programs. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Why defining your problem is the first step before even thinking about AI. How clean, trustworthy data is more important than collecting more of it. Why not every challenge needs AI—sometimes a spreadsheet works just fine. What to consider before investing in tech: cost, value, and who it actually helps. Kyle’s “golden nugget”

About the Guest Dr Karine Talbot is Senior Director of Animal Health, Nutrition and R&D at HyLife, and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the Université de Montréal in 2008. She joined HyLife as the on-staff veterinarian after graduation and she is currently serving as the Senior Director of Animal Health, Nutrition and R&D at HyLife. Her work is primarily focused on health, production, nutrition, welfare, and biosecurity of all the different divisions of the company; genetic, commercial production, slaughter plant, truck wash, etc.  She oversees the veterinary needs, nutrition team and research and development of HyLife herds in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Over the years, Dr Talbot served as President of both the Canadian and Western Canadian Associations of Swine Veterinarians, and she is still serving on the Board of Director of the Canadian Association of Swine Veterinarian (CASV-ACVP) since 2011. Dr Talbot also actively contributes to industry working groups, addressing critical issues like diseases preparedness, biosecurity, and animal welfare. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? • Why transport is a major part of biosecurity, not just barns. • How to handle transport risks using a simple five-step game plan. • What Manitoba producers are doing together to keep disease out. • How better loadout design and training can make a big difference. • Karine’s “Golden Nugget”

About the Guests Ryan Hunter Ryan was born and raised in Vicksburg, MI, where his parents and grandparents purchased a feed mill in 1979. He attended Vicksburg High School and graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Business Management. Ryan is married with three children. His wife and kids are involved in the farm as well, providing help and support when needed. When he’s not pig farming, Ryan enjoys spending time outdoors and going on adventures with his family. Jarred Lorenz Jarred graduated from Michigan State University in 2013 with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, with a concentration in Animal Industry. He began working at H&H Farms in the spring of 2013 and is now the General Manager. Jarred oversees 14,000 sows and all aspects of the wean-to-finish system downstream. He serves as a board member of the Michigan Pork Producers Council and is a member of the Swine Health Committee for the state of Michigan. Additionally, he serves on the National Pork Producers Council Nominating Committee. Jarred and his wife own Lorenz Family Farms and Arrow Farms—both contract wean-to-finish sites that house H&H Farms pigs, totaling 18,000 head. Ryan Hunter Jarred Lorenz What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? How a family feed mill grew into a modern pig farming business—while staying true to its roots. What it’s like to join the industry from scratch and grow into leadership with zero farm background. The double-edged sword of AI: big opportunities and new dependencies for farms of all sizes. How flavor, welfare, and sustainability collide—and what it’ll take to actually grow pork demand. Jarred’s “golden nugget”

About the Guest Monique Pairis-Garcia is a Professor and Veterinarian in Global Production Animal Welfare at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Pairis-Garcia earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and her Doctorate in Philosophy from Iowa State University and her Bachelor’s degree in biology from Grinnell College. She is board-certified in the American College of Animal Welfare and serves on the Pig Welfare Committee for the American Association of Swine Veterinarians and National Pork Board. Her research interests include pain management in livestock animals utilizing pharmacological interventions to minimize pain, development and refinement of educational material to ensure timely and appropriate euthanasia on-farm, and development and implementation of audit and assessment programs to ensure positive animal welfare and handling on-farm. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? How far we’ve come with animal welfare. The swine industry has made huge strides in making animal welfare a daily priority—from vet school to barn floor. Where pain management stands today. There’s still no FDA-approved product for pig pain, but promising research is underway, especially for piglets and lame sows. Why enrichment is still a struggle. Straw helps pigs act more naturally and reduces tail biting, but biosecurity and manure management hurdles are holding back progress. How barn design must evolve. From rubber mats to more natural light and flexible layouts, future-friendly barns are key—especially with policies like Prop 12 looming. Monique’s “golden nugget.”

About the Guest Dr. Lowe is an educator, advisor, researcher, and farmer based in Illinois. He is also a professor and the associate dean for online programs and extension at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois. He holds a DVM and MS from the University of Illinois and has spent most of the last 30 years working in and with red meat production systems in the US and internationally. He lives in Illinois with his wife, Erin, and their dog, Hank. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Why the swine industry is still at the beginning when it comes to going digital, and what that actually means on the farm How measuring the right things well can improve efficiency without needing fancy tools or AI What pig farming can learn from Walmart and even post-frame construction companies Why smaller and mid-size producers may be in the best position to adopt technology quickly and see real results Why the real advantage comes from how you do things, not just what you do

About the Guests Dr. David Newman is the Senior Vice President of Market Growth at the National Pork Board. A third-generation pork producer and meat scientist, Dr. Newman leads efforts to understand consumer behavior and drive demand for pork. He focuses on innovative marketing strategies to position pork as a preferred protein. Rob Brenneman and his wife Char own and operate Brenneman Pork, a fully integrated family farm in Washington, Iowa. Rob has grown their operation substantially while still dedicating time to advocating for the U.S. pork industry as a whole. Rob and Char have four children, who along with their spouses are all involved in the operation. Rob enjoys spending time with their 12 grandchildren. Rob’s interest in livestock began with hogs as a 4-H project. He and his dad raised pigs at their home just outside of Keota, Iowa. While in high school Rob kept busy with 4-H and FFA. Rob received his American Farmer Degree in 1979. In 1980 Rob and Char married and started their own farm near Kalona, Iowa. In 1983 they built their first inside modern sow housing. Rob also took a job off the farm at UPS. In 1988 Brenneman Pork started to expand to what it is today. Rob received the Master Pork Producer Award in 1991. In 1994 Rob and Char received the Pork All American Award. They remain active with the Washington County Pork Producers. In addition to serving as President Elect of the National Pork Producers Council, he also serves as the President of the Bear Creek Genetics Board of Directors. Today Brenneman Pork owns and operates approximately 50,000 sows, markets roughly 1.5 million pigs per year and has its own feed mill and crop enterprise consisting of 3,900 acres of corn and soybeans. In addition to his roles on the farm, Rob is referred to as a visionary, strategic planner, coach, and mentor. Rob is passionate about and enjoys engaging youth and the local community in agriculture. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Why pork’s future depends on understanding younger consumers, and how research is reshaping strategy. How digital habits, color on a plate, and Gen Z values are influencing pork promotion. Why ground pork is having a moment, and why convenience is key for the next generation of cooks. How a united industry and unapologetic messaging could turn a campaign into a movement. Why the future of pork depends on making the whole pig appealing, not just loins or bacon.

About the Guest Joe Kerns brings over 30 years of experience supporting agricultural operations across the livestock and grain industries. He has worked with producers, suppliers, and mills on procurement and risk management strategies including hedging, ingredient purchasing, feed quality, diet formulation, operational benchmarking, and livestock marketing. Joe previously led Partners for Production Agriculture, which was acquired by Ever.Ag, where he served as President of the Livestock Division. Today, he’s launching a new venture—AgRubicon—focused on rethinking pork industry fundamentals like price discovery, market transparency, and long-term producer viability. Joe is a tireless advocate for pork producers and brings candid, forward-looking insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of pork production. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Why pork producers may be giving up more control than they think—and why pricing models might need a fresh look. How Joe’s new venture, AgRubicon, aims to tackle tough industry challenges and support producer-led change. Why lasting improvements in pork production require not just better tools—but new habits. What the new PRRS-resistant pig could mean for barns, efficiency, and the next decade of production. The real reason outside investors hesitate—and why the future of ag tech likely lies within the industry itself.