The Poultry Leadership Podcast

Brandon Mulnix
  • 4.7 (13)
  • Management

 "Welcome to 'The Poultry Leadership Podcast,' where we dive deep into the world of poultry leadership to help you soar to new heights in your career. Join us as we sit down with some of the industry's most accomplished leaders, farm owners, and allied professionals. Gain valuable insights, strategies, and personal stories that reveal the secrets behind their success. Discover what makes these poultry visionaries the outstanding leaders they are. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, our show is your go-to resource for unlocking your full leadership potential. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey to becoming the poultry leader you aspire to be." This podcast is brought to you by Prism Controls, the leader in Environmental Controls for the past 45 years!  Check them out at http://www.prismcontrols.com

  1. Jun 18

    What Not to Cut When Egg Prices Are Killing Your Margins: Curtis Novak, Alltech

    Send us Fan Mail Egg prices can fall faster than your feed bill, and that’s when “normal” nutrition habits start burning cash. We sit down with Curtis Novak, PhD, Director of Poultry at Alltech, to get practical about what layer farms can do right now to reduce feed cost per ton without accidentally crashing egg production, shell quality, or livability. Curtis brings both bench science and field experience, and he doesn’t dodge the uncomfortable reality that some operations are forced to consider pulling older, lower-producing flocks earlier than planned. We dig into the decision tree Curtis uses with producers: start with the biggest cost drivers like energy, fat, and protein, then tighten formulation by thinking in amino acids instead of just crude protein. From there, we talk feed additives with a hard ROI lens. Which products protect gut health and reduce losses from issues like E. coli, and which ones can be paused when the only goal is survival? Curtis also explains why enzymes often belong in the “do not cut” category because they’re relatively inexpensive and can unlock nutrients that lower total diet cost. We also zoom out beyond nutrition, because management and data decide whether any diet works. “You can’t feed yourself out of poor management” becomes a real on-farm standard when ventilation, water, feed delivery, or wet litter problems drag performance down. We discuss how accurate egg counters and better flock data help you spot row-by-row issues faster, and why investing in pullet quality and uniformity sets you up for profitable long-cycle layers out to 90 to 100 weeks. Contect with Curtis on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-novak-3961b8a2/ Subscribe for more producer-first conversations, share this with a farmer or nutritionist who’s feeling the squeeze, and leave a review so more poultry teams can find it. What’s the hardest cost decision you’re facing right now? Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Sales - Prism Controls The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

    40 min

  2. Apr 14

    Feeding the World with Eggs: How the International Egg Foundation Builds Sustainable Farms

    Send us Fan Mail The International Egg Foundation is building an infrastructure of hope across nutritionally disadvantaged regions — and the humble egg is at the center of it. When a teacher reported her students were getting loud, wild, and "naughty" after a school started serving eggs, that complaint was actually proof something was finally working. Children who'd been running on empty now had enough protein to act like kids again. In this episode, Brandon Mulnix sits down with Cassy Price, the first dedicated staff member of the International Egg Foundation (IEF), to unpack how the global egg industry is building sustainable 400 to 1,000-bird farms that turn parents into entrepreneurs while feeding children who need it most. In this episode: The naughty kids story — what a teacher's complaint revealed about nutrition and energyHow IEF builds 400 to 1,000-bird farms that create local entrepreneurs and feed school programsThe Honduras First 1,000 Days of Life program — and how one 400-bird barn became a 3,000-hen operationThe Eswatini breakthrough: hard-boiled eggs preserved for 30 days without refrigeration in extreme heatHow younger leaders and employees can plug into meaningful philanthropy through the egg industryAbout Cassy Price: Cassy Price is the first dedicated staff member of the International Egg Foundation, based in Shropshire, England. She transitioned from the International Egg Commission to lead IEF full time in 2022 and oversees programs across 10 countries. Resources: Cassy Price on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassy-price-98a8b153/International Egg Foundation: https://internationaleggfoundation.orgPrism Controls — farm automation and controls technology for poultry producers: https://www.prismcontrols.com?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=poultry_leadership&utm_content=ep46The Poultry Leadership Podcast is hosted by Brandon Mulnix, Director of Sales and Marketing at Prism Controls. New episodes every Wednesday. Prism ControlsPrism Controls — Farm automation & controls technology for poultry producers. 45 years of expertise.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Sales - Prism Controls The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

    41 min

  3. Mar 25

    AI for Poultry Leaders: Using ChatGPT and Tech to Scale

    Send us Fan Mail Most leaders in the agricultural industry know AI is coming. Far fewer have actually figured out how to use it in a way that makes their day-to-day leadership better — not someday, but this week. In this solo episode, Brandon Mulnix shares what happened when he stopped treating AI like a search engine and started using it as a thinking partner. Over the last quarter, he used AI to prepare for a difficult performance conversation, build documents he had no formal training to write, automate a weekly reporting process he'd been doing by hand for years, and finally get his best ideas out of his head and into finished work. He also responds to something a team member said that stopped him cold: "You didn't do this. AI did this." His answer — the Michelangelo and the chisel — is the most important thing in this episode. Brandon walks through the Three Doors Framework — Thinking, Drafting, and Research — and gives you one specific action to take before Monday. He covers the tools he actually uses (Gemini and Claude, both free to start), addresses every fear that's keeping leaders on the sideline, and closes with the servant leadership question that changed how he thinks about all of it. If you manage people, walk houses, run reports, or lead a team in the poultry or egg industry — this episode was built for you. Mentioned in this episode: Gemini — gemini.google.com (free), Claude — claude.ai (free to start) Want to talk to a human about getting started with AI? Call or text Brandon directly: 616-265-0752 Email: bmulnix@prismcontrols.com The Poultry Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Prism Controls — 45 years of technology that helps farmers sleep at night. Learn more at PrismControls.com. Prism ControlsPrism Controls — Farm automation & controls technology for poultry producers. 45 years of expertise.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Sales - Prism Controls The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

    20 min

  4. Mar 11

    American Egg Board CEO: AI & Policy with Emily Metz

    Send us Fan Mail Prices spike, headlines swirl, and a humble staple turns into a cultural flashpoint. We sat down with Emily Metz, CEO of the American Egg Board, to unpack how the egg industry is rebuilding trust, boosting demand, and standing up new tools to keep farmers and consumers on the same side of the table. From a 50-year mandate to market eggs and fund research, to hands-on support for producers facing biosecurity and ransomware threats, Emily opens the playbook on what it takes to lead a commodity through chaos. We dig into how AEB’s insights engine tracks real consumer behavior and tests messaging with a custom AI model, turning data into point-of-purchase wins and new meal occasions beyond breakfast. Emily breaks down the roller coaster of COVID pantry loading, avian influenza outbreaks, and meme-ready price swings—and how every dollar now gets judged by one metric: does it drive sales? She also walks us through the hard but necessary work of correcting decades-old cholesterol myths, then harnessing momentum with Stronger by the Dozen to meet people on personal wellness journeys, from GLP-1 users seeking protein to families chasing affordable, real food. Looking ahead, Emily shares a bold export vision. With only 3–4% of U.S. eggs currently sold overseas, she lays out a path to a cooperative model and a new global brand for U.S. eggs aimed at markets that value safety, traceability, and performance. We also go behind the scenes of the White House Easter Egg Roll—the largest public event on the White House calendar—and how AEB uses it to tell the farm-to-table story with joy and clarity. If you care about food, farming, or the future of consumer trust, this conversation hits the sweet spot where science, marketing, and mission meet. Listen now, then subscribe, rate, and share with someone who thinks a commodity can’t reinvent itself. Prism ControlsPrism Controls — Farm automation & controls technology for poultry producers. 45 years of expertise.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Sales - Prism Controls The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

    33 min

  5. Feb 25

    Managing HPAI & Specialty Eggs: George Weaver’s Case Study

    Send us Fan Mail A fourth-generation story rarely follows a straight line, and George Weaver IV proves it. From sneaking into trade shows as a kid and napping under booth tables to helping steer a 90-person team, George invites us into a family business that measures success by people, not just pallets. He shares how his dad’s stroke pushed him into responsibility early, what it took to rebuild with humility, and why Westfield Egg Farm chose a model that keeps small family farms alive by letting growers own their birds, feed, and barns. We dig into the craft of specialty eggs—think quail, duck, and heirloom blue—and why small-batch, high-precision packing is both maddening and magical. George explains how that complexity becomes a strength under pressure, especially during avian influenza, when diversified flocks and flexible schedules spread risk without collapsing supply. Strategy here is purpose-led: hire for character, train for skill, and make space for prayer and conviction when the “smart” move clashes with the right move. It’s culture as a daily practice, not a poster on the wall. George also opens up about imposter syndrome, the myth that every young leader must plant their own flag, and the harder path of adding value to a mature, multigenerational foundation. We talk practical tools like Working Genius to map strengths and reduce friction, the shepherd’s balance between protecting a team and pushing it to grow, and how prison ministry reshaped his view of dignity, hiring, and the stories behind every resume. If you care about agriculture, family business, resilient supply chains, values-based leadership, or integrating faith at work, this conversation will stick. Subscribe for more founder stories and real-world leadership playbooks, share this episode with someone building a legacy, and leave a review to help others find the show. Got a guest idea? Email bmulnix@prismcontrols.com and let’s keep amplifying voices that make our industry better. Prism ControlsPrism Controls — Farm automation & controls technology for poultry producers. 45 years of expertise.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Sales - Prism Controls The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

    50 min

  6. Feb 11

    Scaling a 4,000-Bird Farm: Transition from Nurse to Poultry

    Send us Fan Mail Season three opens with a candid, funny, and deeply human conversation that spans leadership change, end-of-life care, family milestones, and the surprising ways a poultry podcast can move people. Brandon shares what “managing up” looked like through a leadership transition at Prism Controls—how learning a new boss’s values and cadence sharpened communication and trust over time. Emily takes the mic to unpack her shift from a high-intensity med-surg unit to hospice nursing at a level one trauma center, showing how empathy, presence, and dignity can transform even the hardest days. Together, we reflect on a 25-year marriage, a long-running remodel that turned project management into a domestic art form, and the bittersweet edges of the empty-nest season. We also pull back the curtain on the show’s direction: more farm stories from industry legends and rising talent, because the generational arcs, pivots, and practical wisdom inside those barns teach better than any playbook. Brandon recalls a faith-forward moment on stage—“I matter because I’m a child of God”—and how it ignited deeper conversations and personal accountability to live what he says. Then we travel to Guatemala, where a simple yes led to a 4,000-bird ministry farm, an Egg A Day approach to feed mountain communities, and a plan to scale layers where jaguars make backyard flocks impossible. Eggs become logistics, nutrition, and hope—proof that operations and compassion can align. Finally, we keep AI grounded. Brandon uses transcripts from one-on-ones to audit his own leadership patterns and turn blind spots into follow-through. On farms, he frames AI as decision support: spotting subtle flock deviations, correlating storms, feed changes, and performance so producers can act faster with confidence. It’s not about replacing people; it’s about freeing them to be more human. Alongside this, there’s a spring triathlon on the calendar—because physical grit fuels clear thinking and long-term leadership. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves farm stories, and leave a review with the one insight you’re taking into work this week. Want to be a guest or nominate a quiet, generational farm? Reach out—we’re building season three around your stories. Prism ControlsPrism Controls — Farm automation & controls technology for poultry producers. 45 years of expertise.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Sales - Prism Controls The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

    58 min

  7. 11/26/2025

    From Blue Jackets To Boardrooms: How FFA Skills Shape the Leaders of Tomorrow

    Send us Fan Mail A blue jacket can change a life. We sit down with Michigan FFA state officer and MSU agribusiness student William Rogers to trace how one classroom broiler project became a launchpad for leadership, real business skills, and a clear career path in modern agriculture and the poultry supply chain. From public speaking nerves to state office, William breaks down the steps that built his confidence—and why those same steps create standout talent for integrators, suppliers, and agtech teams. We unpack what FFA looks like now: an intracurricular program where Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) act as living resumes. William’s diversified livestock and crop projects taught record keeping, marketing, and financials using AET, the kind of data literacy that translates directly to farm management software, compliance, and precision ag tools. He explains how sales is really about relationships, how meeting procedure shapes executive presence, and why learning technology works best with hands-on mentorship—whether that’s drone mapping, equipment operation, or live budgeting. This conversation shines a light on inclusion and opportunity. You don’t need a farm to find a home in FFA; photography, mechanics, research, logistics, and marketing all connect to agriculture’s ecosystem. We explore leadership conferences, the power of community service, and the mindset employers prize most: a willingness to learn and a willingness to work. If you’re a parent searching for a path for your student, a hiring manager looking for doers with initiative, or an alum ready to give back, you’ll find practical ways to plug in—from local alumni groups to statewide events and national summits. If this story could help one student find direction, share it with them. And if you enjoyed the show, subscribe, leave a review, and pass it along to a friend who needs to hear what FFA can unlock. Prism ControlsPrism Controls — Farm automation & controls technology for poultry producers. 45 years of expertise.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Sales - Prism Controls The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

    27 min

  8. 11/12/2025

    Poultry Farm Insurance: What's Changing & How to Protect Your Operation

    Send us Fan Mail What if your hen house burned tonight—would your plan hold? We sit down with Brett Cohrs, CRM and Senior Vice President at Palomar Insurance, to unpack what’s really changing in poultry insurance and how leaders can turn risk management into a competitive edge. From rate softening for large layered property programs to tighter appetites for smaller growers, Brett explains why deductibles are climbing, which choices actually move premiums, and how to prepare your balance sheet for higher retention without jeopardizing growth. We get specific about fire risk in modern barns. Annual infrared scanning, true 100‑foot separation, and two‑hour fire doors in corridors and processing areas now sit at the center of underwriting scrutiny. Cage‑free has multiplied exposure: bigger single‑site values, more motors and controls, and dust acting as fine fuel. We talk through why control systems built to protect birds can unintentionally feed a blaze, and how purpose‑built barn technology can detect abnormal heat, trigger early response, and keep a local incident from becoming a total loss. Beyond property, Brett maps the risk terrain producers often overlook: product recall in decentralized models, employment practices liability as regulations shift, cyber exposures to connected controls, and the market shocks that turn a covered loss into a larger business interruption claim. He shares practical guidance for building a winning submission—accurate valuations, defensible BI calculations, documented maintenance, and clear contingencies for parts, graders, and egg sourcing—plus scenario exercises every manager should run before renewal. If you lead an egg or poultry operation, this conversation will help you decide where to invest first, which practices underwriters reward, and how to design a program that survives bad days and funds growth on good ones. Subscribe, share with your team, and leave a review with the one change you’ll make next week to improve your farm’s risk posture. Prism ControlsPrism Controls — Farm automation & controls technology for poultry producers. 45 years of expertise.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Sales - Prism Controls The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

    43 min
See All (47)

4.7
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

 "Welcome to 'The Poultry Leadership Podcast,' where we dive deep into the world of poultry leadership to help you soar to new heights in your career. Join us as we sit down with some of the industry's most accomplished leaders, farm owners, and allied professionals. Gain valuable insights, strategies, and personal stories that reveal the secrets behind their success. Discover what makes these poultry visionaries the outstanding leaders they are. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, our show is your go-to resource for unlocking your full leadership potential. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey to becoming the poultry leader you aspire to be." This podcast is brought to you by Prism Controls, the leader in Environmental Controls for the past 45 years!  Check them out at http://www.prismcontrols.com

Information

  • Creator
    Brandon Mulnix
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Poultry Leadership Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Poultry Leadership Podcast

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