The Pork Podcast

Farm Journal
  • 5.0 (7)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

There’s just something about the story behind the story. As a storyteller, I’m always searching for ways to give readers just a little more. That’s what The PORK Podcast is all about – bringing you stories of the people and the progress of the pork industry.  I’m Jennifer Shike – let’s go find just a little more.

  1. 2D AGO

    Dusty Oedekoven: Every Decision Matters | Episode 42

    Every small decision matters. Whether Dusty Oedekoven, chief veterinarian for the National Pork Board, is talking about wrestling or swine health, he says progress starts with belief. He outlines the newly adopted path forward for the National Swine Health Strategy to help the U.S. pork industry stop living with PRRS and PEDV. Drawing on historical successes like pseudorabies eradication and his own experiences in livestock disease elimination, Oedekoven shares why he believes the industry can move from managing endemic diseases to total elimination. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    54 min

  2. FEB 27

    Dan Hamilton: Building Resilience in the Barn and in Life | Episode 41

    Dan Hamilton, senior director for product performance at PIC, explores the vital intersection of swine genetic innovation and personal resilience. He shares how digital phenotyping and AI are revolutionizing the industry—from analyzing the "social networks" of pigs to improve welfare to using camera-based algorithms that enhance sow longevity by removing human subjectivity. While discussing the future of precision agriculture through real-time health monitoring and AI-driven feeding, he also addresses critical industry hurdles such as biological robustness and the evolving demands of pork quality. Most poignantly, he reflects on how the tragic loss of his first wife shaped his philosophy on leadership, underscoring that true success in the pork industry is built on a foundation of work-life balance, perspective, and the resilience to navigate challenges both in production and in life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    47 min

  3. FEB 13

    Melanie Langley: Prioritize the Person Behind the Pig | Episode 40

    Building trust is key to retaining top talent in the pork industry. Melanie Langley, director of people care at Fine Swine, discusses how you can transform barn culture through empathy. Langley shares her three Ps framework—protection, purpose and presence—to show how prioritizing the person behind the pig is the ultimate key to success. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    46 min

  4. JAN 30

    Harrison Furlow: Policy at the Slat Level | Episode 39

    From the DC suburbs to the heart of Iowa, Harrison Furlow’s journey into the pork industry is anything but conventional. Discover why he believes producer-led advocacy is the key to a sustainable future in agriculture and how he’s helping build a more resilient industry in his new role at the Iowa Pork Producers Association. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    41 min

  5. JAN 16

    Chet Mogler: Grow Your Operation From the Inside Out | Episode 38

    After a challenging 2023, Chet Mogler of Pig Hill Farms is shifting his focus from physical expansion to professionalizing operations through enhanced biosecurity and innovative grower incentives. Learn what’s happening with their new meat company, Iowa Craft Meats, and how their farm is focused on building a resilient and sustainable foundation for the next generation of pork producers. He also shares his experience as a father of 11 children and stresses the importance of learning from others and maintaining core values in both family and business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    47 min

  6. JAN 3

    Jennifer Tirey: Battles Behind the Scene | Episode 37

    As Sylvester Stallone’s character Rocky says, “Life's not supposed to be sunshine and rainbows.” But Jennifer Tirey, Illinois Pork Producers Association executive director, points out what he has to say next about moving forward is the most important part of that famous quote. Tirey is no stranger to struggles in this world. She opens up about her fight with cancer when she was a young wife, the critical role of building relationships with decisionmakers, and battles that go on behind the scene in the pork industry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    41 min

  7. 12/22/2025

    Bob Goodband and Mike Tokach: Legendary Duo Reflects on 30 Years of Swine Industry Impact

    Professors Bob Goodband and Mike Tokach are retiring after 30 years dedicated to the swine industry at Kansas State University. Discover how these legends prioritized people over publications, shaping the next generation of industry leaders with their selfless mentorship and innovative research. Tune in to hear their reflections on a lifetime of impact, the evolution of swine production, and their challenge to the pork industry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    44 min

  8. 12/05/2025

    Chelsea Schminke Grieder: When Life Isn’t a Straight Path | Episode 35

    Chelsea Schminke Grieder, Director of Team Purebred, shares her unique and resilient journey on The PORK Podcast. Her path to leading the national youth swine organization was shaped by significant life experiences, including caring for her mother during a kidney transplant. Grieder brings a unique perspective, offering encouragement as she discusses life's ups and downs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    50 min
See All (45)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

There’s just something about the story behind the story. As a storyteller, I’m always searching for ways to give readers just a little more. That’s what The PORK Podcast is all about – bringing you stories of the people and the progress of the pork industry.  I’m Jennifer Shike – let’s go find just a little more.

Information

  • Creator
    Farm Journal
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The Pork Podcast

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