The Pork Podcast

Farm Journal

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. The Pork Podcast: David Newman and Glynn Tonsor: Pursuing One More Pound | Episode 49

    3d ago

    The Pork Podcast: David Newman and Glynn Tonsor: Pursuing One More Pound | Episode 49

    In Episode 49 of The PORK Podcast, host Jennifer Shike sits down with two heavyweights of the industry: Dr. David Newman, CEO of the National Pork Board, and Dr. Glynn Tonsor, Agricultural Economist from Kansas State University.The goal? A radical vision called "One More Pound."If every American consumed just one more pound of pork per year without a price decline, it would inject over $1.5 billion in retail value into the industry. But this isn't just about eating more—it’s about a strategic "pull" strategy driven by data, innovation and a deep understanding of the future consumer.In this episode, we dive deep into: The Power of Belief: Why the industry must align on a vision of growth to move the needle. The "Meat is In" Phenomenon: Why vegan/vegetarian trends are receding, and protein demand is hitting a fever pitch. Innovation Beyond the Chop: How ground pork and "Boston Butt Burgers" are capturing the air-fryer generation. The Hispanic Market Opportunity: Tapping into the $4.2 trillion GDP of the most pork-loyal demographic in the US. Supply vs. Demand: Balancing world-class production efficiency with a new focus on consumer value. Swine Health & Economics: How tackling PRRS and disease is the ultimate "Grow the Pie" strategy. Whether you are a producer at the farm gate or an industry stakeholder, this conversation offers a data-backed dose of confidence for the future of the U.S. pork industry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    47 min

  2. Jun 5

    The Pork Podcast: Ashley Hengen: How to Build Career 'Jungle Gyms' in the Swine Industry | Episode 48

    In this episode of the Pork Podcast, host Jennifer Shike sits down with Ashley Hengen, human resources manager for PIC North America, to explore the intersection of human resilience and modern agricultural operations. Ashley’s path to the swine industry was anything but linear—spanning from kinesiology studies to public policy work—but a pivotal mountain hike and a life-altering health challenge at age 14 shaped her into the leader she is today. Ashley shares how she moved PIC’s HR department from a transactional, "elementary" function to a strategic business partnership. Listeners will gain practical insights into: Recruitment with the End in Mind: How to attract talent that aligns with long-term production goals. Retention Strategies: The shift from traditional career ladders to "jungle gyms" and the importance of transparent development paths. The Power of Listening: Why simple tools like suggestion boxes and Net Promoter Scores are essential for understanding the "slat-level" needs of a workforce. Whether you are managing a small team or a global operation, Ashley’s "work hard, play hard" mentality and her focus on leading with empathy provide a roadmap for building a more engaged and successful team. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    51 min

  3. May 22

    The Pork Podcast: The Pig Pays the Bills with Joe Dykhuis | Episode 47

    In this episode of the Pork Podcast, host Jennifer Shike sits down with Joe Dykhuis of Dykhuis Farms in Holland, Mich. Although Dykhuis has deep roots in pork production, he’s not stuck in how things have always been done. As the owner of a large sow farm that relies on contract growers to finish 450,000 pigs a year, he has a unique perspective on how to align people, resources and the pigs themselves to make sure everyone thrives. He dives deep into the evolving landscape of grow-finish production, explaining why the old "rules of thumb" no longer apply to contract growing and disease management. From navigating the complexities of a multi-generational family business to calculating the staggering up to $1,500-per-sow cost of a PRRS L1C break, Dykhuis shares why he believes high-risk environments offer the greatest returns for those willing to lead. Key highlights include: The "Pig Pays the Bills" Philosophy: Why animal husbandry and business economics are inseparable. Contract Growing 2.0: Navigating high interest rates, rising construction costs, and the shift from transactions to true partnerships. The Reality of Risk: A sobering look at the modern cost of disease and the urgent need for industry-wide risk mitigation. Legacy and Leadership: How a "learner" mindset and involvement in industry organizations helps drive the farm’s success. Read more at https://www.porkbusiness.com/topics/grow-finish. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    50 min

  4. May 8

    Maddison Caldwell: Recovering Loudly | Episode 46

    In 2022, Maddison Caldwell shared a story of survival that resonated deeply across the pork industry and rural America. In honor of National Mental Health Month, host Jennifer Shike catches up with Maddison for a raw and powerful conversation on the reality of long-term healing. Read her story here: https://www.porkbusiness.com/news/industry/her-own-hand-farm-girls-miraculous-journey-death-hopeFrom navigating the "gray areas" of life to redefining what "grit" looks like in agriculture, Maddison opens up about her journey from her darkest days to becoming a beacon of hope for others. This episode isn't just a follow-up; it’s a vital toolkit for anyone in the ag community struggling with the pressure to be "perfect" or "fine."Tune in to hear: The Reality of Recovery: Why healing isn't a straight line and how Maddison manages the pressure of being the "face" of a movement. Breaking the Silence: How to move past the "grit" culture and have the uncomfortable conversations that save lives. Support Systems: The role of "uncomplicated" joy and how to stay for someone beyond the crisis moment. Whether you’re a producer, a parent, or someone fighting a silent battle, this episode of The PORK Podcast is a testament to the fact that hope is a choice we make every day. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24/7. Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    44 min

  5. Apr 24

    Anna Forseth: The Unconventional Path | Episode 45

    Dr. Anna Forseth didn’t just follow a path; she carved one. In this episode, National Pork Producers Council’s Director of Animal Health shares how her Montana upbringing forged the grit necessary to bridge the gap between local farms and global policy. From the front lines of disease defense to high-level trade negotiations in Paris, Forseth discusses the critical stakes of protecting the U.S. swine herd and why her unconventional journey provides a necessary perspective for the industry’s most pressing challenges. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    42 min

  6. Apr 10

    Mark Knauer: Wrestling with Sow Mortality | Episode 44

    What does it take to move the needle in the pork industry? For North Carolina State University professor Mark Knauer, it takes the same discipline he learned wrestling under legendary coaches at Iowa State University: the commitment to the "grind." In this episode, we explore how Knauer is bringing elite-level precision to sow management. We discuss: The Sow Caliper: How this simple tool is saving producers money by eliminating subjectivity. The Longevity Secret: Why early growth and puberty are the best predictors of a sow’s lifetime success. Global Competition: What the U.S. must do through nutrition and health research to out-compete Brazil. Practical Research: Why the best insights come from "listening" to the pigs and the people in the barns. Whether you are a producer looking to improve your bottom line or a fan of agricultural innovation, this conversation offers a masterclass in practical swine science. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    41 min

  7. Mar 31

    State of the Pork Industry: Spring 2026 Report

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    48 min

  8. Mar 27

    Michael Williford: From the Front Lines to the Finishing Barn | Episode 43

    After 20 years in the U.S. Army and multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Michael Williford was ready to retire—but he wasn't ready to slow down. In this episode, he shares his incredible journey from serving in the military to becoming a contract hog grower in Clinton, Ky. Discover how he used the discipline of the military to master swine management and how he’s using "black gold" to transform his family’s row-crop operation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    44 min
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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
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The Pork Podcast

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