The Pork Podcast

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&rsquo...

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...

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...

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 fat...

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 b...

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.

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Micah Jansen knows that the key to juggling a busy life as a mother and swine tech services veterinarian at Zoetis is to differentiate the “glass balls” from the others. In other words, she’s learned how to prioritize what matters most as she strives to find a healthy balance between her passions. She joins The PORK Podcast to discuss the future of swine health and how she makes decisions with producers’ ROI...

With a deep-rooted passion for agriculture, Maddie Hokanson follows a simple but profound philosophy in life: Start with why. A seventh-generation farmer, Maddie explains how her “why” – to ensure a successful, thriving future for the generations she will never meet – drives all aspects of her life, from family to farming to advocating for the pork industry.

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The U.S. pork industry is undergoing an exciting transformation. After weathering historic losses in 2023, producers are now returning to profitability and uniting behind the bold new Taste What Pork Can Do campaign. To mark the one-year anniversary of The PORK Podcast, host Jennifer Shike sits down with National Pork Board CEO David Newman. He shares his forward-looking vision for the industry and emphasizes how authenticity and t...

A thoughtful, inspiring and quiet leader, Brian Arnold is no stranger to the swine industry. Prior to joining United Animal Health as senior product manager of direct fed microbials, he gained a deeper perspective of the industry through his work at the National Swine Registry and Zoetis. Arnold enjoys raising a few showpigs with this family and judging youth stock shows. But his greatest contribution isn’t in what he has ach...

As an educator at Kansas State University, Joel DeRouchey has had the opportunity to be a part of many teams and see a lot of teams in action. From his perspective, teams must constantly evaluate if they need to refocus, recharge or reset. From understanding your role on a team to embracing horizontal accountability to knowing when it’s time to move on, teamwork sets the pace for success.

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Showing livestock has taught Olivia Shike much more than how to care for animals and present them in the show ring — it’s opened doors for a future in animal agriculture. She joins her mom, host Jennifer Shike, on The PORK Podcast to reflect on her last summer at home working in the show barn and the lessons she has gleaned through 4-H, FFA, Team Purebred and the National Junior Swine Association. Learn how Olivia relie...

A true pork power couple, Rob and Char Brenneman of Washington, Iowa define a symbiotic relationship. Word on the street is that “Rob is the gas pedal and Char is the brakes!” The farm team is quick to point out that they are both good drivers because nobody is slamming on either pedal unnecessarily and there is always a check and balance in play. Today they join the podcast to discuss how this system has allowed them t...