The PORK Podcast
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.
Stream the latest episode on Farm Journal TV. Now available on Apple devices, Android devices, Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire.
Years after her story first touched the pork industry, a suicide attempt survivor reflects on the reality of long-term healing and the power of uncomfortable conversations.
She didn’t follow a pre-paved path; she carved one. Discover how Dr. Anna Forseth’s Montana roots prepared her to lead national swine health policy through “unconventional” leadership.
Sow and piglet mortality are the toughest opponents facing the pork industry today. Mark Knauer applies the same “grind” mentality he used as a Division I wrestler to “takedown” this crisis.
After two decades of military service and multiple deployments, Michael Williford discovered that the discipline of a soldier and the demands of a hog barn were a perfect match for his next chapter.
While the technical tools for disease control exist, the real power to defeat endemic viruses lies in the daily, disciplined decisions made on the farm and a commitment to industry-wide collaboration.
PIC’s Dan Hamilton shares his raw, inspiring story of losing his wife during childbirth and how the resilience of the agricultural community helped him find hope again.
From AI-driven “social networks” to digital phenotyping, discover the high-tech tools redefining the future of pork production. In an age of algorithms, learn why curiosity and resilience are the ultimate keys to a producer’s success.
The pork industry is securing its future by turning passionate graduates into high-impact leaders through an innovative, three-part rotational immersion program. Read the full story to see how these rising stars are building the “village” of support needed to tackle agriculture’s biggest challenges.
Drawing on a multicultural upbringing, Fine Swine’s Melanie Langley shares how “people care” and an “outsider’s” perspective can transform barn culture and employee retention.
Harrison Furlow’s journey is a testament to what happens when curiosity meets a “Shark Tank” level of determination.
Could a “pay-for-play” approach help incentivize excellence in the pork industry? Chet Mogler shares how Pig Hill Farms plans to reward contract growers for prioritizing biosecurity.
It’s meeting season, and that means it’s time for awkward conversations and uncomfortable networking. But does it have to be that way? Jennifer Tirey shares tips on making connections and building relationships.
A cancer diagnosis changed Jennifer Tirey’s life years ago in a way that has allowed her to be a champion for many, including the pork industry.
When people open up and authentically share about their life experience, I’ve learned it’s best to stop and listen. The PORK Podcast is full of these moments. Here are 10 things we are still talking about.
Which stories caught the most attention in 2025? Here’s a look back at the top 10 stories on PorkBusiness.com in 2025.
It would be easy for them to boast about their success, but this pair proves putting people first is the way to experience a fulfilling career that makes it hard to walk away.
From the fashion world to farm life, Chelsea Schminke Grieder learns Her Mother’s Kidney Transplant Journey Forged Resilience and Leadership at Team Purebred
No one wants their family business to look like the Dutton family’s in Yellowstone. Todd Wiley’s innovative succession planning instrument is designed to avoid unnecessary drama and position his four children for success in the family pork operation.
The decisions that livestock veterinarians help clients make essentially impact whether or not they can feed their families, says Micah Jansen, DVM. Whether she’s prioritizing for producers or prioritizing for her family, she believes identifying the glass balls is critical.
Maddie Hokanson follows a simple, but profound, philosophy in life: start with why. As a seventh-generation farmer with Schafer Farms, she says the farm has served as a lifeline while adjusting to parenting a child with serious health challenges.
After weathering historic losses in 2023, producers are returning to profitability. National Pork Board CEO David Newman emphasizes how authenticity and transparency are essential for driving long-term success for producers.
Brian Arnold has achieved his share of success in the swine industry. But most would agree his greatest contribution isn’t in what he has achieved – it’s the impact he has had on those who have watched him lead his family through challenging times, including his wife’s cancer diagnosis.
Scott Dee and Gordon Spronk have battled PRRS for 38 years. They’ve had enough. That’s why they are calling for transformational change and eradication of this devastating and costly disease now.
Create a high-functioning team through accountability, selflessness and shared goals.
With a competitive drive and a compassionate heart, Olivia Shike finds joy in showing livestock, supporting others and serving as an agriculture advocate.
They survived the farm crisis of the 1980s, overcame industry challenges and quit their day jobs in the late 1980s to focus on building their dream — Brenneman Pork — into a legacy.
National Swine Registry CEO Clay Zwilling opens up about the future of the youth swine shows, how the purebred swine industry is changing and ultimately what that means for producers.