Episodes

  • When people work to see the value in each other and feel connected, the world becomes a better place. When people feel disconnected, daily 'threats' of uncertainty, doubt, and change, become all that they see.

    During PEAK 2024 in Minneapolis we caught up with Brian Fretwell, founder of Finding Good. Fretwell lead a three-part business and leadership program focused on helping to build the clarity, confidence, and certainty that comes with connection. He believes that smarter questions (and responses) can improve conversations, relationships, and how people feel about themselves. His question process builds trust around tough issues, makes important conversations more productive, and helps others feel truly valued.

    This episode is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting the website at UnitedANH.com

  • In order to optimize your porcine breeding process, a number of factors need to come together to ensure success. High-quality semen collection, extension, packaging and storage are a must along with good hygiene and proper handling. Equipment and infrastructure also are essential.

    This episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is brought to you by Topigs Norsvin, the second-largest swine genetics company in the world. Topigs Norsvin is not just a genetics supplier, but a production partner. By working together, you can unlock your operation's productivity and profitability. Visit topigsnorsvin.us to learn more about how partnering with Topigs Norsvin can help your business.

    Joining us in the episode to talk about the best ways to get the most out of a breeding operation and optimal semen handling is John Quackenbush of Minitube. Minitube is a world leader in state-of-the-art assisted reproduction technologies.

  • Missing episodes?

    Click here to refresh the feed.

  • Global demographics are rapidly changing. Global population is rapidly shifting. Countries like China are ramping up pork production. What about the aging of the population in general and how might that impact demand for pork products in the future? It is no longer about how we feed the world but rather what does the world want from us.

    Hosts for this episode are Sarah Muirhead of Feedstuffs and Mark Huslebus of Alltech. Todd Thurman, President of Swine Insights International, joins as their guest. Thurman spends a lot of time in China and other international markets and shares a very insightful and unique perspective on the global pork industry and U.S. industry’s role in that global network.

    Feedstuffs Pork Nation is brought to you by Alltech. Alltech delivers smarter, more sustainable solutions for agriculture through a diverse portfolio of products and services.Contact the Alltech Pork Team or visit go.alltech.com/swine-research to learn more.

    Don't miss an episode of Feedstuffs Pork Nation. Sign-up now in your favorite podcast channel.

  • Last week, California dairy producers requested that the State of California use its authority to ban all cattle coming into California from HPIA-infected states until further notice. Following the industry's request for additional action, the California Department of Food & Agriculture increased its health certificate requirements. Those requirements were effective immediately. What does this mean for those looking to ship cattle into the state as well as for dairy producers in California? What protection might this provide to California herds?

    Joining us in the episode to talk about the avian influenza in dairy cattle situation in California and nationwide is Western United Dairies CEO Anja Raudabaugh.

    In addition to discussing the new restrictions on dairy cattle coming into California, we discuss how the virus is possibly being spread, what things dairy producers should keep an eye out for in their herds and how best to responsibly communicate the evolving situation.

    This episode is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting the website at UnitedANH.com

  • Of the food we grow annually, 40% is lost or wasted. Globally, food loss and waste is responsible for 10% of greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, rates of food insecurity continue to skyrocket. In 2022, nearly 828 million people faced acute food insecurity, an increase of more than 60% since 2019.These numbers are only expected to grow. So are there opportunities and for that matter reasons to disrupt the linear model of our current food system?

    In this episode of Feedstuffs in Focus, we revisit a presentation that Pete Pearson, Senior Director, Food Loss and Waste for the World Wildlife Fund, gave as part of our recent Food Waste to Animal Feed Virtual Conference. He talks about the introduction of circularity into food cultivation and production. Circularity considers the entire life cycle of food, including its societal and environmental costs, and supports alternative models for waste prevention and upcycling.

    View our recent Food Waste to Animal Feed Virtual Conference in its entirety, click on this link or visit Feedstuffs.com

    This episode has been sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting the website at UnitedANH.com

  • Novus International, Inc., announced its acquisition of enzyme company BioResource International, Inc., also known as BRI, in March. Under the terms of the agreement, NOVUS became the owner of all BRI’s products and intellectual property and takes control of the company’s facilities.

    In making the announcement, the leader in intelligent nutrition cited supply chain optimization, product diversification, and innovation as reasons behind the deal.

    In today’s episode of the Feedstuffs in Focus, we talk with NOVUS President and CEO Dan Meagher about the recent acquisition of BRI and his company’s plans.


  • Food waste and loss are a growing concern around the world. Food left in the fields. Food not pretty enough for supermarket display cases. The list goes on and on. All too often perfectly good food ends up in landfills or is left to rot in the field. But, is there a role for animal agriculture when it comes to possibly providing a solution to the food waste situation and, if so, what might that look like?

    Joining us in the episode of Feedstuffs in Focus to talk about food waste as an alternative animal feed ingredient is Dr. Jerry Shurson of the University of Minnesota. We also discuss a free online conference focused on fostering a discussion around the challenges and opportunities related to food waste for livestock. That conference is hosted by the University of Minnesota, University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University and Feedstuffs with the goal of communicating and educating those in the feed and feeding industries globally about the value of food waste for livestock in the backdrop of food, climate, and sustainability challenges.

    The conference will be held March 26, 27 and 28. Attendee registration for this free event is recommended.

    Conference sponsors include the North American Renderers Association, World Wildlife Fund, International Ingredients Corp., American Feed Industry Association and the US Grains Council. This conference is also supported by a USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant.



  • 2023 was a year marked with numerous challenges for the pork industry but along with those challenges came opportunity. Opportunity to step back and reevaluate. Opportunity to have conversations that needed to be had with government regulators and policymakers. Opportunity to move forward with the continued objective of making the world a better place for the industry and consumers overall. The good news is that this year is looking to be stronger thanks in part to the long-standing resiliency and commitment of the pork industry.

    Joining Feedstuffs’ Ann Hess in this episode of Feedstuffs in Focus to discuss the state of the hog industry is Brian Humphreys, CEO of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). We caught up with Brian during the National Pork Industry Forum in Chicago.


  • The pork industry took a proactive step to protect animal health and producers’ livelihoods this week with the approval of a resolution aimed at enhancing the country’s live swine traceability system. The goal of the new standards is that of better controlling the spread of a foreign animal disease and lessening the economic impact of an outbreak should one occur.

    Joining Feedstuffs’ Ann Hess in this episode to discuss the importance of controlling foreign animal disease in our nation’s swine herd is Dr. Anna Forseth, Director of Animal Health for the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). In her role, Anna is the liaison between the pork industry and the government on pre-harvest animal health and public health issues. We caught up with Anna at this week’s National Pork Industry Forum.

    This episode is being brought to you by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting the website at UnitedANH.com

    If you would like to hear more conversations about some of the big issues affecting the livestock, poultry, grain and animal feed industries, subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast channel. For daily news, visit us at feedstuffs.com; nationalhogfarmer.com and beefmagazine.com

  • For those farms that became Prop 12 compliant, the industry is eager to learn about the challenges, opportunities, production considerations and lessons encountered along the way.

    Joining Feedstuffs’ Ann Hess in this episode to discuss Country View Family Farms’ journey to become Prop 12 compliant is Dr. Carlos Roudergue, a veterinarian in the company's Production Department. CVFF includes more than 300 family farms throughout Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, Maryland and North Carolina. All CVFF farms are create-free during gestation. It is one of the top 11 hog production companies in the US, producing some 2. 7 million pigs per year.

    For more information on this and other topics, visit Feedstuffs.com; NationalHogFarmer.com and BEEFmagazine.com.

  • The American Egg Board has a number of strategic priorities in place for 2024. They include the assessment of new revenue streams, food chain outreach and engagement as well as the development of new farmer support resources. Big things also are already in the works around this year’s Easter Egg Roll at the White House, including taking it beyond Washington, D.C.

    This episode is being brought to you by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting the website at UnitedANH.com

    Joining us to give us an updated on AEB and all of its efforts to promote US eggs and expand market growth on a global basis is Emily Metz, President & CEO of AEB. We caught up with Emily during this year’s IPPE in Atlanta.



  • Sustainable livestock systems can contribute to climate action in several ways, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, improvement of resource efficiency, enhancement of carbon sequestration and minimization of environmental impacts.

    At the same time, there needs to be recognition of the role of livestock in meeting the public’s dietary needs.

    What is at stake? How important is collaboration when it comes to reducing emissions from livestock globally?

    Joining us on this episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is Dr. Frank Mitloehner of the University of California-Davis and the CLEAR Center. We caught up with Dr. Mitloehner during the International Production and Processing Expo in Atlanta, to get the lastest update on climate-related discussions in regard to the animal agriculture.

  • Amid narrow views about cows and climate change, there is an important conversation to be had. A conversation about the role cows play in our daily lives and world around us. A conversation about the what if … what if there were no more cows?

    Joining us on this episode is Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech president and CEO.

    We caught up with Dr. Lyons during the International Production and Processing Expo in Atlanta where we got the first scoop on a new feature-length, 90-minute documentary that Alltech is working on that explores the true impact of cattle and the potential consequences of their removal. We also get a preview of the 2024 Alltech ONE World Tour and discussed several recent acquisitions by the company, including:

    Agolin - In May 2023, Alltech acquired majority interest in the Swiss-based company, Agolin developed and produced plant-based nutrition solutions that has been scientifically proven to improve herd performance, profitability and sustainability in beef and dairy cattle, including milk and meat production.Ideagro - This partnership joins two leading companies to accelerate soil and crop research, and to enhance biological and other microorganism-based offerings to producers around the world.

    For more information the World Without Cows documentary, visit www.worldwithoutcows.com.
    For more information on Alltech, visit www.alltech.com


  • The U.S. in recent years has seen some of the worst hatchability numbers since the late 1980s.

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture in January 2024 reported average hatchability at 79.6%. There are many factors in play, in the barn and the hatchery, that can impact hatchability. Some blame poor fertility and embryo mortality, while others consider more management-related issues. Regardless, the cause of this phenomenon is unclear.

    Until a firm cause is discovered and addressed, what can producers do to support hatchability and better ensure those chicks make it onto dinner plates?

    Joining Feedstuffs in Focus host Sarah Muirhead is NOVUS executive manager and poultry technology lead Hugo Romero-Sanchez, a poultry expert with a comprehensive understanding of the physiological, nutritional, environmental, and economic variables that affect broiler and layer performance. Dr. Romero presented a TECHTalk on the topic of hatchability during the 2024 International Production and Processing Expo this week.

    To learn how NOVUS is using intelligent nutrition to help poultry producers do more, visit www.novusint.com

  • Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a significant disease and cost the swine industry some $660 million annually. For multiple decades, the industry has had its hands tied when it comes to PRRS but new research out of Pipestone shows that may no longer be the case, and in fact, producers may now the ones in charge of the virus

    Joining us to share newly released details on a study looking at whether the application of a comprehensive, science-based approach to breeding herd biosecurity, known as next-generation biosecurity, could reduce the PRRS risk across a large commercial production company is Dr. Scott Dee.

    For more information: javma-javma.23.08.0437.pdf

    This episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting the website at UnitedANH.com

  • The International Production & Processing Expo, also known as IPPE, is held annually in Atlanta, Ga. This year’s event is set for Jan. 30-Feb. 1 and will offer the largest trade show floor space ever and more than 80 hours of dynamic education sessions focused on current industry issues.

    Joining Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead in this episode of Feedstuffs in Focus to talk about IPPE and everything it has to offer this year’s attendees is Sarah Novak, chief operating officer of the American Feed Industry Assn. AFIA is one of the hosting organizations of IPPE.

    This episode is brought to you by the International Production & Processing Expo, a collaboration of three shows representing the entire chain of protein production and processing. Make your plans today to join the feed, meat and poultry industry in Atlanta, Ga., on Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2024. To learn more at ippexpo.org.

  • The National Pork Board collaborates with third-party experts to analyze both micro and macro-economic implications related to the challenging business landscape that American pig farmers confront. Accordingly, NPB’s producer-led board of directors allocates Pork Checkoff funds judiciously, focusing on short- and long-term demand creation strategies to enhance the value of pork and overcome barriers to consumption.

    Joining Feedstuffs in Focus host Sarah Muirhead to discuss the hog industry's current economic challenges and demand growth for pork are Dr. Steve Meyer, economist with Partners for Production Agriculture, and Bill Even, CEO of the National Pork Board.

    The National Pork Board firmly believes that all stakeholders in the pork industry, and ultimately consumers, will benefit from a better overall understanding of the economics of pork production. That said, it is always advisable to seek independent advice from a professinal before making any economic decision.

    Pork Checkoff funds are being used to make this podcast possible, with the primary purpose of facilitating the understanding of publicly available economic information. Stay connected with Pork Checkoff by signing up for the checkoff’s weekly email at porkcheckoff.org/email

    Any economic analysis, projections or opinions presented are solely those of Dr Meyer and do not represent the views or opinions of nor are they endorsed by the National Pork Board. All producers should seek independent advice from a professional before making any economic decisions.

  • Today's hog market is challenging, making profitability even more critical. Under such conditions, robust, full-value pigs can make all the difference. So how best to navigate to ensure your herd has the advantage of profitability?

    Joining Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead to talk pig survivability and efficiency among the TN Duroc line is Matt Schulte, meat scientist with Topigs Norsvin. Among other things, Matt shares details of a recently completed experimental study that looked specifically at how several Duroc lines stack up.

    This episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is sponsored byTopigs Norsvin. Swine genetics company Topigs Norsvin is renowned for its innovative approach to implementing new technologies and its continuous focus on cost-efficient and sustainable pig production. Research, innovation, and dissemination of genetic improvements are the cornerstones of the company. For more information, visit www.TopigsNorsvin.US.


  • There are businesses and organizations with advice, leadership and tools available to be a third-party in difficult situations.

    In this episode, Feedstuffs' Sarah Muirhead talks with Mary Preisler, program director, Farmer Lender Mediation Program, based in Minnesota, and Eric Osterhaus, lead advisor and firm principal with Pinion. Among other things, the strive to instill hope within the agricultural community amidst challenging times—whether those challenges are financial, familial or otherwise.

    Though the information presented may encompass a broad spectrum, it is encouraged to pursue tailored support for individual business needs and explore mediation options specific to your unique situation.

    This episode is brought to you by the National Pork Board. The National Pork Board is here for producers. Visit porkcheckoff.org to stay connected and learn more.

  • Soybean meal contains functional bioactive molecules that can help mitigate swine respiratory disease (SRD) effects on pig growth and development. Feeding elevated soybean levels can be especially cost-effective during winter/spring seasons, when barns are closed tight and SRD is more typically a challenge for veterinarians and producers to overcome.

    In this episode, Feedstuffs' Ann Hess talks with Dr. R.Dean Boyd, Dr. Paul Yeske and Dr. Amy Petry about how soybean meal is both a nutritional and prescriptive ingredient.

    Listeners can learn more about how soybean meal can be an easy-to-implement management tool to enhance profitability in health-challenged pig flows. Content brought to you by U.S. Soy.

    View a Feedstuffs article on this topic: https://informamarkets.turtl.co/story/feedstuffs-october-2023/page/2