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In this episode of Coffee in the Barn, Casey Bradley welcomes Dr. Christine Alvarado, a poultry scientist and food safety expert, for a deep dive into food safety, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and the need for clear communication within the food industry. Dr. Alvarado shares insights on the importance of educating consumers with facts over soundbites, addressing the critical role of recalls, and debunking common misconceptions around food safety and AMR. She emphasizes the value of transparency with consumers, explains how recalls contribute positively to food quality assurance, and advocates for reintroducing agriculture education to strengthen public understanding of food safety. 

Highlights from the Conversation: 

• Supporting Women in the Meat Industry 
  Dr. Alvarado talks about her involvement in the Women in Meat Industry Network (WMIN), which provides mentorship and resources to support women’s careers in the meat and poultry sectors. 
• Understanding Antimicrobial Resistance in Food Safety 
  Dr. Alvarado explains the complexities of AMR, how it naturally occurs, and why data-driven decisions in food production are essential to managing it responsibly. 
• The Role of Recalls in Consumer Protection 
  She clarifies that recalls can be a proactive part of quality assurance, ensuring products meet safety standards and protect consumers, contrary to negative perceptions. 
• The Power of Transparency with Consumers 
  Dr. Alvarado highlights the need for open, clear communication around food safety to build trust with consumers and combat misinformation. 
• Bringing Agriculture Back to Education 
  As a strong advocate for K-12 agriculture and home economics education, Dr. Alvarado believes these subjects are essential to improving food safety understanding and self-sufficiency in future generations. 

Tune into this insightful episode for a clearer understanding of food safety practices, consumer transparency, and the shared responsibility of producers and consumers in upholding quality and safety standards. 

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In this episode of Coffee in the Barn, Dr. Michelle Kromm, a board-certified poultry veterinarian and animal health expert, shares her insights on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the essential role of responsible antibiotic use within animal agriculture. As AMR continues to impact human, animal, and environmental health under the One Health framework, Dr. Kromm emphasizes the interconnectedness of these areas and the proactive steps producers take to prevent disease, uphold animal welfare, and foster consumer confidence in food safety. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the importance of transparency in antibiotic decision-making and the need for innovative diagnostics to support effective treatment outcomes. Dr. Kromm’s insights reveal the depth of commitment within animal agriculture to manage antibiotic use responsibly and minimize resistance risks. 

Highlights from the Conversation: 

• Proactive Disease Prevention 
  Dr. Kromm explains that producers dedicate 99% of their resources to preventing disease, employing biosecurity, vaccinations, and animal comfort measures to ensure animal well-being. 
• Data-Driven Decisions in Antibiotic Use 
  She emphasizes the importance of transparency in antibiotic decision-making, focusing on selecting the right antibiotic to match each case and reduce resistance. 
• One Health and Public Trust 
  Dr. Kromm underscores AMR’s impact across human, animal, and environmental health, advocating for transparent practices that foster consumer trust in food safety. 
• Innovative Diagnostics for Responsible Care 
  Dr. Kromm highlights the need for advanced diagnostic tools to support timely treatment decisions, improving outcomes for animals and minimizing resistance risks. 
• Balancing Treatment and Resistance 
  While preventing disease is a priority, Dr. Kromm explains the importance of selecting the right antibiotic for specific infections when treatment is necessary, balancing effective outcomes with the need to minimize resistance. 
• Role of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Animal Health 
  As part of a preventative health strategy, Dr. Kromm discusses the growing importance of probiotics and prebiotics in supporting animal health. These supplements play a crucial role in bolstering immunity and promoting a healthy gut microbiome, reducing the need for antibiotics. 

Tune into this episode to gain valuable insights into the future of animal health, responsible antibiotic use, and the industry’s commitment to ensuring food safety through proactive care and transparency. 

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In this episode of Coffee in the Barn, Casey Bradley and Morgan Hart wrap up Porktober with a lively discussion on the evolving landscape of the swine industry and the importance of leadership, food security, and adaptability. They highlight inspiring stories from their special guests, share personal insights on balancing family life with a career in agriculture, and tackle the industry's challenges, from delayed legislation to shifting market dynamics.

Join us as we explore how passion, perseverance, and community-driven solutions shape the world of agriculture and how everyday actions can create a meaningful impact. Pour yourself a cup, settle in, and discover the stories that matter.

Key Takeaways:

• Courtney’s Story: One mother turned a challenge into a solution by establishing a lactation room at the World Pork Expo, supporting working moms in the industry without seeking recognition.
• The Farm Bill Delay: Casey and Morgan discuss the potential impact of the delayed farm bill on food security, emphasizing how it could affect SNAP benefits and the most vulnerable families across the U.S.
• Economic Ripples in Agriculture: With rising costs for essential materials like copper and challenges in global shipping, Casey dives into how these shifts impact animal nutrition and the broader agricultural market.
• Leadership Lessons from Lori: Lori’s journey through various leadership roles, including her presidency at NPPC, offers valuable insights on navigating career growth, especially in a male-dominated industry.
• Balancing Work and Family: Morgan and Casey reflect on the realities of balancing motherhood and a career in agriculture, sharing their personal stories and experiences from Porktober.

Featured Segments:

1. Courtney’s Initiative at World Pork Expo (0:10:04 - 0:11:57): Courtney's creation of a lactation room is a prime example of community-driven leadership and problem-solving in agriculture.
2. Challenges of Passing the Farm Bill (0:22:13 - 0:24:57): The hosts discuss how delays in the farm bill can impact food security, and the ripple effects felt throughout the agriculture industry.
3. Market Trends & Copper Prices (0:16:57 - 0:19:25): A deep dive into how fluctuating copper prices and rising shipping costs impact the economics of animal agriculture.

Notable Quotes:

• "Courtney didn’t do it for recognition—she saw a problem and created a solution. We need more people like her in our industry." – Casey Bradley.
• "Food security is not just a problem abroad; it’s right here in our backyards. And it's our job in agriculture to be part of the solution." – Casey Bradley.
• "It’s about finding the right leadership opportunities that fit your life. They don’t always have to be the big ones; sometimes it’s as simple as volunteering in your child's classroom." – Morgan Hart.

Next Episode Tease:
As Porktober ends, we gear up for November, Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Month. Stay tuned for ep

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Episode Overview:

In this special replay from The Real P3, celebrating #Porktober24, Coffee in the Barn brings you a unique episode featuring Philip and Dr. Andrew Tucker, a seasoned swine veterinarian from South Africa. As they travel through Zimbabwe, they discuss swine health and production across Africa, addressing the diverse challenges and opportunities faced by farmers on the continent.

The conversation delves into essential topics such as biosecurity in pig farming, the need for stringent disease prevention measures, and the inspiring story of how pig carcasses are used to help feed endangered vultures in a conservation initiative known as "buzzard cafes." Dr. Tucker shares his insights into the practical realities of farming in Africa, the severe impact of power outages on agriculture, and the incredible resilience of farmers dealing with these issues.

With over 20 years of experience in the field, Dr. Tucker’s passion for pig farming began on his family’s piggery in South Africa. Now working across the continent, he implements cutting-edge biosecurity protocols to prevent diseases like African Swine Fever (ASF). Dr. Tucker stresses the importance of strict "shower in, shower out" practices and pathogen-free farming in areas where diseases such as mycoplasma, PRRS, and ASF pose significant risks to pig health and production.

Highlights from the conversation:

• Biosecurity: Dr. Tucker explains how farms in Zimbabwe and South Africa are SPF (Specific Pathogen-Free), and the strict protocols they follow to prevent diseases like ASF, mycoplasma, and swine dysentery.
• Innovative Waste Management: Dr. Tucker talks about "vulture restaurants," where pig mortalities are used to feed endangered vultures. This practice helps preserve the birds while preventing the spread of disease.
• African Pig Farming Challenges: From navigating dangerous roads in Nigeria to handling the economic impacts of power outages and rising grain prices, Dr. Tucker provides insight into the resilience and resourcefulness of African pig farmers.

One of the most unique aspects of the episode is Dr. Tucker’s work with vulture conservation. These “vulture restaurants” supply food to critically endangered birds while also addressing farm waste management. This innovative practice contributes to wildlife preservation and demonstrates how pig farming can positively impact the environment.

Dr. Tucker also highlights African farmers' economic pressures, mainly due to rising grain prices and power cuts. Despite these challenges, his optimism about the future of African agriculture shines through, emphasizing how farmers adapt and find innovative solutions.

Tune in to this #Porktober24 episode to explore how African pig farms embrace sustainability, strengthen biosecurity, and contribute to conservation efforts—all while navigating the complexities of modern pig farming.

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In this insightful episode of Coffee in the Barn, we delve into the complexities of market volatility in the animal nutrition industry, with our special guest Louis Li, Marketing Director at Beans Nutrition. Louis and hosts Casey Bradley and Aryeri Bardales discuss the growing challenges and opportunities in the feed ingredient sector, particularly in the amino acid and copper markets, both essential to swine and poultry nutrition. As we approach #porktober24, these topics are especially relevant to pork producers navigating feed price fluctuations. 

As global markets become more interconnected, agricultural industries must face a range of unpredictable factors that can significantly affect feed ingredient pricing. Louis walks us through the specifics of these changes, including the volatility in the copper market impacted by drivers such as geopolitical events, technological shifts (e.g. electric vehicles), and the supply-demand balance for copper in industrial applications. 

Listeners will gain a unique perspective on the fluctuating nature of essential feed ingredients like lysine and threonine, as well as the importance of logistics in ensuring a steady supply to farmers at competitive prices. Beans Nutrition’s approach to leveraging amino acid distribution as a vehicle to offer other technical products like tri-basic copper chloride showcases their strategy of creating value-added solutions in the feed industry. 

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Episode Description: 

In this insightful episode of Coffee in the Barn, hosts Morgan and Casey engage in an inspiring conversation with Courtney Duffy, a Sales Support Specialist at Double L, whose journey in the swine industry reflects the qualities of a true leader often operating behind the scenes. Despite the traditional image of leadership, Courtney's pivotal role in shaping both her company’s and her community's future makes her an unsung hero in agriculture. 

Courtney discusses her evolution from full-time sales to a part-time role, showcasing her ability to redefine success on her terms without sacrificing her career, family, or leadership contributions. While balancing motherhood and career demands, she has driven initiatives that reflect her quiet leadership, such as creating innovative solutions for both Double L and the swine industry during difficult times. 

Her advocacy for family-friendly workplace policies and lactation support for mothers in agriculture is a testament to her leadership. At World Pork Expo, Courtney was instrumental in establishing a dedicated lactation room, offering a much-needed space for mothers to balance their personal and professional lives—just one example of how she leads through action, not title. 

Key highlights include: 

1. Redefining Leadership in Agri-Business: Courtney proves that leadership isn't always about titles or public recognition. Her ability to influence her company's culture, drive innovation in product offerings, and empathize with customers during challenging times reveals her as a key figure in the industry's ongoing transformation. 
2. Innovating Through Adversity: Even as the swine industry faces financial struggles, Courtney and her team at Double L continue to innovate, bringing new products to market while keeping their customers' needs at the forefront. 
3. Family-First Leadership: By advocating for policies that support work-life balance, Courtney helps set new standards for how companies in agriculture can retain top talent—particularly women—by embracing family-first values. 

Courtney’s story reminds us that leadership can take many forms, and even without the spotlight, she continues to shape the industry and community around her. To learn more about the Double L Group please visit https://www.doublel.com. 

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Podcast Description: In this heartfelt episode of Coffee in the Barn, Lori Stevermer shares her inspiring journey in the agricultural sector, offering reflections on leadership, personal growth, and the intricacies of raising pigs and managing pork operations. Lori draws on her extensive experience in the swine industry, discussing the challenges and opportunities she encountered while working with pork production and animal nutrition. She provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of agriculture, the importance of animal welfare, and the role women play in shaping the pork industry's future.

Lori’s passion for the industry shines through as she recounts the lessons learned from working on farms, raising pigs, and ensuring high-quality pork production. She highlights the importance of understanding animal behavior, feed nutrition, and the delicate balance needed to raise healthy animals while managing complex agricultural businesses. Through her anecdotes, Lori emphasizes the need for women to step into leadership roles in agriculture, advocating for diversity and mentorship across genders.

Whether it's navigating the demands of farm life or pushing for innovation in pork production, Lori’s journey is a testament to perseverance, leadership, and the impact of the swine industry on modern agriculture.

 Key Takeaways:

1. Overcoming Self-Imposed Barriers: Lori speaks to the internal challenges women often face, including self-doubt and the difficulty of stepping into new leadership roles. She reflects on the importance of mindset, encouraging listeners to evaluate their willingness to pursue growth, even if it comes with sacrifices.
2. The Power of Support Systems: A key theme is the importance of having a supportive environment—both at work and home—to achieve personal and professional goals. Lori emphasizes the value of mentors and colleagues who actively check in and help hold you accountable.
3. Balancing Growth with Personal Priorities: Lori candidly addresses the hard decisions women face when balancing leadership opportunities with family commitments. Through personal examples and those of colleagues, she explores how to assess what is worth sacrificing for career advancement and the importance of maintaining personal values.
4. Continuous Learning and Development: Lori highlights the importance of investing in oneself, not just through formal education but by finding opportunities for personal development in everyday experiences. Whether through mentorship, on-the-job training, or self-study, growth should be a constant goal.
5. Embracing Vulnerability: Finally, Lori encourages embracing vulnerability as part of leadership. By sharing her own experiences of discomfort and failure, she provides a roadmap for navigating similar situations and emerging stronger.

Join us in this thoughtful episode as Lori Stevermer inspires both women and men to take the next step in their leadership journey.

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In this deeply moving episode of Coffee in the Barn, host Casey Bradley welcomes Adrienne Woodward, a leader at United Animal Health, to share her remarkable journey as a senior figure in the swine industry and a cancer survivor. Adrienne’s story is one of resilience and strength, detailing how her battle with cancer has shaped her leadership, life, and passion for helping others.

Adrienne’s background is both diverse and inspiring. Growing up in Texas as a self-proclaimed “horse girl,” she studied equine sciences at West Texas A&M University. Her career took an unexpected turn toward the swine industry, where she flourished professionally. However, her diagnosis with cancer was a pivotal life event.

Key Takeaways from Adrienne’s Journey:

1. Strength in Vulnerability: Adrienne explains how embracing vulnerability helped her manage her fears during cancer treatment and as a leader. "It’s not about being fearless; it’s about feeling the fear and moving forward." This openness influences her leadership approach, where she now values transparency and humanity.
2. Compassionate Leadership: After her treatment, Adrienne reflects on how her illness enhanced her empathy as a leader. She now prioritizes understanding both the professional and personal challenges of her team members, fostering a culture of support.
3. Balancing Career and Health: Adrienne shares the difficulties of managing a demanding career while undergoing treatment. She credits her support system, both at work and at home, for maintaining balance, reinforcing the importance of self-care and delegation.
4. Adaptability in the Face of Uncertainty: Cancer taught Adrienne the unpredictability of life. She encourages adaptability and resilience, stating, "You can’t control everything, but you can control how you respond."
5. Diversity and Inclusion: Adrienne discusses how her experiences have reinforced her commitment to diversity and inclusion. As a leader at United Animal Health, she promotes an environment where every voice is heard, emphasizing trust and respect for diverse perspectives.
6. Mentorship's Impact: Adrienne has mentored many throughout her career. "Mentorship isn’t just about professional growth; it’s about personal growth as well," she says, highlighting the critical role mentorship plays, especially for women entering male-dominated industries.
7. Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry: Adrienne recalls how she overcame imposter syndrome and the evolution of the industry, where more women are now taking leadership roles.
8. The Legacy of Cancer: Adrienne concludes with a reflection on how cancer continues to shape her life and career. "Cancer doesn’t just go away; it leaves a mark," she says, but that mark is a reminder of her strength.

This episode is a testament to resilience, compassion, and leadership. Adrienne’s story will resonate with anyone who has faced adversity and emerged stronger.

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In this heartfelt episode of "Coffee in the Barn," host Casey Bradley engages in a profound conversation with Ashley Drake, a prominent figure in the poultry industry and a true leader at Novus International. Ashley’s journey is one of dedication, courage, and an unwavering commitment to leading with humanity. Over her 18-year career, she has risen through the ranks in a male-dominated field, not just by her professional acumen but through the deep connections and genuine care she shows for her colleagues and team members.

Ashley reflects on her early days in the industry, where women were a rare presence, and how she navigated these challenges with the support of strong mentors, including men who believed in the potential of women in leadership. Her story is a testament to the power of not shying away from opportunities and embracing the unknown with determination and courage.

Key learnings from this episode include:

• The Power of Human Connection: Ashley emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and the human element in leadership. She shares how these traits are crucial not only in building strong teams but also in creating a supportive work environment that fosters growth and resilience.
• Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry: Ashley discusses her experiences as a woman in the poultry industry, highlighting the changes she has witnessed over the years and offering insights into how the industry is evolving to be more inclusive.
• The Importance of Mentorship: Ashley attributes much of her success to the guidance she received from mentors. She shares how seeking out mentors, including those from different parts of the business, has been instrumental in her career growth.
• Balancing Career and Personal Life: With humor and honesty, Ashley talks about the choices and sacrifices she has made, particularly around work-life balance. She shares strategies for maintaining boundaries, such as turning off work notifications, and the importance of having a supportive partner.
• Embracing Diversity and Cultural Differences: Ashley's experience working in global companies has enriched her understanding of different cultures and perspectives. She advocates for embracing these differences and highlights the respect and learning that comes from working with diverse teams.
• The Role of Women in Leadership: Through initiatives like "The Flock" at Novus, Ashley is actively involved in empowering women in the poultry industry. She shares the impact of these programs on fostering leadership and creating a supportive network for women.
• Overcoming Impostor Syndrome: Ashley candidly discusses her struggles with impostor syndrome and offers advice on focusing on one's strengths rather than perceived weaknesses.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, the poultry industry, or personal growth. Ashley’s journey will inspire you to lead with compassion, embrace challenges, and always remember the human side of every professional interaction.

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In Episode 28 of Coffee in the Barn, we continue our exploration of work-life balance with a special guest, Kacee Bohle, who delivered a keynote speech and led the Working Genius workshop at the recent Elevate Women in Ag event. Kacee, a seasoned coach and speaker with deep roots in the agriculture industry, shares her journey from job-hopping and burnout to finding her passion in coaching and helping others navigate the often-overwhelming demands of balancing professional growth with personal life.

Kacee discusses her background, growing up on a fourth-generation farm in Indiana, and how her experiences shaped her understanding of work-life balance. She highlights the importance of aligning your work with your personal values and the season of life you're in, offering practical advice on how to manage competing priorities. Kacee debunks the myth of a perfect 50-50 work-life balance, advocating instead for a dynamic approach where you allocate your time, energy, and attention to the right things at the right times.

Throughout the episode, Kacee emphasizes the significance of mindset shifts, such as recognizing that you don't have to do it all yourself, and the value of outsourcing or delegating tasks to maintain a healthy balance. She also introduces the Working Genius model, a tool that helps individuals and teams understand their strengths and how to utilize them effectively, both at work and at home.

Listeners will find Kacee’s insights both relatable and actionable, as she shares how these strategies have not only transformed her own life but also the lives of those she coaches. Whether you're struggling with the demands of a busy career in agriculture or simply looking to find better balance in your life, this episode offers valuable lessons on how to achieve both personal and professional fulfillment.

Key Learnings:

• Understanding the myth of a perfect work-life balance and how to find a dynamic equilibrium that works for you.
• The importance of aligning your work with your personal values and current life circumstances.
• Strategies for outsourcing, delegating, and prioritizing tasks to maintain a healthy balance.
• Insights into the Working Genius model and how it can help you and your team work more effectively by focusing on natural strengths.

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