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This episode of Coffee in the Barn brings together global researchers to explore one central question: How can we feed piglets better for long-term health and performance?

Recorded live at DPP, we dive deep into gut health, appetite challenges, and nutrient strategies that matter most in early piglet development.

🔬 Lluís Fabà shares new findings on the gut-brain axis and appetite loss post-weaning.
🥣 Dr. Michael Wellington explains how fiber increases threonine demand and why formulation needs to adapt.
💧 Karolina Augusto discusses the real-world impact of organic acid blends in nursery piglets’ water.
🧪 Sandra van Kuijk introduces enniatins—an emerging, unregulated mycotoxin affecting feed intake and gut integrity.

Whether you're a swine nutritionist, vet, or feed additive formulator, this episode unpacks data-backed insights that could transform your wean-to-finish results.

You’ll hear about:
 ✔️ How gut-brain axis disruptions affect appetite post-weaning (Lluís Fabà)
 ✔️ Why more fiber means higher threonine needs (Michael Wellington)
 ✔️ The blended power of organic acids in nursery water (Karolina Augusto)
 ✔️ An emerging mycotoxin that’s already everywhere—and reducing intake (Sandra van Kuijk)

It’s science, it’s strategy, and it’s the kind of conversation that only happens in the barn.

📬 Connect with the Guests:
 Michael Wellington – [email protected] | LinkedIn
Karolina Augusto – [email protected] | LinkedIn
Sandra van Kuijk – [email protected] | LinkedIn
Lluís Fabà – LinkedIn

☕ So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s get growing—one piglet at a time.

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In this lively and unscripted episode of Coffee in the Barn, Dr. Casey Bradley and Morgan Hart take you behind the scenes of the Midwest Swine Nutritionists’ family reunion in Omaha, Nebraska—recorded straight from their Hilton hotel room.

From Hilton skywalk networking to sneezing on sun-soaked skybridges, this episode captures the unfiltered reality of industry events: the good, the exhausting, and the energizing. Casey and Morgan share personal reflections on professional growth, confidence in public speaking, and why choosing the right outfit can change your whole presentation game.

You’ll also hear about travel with toddlers, on-the-road pumping logistics, award ceremonies that honor family support, and—of course—the vital importance of passionate people in ag science.

Whether you're an academic, an ag industry pro, or just here for the real talk, this episode reminds us that community matters more than venue—and that authenticity (and colorful jackets) can go a long way.

☕ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ What makes Midwest Animal Science meetings feel like a reunion
✔️ How style, confidence, and "doing your colors" impact public speaking
✔️ The realities of balancing motherhood and ag careers on the road
✔️ The emotional impact of industry layoffs and showing up for others
✔️ Tips on better science communication—especially for microbiome data

🔹 Live from Omaha, hosted by:
Dr. Casey Bradley — Founder of Animistic, Nutritionist, Educator
Morgan Hart — Industry Professional, Swine Enthusiast, Supermom

🎧 Grab your coffee, get comfy, and catch the latest from the barn.

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In this deeply personal episode of Coffee in the Barn, hosts Morgan Hart and Dr. Casey Bradley are joined by Tracy Snider to shed light on the often-hidden realities of PTSD in everyday life—especially within agricultural communities. From domestic abuse survival to the long-term trauma faced by veterans and first responders, this episode dives into raw experiences that highlight the importance of empathy, awareness, and leadership support in the workplace.

Tracy shares her emotional journey through complex PTSD, while Casey speaks openly about supporting her husband, a police officer, after an officer-involved shooting. Together, they emphasize how trauma manifests both personally and professionally—and why creating a trauma-informed environment in ag and rural industries is essential.

Whether you're a manager, colleague, or simply someone who wants to be more aware, this is a must-listen episode on human resilience, healing, and how leadership can show up for people behind the scenes.

🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ What complex PTSD is and how it manifests in daily life
 ✔️ How trauma affects professionals in agriculture and beyond
 ✔️ The role of leadership in recognizing and supporting mental health
 ✔️ Signs to look for in the workplace that may signal distress
 ✔️ Real stories of strength, resilience, and the power of support

🔹 Guest Spotlight: Tracy Snider

Executive leader and survivor of complex PTSD, Tracy speaks candidly about her experience, recovery, and the leadership lessons she carries forward.

📚 Resources & Links:

🛠️ Support & Mental Health

• National Domestic Violence Hotline – 800-799-7233
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988
• Veterans Crisis Line – Text 838255 or call 988, press 1
• BetterHelp Online Therapy
• PTSD Coach App (VA)

🌱 From Animistic

• Learn more about Animistic
• Explore our podcasts
• Contact us

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In this episode of Coffee in the Barn, we dive into the dynamic world of trade shows with industry expert Mark Ghaffori, who brings over 15 years of experience in organizing, strategizing, and elevating exhibitions across every sector imaginable. 

From agricultural expos to tech conferences, Mark shares what truly makes a trade show successful—and it's more than just flashy booths and freebies. We explore how to create meaningful connections, maximize ROI, and design interactive experiences that leave lasting impressions. Plus, we tackle the evolving challenges of balancing family life with professional commitments in an industry known for its hectic pace and constant travel. 

Whether you're an exhibitor, attendee, or event planner, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to transform how you approach trade shows—before, during, and after the event. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 

✔️ How to stand out as an exhibitor without relying on giveaways 
✔️ Pre-show, during-show, and post-show tactics to boost ROI 
✔️ The future of trade shows in a hybrid and digital world 
✔️ Why location, experience, and purposeful planning matter more than ever 
✔️ The importance of avoiding the "same as last year" trap in event planning 

🔹 Guest Spotlight: Mark Ghaffori 

•  Founder of AlphaTooth, a company focused on innovative trade show strategies and experiential event design 
• 15+ years in trade show and exhibition management 
• Specialist in experiential event design and strategy 
• Advocate for balancing professional success with personal well-being 
• Expert in optimizing event ROI and customer engagement 

🎧 Tune in for behind-the-scenes insights, fun trade show stories (including concerts on the 50-yard line!), and tips to make every event count—whether you're on the show floor or planning from behind the scenes. 

Resources & Links: 

🔗 Connect with Mark Ghaffori on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-ghafoori-20753a55/
 🌐 Explore Mark’s work and event strategies at AlphaTooth: https://www.alphatooth.com/
🌱 Learn more about Animistic: https://animistic.co/ 

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In this episode of Coffee in the Barn, we welcome Charles Mayfield, founder of FARROW Skincare, whose unique journey bridges CrossFit, paleo nutrition, and regenerative agriculture. Charles shares how his personal experiences—ranging from a painful sunburn to deep-rooted agricultural practices—led him to create a skincare line using rendered pig fat (lard) that promotes natural healing and supports sustainable farming. 

We explore the links between what we eat, what we put on our skin, and the larger ecosystem of health and farming. Charles opens up about the surprising regulatory gaps in skincare safety, the microbiome on our skin, the truth about modern sunscreens, and how honoring animal by-products can reduce waste and support both people and the planet. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 

✔️ How Charles’s sunburn turned into a skincare business rooted in regenerative farming.

✔️ Why most modern skincare products may be harming more than helping.

✔️ The connection between gut health and skin health through a paleo lens.

✔️ What regenerative agriculture really means—and how it builds soil and community.

✔️ Natural ways to protect your skin from sun exposure without chemicals.

✔️ How Charles’s farming background and paleo cookbooks shaped his mission.

✔️ The surprising origins and benefits of using animal fat in skincare.

🔹 Guest Spotlight: Charles Mayfield 

• Founder of FARROW Skincare 
• Regenerative farmer, paleo cookbook author, and CrossFit enthusiast 
• Advocate for toxin-free skincare and sustainable agriculture 

🎧 Tune in to discover the untold story behind skincare, agriculture, and the simple, powerful ways we can protect our health and land. 

Resources & Links: 

🔗 Visit FARROW Skincare: https://farrow.life 

💸 Use Discount Code LARDFTW for 20% Off 

📚 Check out Charles’s cookbooks: Paleo Comfort Foods 

🌱 Learn more about Animistic: https://animistic.co/

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In this powerhouse episode of Coffee in the Barn, Casey Bradley sits down with three industry leaders to explore some of the most exciting research presented at the 2025 Midwest Animal Science Meetings: 

🔬 Dr. Yuan-Tai Hung (Davanesh) – Unpacks the power of lysophospholipid emulsifiers in swine nutrition, revealing how they boost performance on reduced-energy diets. 
 🧪 Morgan Hart (Hubart Feeds) – Breaks down the role of acidifiers in nursery pig diets, optimal titration rates, and how ABC4 helps calculate acid needs. 
 🌿 Ashley Wagner (ProBiotech) – Introduces PhytoZen, a plant-based anti-stress additive aimed at improving gut integrity through brain-gut signaling. 

From nursery trials and ROI calculations to innovations in stress management and microbiome protection, this episode delivers cutting-edge insights for every swine nutritionist, researcher, and ag leader. 

#SwineNutrition #GutHealth #AnimalScience #Emulsifiers #Acidifiers #PhytoZen #AnimalWelfare #CoffeeInTheBarn 

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In this episode of Coffee in the Barn, hosts Casey Bradley and Morgan Hart sit down with Tracy Snider, the new CEO of Animistic, to discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with major life and career transitions. Casey shares her journey of building Animistic over the past five years and why she made the decision to bring in new leadership. Tracy reflects on stepping into the CEO role, leading a faith-driven business, and navigating the evolving landscape of animal agriculture.

The conversation also explores personal transitions, including Morgan’s experience balancing work and family after having her third child. Casey, Morgan, and Tracy discuss how to trust the process, build strong teams, and embrace change in both professional and personal life.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

✔️ Transitioning into leadership roles and scaling a business
✔️ Balancing family life with a demanding career in agriculture
✔️ The role of faith and values in business decision-making
✔️ Lessons learned from entrepreneurship and team building
✔️ Strategies for navigating major career and life changes

This episode provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals in the agriculture industry looking to grow, adapt, and build sustainable success.

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In this episode, Casey and Morgan take you inside the 2025 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) and recent pork industry trade shows to uncover key trends, challenges, and game-changing innovations. 

🔹 IPPE Highlights – Exclusive interviews with industry leaders on biosecurity, digital flock management, gut health, and innovative feed additives
🔹 Pork Show Trends – Why attendance was down, and how we can rethink these events
🔹 Biosecurity & Disease Prevention – Lessons from poultry that swine producers can learn from
🔹 Feed & Nutrition Innovations – New products launched at IPPE and their potential impact 

Special Guests from IPPE:
🎤 Dr. Alexander Strauch (Four Star Veterinarian Services) – Biosecurity & disease mitigation in poultry​
🎤 Jordyn Studer (Barentz) – The launch of Kolin Plus & feed additive innovations​
🎤 Nathan Hillis (Profile Animal Health) – Dust mitigation, litter amendments & biosecurity advancements​
🎤 Tommi Timoharju (Alimetrics) – Advancements in gut health diagnostics & rapid AI-driven testing​ 

Key Takeaway: Whether it’s rethinking pork trade shows or embracing digital transformation in poultry, the industry is evolving—are we keeping up? 

🎧 Listen Now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & all major platforms! 
🔗 https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/1931482/episodes/16696608-trade-show-shake-up-ippe-insights-the-future-of-pork-events 

💬 What’s your take on the future of trade shows? Are they still valuable, or do they need a revamp? Comment below! 

#IPPE #PorkIndustry #TradeShowTrends #Agriculture #SwineIndustry #Biosecurity #PoultryIndustry #CoffeeInTheBarn 

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Episode Summary:

In this episode of Coffee in the Barn, we sit down with Jim Smith, a Senior Swine Nutritionist, Product Development Expert, and Technical Sales Leader with over 25 years of experience in the animal agriculture industry. Jim has played a pivotal role in launching innovative feeding solutions, leading technical sales teams, and mentoring the next generation of industry professionals. Now, he’s taking on a new challenge as the host of Patio Ponderings, a podcast where he shares candid reflections on leadership, agriculture, and the industry's evolving challenges.

Together, we dive into the raw and unfiltered realities of working in animal agriculture, including the mental fatigue that often goes unspoken, the pressures of career transitions, and the balancing act of maintaining resilience while staying true to ourselves.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ The hidden toll of mental fatigue in agriculture and how to recognize it
✔️ Why professionals in the industry often feel pressured to mask their struggles
✔️ How Jim is redefining his career with the launch of Patio Ponderings
✔️ The importance of authentic leadership and embracing career reinvention
✔️ The role of Animistic in shaping the future of animal agriculture

🔹 Guest Spotlight: Jim Smith

• Senior Swine Nutritionist & Technical Sales Leader
• 25+ years of experience in product development and market innovation
• Farmer specializing in crops and sheep production
• Host of the new podcast Patio Ponderings

🎧 Tune in to hear an honest and thought-provoking conversation on the realities of agriculture, leadership, and mental resilience.

Resources & Links:

🔗 Follow Jim Smith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-smith-10a3a52b/
🎙️ Listen to Patio Pondering: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429369
🌱 Learn more about Animistic: animistic.co

💬 Join the Conversation!
What are your thoughts on mental fatigue in agriculture? Connect with us on social media and share your takeaways using #CoffeeInTheBarn #BeingRaw #PatioPondering #Leadership

📩 Want more insights? Visit our website and check out our blogs. 

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In this riveting episode of Coffee in the Barn, host Philip sits down with Niall McCann, a biologist, conservationist, and adventurer whose extraordinary life has been shaped by his passion for exploration and protecting the natural world. Niall shares compelling stories from his adventurous life and reflects on the lessons these experiences have taught him about resilience, leadership, and the human connection to nature. 

A Life of Adventure 
From an early age, Niall was captivated by the outdoors, sparking a lifelong pursuit of adventure. Over the years, he’s faced some of the world’s most challenging environments, from rowing across the Atlantic to navigating the Amazon rainforest. Each expedition taught him invaluable lessons about perseverance, teamwork, and adaptability. Through his vivid storytelling, Niall brings these experiences to life, reminding listeners of the power of stepping outside their comfort zones. 

Conservation at the Core 
Beyond his personal adventures, Niall’s dedication to conservation is at the heart of his life’s work. In the episode, he discusses the pressing environmental challenges we face and the innovative ways he has contributed to protecting endangered species and ecosystems. His perspective is equal parts sobering and hopeful, emphasizing that positive change is possible when individuals take action, no matter how small. 

Reflections on Leadership and Resilience 
Niall and Philip also delve into broader themes of leadership and resilience, with Niall offering unique insights gained from his time in extreme conditions. His philosophy centers on leading with humility, embracing challenges, and finding growth through adversity—qualities that resonate with both adventurers and everyday listeners. 

This episode is a call to reconnect with the natural world and an invitation to find purpose in both personal and collective challenges. Niall McCann’s inspiring journey will leave you motivated to embrace adventure and take meaningful steps toward a better future. 

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