Eggheads

In the debut episode of The Egghead Scramble, host Greg Schoenefeld reconnects with industry experts Brian Moscogiuri, VP of Eggs Unlimited, and Dr. Kay Russo, a leading veterinarian, to tackle the most pressing issues facing the egg industry today. Together, they dive into the economic turmoil caused by recent avian influenza outbreaks, which have led to record-high egg prices and significant supply chain disruptions.

The episode sheds light on the unpredictable nature of the virus, from its devastating impact on farmers to growing public health concerns. Brian and Kay discuss the crucial role of early detection through innovative methods like bulk tank testing, and explore how the industry can move beyond reactive measures to more strategic, long-term solutions. The conversation touches on the limitations of current biosecurity practices and considers vaccination as a critical, humane alternative to controlling the spread of the virus.

As we head into the holiday season and look ahead to 2025, this episode emphasizes the industry's need for adaptation, sustainability, and preparedness in the face of continuing challenges. With new state regulations on the horizon and a volatile market, the egg industry must take decisive steps toward a more resilient future.

An episode of the Egghead Scramble will return every quarter for insightful updates on eggonomics and avian influenza developments.  Subscribe on Eggheads on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more discussions, industry news, and behind-the-scenes insights.

In this episode, we explore the cutting-edge of agricultural innovation with Robert Yaman, CEO of Innovate Animal Ag. A veteran of the tech industry, Robert is focused on in-ovo sexing technology, which addresses the significant issue of male chick culling in the egg industry. By determining the sex of a chick before it hatches, this technology promotes both animal welfare and sustainability.

Robert explains how he applies a 'techno-optimist' philosophy to agricultural innovation, showcasing how technology can solve some of the industry’s most pressing problems. While in-ovo sexing has seen widespread adoption in Europe, thanks to legal incentives, it is now beginning to gain momentum in the U.S., particularly in the specialty egg market.

Robert and Greg also dive into the challenges and opportunities of bringing such advancements to the U.S. market, as well as the broader potential for technological innovation in agriculture. Robert and his team at Innovate Animal Ag are leading the charge by spreading awareness and promoting adoption of technologies that align with both animal health and the future of sustainable farming.

Did you enjoy learning about the latest advancements in modern egg farming? If so, please rate Eggheads on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Are you interested in being a guest on the show? Connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram and send us a message, and we’ll be in touch!

In this episode, we dive into the bold gamble that changed the organic egg farming game. Cameron Whitehead, COO of Pete & Gerry's, shares the inspiring story of how a small family farm in Monroe, New Hampshire, went from the brink of collapse to becoming a trailblazer in the organic egg industry. In the 1990s, when 'organic' was still a rarity, Pete & Gerry’s made a daring move that saved the farm—and set them on the path to becoming a leader in the market.

Cameron takes us through the highs and lows of their journey, from the pressures of competing with large-scale producers to their deep commitment to animal welfare. We explore the evolving egg industry, the differences between organic, free-range, and pasture-raised eggs, and what the new OLPS guidelines mean for organic farming. Plus, we uncover the unsung heroes of their operation—the truck drivers—and learn how biosecurity measures keep their supply chain safe. It’s a fascinating look at how passion, innovation, and a bit of risk can change everything.

Did you enjoy the Pete & Gerry's story? If so, please rate Eggheads on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Interested in being a guest on the show? Connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram, send us a message, and we’ll be in touch! 

Jacques Klempf is a true veteran in the egg industry, with a family legacy that spans three generations of egg farming. In this episode, we learn about his remarkable journey, starting with his grandfather’s humble beginnings as an egg candler, through his father’s entrepreneurial drive, and into Jacques' own leadership in the modern egg industry.

We explore how Jacques embraced technological advancements, from inline processing systems to automation, which transformed his company into one of the most efficient in the industry. He also shares insights into the major challenges the industry faces today, including the devastating effects of avian influenza and how market dynamics, like fluctuating egg prices, continue to impact farmers.

Beyond business, Jacques emphasizes the critical need for agricultural education, both for consumers and future generations, to bridge the gap between farm practices and consumer understanding. He also weighs in on the growing trend of industry consolidation, offering a unique perspective on what the future may hold for both independent farmers and large-scale operations.

If you're interested in learning more about FFA (Future Farmers of America), please visit www.ffa.org. The FFA is focused on growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture all across the US.

Enjoyed this episode with Jacques Klempf? If so, please rate Eggheads on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Interested in being a guest on the show? Connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram, send us a message, and we’ll be in touch!

In this episode of Eggheads, Greg discusses the evolving role of poultry veterinarians with Dan Wilson, lead veterinarian and owner of Wilson Vet Co. Dan shares his unconventional path into poultry veterinary care, starting from his rural Indiana roots and leading to his impactful work and thought leadership in the egg industry. We explore the unique challenges of poultry health, including the importance of biosecurity, disease prevention, and the critical role veterinarians play in ensuring the health and sustainability of our food systems.

Dan points out how the industry has changed over the past few decades, particularly with the rise of cage-free and free-range farming, and how these changes have increased the demand for specialized veterinary care. We also talk about the complexities of working in a field where biosecurity is paramount, and where even the best practices can sometimes fall short. Whether you’re a poultry farmer, a veterinarian, or just interested in the behind-the-scenes of egg production, this episode provides a fascinating look at the critical work being done to keep our food supply safe.

Did you like this episode with Dan Wilson? Please rate Eggheads and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also connect with Eggheads on LinkedIn and Instagram. Interested in being a guest on the show? Leave us a message and we'll get in touch! 

It's almost impossible to have a conversation about eggs without discussing the pressing issue of avian influenza. In this episode, we talk about its spillover into cattle populations with Dr. Kay Russo, a veterinarian from RSM Consulting. Dr. Russo shares her extensive experience in animal health, focusing on the critical importance of biosecurity and management practices in both the dairy and poultry industries. The discussion explores the mutation of avian influenza into cattle, its impact on the egg industry, and the new challenges it poses. From understanding virus transmission to discussing potential solutions such as vaccination and enhanced biosecurity measures, Greg and Kay highlight the urgent need for collaborative efforts and decisive action to mitigate the threat of avian influenza.

Did you like this episode? Please rate Eggheads and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also connect with Eggheads on LinkedIn and Instagram. Interested in being a guest on the show? Leave us a message and we'll get in touch! 

Greg discusses navigating the confusing world of nutrition advice with the "Guilt-Free RD" Melissa Joy Dobbins, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator. They discuss the fluctuating dietary trends, the nature of nutrition research, and the role of critical thinking in making informed food choices. Melissa shares insights on the benefits of eggs, debunking the cholesterol myth, and the importance of enjoying food (without guilt). They also touch on the influence of sensational media headlines and the need for transparency in the food industry. Tune in to learn how to manage dietary myths and maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle. Also, be sure to check out Melissa's podcast, Sound Bites to learn more about her work in the nutrition space.

Did you like this episode? Please rate Eggheads and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also connect with Eggheads on LinkedIn and Instagram. Interested in being a guest on the show? Leave us a message and we'll get in touch! 

Greg sits down with Jason Jones, the former founding president of Vital Farms Inc, to explore the remarkable growth of one of the most recognizable egg brands. From humble beginnings at a farmers market to a billion-dollar company in 15 years, Jones shares the story of how Vital's pioneering approach to pasture-raised eggs, storytelling-based marketing strategies, and the importance of transparency and consumer trust. Listen to how Vital Farms entirely redefined industry standards in the egg world and set a new benchmark for premium eggs.

Did you like this episode? Please rate Eggheads and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also connect with Eggheads on LinkedIn and Instagram. Interested in being a guest on the show? Leave us a message and we'll get in touch! 

In this episode of Eggheads, Greg talks with Henry Arrowood, the founder and CEO of Farmshare, about the transformation of agriculture via direct-to-consumer practices. They discuss the challenges farms face in a commoditized market, the role of intermediaries, and how Farmshare is helping farmers build direct relationships with consumers. The conversation covers the logistical, marketing, and operational strategies Farmshare leverages to empower local producers, enhance transparency, and create value-driven farm-to-table food systems.

Did you like this episode? Please rate Eggheads and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also connect with Eggheads on LinkedIn and Instagram. Interested in being a guest on the show? Leave us a message and we'll get in touch! 

Greg explores the complexities of the egg market with Brian Moscaggiuri, global trade strategist at Eggs Unlimited. Brian brings his extensive knowledge and unique journey within the egg industry to the table. Together, they unpack the science behind egg pricing, exploring wild market fluctuations as well as the impact of external factors like avian influenza and the transition towards cage-free egg production.

The episode addresses consumer perception of egg prices and the broader conversation about value. Greg and Brian discuss how eggs, despite recent price hikes, still offer considerable nutritional bang for your buck when compared to other food items. They advocate for recognizing eggs as a superfood, rich in high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Brian also touches on the future of eggs in the marketplace, emphasizing the need for innovative marketing to reach new consumer segments and the importance of long-term investments by producers in response to market demands. Brian’s insights make a strong case for the continued growth and relevance of eggs, both as a staple commodity and a nutritional powerhouse.

Did you like this episode? Please rate Eggheads and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also connect with Eggheads on LinkedIn and Instagram. Interested in being a guest on the show? Leave us a message and we'll get in touch!