The Pork Podcast

Scott Hays never imagined a Missouri farm boy would be doing what he’s doing today. When he was told he couldn’t come back to the farm without trying something else first, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. His Army training taught him the value of courage and seeking to better understand other people. This served him well as he moved back home to raise pigs for the next 35 years and eventually rise up to lead the National Pork Producers Council as president in 2023-24. When that role ended, he was hired as the executive director of the Missouri Pork Association. Although he still farms with his family, his role is different today. He’s using his leadership skills in new ways to benefit other farmers in his state. Although Hays would rather spend time talking about pigs and people than himself, it’s easy to see why his friends and family say he is as genuine as it gets.

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Although she projects calm composure in nearly every situation, National Pork Producers Council Vice President of Government Affairs Maria C. Zieba admits some days are easier than others. Still, her passion for the pig farmers she represents fuels her to keep going despite challenging circumstances. She joins the podcast to discuss the hottest topics in Washington, DC, including trade, Proposition 12, labor and the farm bill. She also opens up about her role as a mother and how that drives her in her job every day.

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As one of the youngest executive directors of a state swine organization, Seth Mitchell’s path is one that’s turning heads. The first person selected for the Pork Industry Immersion Program, a two-year deep dive into organizational leadership in the swine industry, Mitchell is blazing trails at the Nebraska Pork Producers Association and reminding the younger generation of the important role they play in the future of the U.S. pork industry. Although other agricultural industries are finding it challenging to engage Generation Z, the pork industry has a different story to tell. Mitchell shares how engaging young people in swine leadership opportunities and experiences is paving the way for future longevity.

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As generations become further removed from the farm, the need for people who can educate and inspire the next generation of livestock industry leadership has never been greater. From the classroom to the judging contest to the show ring, Dan Hoge is one of the greatest of all times. He opens up about 55 years of inspiring the next generation.

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Whether she’s busy on the farm or speaking in front of the Senate on behalf of America’s pork producers, NPPC Past President Lori Stevermer models speaking out and showing up for who and what you believe in.

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Sometimes waiting for answers to questions causes us to miss opportunities in agriculture. Tracy Walder, author of "The Unexpected Spy," shares how saying “yes” led her to an incredible career in the CIA and FBI chasing down terrorists.

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Meat industry entrepreneur and innovator Doug Hankes of Western Smokehouse Partners joins the podcast to discuss how calculated risks changed the trajectory of his life and family business.

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There’s just something about the way love sparks in a pig barn. For the Archers and the Sidwells, this proved to be the perfect place for authenticity, trust and friendship to explode into a love that has stood the test of time.

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When you hear the Hord name, it’s quickly associated with farming excellence. However, it's their unwavering commitment to their faith and core values that sets them apart. For the Hord family, this isn’t just something they put on a sign on the wall, it’s how they live their lives personally and professionally. Their values impact their farm team based in their Ohio home community and now more broadly as they have expanded their footprint as a bigger player in the U.S. pork industry. For Pat and Phil Hord, their “why” is much bigger than themselves.

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In the fourth edition of the State of the Pork Industry Report, Farm Journal’s PORK editor Jennifer Shike asks experts to share takeaways and lessons learned from 2024 from PRRS and labor turnover to third-party Prop 12 audits and influenza. Listen to Cara Haden, veterinarian with Pipestone; Randy Kuker, director of swine production for The Equity; Adam Annegers, sow production manager at JBS; and Brad Eckberg, account executive at MTech Systems, dig into hot topics in the industry.

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