Popular Pig Podcast Episodes

Building and Managing a Diverse Workforce | Dianne Bettin


About the Guest

Dianne is the Human Resources Manager and Controller for LB Pork in Northrop Minnesota. In addition to the HR duties she supervises the 2 office employees, oversees the financial accounting, and wears many other hats as needed. Dianne also owns a nursery barn leased by LB Pork.

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The Importance of Technology and Communication When Facing Adversity | Dr. Brad Freking


About the Guest

New Fashion Pork is headquartered in Jackson, Minnesota with Brad Freking as its CEO and managing partner.  Founded in 1994, New Fashion Pork (NFP) employs over 400 people and owns 53,000 sows in six states, along with having interests in several related businesses (i.e., Triumph Foods and Daily’s Premium Meats). Annually, NFP markets roughly 1.2 million hogs. 

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The Scientific Impact of Water Quality: Myths & Facts | Andreas Funk


About the Guest

Canadian small business owner and professional consultant Andreas Funk has over 25 years of experience working with livestock farmers to increase livestock operation productivity. Andreas built his reputation in water treatment; with a focus on the animal’s water diet. From understanding the needs on-farm to analyzing problematic areas, Andreas’s knowledge, service, and support have demonstrated the impact of a genuine passion for farming and the importance of fresh insight on livestock farms for application and practice.

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The Global and Domestic Demands of Pork | Dr. Chad Stahl


About the Guest

Following the completion of his Doctoral Degree in Meat Science and Muscle Biology from the University of Missouri-Columbia, Dr. Chad A. Stahl founded Food Animal Consultation and Testing Services (F.A.C.T.S.). In doing so, Chad hoped to serve as a third-party scientific liaison for livestock producers, meat processors, restaurateurs, and consumers. To date, Dr. Stahl has had the privilege of providing business solutions for nearly 50 companies and universities located throughout North and South America, Europe, and Asia.

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The Founding Story of Pillen Family Farms and What Comes Next | Jim Pillen


About the Guest

Dr. Jim Pillen is a pig farmer, veterinarian, and the founder and chairman of Pillen Family Farms and DNA Genetics, a multi-generational family business that employs over 1,100 team members. Raised on a farm in Platte County, Pillen has spent his entire life in Nebraska production agriculture, working alongside his dad and brothers from an early age. After a successful collegiate football career as a defensive back for the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers, Pillen earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University and returned home to Nebraska to build a veterinary practice.

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The Pelvic Organ Prolapse | Dr. Jason Ross


About the Guest

Dr. Jason Ross is the Lloyd L. Anderson Endowed Professor in Physiology in the department of Animal Science at Iowa State University.  In October, 2015, Jason became the Director of the Iowa Pork Industry Center with responsibilities in research, administration, and extension. Jason’s research program focuses on using both basic and applied research approaches to help enable livestock producers and associated industries to improve swine production efficiency. 

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A Planet of Plenty | Dr. Mark Lyons


About the Guest

Dr. Mark Lyons represents the second generation of the global business his father, Dr.
Pearse Lyons founded in 1980. With experience working in all regions and nearly all
departments — from palletizing bags in production to researching in the lab — he has a deep and uniquely personal knowledge of the company.

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Embracing The Future of The Swine Industry | Glenn Stolt


About the Guest

Glenn Stolt serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Christensen Farms. Glenn assumed the CEO role in November of 2012 upon the unexpected passing of Bob Christensen, founder and CEO of the company. Glenn is responsible for all strategic, operational, and financial aspects of the company. In addition, Glenn currently serves as Chairman of the Board for Triumph Foods, and sits on the Board of Directors for Seaboard Triumph Foods and Daily’s Premium Meats; all of which are primary and further pork processing companies partially owned by Christensen Farms. In addition, Glenn serves on several industry and non-industry association boards and advisory committees.

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