Feed Biosecurity Measures to Mitigate Possible Viral Exposure | Dr. Matt Ackerman

About the Guest

Dr. Matt Ackerman grew up on a small grain and livestock farm around Peoria, IL. He attended the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and graduated with a BS in Agricultural Sciences in 1992 and a DVM in 1995. Since graduating, he has worked in private swine consulting practice. In July 2016, he opened his own practice named Pork Veterinary Solutions. Pork Veterinary Solutions is currently a two-veterinarian practice that oversees the annual production of approximately 1.5 million pigs (about 1% of US production). The emphasis of the practice is on establishing preventative herd health programs and interpreting production and economic records for commercial swine farms. Dr. Ackerman and his wife Missy have 3 children.

What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig?

• What Dr. Ackerman is seeing regarding advancements in herd health and personal views on the trends in the industry.
• Cutting corners vs. cutting costs and how that affects piglet viability and sow health.
• How producers are addressing cost vs. efficacy issues.
• How is the pork production industry and industry leaders are addressing PRRS and PEDV.
• The steps along the feed supply chain to control viral risk and exposure.
• Dr. Ackerman’s experience and thoughts after touring a spray dried plasma facility.
• Dr. Ackerman’s “golden nugget”

Stress Management & Food Bullying | Michele Payn

About the Guest

Michele Payn, CSP, connects the people and science of food and farming as principal of Cause Matters Corp. She is known for being a community catalyst, a passionate advocate for global agriculture – and touching hearts to move minds. Michele has worked with farmers in more than 25 countries, raised millions of dollars for 4-H & FFA, and founded AgChat and FoodChat on Twitter. She is the author of three books: Food Bullying, an IPPY gold medal winner; Food Truths from Farm to Table, an IPPY bronze medal winner; and No More Food Fights!. 

Advances In Grow-Finish Mortality | Dr. Mike Tokach

About the Guest

Dr. Mike Tokach is a University Distinguished Professor of Animal Sciences and Industry atKansas State University. Tokach joined K-State in 1991 and, as a swine nutrition researcher and extension specialist, is an author on more than 420 articles in scientific journals, 11book chapters and more than 1,100 extension and non-refereed articles. Tokach has received more than $22 million in research grants and gifts. He also has been awarded seven patents for his research and has given more than 350 invited lectures at national and international conferences. Tokach has also advised and mentored over 110 advanced-degree students and visiting professors since joining the university. Mike’s wife Lisa also specializes in Swine as a veterinarian. Together, they have three children, Sage, Rogan, and Fiona.

2023 World Pork Expo Preview

What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig?

• Recent news within the industry.
• New technologies that will be at the World Pork Expo.
• What we are looking forward to.

Cultivating The Future of Agriculture | Scott Stump

About the Guest

Scott stump is honored to serve as the chief executive officer of the national FFA organization and foundation. He is excited to lead FFAs efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

Providing the Best Life For Pigs | Dr. Cara Haden

About the Guest

Dr. Cara Haden received her degree as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2014 from the Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, she joined Pipestone Vet Clinic as an associate Veterinarian working with independent pig farm clients throughout the Midwest. Today she serves as the Director of Animal Welfare for Pipestone. Cara is also active on social media, showcasing the swine industry and the ways farmers care for their pigs. 

Transforming Healing in Healthcare & Developing SwineSeal 

About the Guest

An avid supporter of responsible, safe ingredients in medical device products, Dr. Greenhalgh has established a career of inventing, developing and launching medical products that meet the unmet needs of consumers, animals and medical professionals. With a focus on skin and wound care, Dr. Greenhalgh has patented a large breadth of technologies that promote skin health through a novel nanopolymer platform.

National Pork Board Market Update | Bill Even & Joe Kerns

About the Guest

Joseph Kerns, President of Partners for Production Agriculture, has thirty years’ experience working with producers, suppliers, and mills to support agricultural operations. He leads a team of professionals with the purpose of understanding the financial parameters around agricultural markets so that those that he works with can thrive and prosper.

Bill Even is the Chief Executive Officer for the National Pork Board based in Des Moines, IA where he has responsibility for leading Pork Checkoff-funded research, promotion and education projects on behalf of the nation’s 60,000 pork producers.

A Political Strategists Take On Farm Policy | Anne MacMillan

About the Guest

Anne manages Invariant’s agriculture and food practice, bringing 20 years of substantive policy experience in the sector.  For their field-to-fork clients, She provides regulatory guidance, crafts policy solutions, and deploys innovative engagement plans for Congress and the Administration.

Experiencing the Pork Leadership Institute | Phillip Hord & John Wesley Hairr

About the Guest

John Wesley Hairr is the Recruiter with Murphy Family Ventures. He leads the recruiting efforts for the company engaging with students, faculty and staff at colleges, universities, and also high schools to attract new hires to the company. Prior to taking his role as Recruiter, John Wesley was a Farm Manager for Murphy Family Ventures. He understands the importance agriculture has in Southeastern North Carolina, and strives to share its impact through his Recruiter efforts. John Wesley is a member of the Pork Leader Institute class of 2022 and also a member of the Board of Trustees at James Sprunt Community College. John Wesley holds a degree in Agricultural Business Management from North Carolina State University.