Popular Pig Podcast Episodes

Evolving with the Times: Navigating Change in the Pork Industry | Larry Bertrand

About the Guest

Larry’s background has been in farming and the pork industry of some kind his entire life. His parents still have the linear family farm that has been in the Bertrand’s name since 1876. Larry spent numerous years in the packing side of the pork industry in the procurement / management side of companies such as Oscar Mayer, Cargill / Excel , IBP/Tyson , Triumph Foods , JBS, from 1982 through 2019.
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Transforming Agriculture through Servant Leadership | Andrew Leikvoll

About the Guest

With 20 years of entrepreneurial and executive experience, Andrew brings a passion for servant leadership and a diversity of experience to serve Triune’s clients.

Beginning in 2010, Andrew was part of a team that developed and scaled an industry-leading weight management solution delivered exclusively through licensed healthcare providers, including partnerships with some of the nation’s premier hospitals and health systems. Following an exit to a private-equity group, Andrew was asked to serve in an executive role which resulted in leading a variety of teams across several functions and geographies.

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From Mixed Practice to Swine Specialist | Dr. Randy Jones

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

• Dr. Jones’ journey from a mixed veterinary practice to specializing in pigs during the industry’s growth phase in North Carolina.
• His observation of the pig industry’s evolution, including significant disease management efforts and the impact of technological advancements.
• The transformation in North Carolina’s pig farming landscape, marked by market access challenges, COVID-19 impacts, and regulatory changes.
• The shift in farm management and veterinary roles towards more specialized, large-scale operations.
• Randy’s “golden nugget”

The Founding of Freking Cattle | 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.

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

• Background Knowledge: An overview of New Fashion Pork’s (NFP) evolution from a small operation to a significant player in the pig farming industry.
• Relevance and Current Trends: How NFP incorporates sustainability into its business model, emphasizing the importance of integrated farming systems.
• Industry Challenges: Strategies NFP employed to navigate market volatility and external challenges, such as economic downturns and health crises.
• Expansion Strategies: The process and rationale behind NFP’s diversification into cattle farming and the acquisition of farmland, highlighting the benefits of a diversified agricultural business.
• Valuable Takeaway: Brad’s “Golden nugget”.

Strategic Acquisitions in Manufacturing | Jeff Schellenberg

About the Guest

Jeff is the CEO of Decisive Dividend Corporation, an acquisition-oriented company that owns 11 manufacturing businesses across Canada and the UK. Decisive Dividend employs a “Buy, Build and Hold” business model with the purpose of being the sought-out choice for exiting, legacy minded business owners. Jeff oversees the head-office team of operational, M&A and financial personnel as well as the leaders of its 11 operating subsidiaries that operate as standalone businesses under Decisive Dividend’s decentralized model.

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Edgewood Locker’s Journey of Innovation and Family Tradition | Luke Kerns

About the Guest

Luke Kerns is part of the third generation that represents Edgewood Locker, an essential component of the Edgewood, Iowa, community, and agricultural fabric. Inheriting the legacy of his grandparents, Tom and Joan Kerns, who founded the business in 1966, and with the guidance of his father, uncle, sister, and two cousins, Luke stepped into the family enterprise in 2019.

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Understanding Prop 12’s Impact on Animal Welfare | 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.

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Family-Driven Innovation in South African Pork Production | CP Kriek

About the Guest

CP Kriek, at the forefront of Taaibosch, embodies a unique blend of expertise and passion. An Industrial Engineer by training, CP, alongside his wife Gerda, has turned their family heritage in farming into an advanced, sustainable pork production enterprise in South Africa. Their journey from engineers to innovative farmers showcases a deep commitment to animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and cutting-edge agricultural practices.
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Cultivating an Interest in Animal Agriculture | Gracee Poorman

About the Guest

Gracee Poorman’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Emerging as a beacon of inspiration in the agricultural community, she has carved a unique path, defying the constraints of her challenging upbringing. Raised amidst the struggles of mental illness and addiction within her family, Gracee was driven by a vision of a different life for herself and her future children. With no prior experience in agriculture, but armed with an unwavering resolve, Gracee plunged into this new world.
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The Story of a Pork Industry Veteran | John Nickel

About the Guest

John Nickel is a seasoned pork producer and the esteemed owner and director of Border Genetics Ltd. With a rich history in the industry, John brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his role. His deep understanding of pork production is not only evident in the success of Border Genetics but also in his influential position on the Board of Directors for Manitoba Pork. John’s commitment to excellence and innovation in pork production has made him a respected figure in the agricultural community, where he continues to contribute significantly to the industry’s growth and sustainability.

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