Podcasts

ChopTalk

Iowans love their bacon, yet few know about pig farming. Laurie Johns connects you to Iowa pig farmers, the lives they live, the challenges they face and the impact on us all.

Latest Episode

Episode 23: Making sure Iowa pigs are healthy takes a village

Partnering with veterinarians and other experts, Iowa pig farmers are focused on prevention practices to keep their pigs safe, healthy and comfortable.

October 20 • 20m 3s

Episodes

Episode 23: Making sure Iowa pigs are healthy takes a village

Partnering with veterinarians and other experts, Iowa pig farmers are focused on prevention practices to keep their pigs safe, healthy and comfortable.

October 20 • 20m 3s

Episode 22: Sustainable farming is a way of life for Iowa pig farmers

Raising healthy pigs sustainably — what does that look like today and for future generations? Hear from Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Ag, ISU professor Daniel Andersen, and pig farmer Matt Gent on how protecting our soil and water are top priorities.

August 7 • 28m 56s

Episode 21: Iowa pig farmers are stepping up to help overcome hunger

One in seven Iowa households are food insecure. Hear about Pork in the Pantry and how Iowa pig farmers are doing something about hunger in their communities.

June 1 • 18m 33s

Episode 20: Iowa pig farmers are sharing their sustainability numbers

Iowa pig farmers are implementing — and measuring — more sustainability practices to enhance soil health, water quality and lower energy usage. Hear more about the Pork Cares Farm Impact Report.

April 10 • 26m 47s

Episode 19: The science of feeding Iowa pigs

Many of us feed our pets specialized diets to keep them healthy. Iowa pig farmers do the same. It’s about more than just bacon!

February 1 • 28m 34s

Episode 18: Raising happy, healthy momma pigs is Job #1

Healthy pigs start with healthy mommas. Laurie Johns takes you into an Iowa pig barn to learn about how farmers care for their animals.

December 9 • 23m 34s

Episode 17: Solar & Sustainability: Pig Farmers Lead the Way

Hear how Iowa pig farmers are raising pigs more sustainably by going solar — harnessing the power of the sun to save energy for all.

October 5 • 23m 32s

Episode 16: Neighbor relations when it comes to living near a pig farm

Iowa pig farmers want to answer your questions. Learn about neighbor relations -- the opportunities and the challenges — in rural Iowa.

August 29 • 17m 5s

Episode 15: Managing pig health - Iowa farmers take a responsible approach

Iowa farmers take a responsible approach to pig health and the use of antibiotics

July 14 • 24m 42s

Episode 14: Into the delicious world of Pulled Pork Madness

Join Laurie at Starbeck's Smokehouse, winner of the Pulled Pork Madness contest, and hear from an Iowa pig farmer about how it all begins!

May 16 • 18m 11s

Episode 13: The sustainable green story about Iowa pig manure

When it comes to pig manure and the environment, you’d be amazed at how science, technology, and government regulation combine to reduce a pig's carbon footprint.

April 4 • 16m 32s

Episode 12: Iowa pig farmers learn how to better connect with people who don't live on the farm

The Iowa Pork Producers' Leadership Academy teaches pig farmers how to better communicate, connect and build trust within their communities.

February 7 • 22m 26s

Episode 11: Fire fighters, coaches, animal caretakers? Pig farmers are doing it all!

Meet the Lundells -- two generations of pig farmers that aren't just raising pigs, but also growing Iowa communities.

December 5 • 9m 32s

Episode 10: Pigs and kids: the next generation of animal caretakers

Iowa farms kids want you to know their pigs come first...there are no days off! But they wouldn't have it any other way.

October 17 • 11m 38s

Episode 9: ChopTalk Takes You on the Iowa Tenderloin Trail!

Tenderized, breaded, fried or filleted, join Laurie Johns as she hits the Iowa Tenderloin Trail in search of culinary perfection of Iowa's favorite pork sandwich.

September 1 • 20m 53s

Episode 8: From snout to tail – Iowa pork is preferred around the world!

Consumers around the world love Iowa pork. That’s a good thing for our farmers and our communities.

July 12 • 14m 3s

Episode 7: The Circle of Sustainability

How Iowa families keep pig farming sustainable for the land, water and communities they call home.

June 1 • 20m 10s

Episode 6: Animal care requires a team approach

Iowa leads the nation in pig production, but many Iowan's still have questions about their care. Laurie Johns talks about animal care with a livestock trucker and ISU expert.

April 5 • 22m 35s

Episode 5: Women in pig farming help lead the way in utilizing technology to protect our environment!

Women who focus on raising pigs and protecting our environment are often the silent superheroes of pig farming. Meet three women who don't wear superhero capes, but are making an impact.

February 5 • 15m 38s

Episode 4: Asking for emotional support doesn't come easy

Tough and independent — Laurie Johns explains how Iowa farmers still face mental health challenges. But there are resources ready and willing to help.

November 23 • 23m 25s

Episode 3: Iowa's economic engine is powered by pigs!

It goes way beyond the farm – learn how Iowa pigs create more jobs, household income and economic activity on our small-town main streets!

October 15 • 35m 1s

Episode 2: Pigs and Poop: How Iowa farmers manage manure

Pigs, Poop and Odor: How Iowa pig farmers reduce odor and protect our environment using one of nature’s first fertilizers

September 15 • 27m 4s

Episode 1: Overcoming the challenges amidst COVID-19

How did Iowa farmers keep your bacon coming and overcome new challenges when COVID-19 hit? Walcott farmer Mike Paustian, ISU veterinarian Chris Rademacher and Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig share the story.

August 14 • 22m 28s