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Eggheads Media LLC

Eggheads

A Food , Arts and Business podcast

#110 in Food · 🇩🇪 #140 in Food · 🇿🇦
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About the show

Eggheads helps curious people in agriculture understand how the egg industry really works and where it might be headed.

Newest episodes

How Kemin Quietly Shapes the Food We Eat with Dr. Chris Nelson

31 min

Whatever you ate for breakfast this morning, there's a good chance that the company we're talking about today had a hand in creating it — especially if it involved eggs. Kemin Industries is a global ingredients manufacturer that's doing incredible things to optimize both animal and human health. Today, their CEO, Dr. Chris Nelson, joins us to talk through some of those incredible innovations, the incredible impacts they've had on egg production, and where he sees the science going next.

The Former Green Beret Reinventing Eggs with Patrick Samuels

32 min

From a career in Special Forces to raising 300 chickens, Patrick Samuels has taken an unconventional path into the egg industry. Now, as CEO of Sunnyside Egg Co., he's challenging traditional farming practices and working to prove that pasture-raised eggs can be produced on a much larger scale without compromising his vision for regenerative agriculture. Patrick shares how Sunnyside is using mobile chicken coops, regenerative farming practices, and partnerships with local farmers to create a different approach to raising hens. From navigating the challenges of outdoor production to expanding retail distribution and pursuing an ambitious goal of one million birds, it's a story about questioning industry norms, balancing ideals with economics, and proving that doing things differently can also be a viable business strategy.

How Eggs Unlocked Travis Bybee’s Farm Dream

32 min

🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jexU5-Qo_E0?is=BqH4iXcb-4DddkqV Travis Bybee spent 25 years in banking, all while quietly building toward the life he actually wanted. He bought his first piece of land right out of college and spent the next two decades accumulating 1,400 acres, farming until dark after every shift, with one goal in mind: becoming a full-time farmer. The missing piece turned out to be eggs. In this episode, Greg sits down with Travis to talk about how a chance meeting as a banker—not a farmer—sparked the idea for a layer operation unlike anything his neighbors had seen, and how he used everything he learned financing other people’s farms to build his own. Here’s what we discuss with Travis: • How Travis used 25 years of ag lending to design a better barn than the farmers he was financing• Why eggs were the final puzzle piece that made full-time farming financially viable• The year of research, 40 to 50 barn visits, and hundreds of YouTube videos before breaking ground• Why he GC’d the entire construction himself — and how stressful that actually was• What drew farmers from eight different states to pull into his driveway during construction• The open house that drew over 1,000 people before a single bird arrived• What a day in the life looks like running two 50,000-bird barns alongside a cattle and hay operation• Faith, family, and farm — and what it means to build a life around all three --- For more information about Eggheads visit https://aginstallers.com/ag-installers-eggheads-podcast/

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All episodes

How Kemin Quietly Shapes the Food We Eat with Dr. Chris Nelson

31 min

Whatever you ate for breakfast this morning, there's a good chance that the company we're talking about today had a hand in creating it — especially if it involved eggs. Kemin Industries is a global ingredients manufacturer that's doing incredible things to optimize both animal and human health. Today, their CEO, Dr. Chris Nelson, joins us to talk through some of those incredible innovations, the incredible impacts they've had on egg production, and where he sees the science going next.

The Former Green Beret Reinventing Eggs with Patrick Samuels

32 min

From a career in Special Forces to raising 300 chickens, Patrick Samuels has taken an unconventional path into the egg industry. Now, as CEO of Sunnyside Egg Co., he's challenging traditional farming practices and working to prove that pasture-raised eggs can be produced on a much larger scale without compromising his vision for regenerative agriculture. Patrick shares how Sunnyside is using mobile chicken coops, regenerative farming practices, and partnerships with local farmers to create a different approach to raising hens. From navigating the challenges of outdoor production to expanding retail distribution and pursuing an ambitious goal of one million birds, it's a story about questioning industry norms, balancing ideals with economics, and proving that doing things differently can also be a viable business strategy.

How Eggs Unlocked Travis Bybee’s Farm Dream

32 min

🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jexU5-Qo_E0?is=BqH4iXcb-4DddkqV Travis Bybee spent 25 years in banking, all while quietly building toward the life he actually wanted. He bought his first piece of land right out of college and spent the next two decades accumulating 1,400 acres, farming until dark after every shift, with one goal in mind: becoming a full-time farmer. The missing piece turned out to be eggs. In this episode, Greg sits down with Travis to talk about how a chance meeting as a banker—not a farmer—sparked the idea for a layer operation unlike anything his neighbors had seen, and how he used everything he learned financing other people’s farms to build his own. Here’s what we discuss with Travis: • How Travis used 25 years of ag lending to design a better barn than the farmers he was financing• Why eggs were the final puzzle piece that made full-time farming financially viable• The year of research, 40 to 50 barn visits, and hundreds of YouTube videos before breaking ground• Why he GC’d the entire construction himself — and how stressful that actually was• What drew farmers from eight different states to pull into his driveway during construction• The open house that drew over 1,000 people before a single bird arrived• What a day in the life looks like running two 50,000-bird barns alongside a cattle and hay operation• Faith, family, and farm — and what it means to build a life around all three --- For more information about Eggheads visit https://aginstallers.com/ag-installers-eggheads-podcast/

Steve Sukup on Building the Infrastructure Behind our Grain

29 min

In rural America, grain bins are so ubiquitous that you might not even notice them on the landscape. But if you were to stop on your drive home and take a closer look at one, there's a good chance you'd see the name 'Sukup' written on the side.  Steve Sukup is the Chairman of Sukup Manufacturing. Back in 1963, the company started off making grain stirrers, but they've since expanded their offerings to become one of the world's largest manufacturers of grain storage, drying, and handling equipment.  Steve joins us to explain why grain bins are such an integral part of American animal agriculture — including the egg industry, and how a commitment to innovation, along with a willingness to take risks, has led to incredible success. 

How One Family Built Canada’s Egg Powerhouse with Margaret Hudson of Burnbrae Farms

32 min

Burnbrae Farms first got into egg farming in the 1940's, when Joe Hudson, who was just 13 years old at the time, brought home 50 chickens to establish a backyard flock. Today, Joe's daughter, Margaret Hudson, serves as President and CEO of Burnbrae, which has long-since outgrown the backyard, and become the largest egg producer in Canada. Margaret joins us to discuss how her and her family kept building on what Joe started, including turning a low value egg byproduct into a national brand, funding research behind one of Canada's early omega-3 products and even helping major retailers rethink how they manage the egg category.

Genetics: The Engine Behind Egg Production with Neal Martin of Hendrix Genetics

30 min

It doesn't matter how hard-working you are as a farmer, if you don't have the right genetics in your flock, it's going to be difficult to have success in the egg game. But as the industry evolves, and the needs of consumers change, deciding which birds are the right fit for your farm has become much more complex.  Neal Martin is the General Manager of US distribution at Hendrix Genetics. He joins us today for a bit of a history lesson of how the poultry genetics business has evolved — and consolidated — over the years, the incredibly complicated logistics of getting hens to layers when they need them, and all of the different attributes you can get chickens to express through selective breeding. 

Recent Trends in Modern Egg Processing with Bill Bretschneider of MOBA

24 min

Over the last few decades automation has completely changed the way eggs are processed. And with robots now assuming many of the jobs handled previously by humans, producers can now process eggs faster, and with a higher degree of accuracy than ever before.  Bill Bretschneider is a product manager for MOBA, a company based in Barneveld in the Netherlands, and one of the world's biggest suppliers of egg grading, breaking, and sorting equipment. Today, Bill walks us through the innovation milestones of the past few decades, including the rollout of AI crack detection, and explains what more needs to happen before we see truly autonomous facilities. 

The Deviled Egg Co. Story with Raechel Van Buskirk

30 min

When Raechel Van Buskirk served up some creatively-flavored deviled eggs at her dive bar in Omaha, Nebraska, she had no idea that it would change her life. And what started as a way to drum up some business on Sunday mornings, would eventually lead to a chain of restaurants, national distribution and even an appearance on Shark Tank.  Today, Raechel walks us through the whirlwind rise of her company, Deviled Egg Co., including the struggle of keeping a business going through Covid, the nerve-wracking preparation for her Shark Tank appearance, and how she's navigated the volatility in egg prices. 

Building a Brand on Being First with Jasen Urena of NestFresh

31 min

In an industry where it would be easy to treat an egg as just an egg, one brand has built its entire identity on finding the next big thing.  Jasen Urena is the Executive Vice President of NestFresh, a company that's been an early adopter of cage-free, free-range, pasture-raised, non-GMO, and regenerative organic egg production, and recently became the first company in the US to put a humanely hatched egg on grocery store shelves.  Today, Jasen walks us through their history of innovation, how NestFresh has built long-term partnerships with over 300 independent family farms, and what it actually takes to be a first mover in the egg industry. 

More Eggs, More Often with Emily Metz of the American Egg Board

32 min

Egg prices are sitting near all-time lows, and that's not because of weak demand, but because supply has outpaced it. Emily Metz, President and CEO of the American Egg Board, joins Greg to talk about how her organization is working to close that gap. Emily walks us through the AEB's strategy for getting people to consume more eggs, from changing their reputation as only a breakfast food, to getting more eggs into school lunches, and opening up export markets abroad.

The Scramble: If Everyone Wants In-Ovo Sexing, Why Hasn't It Scaled?

43 min

In-ovo sexing has the potential to end the practice of male chick culling — and the technology seems to have finally caught up to the ambition.  Greg hosted a panel on the topic at the Peak Conference, featuring Nancy Roulston, Senior Director of Corporate Policy and Animal Science at the ASPCA; Juliana Machado, Geneticist and Data Scientist at Hendrix Genetics; Casey Downey from Innovate Animal Ag; and Dr. Larry Sadler, Senior Vice President of the United Egg Producers. The panel digs into the current state of the technology, the real costs of adoption, and the coordination challenge of getting hatcheries, producers, retailers, and consumers all moving in the same direction.

Will Low Prices Cure Low Prices? with Brian Moscogiuri

34 min

In early 2025 HPAI outbreaks had egg prices sitting at record highs; just one year later they're hitting inflation-adjusted historic lows. And while that may be great for consumers looking for a cheap source of protein, it has a lot of US producers feeling the squeeze.  Joining us to discuss the issue is Brian Moscogiuri. Formerly of Urner Barry, and Eggs Unlimited, Brian recently launched a new venture called KHM Trading, a commercial wholesale broker of shell eggs and egg products.  Brian understands the dynamics of the US egg market better than anyone, and today he discusses the factors contributing to the dip in prices, what the industry's doing to try and drum up new demand, and when producers might start to see some relief. 

The Global Expansion of Big Dutchman with Bernd Meerpohl

33 min

In 1985, Bernd Meerpohl watched his father take a risk in purchasing a struggling farm equipment company. That company was called Big Dutchman, and today it operates in 174 countries and generates around €1.5 billion in annual sales.  Bernd took over as CEO in 1992, and maintained the unwavering commitment to salesmanship, innovation, and emerging markets that's made Big Dutchman into the global behemoth they are today.  Today, Bernd walks us through the pivotal moments that shaped the company's growth, from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the rise of alternative laying systems in the US, and shares his candid views on the role that data collection and AI systems will play in the future of animal agriculture. 

HPAI Response: 45 Minutes vs. 3 Days with Erik Tyrrell-Knott of Alveo

31 min

From the time you start to suspect you might have an HPAI outbreak on your farm, to getting lab confirmation, can take between 1 and 5 days. And while producers wait for those results to come back, they're forced to make extremely tough decisions — cancelling deliveries, isolating employees, culling entire flocks — based on incomplete information.  Erik Tyrrell-Knott is the President and Chief Business Officer of Alveo, a company that's built a handheld HPAI testing device that delivers a trustworthy result in 45 minutes. And while their tests won't replace the current lab testing we use today, their aim is to give veterinarians and producers the data they need to act with speed and confidence.  Today, Erik walks us through how the test works, why it represents such an important leap forward in the fight against HPAI, and how it could one day make "partial depopulation" possible.

Lighting a Chicken House Isn’t What You Think with Max Obers of HATO Lighting

30 min

Most people would figure that lighting a hen house is a question of screwing in some bulbs and turning them on. But as it turns out, the type of lighting you use can have a profound effect on birds, shaping their behavior, improving welfare, and driving production results. Max Obers is the CEO of HATO Lighting, a Netherlands-based company with over 50 years of history in agricultural lighting. Today, Max walks us through the science of how chickens perceive light differently than humans, how HATO puts that knowledge to work on farms across the world, and where the technology is headed next. 

When the Egg Industry Has to Work Together with Chad Gregory of the UEP

36 min

There are so many different types of egg-farmers: traditional caged operations, cage-free, free-range organic...the list goes on. But one organization strives to represent all of their interests, and advocate on their behalf at the highest levels of government.  Chad Gregory is the President and CEO of the United Egg Producers (UEP), an organization that represents over 90% of US egg farmers. The UEP provides a forum where producers big and small can debate important topics, and shape the policies that ultimately impact how they do business.  Chad came on the show just a few days after the State of the Union address, and for the second year running, President Trump referenced the egg industry directly. Today, we get into what the President said, the UEP's ongoing efforts to get an HPAI vaccine approved, and how they've responded to ongoing pressure from animal rights groups. 

Managing Egg Production From 40 Million Birds to Off-Grid Farms with Bruce Dooyema

29 min

Bruce Dooyema's career in poultry began in the 7th grade, when his parents bought him a dozen chickens to raise in the backyard. Now, as Director of Strategic projects at Versova, he's responsible for around 40 million of them. And as if that wasn't enough responsibility, Bruce serves as President of the International Egg Foundation, where he helps establish layer operations in countries struggling with food insecurity.  Today, Bruce walks us through what goes into managing 40 million birds, especially in a time where even the best laid plans can be entirely upended by HPAI. He also discusses his work with the the IEF, and the incredible impact they're having across the developing world. 

How Rose Acre Manages Food Safety Across 9 States with Kim Rice

34 min

There are so many different ways to introduce contaminants during the egg production process: improperly used chemicals, dirty equipment, poor handling techniques, the list goes on. And it's the job of today's guests to develop and enforce the protocols that prevent all that from happening, which would be a tough enough gig for one facility, let alone 15.  Kim Rice is the VP of Food Safety and Quality at Rose Acre Farms, the second largest egg producer in the US. She joins us today to talk about mitigating all of the different avenues for biological or chemical contamination, what makes the egg business unique in terms of food safety, and the several layers of bureaucracy she needs to navigate on a day-to-day basis. 

From Belt Drives to EC Motors: Ventilation Innovation in Eggs | Craig Morley & Ross Demerly

25 min

Finding the right ventilation solution can be make or break for your layer operation. And especially now with the emergence of cage-free farming, making sure air is circulating evenly can be key in ensuring your chickens remain healthy and productive.  Craig Morley is in charge of sales at Aerotech, and Ross Demerly is their applications and sales engineering manager. Together they have a combined 60-plus years of experience working in agricultural ventilation, and they've been involved in some major innovations, including the rollout of the EC motor. Now, as part of a larger company called Grain and Protein Technologies Climate Control and Air Treatment, Aerotech continues to innovate alongside some big global players in the field. Today, Craig and Ross walk us through how ventilation tech has evolved throughout their careers, how the business has changed during that time, and the ways they continue to formulate solutions for the issues facing farmers.

Ag Labor Challenges and Immigration Pathways Explained with Kyle Farmer

29 min

Sometimes people have this idea that farmers shouldn't use immigrant workers at all, and that there are enough people looking for work domestically to staff their operations. Today, we're getting into why that's often just simply not the case.  Kyle Farmer is the founder of Farmer Law PC where he's an attorney specializing in immigration law. He works with producers, and operators throughout the agricultural industry to help them navigate the complexities of the legal system, and find solutions for their labor needs. Today, Kyle walks us through why access to foreign labor is often a necessity for farmers, delves into the ins and outs of different immigration programs, and explains how politics play into all of this. 

From Manual Candling to Machine Vision: 40 Years of Egg Processing Innovation with Craig England

28 min

The last few decades have seen an incredible amount of change in the egg industry. That's especially true of egg grading, where we've gone from machines that can process 200 cases per hour, to systems that can do 800. And where advances in vision automation mean we no longer need people on the line manually inspecting eggs for dirt or cracks.  Craig England was formerly the President of Sanovo Technology USA and also served as the President of MOBA USA, two of the world's foremost egg processing technology companies. Today, he walks us through the timeline of how automation transformed the breaking and grading process, and the profound impact that had on the broader industry. 

How Braswell Family Farms Evolved from Feed Mill to Eggland’s Best with Trey Braswell

26 min

In four generations, the Braswell family has gone from selling animal feed to local farmers, to becoming one of the largest suppliers of organic feed and specialty eggs on the east coast. And now, Trey Braswell, the president and CEO of Braswell Family Farms, is focused on continuing that incredible legacy.  Trey joins us today to walk us through the history of the company, to take us inside their long-standing partnership with Eggland's Best, and explain how his unique approach to team building and leadership has made Braswell resilient to whatever challenges may come. 

Westfield Egg Farm: 4 Generations of Doing Eggs Different with George Weaver IV

30 min

The Weaver family has been in the specialty egg game for a long time, and they've seen incredible success with their brand, Westfield Egg Farm. A big reason for that success has been their continued willingness to innovate, including a unique model that holds their contract farmers to extremely high standards, but also gives them the autonomy to run their operations as they see fit.  Our guest today is George Weaver IV — G4 for short — and he's in charge of sales and marketing at Westfield. G4 gives us a glimpse into the relationship between retailers and specialty egg producers, the ways Westfield tries to differentiate themselves on the aisle, and the importance of supporting small family farms as the industry continues to consolidate.  

Eggheads Reflects on 2025

5 min

What a year it's been for Eggheads. We've featured so many new voices and interesting perspectives from throughout the egg world, and gained a whole bunch of new listeners along the way.  Today, Greg shares his thoughts on all of the people and issues we've highlighted in 2025, and what you can expect from the show as we move into 2026.  Happy New Year! 

How Coke Anderson Went from a Small Flock to Leading the American Egg Board

37 min

Coke Anderson has had one of the most storied careers of anyone in the egg business. She started with a 30,000-bird flock, which would eventually grow into M&C Anderson pullets, a 1700-acre farm that rears nearly 5 million pullets annually. She would also become the first woman to lead the American Egg Board, and helped the organization navigate through some turbulent times.  Today, Coke joins us in person for the inaugural interview in our new Eggheads studio. We get into her incredible story, her unique approach to leadership, and her thoughts on some of the biggest issues facing egg producers today. We also get into what makes her feel nervous and hopeful for the future of the industry. 

Sales Legends of the Egg Industry: Stories of Friendship, Fun, and Putting Customers First

46 min

Today, we're returning to our special scramble format and welcoming to the show three legends of the egg industry. We have Mark Kleinsmith, formerly the National Sales and Marketing Manager for Lubing USA, Steve Kuykendall, formerly a Regional Manager for Lubing USA, and Craig England, who spent decades working on the breaker and grader side of the industry.  These three old friends have a combined 125 years of industry experience, and they join us to reflect on how the industry has changed over the course of their careers, and to share stories from back in the days when things were a little less corporate, and a bit more rough and tumble. 

A High Tech Solution to Male Chick Culling with Orbem's Jennifer Volz

29 min

'In-ovo' sexing, or determining the sex of an egg before it hatches, has long been seen as a potential solution to the problem of male chick culling at hatcheries. Methods of in-ovo sexing have historically been invasive and difficult to apply at scale, but today we're spotlighting a company with some revolutionary tech that could change that.  Jennifer Volz is the Head of Global Business Development at Orbem, a Germany-based company using MRI technology and AI algorithms to make mass in-ovo sexing achievable for only a few cents per egg. Orbem's tech is already in use at several hatcheries in Europe, and Greg caught up with Jennifer at their Houston office, where they're quarterbacking the company's expansion into the US.  Jennifer delves into the scale of the male chick culling issue, how Orbem's tech aims to solve it, and why their success could have implications that extend far beyond the egg industry. 

Navigating the Michigan Mandate: Steve DeWeerdt’s Cage-Free Path

25 min

Steve DeWeerdt, and his parents before him, grew the DeWeerdt poultry farm from a small family business into a massive egg production and processing operation. But when Michigan passed a law mandating that all egg producers in the state go cage-free, Steve was faced with a choice: adapt or close up shop.  Ultimately, Steve decided to make the transition, and today he takes us through that long process from start to finish, including the race against time to get their farm switched over, and the steep learning curve they faced when they ultimately got there. 

The Incredible Inedible Egg with Ingmar Middelbos of Symrise

27 min

Unfortunately, not all eggs that get produced make it onto supermarket shelves. Producers try to sort out eggs that are broken or misshapen, hatcheries discard infertile eggs, and breaker operations need to deal with broken yolks or excess fluid left in shells. So what happens to that stream of waste egg products that still have nutritional value, but are deemed to be unfit for human consumption?  Ingmar Middelbos is the Global R&D Director for Animal Nutrition at Symrise Pet Food. Symrise partners with producers across the US and abroad to collect discarded egg products that would otherwise end up in landfills, and turn it into nutritious food for pets.  Ingmar joins us today to discuss the origins of the inedible egg business, why the industry creates such a consistent waste stream, and the potential future applications for inedible egg products. 

Behind the Mic: Greg’s Journey to Eggheads (Hosted by Dr. Kay Russo)

35 min

After nearly a year and a half of hearing his voice on Eggheads, we figured you might be curious about who Greg is and why in the world he decided to start a podcast about the egg industry. Well today, we hope to give you some insight, by flipping the script and putting Greg in the guest's seat.  Stepping in as host for the day is Dr. Kay Russo. Kay's always been willing to lend us her scientific expertise when it comes to bird flu, and in this episode she uses that same academic rigour to tease out the details of Greg's journey from accounting to agricultural construction.  Today, we hear from Greg about what initially pushed him to found Ag Installers, the mistakes that helped him learn along the way, and what inspires him to keep Eggheads going.

Cole Luthman of Cooper Farms: Carving His Own Path into the Egg World

28 min

At only 25 years old, Cole Luthman is the Lead Service Technician at Cooper Farms, responsible for overseeing five out of their 8-million total birds. And as if that wasn't keeping him busy enough, Cole recently decided to start his own barn and become a contract grower himself.  Cole's journey into the poultry world started at 13, when he began working with one of Cooper's contract growers. Since then, he's won an FFA award for proficiency in poultry production in the state of Ohio, obtained a degree in agriculture, and helped Cooper's growers navigate through a devastating HPAI outbreak.  Today, Cole joins us to discuss his unique path into the poultry world, his day-to-day life as a Service Technician and contract grower, and what other young people can learn from his journey into the ag industry. 

From Hard Work to Smart Solutions: Logan Webster’s Broiler Journey

27 min

Logan Webster has worn many hats in his life: he grew up on a broiler farm in South Arkansas, he worked in PR for Tyson Foods, he interned for a US Senator in Washington, and now, he's an entrepreneur working on an app that could prove to be an indispensable resource for growers everywhere.  We've talked a lot about the broiler industry on this show, but for the first time we're featuring a voice from inside of it. Logan's going to walk us through his family's experience working as contract growers, the different challenges that people face within that industry, and how his new app 'Chicken Sheet' aims to make their lives a little bit easier. 

Building Agriculture Around the World with Mark Doyle of Besco Structures

30 min

Besco Structures is one of the leading suppliers of pre-fabricated steel structures for agriculture. And since they started in the 80's, their director, Mark Doyle, has had the opportunity to observe poultry operations across the globe, from South America to Sub-Saharan Africa.  His many travels have given Mark a repository of amazing stories that you wouldn't necessarily expect from your typical career in agriculture, including run-in's with dangerous reptiles, wearing bullet proof vests, and monkey bodyguards. Yes, seriously.   Today on Eggheads, we're picking Mark's brain about the upsides and challenges of operating in the international market, how poultry operations have changed during his time in the industry, and Besco's vision for the future. 

Inside France’s Successful HPAI Vaccination Program with Dr. Charles Martins Ferreira

26 min

On this show we've talked a lot about the debate around vaccinating birds against highly pathogenic avian influenza, and the opposing views on the issue within the egg and broiler industries. For clues on how to break that deadlock, we looked to a country that experienced very similar pushback when they first started talking about vaccinating their own birds, but still managed to make it work.  Charles Martins Ferreira is the Deputy Agricultural Counselor at the French Embassy in Washington. As a trained veterinarian, Charles has worked on sanitary and phytosanitary issues all over the world. Now his job specifically involves monitoring the situation with bird flu in North America.  Charles joins us to talk about the French experience with HPAI, the debate surrounding vaccination, and the incredible success they've had in curbing outbreaks. We also get into the importance of post-vaccination surveillance, and how bold leadership was instrumental in getting them across the finish line. 

PEAK and Poultry People with Lisa Henning

22 min

A few months ago, Eggheads had the pleasure of running a booth at the PEAK Conference in Minneapolis. We met so many different folks working in the egg world, and felt so inspired by all of the incredible things we saw going on within the industry. So today, we wanted to sit down with one of the people who made it all possible.  Lisa Henning is a board member for the Midwest Poultry Association, the body responsible for organizing the PEAK conference. She's also the Strategic Relationship Manager at Henning Companies, where she's worked for more than 22 years.  Lisa joins us to discuss the incredible growth of the PEAK conference, her own atypical journey into the world of agriculture, and the importance of encouraging young people to pursue careers in the field.  

Glenn Hickman: Searching for a Path Forward After Losing 6 Million Birds

31 min

Glenn Hickman is the president of Hickman's Family Farms, one of the largest egg producers in the southwestern US. You'd think that their location in the middle of the Sonoran desert, well outside the range of migratory birds, would keep them safe from outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). But that was unfortunately not the case.  After taking root in a nearby dairy farm, HPAI spilled over into Glenn's facility. 80 years of continuous operation came to a screeching halt, and the Hickmans were forced to sacrifice 95% of their flock — nearly 6 million birds.  Glenn takes us inside his operation as he attempts to repopulate, and shares his perspective on what the industry needs to do to prevent this from happening over and over again.   

Telling the Real Story of Blue Collar Work – with Aaron Witt

27 min

Why are so few young people pursuing careers in the skilled trades? For Aaron Witt, the founder of BuildWitt, the problem is a lack of visibility. For too many young people coming out of high school, the trades just don't end up on their radar. And he knows that firsthand, because he was one of those kids.  As a teenager, Aaron got a summer job working on a construction project in his hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona, and despite the sweltering heat, he fell in love with the industry. He's since obtained an engineering degree, and built a media empire where he demystifies the world of construction, and highlights the many opportunities that exist for young people in the skilled trades.  Aaron takes us through his incredible story, while making the case for the value of marketing as a recruitment tool, and a way for industries to reclaim the narrative from their harshest critics. 

The Scramble: Avian Influenza Cases Are Down—Will Prices Follow?

30 min

Today, we return to our special 'Scramble' format, where some of our most trusted experts break down some of the most pressing issues facing the egg industry today.  First up, Dr. Kay Russo joins us to talk about the current situation with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, and why the number of outbreaks has declined so dramatically in recent months. We also get into the HPAI situation in the dairy industry, the risk of spillover into nearby poultry operations and why the presence of the disease in cattle could turn the disease into a year-round concern for producers. And then lastly, we get into the ongoing push to get vaccines into birds, and what progress has been made in breaking the political deadlock surrounding the export market.  Second, we have Brian Moscogiuri discussing what's happened to the egg market as we've seen HPAI subside. Brian discusses recent trends in egg prices, and what might happen as production ramps back up. He also explains how high prices have led to abnormally sluggish Easter sales, and why he's hopeful that strong organic demand will lead to a rebound in the market when kids go back to school in the fall. 

A Practical Look at Vaccines with Joel Harris of Genvax

28 min

We've talked before about how government policy has prevented the egg industry from using vaccines to fight Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. But if there was a policy shift tomorrow, and producers were given the green light to immunize their birds, what would that effort even look like? Where would the vaccines comes from? How would we know they're safe and effective? How much would they cost? And who would be expected to foot that bill? Joel Harris is the co-founder of Genvax. An economist by trade, he has nearly 20 years of experience working in the field of animal vaccine development. His company, Genvax, uses an RNA platform that allows them to quickly develop vaccines, and respond rapidly to emerging diseases. Today, Joel walks us through the complex logistics and economics of vaccine development, as well as his own companies efforts to develop a tool to fight HPAI. This is a fascinating issue that sits at the intersection of business, politics and science. Joel does a great job of breaking it all down for us, and shedding light on the inner workings of a niche but vital industry.  Are you an egg industry pro? Reach out to be a guest on the show! Connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram. And please rate Eggheads on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. If you're interested in sponsoring a future episode of Eggheads, you can contact us by filling out this form.

58 Years of Studying Chickens with Ken Anderson

29 min

This week on Eggheads, we're chatting with Dr. Ken Anderson, a long-time poultry scientist and a Professor in the Prestage Department of Poultry Science at North Carolina State University. Ken has been working with eggs since he was 6 years old, and his perspective is informed by a wealth of hands-on industrial and academic experience. One of his biggest contributions is a project called the Layer Performance and Management Test. It's a long running trial where different breeds of hens are raised under various production systems to measure their impact on egg output, feed efficiency, shell quality, and various other factors. Running the test has given Ken a unique vantage point to observe the industry's trajectory over the past decades.  In this episode me and Ken talk about all of the changes he's witnessed in his nearly 60 years working in the egg industry, including the evolution of layer housing, egg safety protocols and the animal welfare debate. This is a fascinating and wide-ranging discussion that includes some controversial opinions. And while you may not agree with them, they'll definitely make you think.  Are you an egg industry pro? Reach out to be a guest on the show! Connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram. And please rate Eggheads on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. If you're interested in sponsoring a future episode of Eggheads, you can contact us by filling out this form.

Climbing the Egg Ladder—and Leading Through It All with Mark Kellen of Daybreak Foods

30 min

This week on Eggheads, we sit down with Mark Kellen, Executive Vice President at Daybreak Foods, to explore the mindset, skillset, and lived experience behind leadership in the egg industry. From his beginnings on a small family farm in Minnesota to overseeing operations across six states, Mark’s journey is rooted in curiosity, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to his team. We unpack what it takes to become a well-rounded general manager—from hands-on live bird work to managing budgets, community relations, and customer expectations. Mark shares how Daybreak is building internal pipelines of leadership through tailored development plans and cross-training opportunities, and why communication is the most overlooked (yet essential) ingredient in promoting from within. The episode also touches on Mark’s firsthand experience navigating avian influenza—from the emotional toll of depopulation to the importance of transparent planning and employee trust. It’s a candid conversation about growth, grit, and what it means to lead during both steady days and storms. Are you an egg industry pro? Reach out to be a guest on the show! Connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram. And please rate Eggheads on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. If you're interested in sponsoring a future episode of Eggheads, you can contact us by filling out this form.

AgriNerds: Using Technology and Data to Combat Bird Flu with Dr. Maurice Pitesky

34 min

This week on Eggheads, we sit down with Dr. Maurice Pitesky, veterinary epidemiologist at UC Davis and founder of AgriNerds, to explore how technology—think radar, satellites, and spatial modeling—is reshaping disease prevention in the poultry industry. His tool, the Waterfowl Alert Network, helps producers track wild bird movement in real time, offering a red-light, green-light system for assessing avian influenza risk. Maurice explains how biosecurity needs to expand beyond the barn, why data sharing is just as important as data collection, and what it’ll take to modernize vet training for the 21st century. From drones that chase birds to historical migration data from the '90s, this episode dives deep into innovation, practicality, and the challenges of protecting flocks in the middle of a historic outbreak. What does it look like to layer biosecurity, mapping, and epidemiology in a way that actually works? And how can we build systems that help producers act before—not after—a crisis hits? Are you an egg industry pro? Reach out to be a guest on the show! Connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram. And please rate Eggheads on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

The Scramble — Unfiltered Truths About Avian Influenza, Egg Prices & Vaccines

52 min

In this special roundtable edition of Eggheads, we bring back “The Scramble”—our unfiltered format where leading voices in the egg industry sit down to tackle the Avian Influenza chaos head-on. Host Greg Schoenfeld is joined by three experts at the forefront: Dr. Kay Russo, veterinarian and virologist, Brian Moscogiuri, egg market analyst, and Jacques Klempf, former egg producer and industry veteran. This conversation covers it all: the continued volatility in egg prices, the relentless spread of avian influenza, the economic and emotional toll on farmers, and the controversial but potentially game-changing role of vaccination. Kay breaks down the scientific case for vaccines and what’s holding the U.S. back, Jacques gives a raw look at what it’s like to operate under constant threat, and Brian connects the dots on how market disruptions are impacting supply chains and consumers alike. We’re in uncharted territory-- farmers are holding onto aging flocks, trying to stretch production. Replacement birds are hard to come by. Meanwhile, policymakers are stuck in neutral as the virus continues to burn. With over 50 million birds lost since October and a fractured industry response, the question becomes: how much longer can the system hold? If you care about food security, farming, or just want to understand why eggs are so expensive (and nowadays often missing from store shelves), this is the episode to check out. Please rate Eggheads on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Are you an egg industry pro? Reach out to be a guest on the show! Connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Producing Eggs the Kipster Way with Sandra Vijn

28 min

Sustainability, animal welfare, and transparency—are they just buzzwords, or true commitments? This week we sit down with Sandra Vijn, Managing Director of Kipster USA, to explore how the company is rethinking the entire system—from upcycled feed to carbon-neutral farming. Kipster is aiming to redefine what ethical egg farming looks like. Sandra shares how Kipster’s model challenges conventional agriculture, why transparency matters (even when it’s not pretty), and the complex question of who really pays for sustainability. She explains how Kipster was designed around the needs of chickens rather than regulations, the challenges of bringing a European egg model to the U.S., and why regenerative and circular farming need to be part of the same conversation.  Can Kipster carve out a new space in the American egg market? And will American consumers buy into their vision? Please rate Eggheads on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Are you an egg industry pro? Reach out to be a guest on the show! Connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Expana and the Benchmark Price of Eggs with Karyn Rispoli

35 min

Egg prices have been anything but stable in recent years, and behind every price shift is a complex web of market forces. In this episode, we sit down with Karyn Rispoli, Managing Editor of Eggs at Expana, to break down how egg pricing really works. From avian influenza outbreaks wiping out millions of layers to shifting market dynamics and the intricacies of price reporting, we explore why the egg industry is so volatile—and what that means for producers, buyers, and everyone in between. Karyn sheds light on the challenges of market reporting, the common misconceptions about price assessments, and the balancing act of gathering accurate data in an industry where even a few cents per dozen can have massive financial implications. As she explains, price reporters like her aren’t setting the market—they’re reflecting it. As the saying goes, "Don’t shoot the messenger." Please rate Eggheads on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Are you an egg industry pro? Reach out to be a guest on the show! Connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Respeggt Group: Scaling In-Ovo Sexing Technology with Silvin Faulstich

31 min

The egg industry is changing, and at the center of that transformation is a bold mission: ending chick culling globally. In this episode, Greg sits down with Respeggt Group’s Silvin Faulstitch to explore how their groundbreaking in-ovo sexing technology is reshaping hatcheries. Respeggt’s approach has evolved from early research to a fully automated production line that allows hatcheries to determine the sex of eggs with 99.5% accuracy—all before they hatch! This innovation is more than just a technological leap; it’s a critical step in eliminating an inhumane practice while keeping the industry’s economic realities in focus. Ending chick culling is no longer just an idea—it’s happening. And as more hatcheries adopt this approach, the industry is proving that ethical progress and business sustainability can go hand in hand. Please rate Eggheads on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Are you an egg industry pro? Reach out to be a guest on the show! Connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Eggs, Deals, and Unbelievable Sales Stories with Mark Kleinsmith

30 min

What does it take to succeed in the egg industry? According to Mark Kleinsmith, it’s a mix of hard work, persistence, and sometimes… shaving your mustache to close a deal. In this episode, Greg sits down with Mark, a legendary industry salesman whose career spans decades of innovation, market shifts, and unforgettable negotiations. Mark shares wild tales from his time in the field, from 5:30 AM swim tests with clients to sealing contracts in an 80-foot treehouse. But beyond the stories, he offers valuable insights into how the egg industry has evolved—from the rise of high-rise cage systems to the challenges of the cage-free transition. He also discusses the importance of building trust with customers, why fast response times are key to success, and how consolidation has reshaped the industry. If you're in sales, agriculture, or just love a good business story, this episode is packed with hilarious stories, hard-earned wisdom, and lessons from a career spent getting the job done—no matter what it took. Please rate Eggheads on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Are you an egg industry pro? Reach out to be a guest on the show! Connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Building Resilient Farms: Biosecurity Insights with Jack Hughes of LiveTec

34 min

What does it take to keep a poultry farm safe from disease outbreaks? In this episode of Eggheads, Greg sits down with Jack Hughes, a biosecurity advisor at LiveTec Systems based in the UK. Jack shares his perspective on how proactive measures, innovative solutions, and a disciplined mindset can transform the way farmers protect their operations. From the risks posed by migratory birds to the importance of tailored solutions, Jack emphasizes that biosecurity is about more than compliance—it’s about care, resilience, and protecting livelihoods. The conversation also explores the human side of farming, the growing demands of free-range operations, and the role of technology in shaping the future of biosecurity. As a UK-based expert, Jack offers a unique point of view that adds an international lens to the biosecurity challenges we face. Whether you’re a farmer or just curious about what it takes to safeguard the food supply, this episode offers practical insights and thought-provoking discussion. Please rate Eggheads on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Are you an egg industry pro? Reach out to be a guest on the show! Connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Eggs, Ambition, and Entrepreneurship with Michael Jimenez from JMZ Farms

24 min

What drives a 22-year-old to take on the world of egg farming? In this episode of Eggheads, Greg sits down with Michael Jimenez, the founder and CEO of JMZ Farms. Starting with a single baby chick named Peaches in his mom’s backyard, Michael has grown JMZ Farms into a thriving pasture-raised egg operation.  Michael shares how his entrepreneurial spirit and a high school business plan paved the way for his success. From navigating USDA organic certification requirements to scaling his operation with a subscription-based model, Michael provides an inside look at the challenges and triumphs of running a farm as a young hispanic person. The conversation touches on the discipline farming demands, the value of transparency in the egg industry, and Michael’s vision for the future—including doubling his flock and exploring nationwide distribution. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or simply curious about the story behind your eggs, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical insights. Please rate Eggheads on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Are you an egg industry pro? Reach out to be a guest on the show! Connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Sustainable Solutions for Poultry and Eggs with Ryan Bennett

30 min

Greg sits down with Ryan Bennett, Executive Director of the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry & Eggs and the International Poultry Welfare Alliance, to discuss his journey from public policy to driving sustainability in agriculture. With a career rooted in supporting farmers and improving industry practices, Ryan shares how he transitioned from lobbying in DC to leading initiatives that unify the supply chain around meaningful, data-driven progress. Ryan offers a behind-the-scenes look at how his team builds trust and transparency among farmers, processors, and retailers, using outcome-based standards to address challenges like greenhouse gas emissions and animal welfare. He explains how this collaborative, practical approach helps producers identify their strengths, set achievable goals, and continuously improve their operations. From tackling environmental concerns to aligning diverse stakeholders, Ryan’s insights shed light on the evolving role of sustainability in the poultry and egg industry. If you’re curious about the intersection of sustainability and agriculture, you'll be interested in Ryan’s perspective on transparency, innovation, and progress within the egg industry. Please rate Eggheads on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Are you an egg industry pro? Reach out to be a guest on the show! Connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

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