Best Swine Genetics Podcasts (2025)

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Inside the Pen: Best Practices for Managing Group-Housed Sows 25:54

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2h ago25:54

25:54

In this episode, Paul Faris shares practical strategies and proven insights for successfully managing group-housed sows in a pen-based production system. From daily management routines to key welfare and performance considerations, Paul delivers actionable tips to help sow farm teams drive efficiency, consistency, and success.…

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02/12/2025 African swine fever, Bluetongue, Ethical dairy 14:18

2h ago14:18

14:18

The UK has temporarily banned all imports of pig products from Spain afrer an outbreak of African Swine Fever in wild boars there. It's their first case since 1994. The disease is spread by ticks and can be devastating to commercial herds. The National Pig Association here says it's vital our government puts adequate controls at borders to keep the…

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01/12/25 Government's environmental improvement plan, water management and flooding, hedge laying 11:31

26m ago11:31

11:31

The government's new environmental improvement plan for England is launched today. The Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs has set out what it calls 'an ambitious roadmap' with a 'clear plan to restore the environment.' That encompasses a new plan to stop pollution from forever chemicals, tougher measures on waste crime and more t…

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29/11/25 Farming Today This Week: Farmer protests over the budget and inheritance tax, agriculture course suspended, dairy 24:32

2h ago24:32

24:32

Farmers were in London again to protest about the re-imposition of inheritance tax on farming and business assets of more than £1 million, something announced last year. In her budget, the Chancellor made a change to transferring inheritance tax allowances between spouses, but farmers said it wasn't enough. Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced…

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28/11/25 Rural depopulation, organic dairy, potato waste skin care, reservoir farm 14:03

19m ago14:03

14:03

36 per cent of people who live in rural areas or on islands in Scotland are considering leaving, blaming a range of things from healthcare and ferries to housing shortages. The majority who plan to stay praise the strong community spirit and quality of life. These are the findings of a new study from Scotland's Rural College. Researchers say rural …

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27/11/2025 Budget and inheritance tax, farmer protest 13:39

3h ago13:39

13:39

Farmers were in London again to protest about the re-imposition of inheritance tax on farming and business assets of more than a million pounds - something announced last year. In her budget, the Chancellor made a change to transferring inheritance tax allowances between spouses, but farmers said it wasn't enough. Presenter = Charlotte SmithProduce…

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26/11/25 Planning bill and environmental protections, livestock genetics, robotic dairy. 14:00

6d ago14:00

14:00

Conservationists have accused the government of turning its back on nature in the new planning bill which is making its way through parliament. The RSPB says the legislation is creating a new tried and untested process which will put nature and nature markets at risk. We often talk about exports of produce like beef and dairy but exporting farm ani…

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The Squeal_0243: The Power of One More Pig_ Connecting the dots 25:27

8h ago25:27

25:27

In this final installment of The Power of One More Pig, host Brie Quick, PIC Technical Services Manager, brings back Isaiah Spath, PIC Wean-to-Finish Technical Services Manager, and Kendall Weger, PIC Technical Services Manager, to explore one of the most influential—but often overlooked—drivers of pig performance: communication between the sow far…

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25/11/25 University agriculture courses, bird flu in Wales, dairy farm succession. 13:34

7d ago13:34

13:34

Despite a rise in the number of students taking up agriculture degrees over the last couple of years, not all courses are growing. The University of Nottingham is deciding whether to close its agriculture and business course at its Sutton Bonington campus. The University says applications for its farming courses have dropped, making them “less fina…

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24/11/25: Dairy rollercoaster, English farm business incomes, Isle of Man vets 11:50

1d ago11:50

11:50

The latest Farm Business Income Survey from DEFRA shows average dairy farm incomes for 2024/25 had doubled year on year. The reality at this moment may feel very different on farms as the milk price rollercoaster is starting to rattle downwards, with some global dairy commodities tumbling. The Chairman of the Royal Association of British Dairy Farm…

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21/11/25 Defra secretary at CLA conference, farm business income, COP and agriculture, prison farm. 13:38

13h ago13:38

13:38

Details on the relaunch of England's biggest agri-environment scheme will come in the first half of next year - so says the Secretary of State for the Environment, Emma Reynolds, who was speaking at the Country Land and Business Association's annual conference. The sustainable farming incentive or SFI, pays farmers for things like planting hedges a…

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20/11/25 Food & Farming Award winner, maltings closures, farming in Brazil, oysters. 13:40

12d ago13:40

13:40

A decline in demand for whiskey is being blamed for the closure and suspension of Scottish malting plants - something which farmers fear will also mean a decline in demand for barley. Maltsters process barley so it can be used in distilleries or brewing. Several plants have announced closures and redundancies, but the Maltsters Association of Great…

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19/11/25 Antibiotic resistance, rice straw, Food & Farming Awards winner 14:12

13d ago14:12

14:12

The use of antibiotics in treating livestock in the UK has fallen, according to a new report published by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, which is a government agency. Using high levels of antibiotics in farming can lead to people developing resistance to life-saving antibiotics. The Alliance to Save Our Antibiotics, which was set up to reduc…

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Precision Protein: Rethinking Amino Acid Sources for Modern Swine 14:57

5h ago14:57

14:57

In this episode, Dr. Steve Kitt joins us to reveal the age-specific amino acid strategies every pig producer needs to know. From young pigs that thrive on low-protein, synthetic-boosted diets to finishers that falter when crude protein dips too far, this episode breaks down how to feed smarter at every stage.…

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18/11/25 Inheritance Tax a year on from farmers' rally, soy in animal feed, lanolin protein 14:02

2h ago14:02

14:02

A year on from a big farmers' rally in Whitehall, farmers again travel to London to lobby MPs about inheritance tax. As COP 30 continues in Brazil, we look at imports of South American soy and its use for animal feed on UK farms. Brazil has a moratorium on cutting down rainforest to allow farmers to plant soya, but there's concern that pressure fro…

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17/11/25 Rise in wool price, getting out of dairy, fish farming 11:53

7d ago11:53

11:53

The price farmers get for wool is up, about 20% up from last year, but it still doesn't cover the cost of shearing the sheep. We hear from a dairy farmer who is getting out: this year’s exceptionally hot summer and the resulting cost of feed for the animals has proved too much. Farming fish rather than livestock is being seen by some as the answer …

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15/11/25 EFRA questions, report on farming in Wales, drought, potato harvest, mushrooms, truffles, cider 24:53

18d ago24:53

24:53

Eight weeks after taking up her post as DEFRA Secretary of State, Emma Reynolds has faced her first barrage of questions from the cross-party group of MPs at the EFRA select committee. MPs quizzed her about farming profitability, fishing policy, water pollution, border controls and illegal meat. They asked about environmental payments too and she a…

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14/11/25 Drought warnings, farmers at COP 30, woodland mushrooms, veg grown in Senegal 14:04

2h ago14:04

14:04

We hear warnings that unless we see some serious rain, England will be in drought next year. The Environment Agency says there will be widespread impacts on farming as well as nature and describes the current situation as 'precarious'. COP 30, the annual world meeting on tackling climate change is underway in Brazil. This one is notable perhaps for…

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13/11/25 MPs call for inheritance tax impact assessment in Wales, mycelium as insulation, Guernsey cider 14:01

20d ago14:01

14:01

A report by the House of Commons’ Welsh Affairs Committee is calling for the Government's inheritance tax on farmers to be halted, because it says the tax will have a detrimental impact on Welsh farming, which is intrinsic to the Welsh economy. How about turning fungi roots into building materials? It may sound a bit strange but its already happeni…

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The Squeal_0242: The Power of One More Pig_Managing the Transition After Weaning 35:28

15d ago35:28

35:28

In this episode of The Squeal, host Brie Quick, PIC Technical Services Manager, continues our series The Power of One More Pig—exploring what it takes to help that extra pig thrive after leaving the farrowing room. Brie is joined by Isaiah Spath, PIC Wean-to-Finish Technical Services Manager, and Kendall Weger, PIC Technical Services Manager, to di…

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12/11/25 EFRA questions, pig farm planning permission, truffles, potatoes 13:55

1h ago13:55

13:55

Eight weeks after taking up her post as DEFRA Secretary of State, Emma Reynolds has faced her first barrage of questions from the cross-party group of MPs at the EFRA select committee. Over two hours the MPs quizzed her about farming profitability, environmental payments, fishing policy, water pollution, border controls and illegal meat. One of the…

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11/11/25 Fishing action plan, Scottish farming fund, farmers' arthritis, mushrooms 13:54

22d ago13:54

13:54

An all party parliamentary group of MPs is launching what it calls a 'new action plan for fishing.' The group believes that the industry is being challenged by a series of problems including a declining workforce, restrictions at sea because of environmental protection and avoiding windfarms. The former fisheries minister and Cambridge MP Daniel Ze…

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10/11/2025: Family farms, 'Aginflation', mushroom growing in NI 11:59

23d ago11:59

11:59

Many farming families are uncertain about their future in the industry, but are we on the cusp of major change with consequences for the fabric of the countryside? Professor Matt Lobley, from Exeter University, has researched the dynamics and economics of family farms for many years and he tells us that this moment feels 'different', citing the pha…

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08/11/25 Farming Today This Week: Bird flu, low farmer confidence, Millennium Seed Bank, food security 24:35

23d ago24:35

24:35

Poultry Farmers are warned this winter is on course to be among the worst for avian flu. This week all poultry in England and Northern Ireland was ordered inside after a number of new cases. The Pirbright Institute's head of avian virology explains why the H5N1 strain of bird flu has become more able to spread, describing it as 'almost a super stra…

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07/11/2025: Bird flu warning, Wrinkled Crinkled Crumpled Cress, low farmer confidence 14:00

21d ago14:00

14:00

Poultry Farmers are warned this winter is on course to be among the worst for Avian Flu. This week all poultry in England and Northern Ireland was ordered inside after a number of new cases. The Pirbright Institute's head of Avian Virology explains why the H5N1 strain of bird flu has become more able to spread, describing it as 'almost a super stra…

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05/11/25 Preparedness for animal disease, bird flu housing order, seeds, oat genome. 13:55

27d ago13:55

13:55

As the number of bird flu cases across the country rises, DEFRA has announced bird keepers across England must house all poultry and captive birds if they keep more than 50 birds. Avian influenza is just one of the animal disease threats raised in a new report by the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee. It says the government would not be re…

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06/11/25 Millennium Seed Bank - how wild seeds can help agriculture and landscape restoration. 13:59

27d ago13:59

13:59

As part of our week-long focus on seeds we go behind the scenes at the Millennium Seed Bank in Sussex. It's celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Experts from Kew Royal Botanical Gardens collect, clean and curate wild seeds from around the world. They're stored in giant vaults and safeguarded for the future. This helps protect endangered spec…

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Don’t Let the Feed Go Dry: Preventing and Managing Feed Outages in Pig Production 18:04

28d ago18:04

18:04

In this episode, Dr. Steve Kitt breaks down what leads to feed outages, the impact they have on pig performance and profitability, and the practical steps producers can take to prevent them. Tune in to learn how to maintain consistent feed delivery and keep your operation running smoothly and efficiently.…

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04/11/25 Seasonal workers, seed merchant, farm profitability. 14:00

22d ago14:00

14:00

The government's announced the number of agricultural seasonal workers visas allowed for the UK for next year. 41,000 visas will be made available for horticulture and 1,900 for poultry. It's slightly lower than the current allowance, but the National Farmers Union has welcomed the announcement, saying it has been made in good time, so farms can or…

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03/11/2025: Food security, no confidence in DAERA, where seeds start 11:59

28d ago11:59

11:59

A cross party group of MPs are warning that UK food production could drop by almost a third, by 2050. The All Party Parliamentary Group on Science and Technology in Agriculture also says that by 2050 - assuming all Government targets were met in full - almost a quarter of current UK farmland could be used for other purposes including renewable ener…

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The Squeal_0241: The Power of One More Pig_Maximizing Piglet Performance 28:51

1M ago28:51

28:51

In this first episode of The Power of One More Pig series, host Isaiah Spath, PIC Wean-to-Finish Manager, is joined by Kendall Weger and Brie Quick, both PIC Technical Services Managers, to discuss how producers can get the most out of every piglet born. Together, they explore practical strategies to maximize piglet performance—from cross-fostering…

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Environment’s Impact on a Genetics Program: Part 2 25:14

1M ago25:14

25:14

In this episode, Dr. Iara Solar Diaz explores how the environment shapes genetic selection programs. She explains how geneticists account for environmental factors and identify animals with the resilience needed to thrive under a variety of conditions. Part 2 focuses on how these environmental influences affect the post-wean portion of the selectio…

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The Squeal_0240: The Price of PRRS: Economic Toll and Genetic Breakthrough_Part 2 29:33

2M ago29:33

29:33

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "10b19f40-25a0-44bd-8a52-d4452932bcb9" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> In the second episode of The Price of PRRS series, host Dr. Lindsay Case, PIC Technical Director …

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Environment’s Impact on a Genetics Program: Part 1 22:25

2M ago22:25

22:25

By DNA Genetics

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The Squeal_0239: The Price of PRRS: Economic Toll and the Genetic Breakthrough_Part 1 43:32

2M ago43:32

43:32

In this first episode of The Price of PRRS series, host Dr. Lindsay Case, PIC Technical Director of Product Sustainability, is joined by Dr. Perry Harms, PIC Health Assurance Global Director, and Dr. Derald Holtkamp, Professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University, to explore the economic burden of one of the most costly di…

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A Peek Behind the Curtain: Improving Sow Longevity 22:17

2M ago22:17

22:17

In this episode, Dr. Randy Borg highlights DNA’s maternal program, exploring how strategic selection plays a key role in sow retention and long-term productivity.By DNA Genetics

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The Squeal_0238: Cold-Weather Checklist: Barn Preparation_Part 2 30:13

2M ago30:13

30:13

When cold weather hits, it's natural to want to tighten up barns to hold in as much heat as possible. But cutting back too far on ventilation can create problems that are just as harmful as the cold itself. In this second episode of our Cold Weather Preparation series, host Isaiah Spath, PIC Technical Services Manager, is joined by Nat Stas, PIC We…

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The Journey of Full Program Testing 12:30

3M ago12:30

12:30

In this episode, Drs. Amanda Cross and Vishesh Bhatia explore the journey of full program testing on the DNA Genetics' market pig, discussing how the concept was born, developed, and brought to life as a project. They share insights into the evolution of full program testing — from its early vision and goals, to the challenges and lessons learned a…

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Is It Time to Upgrade Your Herd's Health? 18:01

3M ago18:01

18:01

In this episode, Dr. Christine Mainquist-Whigham breaks down when a herd depopulation and repopulation strategy makes sense and what producers need to consider before making the decision. From identifying the right timing to understanding the key factors that influence success, this conversation will help you plan a smooth and effective herd health…

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The Squeal_0237: Cold-Weather Checklist: Barn Preparation_Part 1 25:45

3M ago25:45

25:45

As temperatures begin to drop, making sure barns are ready for winter is critical to maintaining pig comfort and performance. In the first episode of the Cold Weather Preparation series on The Squeal, host Isaiah Spath, PIC Wean-to-Finish Technical Services Manager, sits down with Nat Stas, PIC Wean-to-Finish Director, and Curtis Possberg, Senior P…

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The Squeal_0236: Maximizing Breeding Efficiency: Understanding CAI and PCAI 32:49

3M ago32:49

32:49

In this episode, we break down two key artificial insemination techniques — Conventional AI (CAI) and Post-Cervical AI (PCAI) — and explore how each can impact productivity, labor efficiency, and reproductive success. Jorge Cajamarca (PIC Technical Services Sr. Specialist), Bruno Cortes Espejo (Supervisor, Farm Operations), and Dr. Brad Didion (PIC…

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Breeding on Your Terms: Mastering the Estrous Cycle & Reproductive Tools 19:04

4M ago19:04

19:04

Join Dr. Steve Terlouw in the second part of the reproductive management series as he discusses various tool for managing the estrous cycle. Dr. Terlouw shares various insights for managing gilts and sows for improved cyclicity and synchronization. Join us to gain a better understanding of these reproductive tools and how to appropriately apply the…

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To Induce or Not to Induce: Striking the Right Balance in Farrowing Management 15:48

4M ago15:48

15:48

Dr. John Sonderman joins us to launch a two-part series on reproductive tools. In this episode, we unpack the practice of sow induction—its benefits, risks, and how it can shape farrowing outcomes. Dr. Sonderman walks us through key protocols and decision-making factors to consider when planning induction in your herd. If you’re aiming for tighter …

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The Squeal_0235:The Road to PRRS-resistance 29:14

4M ago29:14

29:14

In this episode of The Squeal, we reflect on the critical role farm teams played in achieving FDA approval of the gene edit used to breed PRRS-resistant pigs. From rigorous data collection to enhanced biosecurity protocols, the journey required years of dedication and precision. Throughout the process, pigs were raised just like any other—managed w…

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Are All Sires Created Equal? The Truth About Pooled Semen 17:48

5M ago17:48

17:48

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Hartman dives into the science behind pooled semen in the U.S. swine industry. She explains what pooled semen is, why it's used, and what recent research reveals about how sires are represented within litters. If you’ve ever wondered how pooling impacts genetic diversity, fertility, or litter performance—this one’s for y…

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The Squeal_0234:Summer Feeding Strategies for Lactating Sows_Part 2 20:27

5M ago20:27

20:27

In Part 2 of our summer feeding series, host Brie Quick (PIC Technical Services Manager) returns with Dr. Lori Kociemba (PIC Technical Services Manager) and Jordi Camp (European Nutritionist Manager) to dive deeper into strategies for keeping sows productive and comfortable during the heat of the season. This episode focuses on real-world adjustmen…

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Digital Phenotyping: Advancing the Next Generation of Genetic Progress 23:20

5M ago23:20

23:20

At DNA Genetics, we’re always looking for ways to deliver a better pig. In this episode, Dr. Tom Rathje explores how digital phenotyping can accelerate genetic progress—both in traits we already measure and those we haven’t been able to. He also shares how DNA is using this technology today and where it could go in the next five years.…

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The Squeal_0233: Summer Feeding Strategies for Lactating Sows_Part 1 18:40

5M ago18:40

18:40

As temperatures rise, so do the challenges of keeping lactating sows eating, healthy, and productive. In this episode of The Squeal, our nutrition and production experts dive into practical summer feeding strategies to combat heat stress and maintain sow performance. Our host, Brie Quick (PIC Technical Services Manager) leads the conversation with …

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The Legacy of the Boar: Building Longevity in the Stud 13:02

6M ago13:02

13:02

Bringing boars to the stud takes a significant investment—but keeping them there is where the real return lies. In this episode, Dr. Cory Faust shares practical strategies to optimize boar management and extend their productive life, helping you protect your investment and boost long-term performance.…

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The Squeal_0232: Biosecurity Breakdown: Controlling Fomites and External Threats_Part 2 18:19

6M ago18:19

18:19

In Part 2 of our biosecurity series on controlling fomites and external threats, we move from identifying risks to implementing solutions. Our expert guests return to share real-world examples of how farms are successfully managing external threats and reducing the risk of disease introduction. From enhanced sanitation protocols to controlled acces…