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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Today, Greg Schoenfeld sits down with Danny Leckie, CEO of Hatch for Hunger, to learn about his journey from corporate agriculture to leading a mission-driven nonprofit. With roots in feeding people that trace back through his career, Danny shares how he transitioned from big agriculture to Hatch for Hunger, where he’s now tackling food insecurity by providing fresh, sustainable proteins like eggs to food banks across the country.
Danny offers a behind-the-scenes look at Hatch for Hunger’s unique model, which combines farm partnerships, innovative logistics, and cold storage solutions to address the economic and distribution challenges in delivering fresh protein to those who need it most. He explains how Hatch’s subsidy approach and close work with food banks and farmers enable more efficient, large-scale access to high-quality proteins, and why diversifying their offerings is key to future resilience.
If you’re interested in learning how nonprofits are rethinking food distribution, Danny’s insights into nutrition security, sustainability, and community impact are not to be missed. Don’t forget to rate Eggheads on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Are you interested in being a guest on the show? Reach out to us on LinkedIn and Instagram and let's connect!
Today Greg Schoenfeld sits down with the "Queen of the Coop," Lisa Steele-- the fifth-generation chicken keeper behind Fresh Eggs Daily, to explore her unique path from Wall Street to the farm. Lisa shares how her family’s tradition of raising chickens, which traces back to Finland, influenced her shift from accounting to becoming one of the most recognized voices in the backyard chicken community.
Lisa discusses into her work across cookbooks, a thriving blog, TV shows, and social media, all centered on the value of fresh, farm-raised eggs. She shares why she made the leap to focus on eggs over chickens, offering listeners her candid take on terms like “cage-free” and what the commercial egg industry could learn from more sustainable, hands-on practices. For those looking to deepen their knowledge or start their own flock, Lisa’s insights into creating healthy, humane, and productive chicken environments are invaluable. Plus, catch a preview of her latest projects, including a new cookbook and a fresh season of her TV show.
Please rate Eggheads on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Are you interested in being a guest on the show? Connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram and send us a message, and we’ll be in touch!
In the debut episode of The Egghead Scramble, host Greg Schoenefeld reconnects with industry experts Brian Moscogiuri, VP of Eggs Unlimited, and Dr. Kay Russo, a leading veterinarian, to tackle the most pressing issues facing the egg industry today. Together, they dive into the economic turmoil caused by recent avian influenza outbreaks, which have led to record-high egg prices and significant supply chain disruptions.
The episode sheds light on the unpredictable nature of the virus, from its devastating impact on farmers to growing public health concerns. Brian and Kay discuss the crucial role of early detection through innovative methods like bulk tank testing, and explore how the industry can move beyond reactive measures to more strategic, long-term solutions. The conversation touches on the limitations of current biosecurity practices and considers vaccination as a critical, humane alternative to controlling the spread of the virus.
As we head into the holiday season and look ahead to 2025, this episode emphasizes the industry's need for adaptation, sustainability, and preparedness in the face of continuing challenges. With new state regulations on the horizon and a volatile market, the egg industry must take decisive steps toward a more resilient future.
An episode of the Egghead Scramble will return every quarter for insightful updates on eggonomics and avian influenza developments. Subscribe on Eggheads on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more discussions, industry news, and behind-the-scenes insights.
