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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.
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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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Saknas det avsnitt?
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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!
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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!
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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.
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In this episode, we explore the cutting-edge of agricultural innovation with Robert Yaman, CEO of Innovate Animal Ag. A veteran of the tech industry, Robert is focused on in-ovo sexing technology, which addresses the significant issue of male chick culling in the egg industry. By determining the sex of a chick before it hatches, this technology promotes both animal welfare and sustainability.
Robert explains how he applies a 'techno-optimist' philosophy to agricultural innovation, showcasing how technology can solve some of the industry’s most pressing problems. While in-ovo sexing has seen widespread adoption in Europe, thanks to legal incentives, it is now beginning to gain momentum in the U.S., particularly in the specialty egg market.
Robert and Greg also dive into the challenges and opportunities of bringing such advancements to the U.S. market, as well as the broader potential for technological innovation in agriculture. Robert and his team at Innovate Animal Ag are leading the charge by spreading awareness and promoting adoption of technologies that align with both animal health and the future of sustainable farming.
Did you enjoy learning about the latest advancements in modern egg farming? If so, 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!
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In this episode, we dive into the bold gamble that changed the organic egg farming game. Cameron Whitehead, COO of Pete & Gerry's, shares the inspiring story of how a small family farm in Monroe, New Hampshire, went from the brink of collapse to becoming a trailblazer in the organic egg industry. In the 1990s, when 'organic' was still a rarity, Pete & Gerry’s made a daring move that saved the farm—and set them on the path to becoming a leader in the market.
Cameron takes us through the highs and lows of their journey, from the pressures of competing with large-scale producers to their deep commitment to animal welfare. We explore the evolving egg industry, the differences between organic, free-range, and pasture-raised eggs, and what the new OLPS guidelines mean for organic farming. Plus, we uncover the unsung heroes of their operation—the truck drivers—and learn how biosecurity measures keep their supply chain safe. It’s a fascinating look at how passion, innovation, and a bit of risk can change everything.
Did you enjoy the Pete & Gerry's story? If so, please rate Eggheads on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Interested in being a guest on the show? Connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram, send us a message, and we’ll be in touch!
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Jacques Klempf is a true veteran in the egg industry, with a family legacy that spans three generations of egg farming. In this episode, we learn about his remarkable journey, starting with his grandfather’s humble beginnings as an egg candler, through his father’s entrepreneurial drive, and into Jacques' own leadership in the modern egg industry.
We explore how Jacques embraced technological advancements, from inline processing systems to automation, which transformed his company into one of the most efficient in the industry. He also shares insights into the major challenges the industry faces today, including the devastating effects of avian influenza and how market dynamics, like fluctuating egg prices, continue to impact farmers.
Beyond business, Jacques emphasizes the critical need for agricultural education, both for consumers and future generations, to bridge the gap between farm practices and consumer understanding. He also weighs in on the growing trend of industry consolidation, offering a unique perspective on what the future may hold for both independent farmers and large-scale operations.
If you're interested in learning more about FFA (Future Farmers of America), please visit www.ffa.org. The FFA is focused on growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture all across the US.
Enjoyed this episode with Jacques Klempf? If so, please rate Eggheads on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Interested in being a guest on the show? Connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram, send us a message, and we’ll be in touch! -
In this episode of Eggheads, Greg discusses the evolving role of poultry veterinarians with Dan Wilson, lead veterinarian and owner of Wilson Vet Co. Dan shares his unconventional path into poultry veterinary care, starting from his rural Indiana roots and leading to his impactful work and thought leadership in the egg industry. We explore the unique challenges of poultry health, including the importance of biosecurity, disease prevention, and the critical role veterinarians play in ensuring the health and sustainability of our food systems.
Dan points out how the industry has changed over the past few decades, particularly with the rise of cage-free and free-range farming, and how these changes have increased the demand for specialized veterinary care. We also talk about the complexities of working in a field where biosecurity is paramount, and where even the best practices can sometimes fall short. Whether you’re a poultry farmer, a veterinarian, or just interested in the behind-the-scenes of egg production, this episode provides a fascinating look at the critical work being done to keep our food supply safe.
Did you like this episode with Dan Wilson? Please rate Eggheads and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also connect with Eggheads on LinkedIn and Instagram. Interested in being a guest on the show? Leave us a message and we'll get in touch!
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It's almost impossible to have a conversation about eggs without discussing the pressing issue of avian influenza. In this episode, we talk about its spillover into cattle populations with Dr. Kay Russo, a veterinarian from RSM Consulting. Dr. Russo shares her extensive experience in animal health, focusing on the critical importance of biosecurity and management practices in both the dairy and poultry industries. The discussion explores the mutation of avian influenza into cattle, its impact on the egg industry, and the new challenges it poses. From understanding virus transmission to discussing potential solutions such as vaccination and enhanced biosecurity measures, Greg and Kay highlight the urgent need for collaborative efforts and decisive action to mitigate the threat of avian influenza.
Did you like this episode? Please rate Eggheads and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also connect with Eggheads on LinkedIn and Instagram. Interested in being a guest on the show? Leave us a message and we'll get in touch!
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Greg discusses navigating the confusing world of nutrition advice with the "Guilt-Free RD" Melissa Joy Dobbins, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator. They discuss the fluctuating dietary trends, the nature of nutrition research, and the role of critical thinking in making informed food choices. Melissa shares insights on the benefits of eggs, debunking the cholesterol myth, and the importance of enjoying food (without guilt). They also touch on the influence of sensational media headlines and the need for transparency in the food industry. Tune in to learn how to manage dietary myths and maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle. Also, be sure to check out Melissa's podcast, Sound Bites to learn more about her work in the nutrition space.
Did you like this episode? Please rate Eggheads and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also connect with Eggheads on LinkedIn and Instagram. Interested in being a guest on the show? Leave us a message and we'll get in touch!
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Greg sits down with Jason Jones, the former founding president of Vital Farms Inc, to explore the remarkable growth of one of the most recognizable egg brands. From humble beginnings at a farmers market to a billion-dollar company in 15 years, Jones shares the story of how Vital's pioneering approach to pasture-raised eggs, storytelling-based marketing strategies, and the importance of transparency and consumer trust. Listen to how Vital Farms entirely redefined industry standards in the egg world and set a new benchmark for premium eggs.
Did you like this episode? Please rate Eggheads and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also connect with Eggheads on LinkedIn and Instagram. Interested in being a guest on the show? Leave us a message and we'll get in touch!
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In this episode of Eggheads, Greg talks with Henry Arrowood, the founder and CEO of Farmshare, about the transformation of agriculture via direct-to-consumer practices. They discuss the challenges farms face in a commoditized market, the role of intermediaries, and how Farmshare is helping farmers build direct relationships with consumers. The conversation covers the logistical, marketing, and operational strategies Farmshare leverages to empower local producers, enhance transparency, and create value-driven farm-to-table food systems.
Did you like this episode? Please rate Eggheads and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also connect with Eggheads on LinkedIn and Instagram. Interested in being a guest on the show? Leave us a message and we'll get in touch!
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Greg explores the complexities of the egg market with Brian Moscaggiuri, global trade strategist at Eggs Unlimited. Brian brings his extensive knowledge and unique journey within the egg industry to the table. Together, they unpack the science behind egg pricing, exploring wild market fluctuations as well as the impact of external factors like avian influenza and the transition towards cage-free egg production.
The episode addresses consumer perception of egg prices and the broader conversation about value. Greg and Brian discuss how eggs, despite recent price hikes, still offer considerable nutritional bang for your buck when compared to other food items. They advocate for recognizing eggs as a superfood, rich in high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Brian also touches on the future of eggs in the marketplace, emphasizing the need for innovative marketing to reach new consumer segments and the importance of long-term investments by producers in response to market demands. Brian’s insights make a strong case for the continued growth and relevance of eggs, both as a staple commodity and a nutritional powerhouse.
Did you like this episode? Please rate Eggheads and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also connect with Eggheads on LinkedIn and Instagram. Interested in being a guest on the show? Leave us a message and we'll get in touch!
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In this episode of Eggheads Greg speaks with Tara Vander Dussen, a fifth-generation dairy farmer and co-host of the Discover Ag podcast, who uses her background in environmental science to address misconceptions about modern farming. Greg and Tara discuss the complexities of the agricultural industry, focusing on the disconnect between consumers and food production. They talk about the importance of storytelling in agriculture, the challenges of 'factory farming' stereotypes, and the need for greater transparency within the broader industry. Tara shares her experiences in social media advocacy and how building consumer trust can reshape public perception of agriculture. The episode emphasizes the integral role of family in farming and explores ways to improve consumer-educator dialogue in the agriculture industry.
Did you like this episode? Please rate Eggheads and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also connect with Eggheads on LinkedIn and Instagram. Interested in being a guest on the show? Leave us a message and we'll get in touch!
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This episode of Eggheads explores the intersection of technology and leadership within the egg industry. Brandon Mulnix, director of commercial accounts at Prism Controls and host of the Poultry Leadership Podcast discusses his unconventional journey into the egg industry and the impact of technology in enhancing egg production and bird health. The conversation covers the specifics of control systems in poultry houses, the role of machine learning in egg counting, and the importance of environmental factors like temperature and lighting on bird behavior.
Brandon also shares insights into effective leadership in the industry and the motivation behind his podcast, aimed at promoting knowledge and leadership development among industry professionals. The episode highlights the critical role of technology in improving efficiency, maintaining animal welfare, and supporting sustainability in egg production.
Did you like this episode? Please rate Eggheads and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also connect with Eggheads on LinkedIn and Instagram. Interested in being a guest on the show? Leave us a message and we'll get in touch!
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Did you know that the average American consumes nearly 300 eggs per year? But how much do we really know about where those eggs come from? How do my eggs get to the grocery store? Why are they packaged that way? And what's the difference between white and brown eggs?
Welcome to Eggheads, the podcast that cracks open the unexpectedly fascinating world of eggs and egg agriculture. Each episode of Eggheads brings you an intersection of tradition, transformation, and innovation within the egg industry, from egg nutrition and cage-free farming to the fascinating field of eggonomics, and even the intricacies of chicken genetics.
Throughout this series, we'll be joined by industry ‘eggsperts’ who will provide insights into the challenges, breakthroughs, and latest developments that shape the production and consumption of eggs, spanning from small-scale family farms to large-scale commercial operations. So, whether you're a farmer, an industry insider, or simply an egg enthusiast, get ready to scramble your expectations as we peel back the layers of this egg-citing industry.
Don’t be a chicken! Subscribe to Eggheads wherever you get your podcasts and join us on this captivating journey through the world of eggs. Let's whisk away the mysteries and fry up some knowledge together.
