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Showing episodes and shows of
Greg Schonefeld
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Eggheads
PEAK and Poultry People with Lisa Henning
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 y...
2025-07-25
22 min
Eggheads
Glenn Hickman: Searching for a Path Forward After Losing 6 Million Birds
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 i...
2025-07-11
31 min
Eggheads
Telling the Real Story of Blue Collar Work – with Aaron Witt
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 m...
2025-06-20
27 min
Eggheads
The Scramble: Avian Influenza Cases Are Down—Will Prices Follow?
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. A...
2025-06-06
30 min
Eggheads
A Practical Look at Vaccines with Joel Harris of Genvax
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...
2025-05-23
28 min
Eggheads
58 Years of Studying Chickens with Ken Anderson
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...
2025-05-09
29 min
Eggheads
Climbing the Egg Ladder—and Leading Through It All with Mark Kellen of Daybreak Foods
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 deve...
2025-04-25
30 min
Eggheads
AgriNerds: Using Technology and Data to Combat Bird Flu with Dr. Maurice Pitesky
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...
2025-04-11
34 min
Eggheads
The Scramble — Unfiltered Truths About Avian Influenza, Egg Prices & Vaccines
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 t...
2025-03-28
52 min
Eggheads
Producing Eggs the Kipster Way with Sandra Vijn
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 challeng...
2025-03-14
28 min
Eggheads
Expana and the Benchmark Price of Eggs with Karyn Rispoli
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 pr...
2025-02-28
35 min
Eggheads
Respeggt Group: Scaling In-Ovo Sexing Technology with Silvin Faulstich
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 r...
2025-02-14
31 min
Eggheads
Eggs, Deals, and Unbelievable Sales Stories with Mark Kleinsmith
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 s...
2025-01-31
30 min
Eggheads
Building Resilient Farms: Biosecurity Insights with Jack Hughes of LiveTec
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 dema...
2025-01-17
34 min
Eggheads
Eggs, Ambition, and Entrepreneurship with Michael Jimenez from JMZ Farms
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 run...
2024-12-20
24 min
Eggheads
Sustainable Solutions for Poultry and Eggs with Ryan Bennett
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...
2024-12-06
30 min
Eggheads
Hatch for Hunger: An Organization on a Mission with Danny Leckie
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 chal...
2024-11-22
29 min
Eggheads
How a Passion for Eggs Turned Lisa Steele into the Queen of the Coop
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 fo...
2024-11-08
27 min
Eggheads
The Egghead Scramble: Market Surges and the Growing Risk of Avian Influenza
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...
2024-10-25
20 min
Eggheads
Techno-Optimism in Agriculture: In-Ovo Sexing with Robert Yaman
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 le...
2024-10-11
27 min
Eggheads
How a Bold Bet Saved Pete & Gerry’s with Cameron Whitehead
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 pres...
2024-09-27
28 min
Eggheads
The Business of Eggs Over Generations with Jacques Klempf
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 deva...
2024-09-13
33 min
Eggheads
Chicken Veterinarians on the Frontlines with Dan Wilson
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...
2024-08-30
30 min
Eggheads
The Bird Flu Threat with Dr. Kay Russo
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...
2024-08-16
37 min
Eggheads
Egg Nutrition: Facts vs Myths with Melissa Joy Dobbins
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...
2024-08-02
34 min
Eggheads
The Vital Farms Story with Jason Jones
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...
2024-07-19
34 min
Eggheads
Farm to Doorstep with Henry Arrowood
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...
2024-07-05
34 min
Eggheads
Egg Price Fluctuations Demystified with Brian Moscogiuri
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...
2024-06-21
34 min
Eggheads
Misconceptions about Agriculture with Tara Vander Dussen
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...
2024-06-07
35 min
The Poultry Leadership Podcast
Scaling Success: Greg Schonefeld's Journey from Auditing Derivatives to Transforming Agricultural Leadership with Ag Installers and EOS Insights
Send us a textCan you imagine making a successful leap from auditing derivatives at a big four accounting firm to running a thriving business in agricultural installation? That's exactly what Greg Schonefeld did, and we're excited to bring you his inspiring journey on the Poultry Leadership Podcast. Greg, the owner of Ag Installers and host of the Eggheads podcast, shares his story of transitioning into the agricultural sector, scaling his company to over a hundred employees in its first year, and overcoming challenges despite lacking a construction background. He also reveals how the Entrepreneurial Operating System...
2024-06-04
38 min
Eggheads
Technology and Leadership with Brandon Mulnix
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...
2024-05-24
31 min
Eggheads
Introducing Eggheads
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...
2024-04-11
01 min
The Immigration Guy
StoryBrand Framework to Achieve Business Growth Ft. Angie Schultz & Greg Schonefeld
Kyle sits down with Greg Schonefeld of Ag Installers and Angie Schultz, a StoryBrand guide, the duo discussed the power and potential of using StoryBrand marketing techniques to foster business growth. Schonefeld shared his experiences in implementing these practices in his company, Ag Installers, highlighting how the clear, customer-focused messaging helped in enhancing brand recognition and customer engagement. On the other hand, Schultz provided her expert insights on the StoryBrand framework, emphasizing its ability to simplify complex ideas and create compelling narratives that resonate with customers.If you're interested in talking with one of our Business Relationship...
2023-10-04
31 min
The Immigration Guy
[REVISIT] Entrepreneurial Operating Systems Ft. Greg Schonefeld
Join Kyle this week as he sits down with CEO of Ag Installers, Greg Schonefeld! They talk about using core values, entrepreneurial operating systems, and foreign labor to grow your business.If you're interested in talking with one of our Business Relationship Developers about solving your business labor needs, click the link and fill out your contact information. We will get back to you shortly!Sign up for our free webinars using the links below:H2A: https://share.hsforms.com/1eHfHv447S_iuMUANi5jT4wbupb3H2B: https://share.hsforms.com/1KLC0MF6...
2023-09-20
40 min
The Immigration Guy
Entrepreneurial Operating Systems Ft. Greg Schonefeld
Join Kyle this week as he sits down with CEO of Ag Installers, Greg Schonefeld! They talk about using core values, entrepreneurial operating systems, and foreign labor to grow your business. If you're interested in talking with one of our Business Relationship Developers about solving your business labor needs, click the link and fill out your contact information. We will get back to you shortly!Sign up for our free webinars using the links below:H2A: https://share.hsforms.com/1eHfHv447S_iuMUANi5jT4wbupb3H2B: https://share.hsforms.com/1KLC0MF6...
2023-05-31
40 min