CLEAR Conversations: Jennifer Shike on Telling Agriculture's Story

From swine health and emerging research to youth leadership and social media, Jennifer Shike has spent her career telling the stories behind the pork industry. But if you ask the host of The Pork Podcast what motivates her work, the answer isn't simply journalism—it's helping people better understand agriculture.

Shike joined the CLEAR Conversations podcast during the World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa, where researchers, veterinarians, producers and industry leaders gathered to discuss the latest innovations and challenges facing the swine industry.

"There have been a lot of conversations this week," Shike said. "One topic I've heard over and over again is PRRS."

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) remains one of the most significant health challenges facing pork producers. Shike said many producers had hoped for the seasonal lull the disease has historically taken during the summer months, but veterinarians at this year's expo warned that may not happen. While the challenge is significant, Shike also came away encouraged by the amount of research underway.

"There's a lot of conversation around how we can make pigs more resilient, help them recover more quickly, or ultimately eliminate PRRS," she said. "I think the science around gene editing and other new technologies is really exciting."

But for Shike, advances in research are only part of the story. Growing up in southeast Iowa, one of the country's largest swine-producing regions, agriculture was always part of her life. She showed livestock, competed on judging teams and eventually turned that passion into a career, first helping build the National Junior Swine Association before moving into communications roles at the University of Illinois and later Farm Journal. Along the way, she discovered another passion: translating science into stories people could understand.

"One of the things I really enjoyed was taking research from scientists and turning it into something producers and the general public could understand," she said.

That experience eventually led to The Pork Podcast, where Shike recently celebrated her 50th episode. Rather than simply discussing production practices or industry news, Shike hopes each episode gives listeners something they can apply to their farms—or their lives.

"I hope people walk away with something actionable," she said. "But I also hope I can tell the story behind the story."

That philosophy has shaped the guests she invites on the show. While many are respected researchers or industry leaders, Shike is often most interested in the experiences that audiences don't normally hear.

"I think it's easy to know someone from social media or from seeing them speak at a conference," she said. "But you don't really know their story."

That commitment to authentic storytelling also extends beyond the podcast. Shike believes agriculture has an important responsibility to meet consumers where they are—particularly on social media, where many young people form their opinions about farming and food production.

"We have to show up there because everybody else is," she said. "People are getting information on social media, whether it's correct or not. We need to make sure they know the truth."

Opening that window into agriculture helps bridge a growing disconnect between consumers and the farms that produce their food.

"It's easy to drive past a modern livestock barn and not understand what's happening inside," she said. "If the only thing people ever see is an activist video, that shapes their perception. We can't invite everyone onto our farms, but through videos, podcasts and social media, we can help people see what we actually do."

One example Shike points to is Dadson Farms, the California show pig family whose social media videos have attracted millions of viewers. While many people first discover the family through Karis Dadson's now-famous "stare" in the show ring, Shike says the real story is how they use their platform to educate.

"They have opportunities to be a voice for agriculture," she said. "They're answering questions from people who have no connection to farming, and they're doing it in a positive way."

Ultimately, Shike hopes those conversations continue to build trust between agriculture and consumers.

"I want people to realize what it takes to produce the food that's on their plate every day," she said. "Pork producers are incredibly resilient. They care deeply about their animals, they're always looking for ways to improve, and I want more people to know their story."