The Poultry Leadership Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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A blue jacket can change a life. We sit down with Michigan FFA state officer and MSU agribusiness student William Rogers to trace how one classroom broiler project became a launchpad for leadership, real business skills, and a clear career path in modern agriculture and the poultry supply chain. From public speaking nerves to state office, William breaks down the steps that built his confidence—and why those same steps create standout talent for integrators, suppliers, and agtech teams.

We unpack what FFA looks like now: an intracurricular program where Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) act as living resumes. William’s diversified livestock and crop projects taught record keeping, marketing, and financials using AET, the kind of data literacy that translates directly to farm management software, compliance, and precision ag tools. He explains how sales is really about relationships, how meeting procedure shapes executive presence, and why learning technology works best with hands-on mentorship—whether that’s drone mapping, equipment operation, or live budgeting.

This conversation shines a light on inclusion and opportunity. You don’t need a farm to find a home in FFA; photography, mechanics, research, logistics, and marketing all connect to agriculture’s ecosystem. We explore leadership conferences, the power of community service, and the mindset employers prize most: a willingness to learn and a willingness to work. If you’re a parent searching for a path for your student, a hiring manager looking for doers with initiative, or an alum ready to give back, you’ll find practical ways to plug in—from local alumni groups to statewide events and national summits.

If this story could help one student find direction, share it with them. And if you enjoyed the show, subscribe, leave a review, and pass it along to a friend who needs to hear what FFA can unlock.

Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Commercial Accounts - Prism Controls
The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls
Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

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What if your hen house burned tonight—would your plan hold? We sit down with Brett Cohrs, CRM and Senior Vice President at Palomar Insurance, to unpack what’s really changing in poultry insurance and how leaders can turn risk management into a competitive edge. From rate softening for large layered property programs to tighter appetites for smaller growers, Brett explains why deductibles are climbing, which choices actually move premiums, and how to prepare your balance sheet for higher retention without jeopardizing growth.

We get specific about fire risk in modern barns. Annual infrared scanning, true 100‑foot separation, and two‑hour fire doors in corridors and processing areas now sit at the center of underwriting scrutiny. Cage‑free has multiplied exposure: bigger single‑site values, more motors and controls, and dust acting as fine fuel. We talk through why control systems built to protect birds can unintentionally feed a blaze, and how purpose‑built barn technology can detect abnormal heat, trigger early response, and keep a local incident from becoming a total loss.

Beyond property, Brett maps the risk terrain producers often overlook: product recall in decentralized models, employment practices liability as regulations shift, cyber exposures to connected controls, and the market shocks that turn a covered loss into a larger business interruption claim. He shares practical guidance for building a winning submission—accurate valuations, defensible BI calculations, documented maintenance, and clear contingencies for parts, graders, and egg sourcing—plus scenario exercises every manager should run before renewal.

If you lead an egg or poultry operation, this conversation will help you decide where to invest first, which practices underwriters reward, and how to design a program that survives bad days and funds growth on good ones. Subscribe, share with your team, and leave a review with the one change you’ll make next week to improve your farm’s risk posture.

Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Commercial Accounts - Prism Controls
The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls
Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

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A gentle voice with decades of wisdom, Mohamed Mousa reveals how his childhood experience of losing baby chicks in Egypt became the foundation for revolutionary animal welfare practices that transformed an entire industry.

From tending a small flock by the Nile River to implementing poultry management systems across the globe, Mohamed's 40-year journey contains profound lessons about leadership, compassion, and the unexpected connection between profitability and proper animal care. "Animal welfare is always a money maker for the business," he explains, challenging conventional thinking that treats ethics and economics as opposing forces.

Mohamed opens up about the mentors who shaped his philosophy—particularly Dr. Nagel, who shared knowledge with one condition: "You have to pass this to others." This commitment to knowledge transfer has become Mohamed's life mission. "I don't own this knowledge," he reflects. "It's borrowed information I have to lend to somebody else." His relationship with Herbruck's Farms owner Stephen Herbruck—founder of what is now Prism Controls—shows how visionary leadership can elevate entire organizations when values align.

Perhaps most powerful is Mohamed's approach to mistakes. Rather than seeing errors as termination-worthy offenses, he views them as "the best teaching moments ever." Through his own painful story of losing birds to a tripped breaker, he demonstrates how analyzing failures can lead to systemic improvements and deeper commitment.

For young professionals, Mohamed's message is clear: develop genuine passion for the animals, understand their needs deeply, build strong teams through listening, and recognize that food production carries responsibility to both animals and consumers. As he approaches his 72nd year with no retirement plans, his definition of purpose remains beautifully simple: "Life is about serving others."

Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Commercial Accounts - Prism Controls
The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls
Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

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Ever wondered how the chicken on your plate became so efficient to produce? The answer lies in cutting-edge genetic science happening behind the scenes at companies like Cobb-Ventress. Brandon Mulnix sits down with William Herring, Vice President of Cobb-Ventress, at the Animal Ag Tech Innovation Summit in Dallas to uncover the fascinating intersection of artificial intelligence, camera technology, and poultry genetics.

With experience spanning beef cattle, pork, and now broiler chicken genetics, Herring brings unique cross-species perspective to genetic improvement. He walks us through Cobb's three-pronged approach to innovation: developing new genetic products, implementing cutting-edge science in their ongoing breeding programs, and staying ahead of scientific breakthroughs. The conversation reveals how every bird in their breeding program receives its own "social security number" and has countless traits measured to determine which individuals will create the next generation of broilers.

The most captivating revelations come when Herring details how AI and camera technology are revolutionizing trait measurement. Traditional subjective scoring systems are being replaced with precision phenotyping that can analyze bird locomotion and even monitor mating behavior to address industry-wide hatchability challenges. We also get an inside look at Cobb's impressive "Proving Grounds" facility where they can test 40,000 breeding females simultaneously and produce 100,000 broiler eggs weekly for evaluation. Their relationship with parent company Tyson Foods allows for comprehensive meat quality assessment, creating what Herring calls a complete "playbook" for each new genetic product.

Facing a future where beef prices reach record highs and pork supplies fluctuate due to African Swine Fever, Herring predicts continued global growth for poultry. For aspiring leaders, he emphasizes building teams with individuals smarter than yourself who can execute at high levels. Listen now for a fascinating glimpse into the technology shaping our food future and the leadership principles guiding agricultural innovation.

Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Commercial Accounts - Prism Controls
The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls
Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

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John Graham's life reads like an adventure novel, but with a profound transformation at its core. At just 17, he left behind his sheltered existence in Tacoma, Washington, for a summer job on a freighter bound for the Far East. That voyage would set him on a path of increasingly dangerous adventures spanning decades and continents.

Graham recounts harrowing experiences with remarkable candor – mountain climbing expeditions where avalanches narrowly missed him, hitchhiking through war zones, and navigating political revolutions. His seemingly insatiable hunger for adrenaline led him to the U.S. Foreign Service, where he strategically positioned himself in the divisions handling wars and revolutions, primarily in Africa and Asia.

The turning point came during the Vietnam War. As Graham orchestrated desperate measures during a battle for the city of Hue, he experienced a profound moral awakening: "I didn't give a damn about this war... The only thing that mattered to me was fulfilling my own needs for taking risks." This realization began a transformation that would redirect his considerable skills and courage toward humanitarian work.

His most dramatic moment of reckoning occurred years later during the sinking of the cruise ship Prinsendam in the Gulf of Alaska. Trapped in a lifeboat during a typhoon with rescue chances dwindling, Graham had what he describes as a spiritual confrontation that cemented his commitment to meaningful service. Following his miraculous rescue, he joined forces with his wife Ann Medlock at the Giraffe Heroes Project, where they've spent over 40 years telling stories of people who "stick their necks out" for the common good.

Now in his 80s, Graham offers wisdom that transcends political divisions: "There's no more important quest for anybody than our personal lives being meaningful." His journey from self-serving adventurer to humanitarian reminds us that finding purpose through service creates bridges across even the deepest divides. What will you do to make your life meaningful?

Links - Giraffe Heroes Project

John Graham - https://www.johngraham.org/

Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Commercial Accounts - Prism Controls
The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls
Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

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Jay Halliday of Vaxinova joins host Brandon Molnix for a heartfelt conversation about servant leadership that goes far beyond traditional management advice. Their candid exchange dives into how leadership principles transform not just workplaces but every human relationship.

Jay shares his unexpected journey into agriculture through his language skills, which launched him into an international business development role requiring extensive global travel. While professionally exhilarating, this schedule created personal challenges that taught him valuable lessons about balance and priorities. His revelation came through discovering servant leadership and specifically the "Coach Approach" - learning to ask "what does your gut tell you?" instead of always providing answers. This simple shift empowers others and builds genuine ownership and passion.

The discussion takes a compelling turn as they explore how asking better questions transforms relationships. Brandon and Jay reveal how changing "how was your day?" to "what was a win today?" creates deeper connections with children, team members, and even bosses. They unpack the importance of aligning people's natural talents with appropriate roles, using frameworks like "get it, want it, capacity to do it" to ensure everyone thrives in their position.

Perhaps most powerfully, Jay opens up about his personal growth journey toward humility, offering his favorite definition: "Humility isn't thinking less of yourself—it's thinking of yourself less." This vulnerability creates space for listeners to reflect on their own leadership approach, whether they lead teams, families, or simply influence those around them.

What leadership principles have transformed your relationships? Have you discovered the power of asking better questions? Join the conversation and share your experiences with the Poultry Leadership community.

Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Commercial Accounts - Prism Controls
The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls
Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

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What drives you to get out of bed each morning? Is it just to collect a paycheck, or is there something deeper fueling your motivation? Brian Bosché, author of "The Purpose Factor," never expected his life to take such a dramatic turn. After achieving his dream job as a national journalist only to lose it a year later—along with his marriage ending and unresolved childhood trauma surfacing—Brian found himself in a dark depression searching for meaning.

This crisis led him to develop a revolutionary approach to purpose discovery. Rather than viewing purpose as some mystical revelation that comes while backpacking through Europe or staring at sunsets, Brian created a systematic process that delivers clarity in just 20-25 minutes. His definition cuts through the confusion: "Purpose is the best of what you have to help others."

Throughout our conversation, Brian dismantles common myths about purpose. It's not your job title—a lesson he learned painfully when his broadcasting career abruptly ended. It's not simply following your passion, which he defines as "a barely controllable emotion" and therefore an unreliable decision-making tool. Instead, purpose functions as your primary decision-making framework, helping you consistently experience fulfillment by contributing your unique combination of natural abilities, acquired skills, and personal wisdom.

The impact extends beyond personal satisfaction. Google's Project Aristotle found purpose-centered teams were 300% more effective than their counterparts. Yet many remain stuck in what Brian calls "the miserable normal," preferring familiar discomfort over uncertain growth. He reveals how childhood experiences of rejection create adult fears that manifest as people-pleasing, perfectionism, and procrastination—all barriers to purpose-driven living.

Whether you're knee-deep in the daily challenges of leadership or questioning your life's direction, this episode offers practical wisdom for experiencing fulfillment on demand. As Brian reminds us, in a world increasingly dominated by social media and AI, our greatest differentiator will be our ability to create authentic human connections while giving our best to others.

Ready to discover your purpose? Visit purposetest.com for Brian's assessment or grab "The Purpose Factor" on Amazon—and join the community of purpose-driven leaders transforming themselves and those around them.

https://www.thepurposefactor.com/

Brian Bosché-https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianbosche/

Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Commercial Accounts - Prism Controls
The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls
Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

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Eric Rupnow's journey through agriculture—from his roots in Wisconsin to his role at J&D Manufacturing—reveals how ventilation technology transforms livestock operations across species. Driven by a passion for creating optimal environments where animals thrive, Rupnow brings practical solutions to complex airflow challenges in poultry, swine, and dairy facilities.

The conversation dives deep into why ventilation serves as an "unpaid employee" on farms when implemented correctly. Drawing from real-world examples, Rupnow shares the story of a dairy operation that virtually eliminated calf treatments after switching to tunnel ventilation—challenging conventional wisdom about keeping young animals warm at any cost. Similarly, a poultry producer in the Southwest saves approximately $20,000 monthly through strategic fan placement and high-efficiency motors that paid for themselves within six months.

What makes J&D's approach unique is their development of integrated solutions specifically designed for modern challenges like cage-free housing. Their light trap combination systems maintain clean interior walls while optimizing airflow, demonstrating how innovative engineering responds to industry evolution. The company partners with complementary technology providers rather than attempting to master everything, ensuring farmers receive best-in-class complete systems.

Looking toward the future, Rupnow envisions more precise control systems, filtered positive pressure applications to combat airborne diseases, and continued innovation across species. Perhaps most valuable is his advice to challenge traditional approaches—even when you think you have the right answer. This mindset has led to breakthrough solutions for problems farmers didn't know they had.

The discussion highlights the critical importance of involving barn-level staff in equipment shows and innovation processes. These frontline workers often identify problems and solutions that might be missed by management. Their practical experience proves invaluable when developing ventilation systems that truly deliver on-farm results.

Whether you're operating a massive integrated operation or a small specialty farm, understanding how air moves through your facilities could be the difference between struggling and thriving. Reach out to ventilation specialists who can help analyze your specific challenges and develop solutions that improve animal health, worker satisfaction, and ultimately, your bottom line.

Check out J&D Manufacturing - https://jdmfg.com/

Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Commercial Accounts - Prism Controls
The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls
Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

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A simple yet profound question sparked a movement that continues to transform lives across continents: "What if I raised chickens to help my friends back home?" When 8-year-old Biruk Van De Stroet posed this question to his adoptive parents in Iowa, no one could have predicted the remarkable journey that would unfold over the next eleven years.

Having been adopted from Ethiopia where he once survived by rushing into restaurants to eat strangers' leftovers before being chased away, Biruk carried with him an unshakable concern for those he'd left behind. His childlike solution? Start with eight chickens (he was eight years old, after all). His farmer father gently amended the plan: "Raising eight, raising a hundred, pretty close." From this humble beginning, Biruk's Egg Project has grown to nearly 2,000 chickens, generating funds that have revolutionized life in his Ethiopian village.

The project now provides monthly allowances for 75 children, ensuring they can attend school and meet basic needs without resorting to the survival tactics Biruk once employed. Beyond individual support, the initiative has funded crucial infrastructure—a birthing clinic eliminates the need for pregnant women to walk an hour for care, and a vocational school teaching practical trades like woodworking and computer skills that create sustainable livelihoods.

Throughout our conversation, Biruk's wisdom belies his youth. Having recently spent a summer reconnecting with his Ethiopian heritage and witnessing firsthand the impact of his work, he speaks with profound gratitude and humility: "I get way too much credit. Really, we should be praising God." As he prepares to study finance at Iowa State University, his vision extends far beyond the chicken coops of Iowa. "My purpose is to help people," he explains, "and I feel like we all have that calling wherever we are in our stages of life. Either you're 80 years old or you're eight years old, there is always something for you to do."

What calling might you be hearing? What impact could your first step of obedience create? Biruk's remarkable journey reminds us that age is no barrier to world-changing leadership. Connect with Biruk's Egg Project on Facebook or at https://www.birukseggproject.org/ to learn more or support their mission.

Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Commercial Accounts - Prism Controls
The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls
Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

Send us a text

Legendary poultry industry pioneer Jim Dean shares his remarkable journey, from a challenging childhood to a thriving career in the egg industry. With grit and determination, Jim made the tough choice to leave school early, supporting his family and ultimately building a successful career. His candid reflections on his experiences, including his time in Vietnam, reveal invaluable lessons on resilience and the power of learning through lived experiences.

Discover the entrepreneurial spirit that sparked the creation of Fremont Farms and so many more. Our discussion highlights the innovative strategies an entrepreneur used to tackle industry challenges, such as market volatility and cultural shifts after the loss of a mentor at the Boomsma Company. By aligning shared values with strategic partnerships and adapting to market demands, he navigated acquisitions and expansions with finesse, ensuring stability and continued success in the egg industry.

Explore the dynamics of leadership and growth in a family-run business through insights from a unique perspective—a non-family board member. We delve into overcoming procrastination, learning from mistakes, and addressing unforeseen challenges like avian influenza. The conversation offers a glimpse into the Versova Group's philanthropic efforts, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community. Jim Dean's passion for leadership, hard work, and education shines through as he underscores the crucial role of preparing the next generation for the demands of animal agriculture.

https://www.versova.com/our-foundation/

Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Commercial Accounts - Prism Controls
The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls
Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com