Episode 1.8: The Biosecurity Breakdown

The Barnyard Broadcast

Welcome back, everyone! Thank you for tuning into the Barnyard Broadcast! In this episode, we will be talking about the many aspects of biosecurity. We talk about animals, people, and everything in between. If you have ever wanted a look into what biosecurity is all about, this episode is for you! We are delighted to have on the podcast Genevieve Christ, Hannah Walters, and Craig Williams! Please check out their bios below! As always, if you have any questions about biosecurity or any other livestock topic, please reach out to your local livestock educator or visit extension.psu.edu. I will also link some of the resources that are available that outline more about biosecurity and biosecurity planning!

Secure Beef Supply: https://www.securebeef.org/

Secure Lamb and Wool: https://securesheepwool.org/

PA Beef Quality Assurance: https://www.pa-bqa.org/

PA Center for Livestock and Poultry Excellence: https://www.poultryandlivestockexcellence.org/

PA Center for Beef Excellence: https://www.beefexcellence.com/

Please keep an eye out for our next episode, which airs July 2nd!

Guest Bios

Genevieve Christ- Genevieve Christ is an extension educator for The Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training at Penn State Extension. She received her B.S. from Penn State in Agricultural Science with minors in Agronomy and Animal Science and an M.S. from Iowa State in Agronomy. Her work experience has been a mix of Conservation and Extension Education. She grew up on a small farm in western Pennsylvania and has been deeply connected to agriculture her whole life.

Hannah Walters- Hannah Walters is the Director of Producer Education and Engagement for the Pennsylvania Beef Council, as well as the State Beef Quality Assurance Coordinator. She has organized several hands-on biosecurity workshops for producers throughout the state and currently serves on the National Secure Beef Supply Advisory Committee. Hannah is passionate about helping producers achieve their operational goals. She and her husband, along with their two boys, live on her family's farm in Western Pennsylvania, where they maintain a small cow/calf herd.

J. Craig Williams- J. Craig Williams graduated from Penn State University in 1986 and has worked most of his career there since 1990. J. Craig Williams has been an educator for 35 years, teaching youth and adult programs on Agriculture and livestock education. Craig has coordinated the Tioga County Dairy 4-H Programs and Adult educational events. Craig conducts on-farm research and demonstration programs, including corn and soybean variety trials, calf growth programs, and dairy barn ventilation programs. He has led the dairy risk management and farm bill education programs for the PSU dairy team. Craig also leads and serves as a mortality composting educator, securing USDA-APHIS grants for training. He has served 8 years on the committee for the International Symposium on Animal Mortality Management. Craig is actively involved in the Pennsylvania and the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. He has served as the National President.