The 2022 Merck Animal Health Consumer Transparency Survey found that two-thirds of consumers believe transparency in animal protein is extremely or very important. Learn more about the survey and hear the latest research insights from guests Justin Cook, US Consumer Products Research leader, Deloitte Services, and Maggie O’Quinn, Midan Marketing.

Caring for Animals & Creating Trust
Today’s global consumers are very clear in their demand for safe, affordable, and sustainable protein. To continue to meet these rising expectations requires both leadership and collaboration with food chain stakeholders, academia, and the veterinary community. Merck Animal Health is pleased to amplify the voices of leaders throughout the protein supply chain on the Veterinary & Consumer Affairs Team podcast, Caring for Animals and Creating Trust.

Steak & Eggs!
Certified Angus Beef CEO, John Stika, and Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board discuss challenges facing the beef and egg industries – rising input costs, supply challenges and consumer demands for transparency as we celebrate National Beef and National Egg Month.

Celebrating National Ag Day
In celebration of the 50th National Ag Day, Caring for Animals & Creating Trust welcomes environmental scientist and dairy farmer Tara Vander Dussen to the podcast along with fellow advocate for agriculture, Brandi Buzzard, Kansas “cowgirl” and cattle rancher. Together they answer all questions “cattle”.

2023 Outlook in Food & Agriculture
2023 promises to be another year of challenge and change. Roxi Beck, Center for Food Integrity director of consumer engagement, and Future of Ag podcast host Tim Hammerich answer questions and discuss challenges facing the food supply chain – including inflation, labor shortages, higher input costs and increasing consumer expectations.
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Consumers, Transparency & Food
We Wish Consumers Knew…
Consumers want transparency from the food value chain – and the backstories of farmers and food brands. Cattle veterinarian and advocate for agriculture, Tera Barnhart, DVM, and cattle rancher, social influencer and co-creator of Elevate Ag, Natalie Kovarik, share tips with listeners for sharing their backstories to build consumer trust.
Critical! Shortage of Veterinarians
Guests delve into what’s causing the shortage of veterinarians for companion animals and livestock – and what can be done about it. Dr. Justin Welsh, Merck Animal Health; Dr. Carlos Risco, Dean, Oklahoma State College of Veterinary Medicine; Rebecca Barnett, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture; Leyton Becker, Merck Animal Health Veterinary Student Ambassador.
Sharing the Dairy Sustainability Story with Consumers
June is Dairy Month and we’re looking at sustainability from farm to table. Industry experts Jamie Jonker, National Milk Producers Federation, Andy Harig, Food Marketing Institute, and Tara Vander Dussen, environmental scientist and dairywoman discuss how we can engage from farm to fork and bring consumers with us on the sustainability journey.
Meeting Consumer Expectations for Transparency in Animal Protein
Consumers want more information than ever before about food, and concerns about sustainability, nutrition and food safety, animal welfare and labeling are driving their demands for transparency from farm to table. Listen as cultural anthropologist Cheryl Auger and Jim Lanier, HEB Grocery, dig into the complex topic of consumers and transparency.
Celebrating Women in Agriculture
Three outstanding leaders share their experiences and discuss progress and opportunities to support and elevate women in agriculture, the veterinary profession and throughout the industry. Cattle Empire CEO Trista Brown Priest, Terri Moore, American Farm Bureau Federation VP of Communication and Dr. Marissa Hake, Fairlife Director of Animal Welfare and Sustainable Farming.
2022 Food Industry Outlook: Collaboration + Innovation
It’s year three of the pandemic and the food value chain faces ongoing challenges and evolving consumer wants and needs. Jessica Clowser-Burkham, Beef Alliance, and Craig Wilson, Costco, discuss how collaboration and innovation can help all segments of the industry navigate challenges and pivot to meet new consumer demands.
Harnessing the Power of the Human-Animal Bond
The bond between pets and their people is not just something we “think” we experience but is actually backed by science that shows the benefits of our relationships with animals. Join veterinarians Jen Chatfield, “Dr. Jen,” and Taylor Tillery, Merck Animal Health, as they discuss the powerful Human-Animal bond.
Technology + Transparency = Consumer Trust
Consumers have access to information literally at their fingertips, and they expect transparency to help make purchase decisions. Join Food Marketing Institute’s Andrew Harig and Merck Animal Health Intelligence leader Paul Koffman as they discuss transparency, partnerships in the food supply chain and how technology can bring it all together.
Does Your Pet Have a ‘Pawblem’ Being Home Alone?
Learn to recognize and manage separation anxiety
Are You Taking Care of Yourself?
August is National Wellness month, so we dive into an aspect of health and wellness that may be overlooked: Our mental health. Join Dr. Elizabeth Strand, MSSW, PhD., University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, and Judson Vasconcelos, DVM, PhD., Merck Animal Health Veterinary and Consumer Affairs, as we explore ways to manage stress.
The Role of Protein in a Healthy, Balanced Diet
Every day we are faced with food choices and bombarded with information. Choosing what’s “good” for us can be challenging. Jane Dukes, Merck Animal Health Veterinary & Consumer Affairs, talks with Kim Kichherr, MS, RDN, about the importance of balance and choice in a healthy diet and keeping animal protein on the plate.
A Collaborative Approach to Sustainability
Continuous improvement in sustainability requires engaging communities and critics to understand priorities and expectations. Join Dr. Angela Basinger, animal welfare lead for Merck Animal Health North America, and Nicole Johnson-Hoffman, senior VP and chief sustainability officer, OSI Group and discover how you can contribute to the continuous improvement of agriculture in raising sustainable food.
Ensuring Animal Welfare in our Shelters
Animal welfare is the foundation to ensure pets find forever homes as physically/emotionally sound dogs and cats. Dr. Angela Baysinger, Animal Welfare lead for Merck Animal Health North America, talks with Dr. Jyothi Robertson, board-certified veterinarian in shelter medicine to broaden your view of shelters to help improve animal welfare and strengthen local communities.
Navigating a Crisis…Before it Happens
Just as we couldn’t predict a global pandemic, we also can’t predict when a crisis will hit the farm or ranch. Jane Dukes, Merck Animal Health Veterinary & Consumer Affairs, talks with Hannah Thompson-Weeman, VP Communications for the Animal Agriculture Alliance, to provide critical components of a crisis management plan.
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