Popular Pig

Neogen is committed to fueling a brighter future for global food security through the advancement of human and animal well-being. Harnessing the power of science and technology, Neogen Corporation has developed comprehensive solutions spanning the Food Safety, Livestock and Pet Health & Wellness markets. A world leader in these fields, Neogen has a presence in over 140 countries with a dedicated network of scientists and technical experts focused on delivering optimized products and technology for its customers.

Anne Miller from Montana earned the Paulson-Whitmore Award for State Executives. Miller’s loyalty to Montana agriculture led her down the path as a dual state executive for the Montana Pork Association and Wyoming Pork Producers Council. Her notable accomplishments included volunteering on the committee that developed the We Care® Ethical Principles; serving on the committee to hire two National Pork Board CEOs; and advocating for pork quality with meat processors in the state.

Distinguished Service Award Winner Dr. Paul Sundberg retired in 2023 from his notable career, which included practicing veterinary medicine, working for national pork industry organizations and leading the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC). The award is selected by past presidents of the National Pork Board and recognizes individuals who have made invaluable contributions to the pork industry, going above and beyond what is expected of them.

Mandy Dutton was born on a cattle ranch in Montana, setting the foundation for a lifelong engagement with agriculture. Her family moved to a small town in the Colorado mountains during her early years, where they continued their ranching lifestyle. After completing high school, Mandy relocated to Wyoming, marking a shift from cattle to swine as she began her career in a swine facility. She progressed through various roles in the swine industry, including department lead, farm manager, production manager and recently promoted into senior production at Carthage System, where she continues to thrive in her career.

Mandy now lives in Moberly, Missouri, with her husband, their five children, and six grandchildren who are scattered in Missouri and Nebraska. A fervent traveler, she aspires to visit all 50 states with her husband; they have 16 states left to go. Cruises are their preferred mode of travel, providing cherished family memories with their biannual trips. Aside from travel, Mandy enjoys the country life, landscaping her property, spoiling her grandkids, and planning future vacations. Her deep commitment to her family, career, and hobbies highlights her dedication to both her personal and professional life.

Eddie Zamora is an international foodie, Cuban home cook and former Judge on the TV family competition series Dinner Takes All on BYUtv. The twelve episode series was produced by Keller/Noll, the creators of Food Network’s Chopped and Chopped Junior.

Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Eddie received inspiration from my parents both fled the island of Cuba for a better life in the United States.

His first broadcasting gig was as one of the hosts on an interactive Latino oriented talk show “Chat” on NBC Mun2. This international exposure to the Latino community inspired to always keep my Latin heritage close to heart to continue to connect with his roots.

After moving to Los Angeles Eddie began traveling the globe in search of foods, drinks, tastes, and places that inspire him. These travels motivated his self-taught cocktail and cooking career. TheYumYumFoodie is a platform to connect with brands and to share all of these experiences with his audience. He’s collaborated with several brands including Toyota, Lexus, Norwegian Cruise Line, Pepsi, American Airlines, Stella Artois, Got Milk, Napa Valley Vintners, The National Pork board, Don Francisco’s Coffee, Café La Llave, Johnsonville, Mazola, Cazadores Tequila, Angel’s Envy Bourbon, Marriott, Movember, and McCormick Spices to name a few. Currently the host of Apple Podcast’s top 30 food/drink podcast “Kill The Bottle” and is one of the judges on the BYUtv cooking competition show “Dinner Takes All.” Most recently he was one of the hosts of the NBC daytime food talk show “The Tastiness.”

His Latin passion and heritage are what inspire him to share foodie life or #VidaFoodie with the world. Eddie will always bring an honest, irreverent, and “No holds barred” approach to life and work.

@TheYumYumFoodie on Social:

Dakota Steber, Assistant Manager at Borgic Farms’ Newton Sow Farm in Illinois, has a deeply rooted connection to the agriculture sector, having been introduced to pig production at a very early age. Raised on the farm where his father worked, Dakota began assisting with chores when he was just six years old. Throughout his high school and college years, the farm remained a constant in his life. After a stint in the automotive industry in Alabama and serving six years in the United States Army Reserve, Dakota returned to his roots in 2018 to take on his current role.

Known for his humor, patience, and dedication, Dakota is lauded by colleagues for his effective training skills and commitment to animal welfare. He plays a pivotal role in integrating innovative technologies like the Pig Flow system into farm operations, enhancing both productivity and the work environment. His leadership skills are particularly noted in managing diverse teams and improving operational efficiencies across the farm.

Dakota lives with his partner, Desirae, and enjoys spending quality time with their children, Kholee, Sawyer, and Rylan. An integral part of the Borgic family, he values the familial atmosphere and the collective focus on team success.

Ed Tice, a native of the Texas Panhandle, has established his home in the heartland of America. For 20 years, he resided in Tipton, Indiana, and now lives in Story City, Iowa, with his wife Emily and their two children. Ed’s professional journey in the pork industry spans nearly three decades. His career began with Tyson Fresh Meats, where he contributed significantly as a Senior Hog Buyer and a Corporate Auditor for FarmCheck, Tyson’s animal welfare program. Following this, Ed expanded his expertise at United Animal Health, holding the position of Sales and Business Development Manager for Show Feed and UPPS.

In his local community, Ed has been an active member of the Tipton Co. 4-H Council for six years, serving as vice president for one year and president for four years. His involvement with the Indiana State Fair as the Crossbred Breed Manager for the Swine Barn spanned 15 years, further showcasing his dedication to the field.

Ed’s educational background includes attendance at Clarendon College in Clarendon, TX, and Tarleton State University in Stephenville, TX. Notably, he was part of the 1993 National Championship Livestock Judging Team while at Clarendon College. Outside of his professional and volunteer activities, Ed and his family are avid participants in showing purebred and crossbred livestock. They also enjoy attending their children’s various sporting events and school activities.

Mike Johanns was the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture from 2005-2007 as well as the Governor of Nebraska from 1999-2005 and the state’s U.S. Senator from 2009-2015. As alliantgroup’s Chairman of Agriculture, Johanns brings more than 30 years of experience at virtually every level of government and a strong background in both agriculture and economic development.

As the Secretary of Agriculture, he managed 18 different agencies, opened or expanded access to 40 international markets and was responsible for multiple agricultural breakthroughs as a negotosh.

Tim Taschner leads a team of agricultural experts and has completed hundreds of agricultural case studies involving farming, food processing and livestock production. To date, Tim and his team have found an estimated $150 million in federal and state R&D tax credits.

Dr. Dritz currently provides global technical support for PIC, the porcine division of Genus. PIC directly employs people in 18 countries worldwide and PIC products are available in more than 50 countries across the globe.

Previously, Dr. Dritz was a Professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University from 1995 until 2020.  He conducted on-farm research to characterize pig nutrient requirements and feeding management practices. Research projects included evaluating viral transmission through feed mills as well as mitigation and decontamination strategies and reducing the use of feed antimicrobials in swine production.

These areas all carry a common theme in that they involved field-based research leveraging an understanding of modern swine production systems and ability to use sophisticated experimental designs and analysis.  He has co-authored over 350 peer reviewed journal articles, 6 book chapters, and numerous other abstracts, extension reports and proceedings papers. Dr. Dritz advised 9 PhD and 2 MS graduate students as major professor and participated in training over 100 additional post graduate students.

Dr. Dritz received his D.V.M. degree in 1990 from the University of Minnesota and his Ph.D. in Swine Nutrition and Production in 1995 from Kansas State University.

Dr. Sergio Canavate was born in Spain and obtained his veterinarian degree from the University of Murcia. He started his career in the pork industry in Agropor SL, where he learned the core principles and values of pork production. In 2010 he joined PIC Spain, and since then, he has shown willingness to embrace new changes.  In 2013, he moved to the United States with his family, where he joined the PIC North America Technical Service team, mentored by Dr. Juan Carlos Pinilla. Over the past 11 years, he has had the privilege to work closely with  large systems in North America and Europe, gaining unique experience and a broader view of pork industry from customers, colleagues and teammates.

During this time, he has grown professionally, gaining responsibilities, and performing various roles within PIC. Sergio is currently the North America Technical Service Reproduction Director. He and his team are responsible for providing the best customer support in all areas related to site 1 and reproduction.

Dr Saskia Bloemhof-Abma was born in the Netherlands and has a MSc and PhD in Animal breeding and genetics from Wageningen University. Saskia joined PIC in 2013 as a geneticist and is currently the Genetic Services Director for both North and Latin America. Additionally, she still provides genetic support to Dutch customers in Europe.