Popular Pig

Kyle Schulte, originally from Norway, Iowa, has built a career rooted in agricultural excellence and innovation. He earned a B.S. in Agricultural Studies (2007) and an M.S. in Animal Science (2010) from Iowa State University, where his master’s thesis, “An Evaluation of Equipment and Procedures for the Prediction of Intramuscular Fat in Live Swine,” advanced knowledge in swine science. While at Iowa State, Kyle was actively involved in Alpha Gamma Rho Agricultural and Professional Fraternity, the Livestock Judging Team, and the Block and Bridle Club.

Kyle’s career began at Biotronics, Inc., providing technical service and sales support for swine ultrasound technology, where he focused on live animal and carcass measurement of body composition traits and loin intramuscular fat. He then joined The Maschhoffs, taking on multiple leadership roles including production research technician, genetic research farm manager, gilt multiplication production manager, and wean-to-finish production manager. Later, at Ralco Agriculture, he supported swine and poultry diet formulation, coordinated swine research farms, and authored technical research reports.

Today, Kyle is a Production Partner (contract grower) with The Maschhoffs and the owner of Riverside Agriculture LLC, a swine production management and agricultural construction company employing 25 team members. In addition, he operates a show pig business, raising 30 crossbred and purebred Spot sows.

Kyle lives in Oakford, Illinois, with his wife, Rachel Schulte, DVM, and their four daughters—Reagan, Kendra, Madeline, and Corinn.

John Carroll is a managing partner of Carroll Family Farms, a multi-generational farming operation with roots in the U.S. and expansion into Brazil. Known for his strategic vision, John has built a globally integrated operation focused on long-term value, operational excellence, and leadership. His work reflects a deep respect for the land, and a dedication to building a legacy through innovation and hard work.

Lindsay Case is a senior leader in the global livestock genetics industry, where she directs the commercialization strategy for the world’s first PRRS-resistant pig. She has more than a decade of experience translating genetic innovations into practical solutions for producers worldwide and leads global go-to-market efforts to ensure this breakthrough technology delivers value across the pork production chain. Lindsay also oversees PIC’s sustainability initiatives, including advancing Genetic Carbon as a novel environmental value for the pork industry as well as driving PIC’s internal carbon reduction strategies.

Dr. DeDecker received her Ph.D. in swine well-being at the University of Illinois in 2011 and then started her career with Smithfield Foods.

Currently Senior Director of Research and Extension for Smithfield Hog Production, Dr. DeDecker oversees applied research in all disciplines of swine production with the goal to identify cost effective solutions that can be implemented at the farm level using Extension services and outreach.

Dr. Joel DeRouchey grew up on a diversified purebred swine, cattle and sheep operation in Pukwana, S.D. He graduated with his Animal Science degree from South Dakota State University in 1997 and his M.S. (1999) and Ph.D. (2001) in Swine Nutrition from Kansas State University. He is currently full professor and State Animal Science Extension Program Leader and has a 50% Extension and 50% Research appointment.

Joel works with the productive K-State Applied Swine Nutrition Team that mentors graduate and undergraduate students, works directly with producers to provide up-to-date information and focuses on generating information with direct industry application. Joel has been named the National ASAS Outstanding Extension Specialist, AFIA Nonruminant Nutrition Research Award, North Central Region Excellence in 4-H Volunteerism Award, and South Dakota State University Distinguished Young Alumni.

Joel and his wife, Julene, have three children James, Jenna and Jacob and currently lives on a small farm near Wamego, KS.

Ton Kramer holds both master’s and doctorate degrees in Animal Science focused on Swine Locomotion and Health from Federal University of Paraná in Brazil. He has MBAs in Business Management and Project Management from Fundação Getúlio Vargas and a postgraduate degree in Marketing from Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing. Ton has also held leadership roles in the Brazilian Association of Veterinary Specialists in Swine. Currently, he serves as the South American Business Manager at Zinpro.

Willem Steyn is a distinguished Nutritionist and the Founder and Owner of SwiNE Nutrition Management Pty Ltd, a reputable nutrition consultancy company based in South Africa and The Netherlands. With a profound passion for animal nutrition and an extensive international network, he has devoted his career in aiding pig farmers in unleashing the genetic potential of their livestock. Willem’s expertise and substantial contributions have left an indelible mark on the agricultural sector, with a distinct focus on the swine industry.

Yolande Seddon is an associate professor in swine behaviour and the Enhancement Chair in Swine Welfare at the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Yolande leads a research group in Saskatoon, Canada, and provides animal welfare consultation for swine industry groups. Her academic training is in applied ethology (animal behaviour) and the scientific assessment of animal welfare, with a PhD in finisher pig health management (Newcastle University, UK).

Her research mandate is to contribute science to help develop lasting solutions to swine welfare challenges and to support sustainable farming practices. Her areas of research include management of gestating sows in group-housing, the economics of higher welfare free-farrowing systems, weaner transport, environmental enrichment, and the development of improved methods of swine welfare assessment.

Dr. Lauren Glowzenski, VMD, is a 2016 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, and has been a swine exclusive practitioner for over a decade. With experience in all phases of production, from birth to market, Dr. Glowzenski has previous experience working for TriOak Foods (JBS USA) and Tyson Foods. She currently works for Pipestone Veterinary Services where she provides care for client farms throughout the Midwest.

After studying at the Faculty of Agrifood, Forestry, and Engineering at the University of Lleida, Oscar Toledano worked as a production manager on large pig farms. Twenty-four years ago, he joined Rotecna, where he has had the opportunity to collaborate with pig production and farm construction companies in more than 80 countries. Mr. Toledano has experience as a speaker at national and international events and has also written technical articles on current topics related to the pig industry.

Tyler Leete grew up around the Genetics side of the swine industry. Following graduation from Iowa State University with a degree in Animal Science and Minor in Meat Science. He worked as a Genetic Technician for a large swine genetics company. He then dove into the research side of the industry, followed by joining a large Integrator as a Genetic Supervisor on multiple sow units at the multiplication and nucleus sow farm levels before taking on a role collection, troubleshooting, and validating packing plant and trail data. Tyler then served two years as an independent contractor managing 10,000 nursery spaces before joining Rotecna in 2024.