How One Student is Using Image Analysis to Increase the Genetic Potential of Pigs
Meet Zack Peppmeier, our latest addition to Farm Journal's PORK's Up & Coming Leaders feature. We are showcasing some of the fresh, new voices of the pork industry who combine innovative thought and work ethic with scientific savvy and a passion to make a difference.
Age: 27
Education: Associate’s degree, Southwestern Community College; Bachelor’s degree, Iowa State University; master’s degree and currently pursing Ph.D. at North Carolina State University
Hometown: Creston, Iowa
Q. How did you become interested in pursuing a career in the swine industry?
A. My passion for and desire to work in the swine industry developed through my involvement on my family’s diversified livestock farm.
Q. How have internships provided you with direction?
A. During my time at Iowa State, I had the opportunity to intern with several companies, including Iowa Select Farms, Tyson Foods, Topigs Norsvin and Zoetis in commercial production, pork procurement and research. While at NC State, I have interned with and collaborated with Smithfield Premium Genetics on projects focusing on genetic evaluation. These internships have provided me with extensive experience on both the live and meat side of the swine industry. They have taught me so much and allowed me to further develop my passion for the industry.
Q. Describe any undergraduate research experiences you’ve had.
A. In undergrad, I participated in Science with Practice, a program where students could select a professor to conduct research with. I learned skills in coding and image analysis that I continue to utilize today with my current projects.
Q. Describe any other swine-related experiences you’ve had.
A. As a youth, I was active in both 4-H and FFA, showing pigs at the county and state fair levels. However, once I got into high school, I began raising my own pigs. I owned as many as 10 sows which I used for both show and commercial, selling the majority of the pigs to local consumers.
Q. Tell us about your current research.
A. As a Ph.D. candidate, my research involves the data collection, development and validation of image processing algorithms to aid in the evaluation and selection of market and breeding swine. My research has the potential to quickly and accurately obtain traits to aid in genetic selection, saving the producer on labor and increasing the genetic potential of the herd.
Q. What is your generation’s greatest challenge?
A. When I think of the swine industry and challenges my generation faces as we enter, the first topic that comes to mind is labor. There are two different strategies when it comes to improving labor shortages: reduce labor needs on the farm or improve strategies of finding and retaining skilled labor. Reducing labor needs on the farm can be accomplished by developing and implementing easy to use technologies to aid in production practices. While strategies to find and retain skilled labor may include improving workplace culture or providing competitive compensation. Both routes for improving labor shortages have proven to be difficult. However, I am hopeful the industry will continue to improve as it is crucial for the future of the industry.
Read More:
A Quest to Improve Profitability for U.S. Pig Farmers
