Meet Bianca Metallo, 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: 24
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo; pursuing master’s degree at Texas Tech University
Hometown: Berkeley, Calif.
Q. How did you become interested in pursuing a career in the swine industry?
A. I worked as a student employee at the Cal Poly Swine Unit during my junior and senior year, where I learned about all aspects of swine production. I was inspired by Ms. Morgan Wonderly, who manages the unit and is a swine production lecturer. She has become a mentor to me over the years. Her insight, dedication and joy are where I found my original interest in pursuing a career in the swine industry.
Q. Describe your internship experiences.
A. My original career goal was to be a veterinarian. I have had the opportunity to work as a vet tech assistant in both a shelter and mobile practice setting. Although my professional aspirations have shifted over the course of my education, the knowledge I gained from these internships provided a great foundation I still utilize today. I also worked at Cal Poly’s Animal Nutrition Center, Poultry Unit and Dairy Unit.
Q. Describe your undergraduate research experiences.
A. During my senior year of college, I took part in applied biotechnology research that evaluated the mammary cells of mice. For my senior project, I conducted research on the effect of commercial farrowing crates and free farrowing pens on sow behavior and piglet mortality. Both projects influenced my decision to pursue a master’s degree.
Q. Describe other swine-related experiences.
A. My undergraduate university, Cal Poly, hosts the California State FFA finals each year. I assisted in the management of the swine-specific competitions for two years. I have also enjoyed working as a teaching assistant for swine production classes both at Cal Poly and Texas Tech.
Q. Tell us about your current studies.
A. My master’s thesis research was recently published in Livestock Science. I am working on finishing my thesis and preparing to defend in early 2026. My research evaluated the effect of weaning piglets at approximately 21 and 28 days of age on physiological, behavioral and performance indicators of welfare. Our findings included information on piglets’ hematology, maintenance and aggressive behavior, and growth performance, and suggested some insightful differences between weaning at these two time points. Although I urge welfare scientists to continue conducting research on weaning age, as there is much more to learn, I believe this study can provide valuable scientific data that can help determine the ideal weaning age that will not only benefit the life experience of the pig, but the success of the producer.
Q. What is your generation’s greatest challenge?
A. There are many people, especially those in the younger generations, who may have little understanding of the swine industry and how their pork arrives at their local grocery store. Reconnecting folks to agriculture and increasing consumer education will certainly be a challenge for my generation, but it is a challenge I am ready to pursue enthusiastically. I find great joy in teaching others about the amazing community and animals I am blessed to work with in the swine industry.
Editor’s Note: Metallo is part of the National Pork Board’s Pork Scholars Program, intended to develop highly trained professionals who are dedicated to a career in the U.S. swine industry. The program includes a research component with a cooperating university, a practical on-farm experience with an industry cooperator and cross-training across more than one academic discipline (i.e. genetics and data science).
