Why Swine Science Online May Be What You Are Looking For

(National Pork Board and the Pork Checkoff)

A first-of-its-kind undergraduate program, Swine Science Online, allows students who have a specific interest in swine science an opportunity to pursue a specific undergraduate degree.

Just ask Pavel Danil, a farrowing supervisor for the Nelson County Pig Cooperative in Lakota, N.D. 

"I recently took part in Swine Science Online, which is an educational and training program for future pork professionals," he said on the Swine Science Online website. "I am from the Republic of Moldova, where we have a different production system. After working on a farm in America, I wanted to learn more about how pigs are raised in the United States so I could improve and better care for animals in my care."

He was encouraged to check out the Swine Science Online program and says anyone who wants to make a career in pork production should take these courses. 

"The courses helped me become a better farrowing supervisor, which has allowed me to move up in my company. It makes a big difference when you sit at the table and know what your boss is talking about," Danil said online.

According to the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence, this educational and training program for future pork professionals who will help benefit the pork industry by inspiring career interest through academic exercise and application.

"The vision of Swine Science Online is to ensure the pork industry is led and managed by individuals who have a broad educational and production experiences which have prepared them for these roles," the website said.

Swine Science Online teaches scientific principles and management skills involved in pork production for an efficient and sustainable operation. The courses are delivered via distance education to universities across the country through AG IDEA. Participating universities include Iowa State University, North Carolina State University, South Dakota State University and the University of Missouri.

If your university is not currently partnered with AG IDEA, students can enroll in courses at any of the universities that are listed above.  Credits will be able to transfer back to your current university. The cost of an AG IDEA course is the same at any partnering institution.

After completing required and elective courses students will be able to apply for a Swine Science Online Certificate that is administered by the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence.

Learn more here.

More from Farm Journal's PORK:

PQA Plus Version 5.0 Emphasizes Farmers’ Commitment to Produce the Best Pork

Don’t Miss the Bright Spots in the U.S. Pork Industry Benchmarking Data

The Swientist Craze: Why Kids Are Lining Up to Learn About Swine Biosecurity

 

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