Meet Caitlyn Sullivan, 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, University of Missouri; currently pursuing master’s degree South Dakota State University
Hometown: Gerald, Missouri
Q. How did you become interested in pursuing a career in the swine industry?
A. Growing up in commercial production, I had the opportunity to exhibit pigs that were from my family’s farrow to finish operation. Even with the ability to collect a profitable return, I still had to endure the costs of production in raising market animals. This involvement solidified my career path, as I wanted to be involved in finding other opportunities for swine producers to implicate management practices that were cost-effective and maintainable.
Q. How have internships provided you with direction?
A. With the experience of being an intern in the swine industry, I’ve been able to better interpret the importance of management practices used and how to communicate those methods to other areas in society.
Q. Did you take part in undergraduate research experiences?
A. I was employed at the Mizzou Meat Lab, which is an on-campus, processing facility for the university farms. This opportunity was a great way to connect my experience with livestock evaluation with the act of procurement, to have a better understanding of the product presented on the rail.
Q. Describe any other swine-related experiences you’ve had.
A. Other swine related experiences include my role on the MU Collegiate Livestock Judging Team, an Animal Science Representative, and an officer for the MU Block & Bridle organization.
Q. Tell us about your current research.
A. My thesis research evaluates alternative grain usage, specifically in hybrid rye and its effects on growth performance, carcass characteristics, agronomic sustainability and milling efficiency. This project supports various areas in agriculture and outlines their interaction to create sustainable pork.
Q. What is your generation’s greatest challenge?
A. I think the biggest challenge will be to effectively communicate the importance of livestock production to society. Due to recent claims on environmental decline, farmers are hesitant to display their success stories. The depiction of animal husbandry can be misleading to the public, which ultimately, inverses the values we prioritize as an industry. That being said, I think there’s a lot to reveal from the deceived. We, as agriculturists, have to recognize this as a learning opportunity and strive to be effective advocators, that seek to be active listeners and open-minded.
Editor’s Note: Sullivan 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 but focuses intensely on developing people and talent for the industry. This unique opportunity consists of practical on-farm experience with an industry cooperator. It also includes cross-training across more than one academic discipline (i.e. genetics and data science).
