Lisa Becton, DVM, received the American Association of Swine Veterinarians’ (AASV) Technical Services/Allied Industry Veterinarian of the Year award during the association’s 54th annual meeting in Aurora, Colo. This award recognizes swine industry veterinarians who have demonstrated an unusual degree of proficiency and effectiveness in delivery of veterinary service to their companies and their clients, as well as given tirelessly in service to the AASV and the swine industry.
Becton received her bachelor’s degree from Lenoir-Rhyne College, her DVM from North Carolina State University, a master’s degree from Michigan State University, and a public health certificate in field epidemiology from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventative Medicine.
Even without a background in farming, Becton never doubted her career; from a young age, she was set on becoming a veterinarian. After connecting with veterinary mentors in the swine industry as a student, her path led her to swine internships and swine research projects. She has been involved in swine production ever since graduation.
Since 2008, Becton has dedicated her career as a subject-matter expert in swine health and production. As the National Pork Board Director of Swine Health, she has oversight of the producer and veterinary task force for swine health research, which includes identifying and funding key project areas; developing and delivering resources related to domestic and foreign animal diseases of swine; coordinating and promoting surveillance activities, depopulation, and disposal techniques; and collaborating with external organizations on key areas identified by producers as priorities for swine health.
She is valued for her incredible historic knowledge of the National Pork Board funded research projects and her ability to use those research results to lead the creation of key materials for producers and veterinarians.
Becton’s extensive voluntary service and leadership on AASV committees began when she joined AASV over 20 years ago. She has served on the AASV Pharmaceutical Issues Committee and is a long-time member of the AASV Transboundary and Emerging Diseases Committee and PPRS Task Force. She serves the industry as a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association Animal Agriculture Liaison Committee, the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program Consultation Board, the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research Advanced Animal System Advisory Council, the US Animal Vaccinology Coordination Network Advisory Board, and the US Animal Health Association Committee on Swine.
Upon acceptance of the award, Dr. Becton commented, “I am very humbled and honored by this award and by the support of the veterinary and producer community. Working in the agriculture sector fuels my passion for swine medicine and research. I am grateful every day to have the opportunity to assist producers and veterinarians as they manage pork production!”
Becton lives in North Carolina where she enjoys the outdoors and riding motorcycles to sample BBQ and seafood with her husband Gordon. They have two Labradors, Mongo and Charlie, and a Frenchie, Mick.
More from AASV’s Annual Meeting:
Swine Veterinarians Share Wisdom Beyond the Farm at AASV Annual Meeting
AASV Foundation Awards $100,000 for Research Grants
American Association of Swine Veterinarians Names Hollis President
Tara Donovan Named AASV’s 2023 Swine Practitioner of the Year
