For Todd See, animal science department head and professor at North Carolina State University, the pork industry has always been about the people. As a dedicated leader in higher education, he is passionate about teaching, conducting research that supports the pork industry and translating science into soundbites for the public and key decision-makers.
See was honored with the Distinguished Service Award at the National Pork Industry Forum in Orlando, Fla., for his career-long dedication to bettering the pork industry.
Whether working with young show pig enthusiasts or seasoned producers, See is known as a ‘connector’ and engages meaningfully with others through practical, personalized solutions.
See says his passion for the swine industry started when he was in 4-H showing pigs at the county fair.
“Like a lot of people, 4-H was the gateway for me. I’ve owned sows for over 50 years,” he says. “My parents were very involved in the pork industry. The first time I went to Pork Forum was with them as a guest in 1992 when I was a graduate student and they were both delegates. It’s just been a natural fit for my life.”
He credits the opportunity to be exposed to many great industry leaders for helping him find his way in life.
“Whenever I met Maynard Hoberg, Lauren Christian and Gene Isler, I was like, ‘Oh, those are people I’d like to be like someday.’ They really made a big impression on me when I was fairly young, and helped spark the career path I took.”
That’s why he is so passionate about the next generation.
“The young people are our future of the pork industry,” he says. “These youth swine organizations and young people we know like pigs already are a really easy population to reach. Even if they don’t directly enter the pork industry someday, they’re going to be allies that we can help equip with vision and understanding. We’ve got to find those people who get excited and passionate about it, because that’s the future.”
In his role at North Carolina State University, See’s innovative approaches to on-campus farms, support for distance education degree programs and participation in planning efforts for the U.S. pork industry, specifically participating in 15 reviews for national programs and more than 50 task forces, are examples of his standards for innovation and academic excellence.
“Several years ago, See played an instrumental role in nuisance lawsuits in North Carolina,” the National Pork Board says. “In a defining moment where collaboration and communication were vital, See worked with industry leaders to ensure producers were represented with integrity. He worked closely with National Pork Board (NPB), National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and North Carolina Pork Council to combat misconceptions and provide decision-makers with clear, factual insights that supported producers.”
Past presidents of the National Pork Board select the Distinguished Service Award recipient. The award recognizes individuals who have made invaluable contributions to the pork industry, going above and beyond what is expected of them.
“I am very humbled to receive this award,” See says. “As I reflect on my time in the industry, I’m reminded that change is constant. It’s been a wild ride in North Carolina over the past 33 years. We just have to embrace it.”
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