Meet Hannah Miller, 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: 23
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Kansas State University; currently pursuing master’s at South Dakota State University
Hometown: Gresham, Nebraska
Q. How did you become interested in pursuing a career in the swine industry?
A. Although I grew up involved in agriculture on my family’s row crop farm in eastern Nebraska, I did not have much involvement in the swine industry until my first internship. I spent the summer at West Blue Pork, near Waco, Neb., working in their sow unit. I was exposed to everything from heat detection and breeding to farrowing and processing piglets. There was a lot to learn, but I became enthralled with the efficiency of it all and the amazing productivity of the sows.
Q. What has helped you gain swine industry experience?
A. In addition to my graduate studies, I manage the 150-sow and 1,200-head wean-to-finish barn. Beyond pig care and barn management, the biggest lessons learned have come from managing the student barn staff and teaching them about pork production. Although it’s the most challenging, interacting with the student staff, and watching them grow as herdsmen, is often the most rewarding.
Q. Did you take part in undergraduate research experiences?
A. My first introduction to research was in an undergraduate research class at Kansas State University. We looked at different protein sources on meat goat performance. This class is opened the door for me and showed me the possibilities of research. I also spent a summer as an intern with the Research and Development team at The Maschhoffs. That following school year, I began working with Kansas State University’s applied swine nutrition team, helping graduate students on weigh days and with collections. My variety of experiences in undergraduate research is ultimately what led me to the decision to apply to graduate school and further my education in swine nutrition.
Q. Tell us about your current research.
A. My research looks at the impact of water flow rate on finishing pig performance. Many barns have water flow rate of their nipple drinkers greater than the recommended 4 cups/min. We have found that providing excess water at the drinker does not benefit pig performance and is most likely contributing to increased costs associated with water usage and manure handling. Beyond costs, water usage plays a large role in environmental impact and sustainability of pork production.
Q. What is your generation’s greatest challenge?
A. Labor is and will continue to be an issue in the swine industry. As an industry, there are opportunities to improve employee wellbeing, training development, and ultimately retention. Employees who are active and engaged raise better pigs. While the future of technology integration may help ease some of the labor demands, new advancements will require the upcoming generation of swine producers to possess a new skill set that was not required in the past.
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