Animal agriculture industry icon John B. Swisher, founder of United Animal Health, passed away at the age of 95 on Oct. 25 of natural causes.
Swisher founded United Feeds in 1956 in Sheridan, Ind. He was driven by a personal passion for pork production and grew the company by focusing on the needs of livestock producers, emphasizing the importance of quality nutrition.
“Known for his vision and commitment to advancing animal nutrition, Mr. Swisher’s contributions left an indelible mark on the industry, setting new standards for high-quality feed and animal health products,” United Animal Health shared in a release.
Swisher believed that nutrition could be delivered to swine producers in a more efficient manner, the company shared. So he used on-farm ingredients to help shape a regional movement that influenced the development of the U.S. swine industry.
“John taught us that treating customers like family, with fairness and trust, builds lifelong relationships,” Doug Webel, president and CEO of United Animal Health, said in a release. “He had amazing foresight, a unique ability to understand market needs, and an unwavering commitment to serving customers. Most of all, John was our mentor and friend. He will be dearly missed.”
Always an innovator, Swisher’s leadership led to a constantly evolving portfolio of products that improved animal health and profitability, the company shared.
Swisher was born in 1929. His father owned a feed mill where Swisher developed a passion for agriculture. Swisher attended the University of Illinois before he established his feed business in Indiana. He and his wife, Jean, started selling feed out of an 8’x10' rented shed next to a feed mill near Sheridan.
Business was slow at first, but the company said the couple’s personalized approach and dedication to learning each customer’s business needs helped the company grow steadily.
When United Feeds expanded, it rebranded to JBS United to reflect a broader focus beyond feed, the company shared. After several strategic acquisitions, the company said it set a new course toward enhancing animal health and nutritional science. Today, the company is now United Animal Health. It continues Swisher’s legacy of innovation and customer-centric service.
Swisher’s accolades are many and include 2016 August M. Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year, 2009 Indiana Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year, 2004 Ernst & Young Indiana Master Entrepreneur and National Entrepreneur of the Year and induction into the Indiana Business Hall of Fame in 2007. He was also the namesake of the John B. Swisher Leadership Award, which is presented annually at the World Pork Expo to honor leaders and innovators in the pork industry.
A philanthropist at heart, he supported numerous organizations such as the Indiana Pork Producers Association, Junior Achievement, local universities and schools, Indiana FFA, first responders, the Lions Club, the American Cancer Society, the Indiana State Fair, the American Legion and many others.
Swisher never fully retired, despite his professional success, the company shared in a release. He remained actively involved well into his 90s, contributing to business strategies and making public appearances>
Details regarding Swisher’s services will be announced soon.
