The National Swine Registry is pleased to announce that Matt Claeys of Fowler, Ind., has been selected to serve as the organization’s Chief Executive Officer.
Claeys grew up in Atkinson, Ill., and attended Black Hawk East Community College and the University of Illinois. He was a member of the judging teams at both colleges. After receiving a bachelor’s degree at Illinois, he completed his master’s degree at Auburn University and was the livestock judging team coach.
He served as the Youth Livestock Specialist for North Carolina State University and worked on a Ph.D. After 10 years at NC State as the Youth Livestock Specialist, he moved to Purdue University and has served as the Livestock Judging Team Coach and Extension Livestock Specialist for the past 24 years. Claeys coached several competitive teams including the 2014 National Champion Livestock Judging Team. He has judged over 450 livestock shows across the country. In addition, he has authored or co-authored hundreds of published scholarly and research articles in multiple publications.
“I look forward to the opportunity to join the professional NSR staff that serves the pedigreed swine membership and the tremendous NJSA youth program. The organization will continue to progress as a leader in pedigreed services while building a community of integrity and respect through the actions of the marketing platforms, educational events and programs that support the membership and the promotion of swine genetics and products,” Claeys says.
Claeys plans to officially start his employment at NSR June 1, 2022, and will work together with current CEO Clay Zwilling through the NSR Summer Type Conference and NJSA National Junior Summer Spectacular.
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