Houser Named Smithfield Foods Chair in Meat Science Extension
Terry Houser, associate professor and Extension meat specialist at Iowa State University, has been named the Smithfield Foods Chair in Meat Science Extension.
“Dr. Terry Houser brings an impressive portfolio of research and service to his role as Smithfield Foods Chair in Meat Science Extension. He is a valued and trusted resource for the meat industry and consumers, which proved especially true this past year as he provided science-based information during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Daniel J. Robison, holder of the Endowed Dean’s Chair in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Houser has served as associate professor at Iowa State since 2019 and also serves as professor in charge of the Iowa State University Meat Laboratory. Previously, he served on the faculty at Kansas State University and oversaw its meat laboratory. He was also a faculty member at the University of Florida, Gainesville. Houser received his bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and his master’s degree and doctorate in meat science from Iowa State University.
The Smithfield Foods Chair in Meat Science Extension was established in 2013 through a generous $1 million commitment from Smithfield to sustain and enhance the meat science program, including industry-focused extension and research in Iowa State’s department of animal science.
Eyre Joins Aimpoint Research Agri-Food WatchDesk Team
Aimpoint Research, a global, strategic intelligence firm, recently welcomed Lauren Schwab Eyre of Eaton, Ohio, as an Agri-Food WatchDesk Analyst.
“I’m delighted to welcome Lauren to the Agri-Food WatchDesk,” said Brett Sciotto, Aimpoint Research CEO. “She brings a wealth of agricultural experience, especially in the livestock sector, to our diverse team as we continue to provide critical, strategic intelligence to our clients.”
Eyre is a graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and women’s studies, as well as a master’s degree in family studies after completing her thesis focused on food insecurity.
She is a former farrowing house manager for her family farm operation and handled all consumer communications and education. Lauren has had several articles published in agricultural publications and was the 2015 finalist for America’s Pig Farmer of the Year and 2020 Ohio Pork Promoter of the Year. She’s involved in the Ohio Pork Producers Council, a member of the Ohio Farm Bureau and American Agri-Women.
Acuity Genetics Welcomes Ian Brooke
Acuity Genetics welcomes Ian Brooke as director of supply chain and operations. Brooke’s role oversees two significant components of Acuity: leading the operations of three nucleus farms and Acuity performance testing centers, and managing multiplier and genetic supply logistics.
An Indiana native, Brooke showed pigs for 10 years where he discovered his passion for swine genetics. During his tenure at Purdue University, he was a member of the livestock judging team and of Alpha Gamma Rho, graduating with an animal agribusiness degree in 2010. In 2011, he joined The Maschhoffs.
Brooke has been leading operations for Acuity’s genetic commercial test herd in The Maschhoffs system over the course of the last year. The commercial test herd model is a significant differentiator for Acuity, the company said in a release. Analysis of genetic lines within a simulated commercial environment provides critical analysis to ensure predictable performance for customers, Acuity said.
“We’ve been working with Ian for some time as an end user of our genetics within The Maschhoffs. His expertise will ensure we continue to make genetic progress and that those genetics are competitive for our customers,” Clint Schwab, Ph.D., president of Acuity said in a release.
More from Farm Journal’s PORK:
Industrial Hog Complexes in China Aren’t Bullet-Proof to Disease
Simple Solutions Are Often Best: Sow Caliper 3.0 Provides New Options
Livestock Judging Sparks Idea for Tool That Saves Pig Famers Money
