Here’s how the pork industry is supporting the next generation through awards, scholarships and new industry hires.
Empowering the Next Generation: Jacobi Recognized for Excellence in Swine Education and Mentorship
An award created to highlight the importance of swine academic leadership and innovation was received by Sheila K. Jacobi, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at The Ohio State University.
The NOVUS Distinguished Academic Training & Innovation Award was presented during the 16th International Symposium on Digestive Physiology of Pigs (DPP), according to a release.
In the nomination letter, Jacobi’s students described her as a supportive and inspiring mentor who fosters critical thinking, laboratory skills, communication, and personal growth.
Jacobi teaches advanced courses in nutritional immunology, comparative nutrition, and swine production, which takes a complex understanding of digestive physiological functions and knowledge of production agriculture. Her extensive background in animal biology, nutrition, endocrinology, and physiology enables her to teach and lead research.
She says the greatest opportunity educators like her have is to show students the depth and breadth of technology, science, and careers in food animal production.
“Food animal agriculture is integral to food security and is working hard to reduce environmental impacts, reduce water usage, produce a safe and sustainable food supply,” Jacobi says. “As fewer people are connected directly to agriculture it is important to communicate what we do and why we do it. Students are eager to learn and bring innovative ideas to the conversations we have about sustainable food animal production. Education of students in food animal agriculture will strengthen the industry because it creates opportunities for conversations and innovation about food production and food security.”
Along with much-deserved recognition, Jacobi received $7,500 as the award recipient.
Seaboard Foods Supports Students Pursuing Higher Education
Sixty five $1,000 scholarships were given to students in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Colorado and Iowa where Seaboard Foods has operations along with providing scholarships to children of employees. The students are pursuing certificates and degrees from technical schools, according to a company release.
“At Seaboard Foods, we are committed to nurturing the educational aspirations of our future leaders,” says Davida Gomez, community enrichment specialist for Seaboard Foods. “We are proud to support the educational dreams of young individuals within the communities where Seaboard Foods operates.”
Bodak Named Vice President of Business Development for CTB, Inc.
In a company release, Greg Bodak has been named Vice President of Business Development for CTB, Inc., according to Victor A. Mancinelli, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for CTB. Bodak will lead the company’s merger and acquisition efforts, focusing on the marketing of CTB’s CYNERGY Software. This software offers protein production companies integrated, real-time data and interpretation from farm to fork, enabling continuous, system-wide decisions for enhanced production and efficiency.
Bodak joined CTB in 2020 as Vice President and General Manager for the company’s PigTek business unit and brought over 20 years of executive experience in manufacturing and supply chain industries. His extensive background includes sales, product development, and operations for global organizations, according to the release.
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