Meet Nicole Moest, 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: 24
Education: Bachelor’s and master’s degree, University of Illinois
Hometown: Lena, Illinois
Q. How did you become interested in pursuing a career in the swine industry?
A. My family played an enormous part in cultivating my passion for animal agriculture. My family members encouraged my curiosity and involvement within our show pig enterprise which developed my understanding and skills. I became involved in classes, organizations and research that refined my knowledge. Ultimately, I realized we needed more individuals who want to impact the industry.
Q. How have internships provided you with direction?
A. In 2017, I served as a production intern at a local farm, getting exposure to modern production practices in wean-to-finish facilities. In 2018, I interned with The Maschhoffs in their research and development department where I learned to collect quality data while providing exceptional welfare, sparking my interest in applied animal research. Still, I wanted to explore a new realm within the swine sector and took on a quality control internship with Hormel Foods the following year. These experiences allowed me to understand the spectrum of careers within the swine industry while instilling a passion to uphold animal welfare and strive for innovation.
Q. Did you take part in undergraduate research experiences?
A. During my undergrad career, I assisted graduate students in Dr. Mike Ellis’ lab at the university swine farm collecting and entering data while performing health checks and other tasks. Here, I gained insight and appreciation for academic research. Eventually, it led me to pursue my master’s degree and become a quality researcher.
Q. Describe any other swine-related experiences you’ve had.
A. I raised pigs in 4-H and FFA for eight years. I worked as a breeding and farrowing technician part-time for 2.5 years which gave me insight into standard operating procedures in breed-to-wean facilities. I fed isolation boars and learned more about the importance of biosecurity. I completed FFA record books which allowed me to manage my entrepreneurial swine enterprise. Additionally, I participated in local livestock and dairy judging CDEs to understand the functionality of livestock and ways to improve our breeding stock.
Q. Tell us about your current research.
A. My research focused on evaluating sow behavioral changes from weaning to 10 days post-weaning. Changes in posture associated with the onset of estrus could provide the basis of an automated system to predict the onset of estrus. This information allows us to estimate the optimum time to inseminate sows. Behavioral research and monitoring technologies may allow for a better understanding of the extent and causes of individual variation between sows during this critical period.
Q. What is your generation’s greatest challenge?
A. I believe the greatest challenge is the people. We need to implement continuous biosecurity and standard operating procedure programs for employees. In addition, we need to bridge the communication gap between the producers and consumers regarding sustainable pork that is healthy, safe and affordable for our communities.
Editor’s Note: Moest is part of the National Pork Board’s Pork Scholars Program, intended to develop highly trained professionals who are dedicated to a career in the U.S. swine industry. The program includes a research component with a cooperating university but focuses intensely on developing people and talent for the industry. This unique opportunity consists of practical on-farm experience with an industry cooperator. It also includes cross-training across more than one academic discipline (i.e. genetics and data science).
Read more from Farm Journal’s PORK:
What Are the Predictors of Sows Who Won’t Milk?
How Do Alternative Grains Fit in Today’s Modern Pork Diet?
