Meet Dalton Humphrey, 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: 26
Education: Associate of science degree, Black Hawk College; bachelor’s degree, Western Illinois University; master’s degree, Iowa State University; pursuing Ph.D. at Iowa State University
Hometown: Eaton Rapids, Mich.
Q. How did you become interested in pursuing a career in the swine industry?
A. My interest in the livestock industry began at an early age through my involvement in 4-H and FFA, where I showed pigs for 10 years. My passion for livestock continued during my undergraduate programs at Black Hawk and Western Illinois, where I continued to stay actively involved in the show livestock industry, ultimately leading me to continue my education in graduate school at Iowa State.
Q. How have internships provided you with direction?
A. During my undergrad program, I was a research intern for Carthage Innovative Swine Solutions, the research division of Carthage Veterinary Service. During my internship, I spent most of my time assisting with sow and grow-finish research trials. This was my first experience with commercial swine production and opened my eyes to the vast opportunities in the industry.
Q. Describe any undergraduate research experiences you’ve had.
A. During my internship at Carthage, I assisted in conducting multiple research trials within all phases of production. My experiences with commercial swine research during my internship allowed me to gain an understanding of the basics of large-scale research and its importance to the swine industry.
Q. Describe any other swine-related experiences you’ve had as a young person.
A. While at Iowa State, I have had the opportunity to serve as the advisor for the undergraduate Block and Bridle Swine Interest Group and the Block and Bride Spring Spectacular jackpot show. I am a teaching assistant for multiple courses at Iowa State, including Introduction to Swine Science and Animal Feeds and Feeding. These roles have allowed me to share my passion for the swine industry with others and assist with educating and mentoring undergraduate students.
Q. Tell us about your current research.
A. I am currently working on my Ph.D. at Iowa State under the mentorship of Dr. Laura Greiner. My dissertation research broadly focuses on defining the amino acid requirements of lactating sows. Specifically, I am interested in understanding branched-chain amino acid requirements and interactions in lactation and investigating how those requirements may change depending on the metabolic state of the sow. Better understanding the sow’s amino acid demands in lactation is imperative to advance our ability to nutritionally support the sow and her piglets during lactation, which will ultimately aid in improving sow performance, piglet survivability and the profitability of the producer.
Q. What is your generation’s greatest challenge?
A. The swine industry is currently facing numerous challenges, including high feed costs, volatile markets and the threat of foreign animal disease. However, I think the most immediate challenge we will have to overcome is the labor shortage prevalent throughout the industry. It will be up to us to continue to find innovative ways to educate and stimulate the interest of youth to get involved in all facets of the industry.
Editor’s Note: Humphrey 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?
