The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) Board of Directors elected Joe Dykhuis of Dykhuis Farms, Hamilton, Mich., as president of the SHIC Board and welcomed Trish Cook as a new board member during its meeting in June. Cook, an Iowa pork producer and member of the National Pork Producers Council Board of Directors, joined the SHIC Board, filling the NPPC-appointed seat previously held by Jeremy Pittman, DVM.
SHIC seeks to protect and enhance the health of the U.S. swine herd by minimizing the impact of emerging disease threats through preparedness, coordinated communications, global disease monitoring, analysis of swine health data and targeted research investments.
“As SHIC transitions its board composition and leadership, the consistent theme from both incoming and outgoing members is a steadfast commitment to the organization’s mission,” SHIC says in a release. “The combined experience and perspectives of the board are poised to strengthen SHIC’s strategic initiatives in disease preparedness, global monitoring, and targeted research, ultimately enhancing the resilience and profitability of the U.S. swine industry.”
Other elected officers include Jay Miller, DVM, The Maschhoffs, as vice president. Kent Bang retains his position as secretary-treasurer and Paul Ruen, DVM, will now serve as past president. Other board members include veterinarians Seth Krantz and Pete Thomas. Pork producers Alayne Johnson and Sarah Pillen round out the SHIC Board.
Cook Brings Farm-Focused Perspective
Cook brings a valuable farm-focused perspective to SHIC’s mission of protecting and enhancing the health of the U.S. swine herd, SHIC says. Cook and her family operate CBL Farms, Inc., and Cook Brothers Ltd., a diversified farrow-to-finish pork and crop operation in Iowa. She has also served in leadership positions with the Iowa Pork Producers Association and has participated in numerous national pork industry initiatives. While recognizing the scientific expertise already represented on the SHIC Board, Cook says she is eager to contribute the producer’s perspective.
“I am a farmer, so I bring a producer’s perspective at the farm level regarding raising pigs,” Cook says. “I look forward to working with the SHIC Board and staff to enhance the health of the U.S. swine herd.”
From her viewpoint as a pork producer, Cook sees SHIC as a trusted and reliable source of swine health information. She noted that producers benefit from the organization’s investment in research and its commitment to delivering timely, science-based resources through fact sheets, webinars, podcasts and newsletters.
“Farmers on their own do not have the resources to investigate emerging diseases and report on disease monitoring,” Cook says. “It is comforting to know that SHIC is doing this for our industry every single day.”
Pittman Concludes Service
During the meeting, the board recognized Pittman of Smithfield Hog Production, for his dedicated service and contributions to SHIC. Among the most rewarding aspects of his service, Pittman points to the relationships built with fellow board members and the opportunity to contribute to work that benefits producers and veterinarians across the country.
“Personally, it has been the interaction with other members of the board, some of whom I may have never met if not for the board,” he says. “Professionally, it is the work the organization has done to generate and provide information to the swine industry; information that I hope has or will provide some real benefit to producers and veterinarians.”
During his tenure, he witnessed growth in the scope and volume of SHIC’s activities, enabling the organization to address emerging disease challenges with greater effectiveness. Pittman believes SHIC’s ongoing evolution has strengthened its ability to serve the industry through research, preparedness efforts, and timely dissemination of critical information.
Through SHIC and other industry leadership roles, he participated in conversations that influenced policy, preparedness and disease response strategies. He noted that SHIC consistently brought valuable information and support to these discussions, ensuring the interests of the U.S. swine industry were represented.
Pittman encourages current and future directors to continue working collaboratively on behalf of the entire swine industry. He believes maintaining SHIC’s role within an integrated national swine health strategy will be critical as new disease threats emerge.
For Pittman, SHIC’s mission is deeply personal.
“I am a swine veterinarian,” he says. “So SHIC’s mission, at its core, is what my profession is about.”
