Rodger Main, DVM, of Ames, Iowa, was honored today with the Allen D. Leman Science in Practice Award from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and Pfizer Animal Health for his contributions to swine health management and best practices in the industry.
"I feel fortunate for the opportunity to pursue a career in the ever-changing world of commercial pork production and work in an industry rich in quality people and professional mentors," says Main.
The annual award, established by the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and Pfizer Animal Health in 1994, is recognized as one of the most prestigious in the swine industry, honoring significant achievements that contribute to the body of knowledge related to swine health and management. The award is presented annually at the Allen D. Leman Swine Conference, an international, multi-session gathering where leaders in the swine industry meet to present new information and research, and discuss current and future issues facing the industry.
"Pfizer Animal Health is honored to recognize Rodger Main among the many industry leaders who have made significant contributions to the swine industry through their dedicated research and commitment to continuing education," said Steve Sornsen, DVM, Director, U.S. Swine Veterinary Services, Pfizer Animal Health. "His work in this field clearly demonstrates his passion for furthering the betterment of the industry," added Sornsen.
Main graduated from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996 and has since worked in an array of veterinary, production and project management roles for Murphy-Brown, L.L.C., formerly Murphy Family Farms. In 2005, he completed a doctorate degree in clinical swine nutrition and production with the Food Animal Health and Management Center and Department of Animal Science at Kansas State University.
Currently serving as the director of production systems for Murphy-Brown’s Western Operations Hog Production Group in Ames, Iowa, Main coordinates herd health activities, leads production research and associated production system improvement initiatives as well as directs multiplication functions. With operations located throughout the Midwest and in southwestern Utah, Main works with hog production operations consisting of about 400,000 sows, producing 8 million market hogs per year.
The Leman Conference and the Allen D. Leman Science in Practice Award is named in memory of swine industry leader Al Leman, DVM, who was committed to understanding and defining the association of disease and production in swine. Leman was a University of Minnesota veterinarian dedicated to the education of practicing veterinarians. He also developed many new production and management technologies for the swine industry.