The Alumni Society Recognition Awards are presented annually during Homecoming Weekend. These awards are given to alumni who have shown distinction through their professional or non-professional activities. This year, the award was granted to four alumni who have set themselves apart through excellence in veterinary medicine or enhancing their community.
Dr. Mike Terrill, a native of Ridgeway Ohio, received his DVM from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1986. Subsequently he received his MS degree in Integrated Food Animal Management Systems from the University of Illinois in 1988. He then joined Murphy Farms in North Carolina.
In 1992, Dr. Terrill became the General Manager of live production for Farmer John, a Los Angeles based pork processor. Under his leadership, the company developed into the 12th largest pork production operation in the US, producing more than 1.2 million pigs a year. In 2005, Hormel Foods Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, acquired Farmer John and he continued in the role of Vice President.
Since 2012, Dr. Terrill has been the President and CEO of Topigs Norsvin USA, a global leader in swine genetics delivering genetic progress through innovation and a worldwide breeding infrastructure. Topigs Norsvin genetically influences 1 out every 7 pigs professionally raised and harvested in the world.
Dr. Terrill has served in many capacities in the National Pork Producers Council, National Pork Board, and state pork associations. Currently he is on the Swine Health Information Center Board of Directors. A member of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, Dr. Terrill delivered the distinguished Alex Hogg Memorial Lecture at the annual meeting in 2008.
He currently resides in the Minneapolis area with his wife Julia.