Luke Kerns is part of the third generation that represents Edgewood Locker, an essential component of the Edgewood, Iowa, community, and agricultural fabric. Inheriting the legacy of his grandparents, Tom and Joan Kerns, who founded the business in 1966, and with the guidance of his father, uncle, sister, and two cousins, Luke stepped into the family enterprise in 2019.
Dr. Cara Haden received her degree as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2014 from the Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, she joined Pipestone Vet Clinic as an associate Veterinarian working with independent pig farm clients throughout the Midwest. Today she serves as the Director of Animal Welfare for Pipestone. Cara is also active on social media, showcasing the swine industry and the ways farmers care for their pigs.
CP Kriek, at the forefront of Taaibosch, embodies a unique blend of expertise and passion. An Industrial Engineer by training, CP, alongside his wife Gerda, has turned their family heritage in farming into an advanced, sustainable pork production enterprise in South Africa. Their journey from engineers to innovative farmers showcases a deep commitment to animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and cutting-edge agricultural practices.
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Gracee Poorman’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Emerging as a beacon of inspiration in the agricultural community, she has carved a unique path, defying the constraints of her challenging upbringing. Raised amidst the struggles of mental illness and addiction within her family, Gracee was driven by a vision of a different life for herself and her future children. With no prior experience in agriculture, but armed with an unwavering resolve, Gracee plunged into this new world.
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John Nickel is a seasoned pork producer and the esteemed owner and director of Border Genetics Ltd. With a rich history in the industry, John brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his role. His deep understanding of pork production is not only evident in the success of Border Genetics but also in his influential position on the Board of Directors for Manitoba Pork. John’s commitment to excellence and innovation in pork production has made him a respected figure in the agricultural community, where he continues to contribute significantly to the industry’s growth and sustainability.
Dr. Matheus Costa is a veterinarian scientist with a focus on the pathophysiology of diseases in species of veterinary interest, particularly swine. He is Assistant Professor of swine health management at the University of Saskatchewan, and Adjunct Professor at Utrecht University. He holds a DVM, PhD in veterinary microbiology and is also a board-certified swine health veterinarian. Matheus and his team are particularly interested in diseases to which antimicrobials are the only tool available for prevention and treatment. His work has focused on Brachyspira (the agent of swine dysentery), and more recently streptococci (S. zooepidemicus and S. suis). He was part of the team that first associated a new Brachyspira species with swine dysentery, and identified the emergence of S. zooepidemicus in pigs in North America.
Dr. Ryan Tenbergen graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2016 and joined Demeter Veterinary Services currently supporting farms in Ontario. He has authored and co-authored scientific papers in the areas of swine disease and management as well as delivered oral presentations at scientific conferences and swine production meetings. He remains highly involved in industry groups to support producers and is past president for both provincial and national swine veterinarian organizations.
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Dr. Martin Bonneau grew up on a pig farm in Saint-François de Montmagny. He graduated in veterinary medicine from the University of Montreal in 1993. From 1993 to 2004, he mainly worked for a Quebec genetics company as director of production and animal health. He founded Demeter Services Vétérinaires in 2004, with his colleague Sylvain Messier.
Tony Simpson brings more than 23 years of experience leading and investing in companies in agribusiness and animal health. In 2015, Tony founded AgTech Advisors, LLC, a consulting firm focused on supporting entrepreneurs and investors in the agtech sector. Previously, he served as a Managing Director for the Kansas Bioscience Authority where he led the organization’s investment efforts in agtech, animal health and bioenergy, leading investments in companies such as Aratana Therapeutics, Green Dot, SmartVet and Advanced Animal Diagnostics.
Steve Weiss – Mr. Weiss is founder and President of NutriQuest and a partner in 21 st Century Strategic Forums. He also serves as a Board member for several enterprises in the U.S. swine industry and non-profit sectors.
At NutriQuest, Steve leads a team which has developed technologies to improve animal performance and help solve key industry problems like humane euthanasia and improving bacon quality, among others. He has also been an active and outspoken industry leader in his role with 21 st Century Strategic Forums and in leading industry efforts and dialogue around animal rights activists, preserving antibiotics, fake meat and other industry challenges.
Dr. Chris Richards is the Managing Director of ASX listed Apiam Animal Health Ltd, which through its 74 clinics (365 veterinarians) provide veterinary services across regional and rural Australia. Dr Richards graduated as a veterinarian from the University of Melbourne in 1996 having previously obtained a Bachelor of Science from La Trobe University. Dr. Richards is responsible for the strategic direction of Apiam, which since 1998 has seen the development and acquisition of production and companion animal veterinary clinics, distribution, diagnostic and vaccine laboratories, and genetics services businesses into a vertically integrated veterinary business. Dr. Richards is also a Director of registered charity, Fur Life Foundation Ltd, which raises funds to support people in rural, regional, and remote communities.