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.
Rob Hannam, CEO of Farm Health Guardian, is committed to helping farms and food companies improve animal health and protect against the devastating impact of animal disease through digital biosecurity. Launched in 2020 for the swine and poultry sectors, Farm Health Guardian technology is reducing the risk of disease spread and improving biosecurity compliance which saves time, reduces the cost of production and improves farm sustainability. Rob’s passion for agriculture was cultivated while growing up on his family’s grain farm in Guelph, Ontario. He has worked in agriculture for over 30 years and has proven experience in building innovative businesses. He is also President of Synthesis Network, where he leads a team of marketing communications professionals who push the boundaries of agri-food leadership and innovation.
Natalia Rimi Heisterkamp is the general Manager for Crystal Spring Brasil and for the past 6 years also has the role of Director of Global Strategy for Crystal Spring Hog Equipment. In addition to nearly 30 years of experience in business development, project management, manufacturing, logistics, and customer service, Natalia also holds a degree in Business Management, a graduate degree in Foreign Commerce, and a master’s degree in Project and Business Management.
After 8 years of field experience in Brazil, he joined Iowa State University in 2015 and serves as Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Education. Daniel works with the Field Epi team (www.fieldepi.org), which includes 25 professionals centered on graduate education and professional services on development and evaluation of strategies to improve swine health & productivity. His group has over 300 publications/participations in meetings over the last 5 years, having worked closely with veterinarians and pig producers representing > 3 million sows.
Dr. Erin Kettlekamp is an associate veterinarian with Swine Vet Center and is based in southern Minnesota. She is a 2021 DVM graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. In practice, Erin enjoys collaborating on field research, consulting on biosecurity, and assisting producers in all areas of production.
(more…)Kiersten Hafer is a business strategy executive with a proven track record of navigating and aligning market trends, business goals and organizational priorities to deliver high impact, actionable solutions accelerating growth for brands and businesses. Hafer leads the Strategy and Domestic Market Development teams at the National Pork Board where she advises the pork industry, major packer and processers and retail and foodservice operators how to win with pork and where to focus time and money.
(more…)Boyd Rice, a seasoned professional with 33 years of experience in the swine industry, earned his Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Texas Tech University. During his university years, he not only served on the Livestock Judging Team but also gained practical experience working at the Swine Research Facilities, contributing significantly to his professional development.
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