Livestock Research Innovation Corporation appoints new CEO

Long-time livestock industry leader Mike McMorris will be the new CEO of Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC). McMorris, most recently General Manager of AgSights, assumes the position on September 1.

 

“Mike’s background in agricultural research, extension, and management has allowed him to build a solid understanding of agriculture, as well as develop a vast network of working relationships,” says LRIC chair Oliver Haan. “He’s had a keen interest in LRIC since its inception and the lifelong passion that he has for this industry will help our organization both ensure value for our members and drive innovation through the value chain.”

 

McMorris began his career in extension and management with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) before joining Ontario Cattlemen’s Association (now Beef Farmers of Ontario) as Executive Director.

 

He subsequently served as Director of Operations with Agricorp, and became General Manager of BIO (now AgSights), a producer cooperative dedicated to bringing information management to livestock industries in Canada and internationally, in 2008. He holds a Masters’ degree in Animal Science, Breeding and Genetics from the University of Guelph.

 

LRIC was established in 2012 under the leadership of outgoing CEO Tim Nelson with support from Ontario’s beef, pork, dairy and poultry commodity organizations and OMAFRA to provide leadership in research priority setting, coordination and process. 

Video: Season 6, Episode 10: Defining Resiliency and the Research Driving Swine Health Forward

Genetic research and new technologies continue to influence the future of swine health and production efficiency. In this episode, we explore how research and technology are being used to support stronger, more resilient pigs, while also improving overall production outcomes. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, geneticist with Topigs Norsvin, to discuss both routine and emerging strategies for improving piglet, pig, and sow livability. She outlines two primary approaches to enhancing resiliency: gene editing and traditional selective breeding. Continuing the resiliency conversation, we also hear from Dr. Lucina Galina, director of technical research projects at the Pig Improvement Company. She shares insights into ongoing gene-editing work focused on PRRS, detailing the pathway to success, regulatory and practical considerations, and the questions that still remain as the technology evolves. Together, these conversations provide a closer look at how research, genetics and innovation are shaping the future of swine health and livability.