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Plain honored with Distinguished Service Award at 2023 Pork Forum

Ron Plain, professor emeritus and extension economist in Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Missouri- Columbia, was recognized as National Pork Board's Distinguished Service Award recipient at the 2023 Pork Forum.  

Plain, who started his career as a high school agricultural education instructor, spent most of his professional career focused on helping producers understand the economic forces related to their pork production business.  

His career in academia began just before the farm crisis and the major changes to the pork industry. During his 35 years as a professor and extension economist, Plain made more than 2,100 presentations to U.S. farm audiences and also traveled internationally, sharing his insight on how to manage pig farming as a business. 

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Nutrition and Sow Livability - Dr. Mark Knauer

Video: Nutrition and Sow Livability - Dr. Mark Knauer


In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, Dr. Mark Knauer, Swine Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University, discusses nutritional strategies to improve sow livability and piglet outcomes. He shares research insights on vitamin programs, antioxidant support, and nutrition-based approaches in commercial production systems. Dr. Knauer highlights opportunities to reduce mortality, enhance sow longevity, and improve overall performance. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Disease challenges create oxidative stress, and replenishing antioxidants can help to support sow and piglet livability.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Mark Knauer / mark-knauer-0475b921 is a Swine Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University, where he conducts applied research to improve sow productivity, longevity, and herd performance. He earned his Ph.D. from North Carolina State University and previously served as Director of Animal Science at the National Pork Board. Learn more from Dr. Mark Knauer on The Swine it Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.