Pork Organizations Launch New Immersion Program for Future Industry Leaders

Nov 01, 2022

The National Pork Board, National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and state organizations have launched the Pork Industry Leadership Development Program.

The two-year program accelerates the development of early career talent and produces a pipeline of leaders ready to meet the demands and challenges at pork associations by exposing participants to all facets of the pork industry.

The program will include three rotations at the following organizations:

NPB, focusing on research, education and promotion
NPPC, focusing on policy development and grassroots engagement
A state pork association, focusing on the application of research, education, promotion, policy and grassroots at the state and producer level

Each rotation will last eight months and require relocation to the respective organization’s location.

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Video: Genetics Behind Swine Resilience - Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, geneticist at Topigs Norsvin, explains how genetics can improve disease resilience in pigs. She explores how resilience differs from resistance, the role of genetic variation, and how breeding strategies can enhance health and performance under disease pressure. Dr. Dunkelberger also covers practical applications and future implications for swine production. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Controlled experimental trials confirm that differences in mortality and performance under disease pressure are linked to genetic background, even when environmental conditions remain consistent."

Meet the guest: Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger / jenelle-dunkelberger-9200ab86 is a geneticist at Topigs Norsvin, where she leads the Global Health and Behavior Research Platform. She earned her PhD from Iowa State University, focusing on host genetics and disease response in pigs. Her work centers on improving swine health and performance through genetic selection for resilience and behavior traits.