The council was formed this year upon recognizing that up-and-coming nutritionists in the swine industry need resources for non-company career development, professional skill training, think tanks and networking.

The idea came from Novus’s Dr. Yulin Ma who explained, “After spending time talking to my peers over the past couple of years, I noticed there is a gap the industry isn’t filling.” He then put a plan in motion with colleagues at Novus. “I brought the idea to my team and we thought it was something we could lay the groundwork for and get started for this group, which I am very proud to be a part of,” stated Dr. Ma.

The first meeting was held in Scottsdale, Arizona, hosted by Novus. The agenda included a presentation from Dr. Gary Allee, professor emeritus, University of Missouri, discussing the changes, innovations and discoveries he has seen during his career and time working in the industry. Dr. Laura Greiner, director of research, Carthage Innovative Swine Solutions (CISS), shared some of the new technologies her group is evaluating and where the team at CISS are working to help develop the industry for the next 10 to 25 years. Additionally, attendees got the chance to brush up on their skills with a communications and presentation course facilitated by Dr. Jim Sullivan, US ruminant business manager, Novus International.

“As a young professional in a highly competitive field, I was looking for resources to develop new skills and network with my peers and there weren’t many. It is great to have someone like Dr. Ma and a company like Novus working to provide an avenue for us to get those resources and grow,” stated Dr. David Rosero, who was also in attendance.

The group is already making plans to host the next meeting and have offered up some impactful topics they would like to see included in the next agenda.

For more information on the program or to learn how to become a part of the council, contact Rachel Hieston, marketing specialist – North America, Novus International at [email protected].