Dr. Maynard Holberg was presented with the 2016 John B. Swisher Leadership Award, an annual honor presented by JBS United to an individual who exemplifies extraordinary leadership qualities and has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the swine industry, earlier this month during the World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa.

“This award is especially meaningful, not just because it is named after my father, but because of what John Swisher and this honor stand for,” remarked Ellen Crabb, Vice Chairperson of the JBS United Board of Directors. “This honor is awarded annually to an individual, like my father, that helped define what the pork industry is today. It is meant to honor someone that shaped lives and influenced others to create a better path for all of us.”

Dr. Hogberg is a Professor Emeritus of Animal Science and former Animal Science Department Chair in the renowned College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University. Throughout his career he mentored countless students, faculty and colleagues, and served as a leader to multiple organizations including president of the American Society of Animal Science and of the Federation of Animal Science Societies.

Dr. Hogberg has made incredible advancements for the swine industry, including his assistance in the formation of both the National Swine Registry and the National Junior Swine Association. He was named an Honorary Master Pork Producer by the Iowa Pork Producers Association in 2007, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the National Pedigreed Livestock Council in 2009. He was also presented with the Distinguished Service Award from the National Pork Board in 2014, and recently led the establishment of the Jeff and Deb Hansen Agricultural Student Learning Center at Iowa State.

“I have always had a great deal of respect for JBS United. The company has made a significant impact on helping livestock producers be profitable through their feeding and management programs. Their history of being a service-oriented company has certainly made for a stronger livestock industry,” commented Dr. Hogberg. “To be honored by JBS United is truly very humbling.”

As part of the honor, JBS United has contributed $5,000 to the Iowa State University Animal Science Department.

View and download photos from the event here:2016 World Pork Expo Photo Album