Source: Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE, 9/8/15


The National Pork Board announced Tuesday that veterinarian Dave Pyburn has been named its new senior vice president of science and technology.

Pyburn joined the Pork Checkoff staff in 2013 and was serving as assistant vice president in the Science and Technology department.

In his new role, Pyburn will report to Chief Executive Officer Chris Hodges and lead the board’s science programs and research priorities. He also will participate in the six volunteer pork producer committees that assist in prioritizing scientific focus and will manage the on-staff team of experts. 

Pyburn’s expertise includes animal science, swine health and welfare, pork safety and nutrition, producer and public health and sustainability. 

“People want to understand where their food comes from, and so much of that work in the pork industry is through science and research,” Pyburn said in a news release. “How we communicate to pig farmers, allied industry, key influencers and academics and the science community is critical.”

Pyburn joined the National Pork Board in 2013, and previously served 13 years as the senior veterinary medical officer at the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services. Pyburn was with the National Pork Producers Council from 1997 to 2000 and, prior to that, a practicing veterinarian in Iowa. 

Pyburn is a published researcher and presenter. He is also a member of several professional organizations including American Veterinary Medical Association, Iowa Veterinary Medical Association, United States Animal Health Association, National Institute for Animal Agriculture, and American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV).

The National Pork Board will begin an immediate search for an assistant vice president in the Science and Technology department to succeed Pyburn.

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