posted on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 in AMVC Employee Blog
AMVC swine veterinarians Dr. Lauren Nagel and Dr. Katie Beckman were chosen to participate in the 2022 Pork Leadership Institute (PLI) class, a joint training program of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and the National Pork Board designed to develop future leaders.
Every year, state pork association executives and NPPC field representatives work together to identify and nominate 15-20 producer candidates for PLI. The program is focused on educating participants about multiple facets of the swine industry and developing them as advocates. There are five or six meetings each year with topics such as international trade/exports, roles of national and state pork associations, retail markets, grassroots communications, and legislative/regulatory processes.
Discovering PLI
“I was approached by the Indiana Pork Board to apply for the program and be the representative for Indiana,” shared Nagel, DVM. “This past year has been an incredible experience learning about the pork industry and how we all have an important role in it. It has been great to interact with a variety of other producers, production managers, and various other swine-related positions from all over the country.”
Beckman was working in Utah with a previous employer as a staff veterinarian when she decided to apply for the program. “My experience with PLI has been incredible! I’ve gained so much knowledge and grown even more appreciative of everyone’s hard work to continuously improve and propel the swine industry forward,” said Beckman, DVM. Participating in the Pork Leadership Institute has been a rewarding experience for Nagel and Beckman as they have not only gained valuable information about the swine industry but have also grown as leaders and veterinarians.
“The institute has made me a better communicator and shown me many aspects of swine production that I do not deal with on a daily basis,” Nagel shared. “It has given me a better understanding of all the issues we face and what various organizations are doing to help our industry. I have learned how to be a better advocate for the industry and for my clients. This ranges from talking with other producers, community members, and lawmakers.”
Beckman shares that “gaining new global perspectives and taking part in the legislative/regulatory processes have really emphasized the importance of being a strong advocate and passing that knowledge on to others in the industry.”
Joining the Swine Industry
Nagel was born and raised in Rensselaer, IN, where she began working on sow farms in college. She attended Indiana University for her undergraduate studies and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Illinois.
“I always knew I wanted a career with animals and loved shadowing my hometown veterinarian growing up,” Nagel said. “My husband’s family has been a part of the industry for many years, so I became exposed through them as well. I had the opportunity to explore all facets of veterinary medicine while in vet school and was very drawn to swine medicine. I loved working on the farms and enjoyed the population medicine mindset.”
Beckman grew up in central Illinois and attended Southeast Missouri State University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science. She attended Purdue University for veterinary school, graduated in 2019, and joined AMVC in June earlier this year.
“I have always had a love of science and knew I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field,” Beckman shared. “As I got older and found a passion for agriculture, I decided on veterinary medicine so I could combine both interests. I knew I wanted to practice food animal medicine, so I started getting experience with local swine veterinarians during the summers. After just a few weeks I fell in love with the industry and never looked back.”
Nagel has been with AMVC Swine Health Services, a swine-exclusive veterinary practice in Frankfort, IN, for a year and a half and has appreciated their support throughout her experience with PLI.
“I really enjoy the network of professionals I am able to reach out to in any situation. From veterinarians, production managers, and office staff, I feel comfortable asking questions and feel I have been very fortunate in my mentorship,” Nagel shared.
Beckman joined AMVC Management Services in June of 2022 and shared that she “enjoys the people at AMVC. Everyone here is so talented, and I am looking forward to continuing to work with and learn from them.”
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