Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
2/16/00
Contacts:
John Mabry, Iowa Pork Industry Center, (515) 294-4103,
jmabry@arches.uga.edu
Sherry Hoyer, Iowa Pork Industry Center, (515) 294-4496,
shoyer@iastate.edu
Mabry Is Ready For Lead IPIC Role
AMES, Iowa -- When John Mabry officially begins his duties as director of the Iowa Pork Industry Center this spring, look for him to hit the ground running.
"I plan on being very active in all work areas that will assist IPIC in accomplishing our mission," Mabry said. "This includes a combination of administrative leadership and hands-on efforts in accomplishing the goals of IPIC and the Iowa pork industry."
As a professor of animal science at the University of Georgia for the past 20 years, Mabry's research focused on designing and implementing systems to help swine producers maximize the genetic progress and profitability of their herds. At Iowa State University, Mabry intends to help producers understand the current situation and how their collective assets can be used to create a more positive future.
"These assets include a tradition of successful swine production, an abundant and inexpensive grain supply, the largest packing industry in the world, and the swine expertise at ISU, IPIC, the Iowa Pork Producers Association and the National Pork Producers Council," he said. "Iowa has a unique potential for low-cost and high-quality pork production capability, and the future is quite bright for those who adopt new technology and adapt with the evolution of the industry."
Mabry said he sees IPIC playing a pivotal role in speeding the transfer of technology from ISU and other sources to the production segment of the Iowa pork industry, by providing educational assistance, business orientation and expertise. IPIC must also be a part of policy development that will help define the growth and structure of the pork industry.
One or two segments of the industry are not enough to provide necessary education and assistance, said Mabry, who anticipates joining with other groups devoted to similar causes. This won't be accomplished without some challenges along the way, but Mabry said he looks forward to working through these challenges with all facets of the Iowa pork industry.
"As the pork industry changes and its challenges expand, IPIC and ISU Extension will be looking to new partners to accomplish the most successful combined effort possible," he said. "We need leadership at the producer, legislative, educational and governmental levels. More resources, long-term commitment and effort are essential to the successful completion of our mission. The future of the pork industry in Iowa is very promising."
Mabry's official start date is April 1.
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