News Release
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Contact: Ben Richey |
Two
Receive NIAA Meritorious Service Award
ST.
PAUL, Minn. – The National Institute for Animal Agriculture’s (NIAA)
Meritorious Service Award was presented to James Leafstedt, Alcester,
S.D. and Nancy Robinson, Kansas City, Mo., here tonight during the
organization’s annual recognition banquet.
NIAA
traditionally honors an individual annually who has made extensive
contributions and has given exemplary service to the animal agriculture
industry and NIAA. Presented
to both Leafstedt and Robinson, the award was given in recognition of
“the leadership, dedication and many contributions you have given to
NIAA and the animal agriculture industry,” said Dr. Richard Breitmeyer,
California Department of Food and Agriculture, Sacramento Calif., a
recipient of the prestigious award in 2003.
Leafstedt,
a fourth-generation pork producer, was recognized for his leadership in
the National Pseudorabies Eradication Program, among other contributions
he has made to the swine industry and animal agriculture as a whole.
Nancy
Robinson, vice president of government and industry affairs for the
Livestock Marketing Association, was honored for her continued service
to NIAA and the livestock industry.
Robinson serves on the board of directors, representing her
organization on key industry issues.
Other
Recipients of the award are: Thomas W. Wenstrand, Hawkeye Steel
Products, Inc., Houghton, Iowa (2001), Dr. Beth Lautner, National Pork
Board, Des Moines, Iowa (2002), and Neil Hammerschmidt, Wisconsin
Livestock Identification Consortium, Madison, Wis. (2004).
The
National Institute for Animal Agriculture began operations in January
2000. NIAA’s mission is
to provide a forum for building consensus and advancing solutions for
animal agriculture and to provide continuing education and communication
linkages for animal agriculture professionals.
The
organization is dedicated to programs that work towards the eradication
of diseases that pose a risk to the health of animals, wildlife and
humans; promote a safe and wholesome food supply for our nation and
abroad; and promote best practices in environmental stewardship, animal
health and well-being.
Members
include professionals engaged in animal agriculture including producers,
veterinarians, scientists, government representatives and business
executives.
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