The award recognizes high-performing swine veterinarians
May 10, 2024
2 minutes reading
Matt Allerson of Holden Farms in Northfield, Minnesota, will receive the 2024 Science in Practice Award at the Leman Swine Conference in September, according to a recent press release. The annual award recognizes swine professionals who use science to solve critical health and production problems for swine producers.
As a veterinarian at Holden Farms, Allerson leads a talented team of veterinarians in one of the largest family-owned pork production systems in the country. He is internationally recognized for his expertise in disease control, healthcare and production. Allerson’s skills as a teacher, mentor and leader are also highly respected.
“I am fortunate to work for a company that supports field research and understands the value that research brings to a company,” he said. “Together, we can answer questions specific to the Holden Farms system and pig health.”
His team uses a variety of tools to discover solutions, including health improvement plans, biosafety principles, and disease elimination plans that have been supported by experimental and field research.
Allerson said using scientific principles is extremely important.
“You have to identify and remove extraneous or confounding variables that could impact your results,” he said. “A small difference in performance can have huge economic consequences.”
His passion for science, working with livestock, and summarizing data led to a career and several advanced degrees in veterinary medicine.
“These experiences helped me eliminate feelings and opinions when trying to answer questions related to animal health and performance,” said Allerson. “Instead, we take our feelings and emotions and turn them into research questions.”
“Matt is known and respected for his focus on scientific excellence, his collaboration and his leadership,” says Montse Torremorell, DVM, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Population Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota. “These qualities exemplify what we strive to honor with the Science in Practice Award. We salute Matt for his excellent work and his generosity and humanity toward others in the industry.
Allerson earned his DVM in 2009, his Master of Public Health in 2010, and his Ph.D. in 2013 – all from the University of Minnesota. As a student and practicing veterinarian, Allerson has authored or co-authored 20 peer-reviewed publications and nearly 30 abstracts and conference proceedings articles. In addition to his many professional accomplishments, Allerson’s proudest moments are with his wife, Jenna, and watching his family – Owen, August and Adeline – grow and spend time together.
Allerson will receive his award Sept. 23 at the annual Leman Swine Conference in St. Paul. The conference is the industry’s premier healthcare and production management conference.
