West Des Moines, Iowa - Choice Genetics USA is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Roger Johnson as the Director of Applied Genetics. Dr. Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from the University of Illinois, and both his Masters and Doctorate degree in Animal Science from South Dakota State University.
An early pioneer in identifying, measuring and improving pork quality at the commercial level, Dr. Johnson continues to be one of the elite industry standouts in pork quality research. Leading the way in developing both carcass composition and meat quality genetic selection tools, Dr. Johnson is skilled in instrumental grading for marbling, tenderness and fat quality.
He also specializes in optimizing systems for production of meat quality and genetic program improvements. As the Director of Applied Genetics for Choice Genetics, Dr. Johnson will lead the Technical Services Department as well as direct, develop, and manage packer relationships.
"We are pleased to welcome Roger to our team. He is a proven leader in the packing industry and will add a new dimension to our focus of technical service to our customers," says Dr. Derek Petry, CEO.
"I am excited about joining the Choice Genetics USA Team. The opportunities that lay ahead for the swine/pork industry, both domestically and internationally, are phenomenal," says Dr. Roger Johnson "I truly believe genetics are the foundation of a profitable and sustainable live production system, but our ultimate goal needs to be the production of a raw material that will satisfy the wants and needs of a consuming public. Since we know not all pork is created equally, as a genetic supplier, we need to produce the type of pigs and pork that will enhance the demand for pork products on a regular basis."
Dr. Johnson was formally the Director of Pork Quality at Smithfield-Farmland Corporation, where he led the quality initiatives for the Fresh Meat Group.
Petry says, "Roger has a solid reputation of being on the cutting edge of science and technology in the swine industry...helping to advance Choice Genetics' mission of Leading Innovation and Delivering Value."
Source: Choice Genetics