American Association of Swine Veterinarians recognizes excellence, leadership
The American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) honored six members for their exceptional contributions to the association and the swine industry during the March 2, 2026 awards reception at the 57th AASV Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Dr Mike Senn, 2022 AASV president and member of the 2026 Awards Selection Committee, introduced recipients whose work spans clinical practice, academia, industry leadership, mentorship, and service—each exemplifying the values that continue to drive progress in swine veterinary medicine.
Swine Practitioner of the Year: Dr Brad Leuwerke
Dr Brad Leuwerke was named the 2026 Swine Practitioner of the Year, an award recognizing exceptional proficiency and effectiveness in veterinary service.
Originally from a farm near Forest City, Iowa, Leuwerke earned his MSc in veterinary microbiology and preventative medicine and DVM from Iowa State University in 2006. He joined the Swine Vet Center in St. Peter, Minnesota, immediately after graduation and now oversees sow herd and nursery/grow‑finish health, client training, and applied research.
Known for balancing science with practical judgement, Leuwerke is highly respected for his work in animal welfare, biosecurity, infectious disease management, and responsible antimicrobial use. A committed AASV member since attending his first annual meeting in 2003, he has served in numerous leadership roles and remains deeply invested in mentoring new veterinarians.
Reflecting on the honor, Leuwerke said, “I am amazed and honored to be nominated, within this organization, for this award. To be included with past recipients is truly humbling.”
Howard Dunne Memorial Award: Dr Rick Sibbel
Dr Rick Sibbel received the 2026 Howard Dunne Memorial Award, recognizing outstanding service to both AASV and the swine industry.
Raised on a family farm in Butte, Nebraska, Sibbel built a career spanning rural practice, animal health leadership, and global One Health initiatives. After retiring from Merck Animal Health in 2018, he founded Executive Veterinary & Health Solutions LLC, focusing on veterinary and human medicine interface programs in food animal systems.
AASV president in 2003 and longtime committee leader, Sibbel said upon accepting the award, “Accepting the Howard Dunne Memorial Award is a truly special moment for this veterinarian. I’m accepting this award with humility and honor as I join the long list of veterinarians that have come before me.”
He added, “Because…Feeding people never goes out of style.”
Meritorious Service Award: Dr Clayton Johnson
Dr Clayton Johnson was honored with the 2026 Meritorious Service Award for decades of dedicated service to AASV and the profession.
Johnson led the AASV Early‑Career Swine Veterinarian Development Program from 2022 to 2025, helping equip young veterinarians with leadership and communication skills. He has chaired multiple committees, delivered the 2025 Howard Dunne Memorial Lecture, and was recently elected AASV vice‑president.
Currently Director of Veterinary Services at Carthage Veterinary Services in Illinois, Johnson is also the host of The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, reaching more than 100,000 listeners globally.
“I’m beyond grateful to receive the 2026 AASV Meritorious Service Award – to be recognized by peers, colleagues and my own mentors is a tremendous honor!” he said.
Outstanding Swine Academic of the Year: Dr Glen Almond
Dr Glen Almond was named the 2026 Outstanding Swine Academic of the Year for excellence in teaching, research, and service.
A professor at North Carolina State University since 1987, Almond is widely recognized for his commitment to student mentorship and swine health education worldwide. His open‑door approach and dedication to student success have influenced generations of veterinarians.
“It is an incredible honor to receive this award,” Almond said. “I do not measure my success by the number of publications, nor the number of funded grants: the success of my students has been my motivation.”
Originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Almond earned his degrees from the University of Guelph and North Carolina State University.
Technical Services/Allied Industry Veterinarian of the Year: Dr Robyn Fleck
Dr Robyn Fleck received the Technical Services/Allied Industry Veterinarian of the Year Award for her leadership at Merck Animal Health and service to AASV.
As a senior account manager of scientific sales and affairs, Fleck supports vaccine technology transfer and scientific communications while mentoring students and early‑career veterinarians. She has served on numerous AASV committees and national pork industry initiatives.
“During my first year as a near solo swine practitioner in Arkansas, I was supported by multiple TS vets,” Fleck said. “Their responsiveness, teaching, and life coaching inspired me to do the same.”
Young Swine Veterinarian of the Year: Dr Elizabeth Noblett
Dr Elizabeth Noblett received the 2026 Young Swine Veterinarian of the Year Award, recognizing excellence early in a veterinary career.
A North Carolina State University graduate, Noblett is currently a veterinarian with Smithfield, overseeing sow farm and grow‑finish operations in the southeastern U.S. She is an active AASV leader, chairs the Communications Committee, and was part of the inaugural Early‑Career Development class.
“When Dr Mary Battrell called me, I thought she was calling to chat about the pigs we were sending her,” Noblett said. “I was incredibly shocked when she informed me of the award.”
Together, this year’s honorees reflect the breadth of talent, dedication, and leadership shaping the future of swine veterinary medicine—advancing animal health, strengthening food systems, and mentoring the next generation.