Celebrating 25 Years: Andrea Klassen’s Journey with HyLife

Dec 11, 2023

In the veterinary care and animal welfare world, few individuals can boast the commitment and passion that Andrea Klassen has brought to her role as a Veterinary Assistant. Having started her journey with HyLife in 1998, Andrea recently reached a significant career milestone—25 years of service.

Her roots are deeply connected with agriculture. Growing up on a chicken farm, Andrea initially envisioned herself building and running her own barn. Wanting to get some hands-on experience, working with pigs before venturing on her own, she was hired by HyLife’s founders and jumped at the chance to learn more about the pork industry.

Over the years, Andrea’s role has evolved. Starting in the barn, she progressed to become a Farrowing Manager and eventually transitioned into the role of Veterinary Assistant. She has witnessed the Animal Care Team expand and evolve, reflecting HyLife’s growing commitment to the welfare of the pigs under its care.

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Video: Assessing Welfare Resources During Late Finish - Dr. Anna Johnson & Emma Coursey

In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Anna Johnson from Iowa State University and Emma Coursey from the University of Illinois discuss research evaluating welfare resources during the late finishing stage on commercial swine farms. They explain how feeder management, water use, space allocation, and pig health influence welfare outcomes and practical on-farm management. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Small resource issues can become larger welfare problems when multiple stressors interact across finishing barns."

Meet the guests: Dr. Anna Johnson / anna-johnson-05028a14 is the Morrill Professor of Animal Behavior and Welfare at Iowa State University. She earned her Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from Texas Tech University and completed her master's degree in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare at the University of Edinburgh. Her research focuses on practical solutions that improve farm animal welfare, including sow productive lifetime, animal-human interaction, environmental enrichment, and Precision Livestock Farming.

Emma Coursey / emma-coursey-183810241 is pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine after earning a bachelor's degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University. Her academic interests include swine health, production, and animal welfare, with research experience evaluating welfare resources in commercial finishing pigs.