Dr. Tom Long joins Choice Genetics USA as Geneticist

Jul 12, 2013

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – Dr. Tom Long has been hired as a Geneticist at Choice Genetics USA. Choice Genetics is a Groupe Grimaud company and one of the world’s leading pig genetics companies.

Dr. Long has numerous years of experience in the industry, including positions with Smithfield Premium Genetics and Norsvin. He also has experience globally working on genetic development in multiple systems.

“The research team is excited to have him on board. Tom brings great production experience and technical knowledge to our group,” says Derek Petry, Ph.D., VP of R&D and Nucleus Production.

“I’m very excited to be joining the Choice Genetics team and getting involved in the myriad of innovative initiatives, including CT scanning, Disease Tolerance, and Whole Genome Selection, allowing us to drive swine genetic improvement quickly on economically important traits such as feed efficiency,” says Tom Long, Ph. D., Geneticist.

Dr. Long holds an M.S. from the University of Illinois and a Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska in Animal Breeding and Genetics. Dr. Long will be based out of Choice Genetics USA’s West Des Moines office.

Source: Choice Genetics

Video: Shearing Delay Leads To Kingston 4H Sheep Show!

What started as a disappointment turned into a day full of surprises, fun, and celebration as we leave Ewetopia Farms behind and head out to the Kingston Fair to watch the 4H sheep show

Today’s vlog was supposed to be another sheep shearing day here at Ewetopia Farms, but when our shearer had to cancel, we suddenly found ourselves with an unexpected free day. Lucky for us, the Kingston Fair was happening — and some of our own sheep (and friends) were competing!

We brought along our shearing helper and headed to the fairgrounds to cheer on the 4H kids and see how our sheep did in the show. From last-minute preparations and sheep showmanship to market lamb competitions and ewe classes, we take you behind the scenes of what it’s really like at a country fair.

We couldn’t be prouder — our girls walked away with wins in both showmanship and breeding ewe classes! Afterwards, we toured the fair, met a beekeeper with fascinating insights, admired other livestock shows, and wrapped up the evening with motocross stunts and a demolition derby!

Sometimes farm life throws curveballs — but today, it gave us the chance to celebrate community, our sheep, and the next generation of shepherds.