Meet the Expert - Afton Sawyer

Who is Afton Sawyer?

I grew up in the United States, but I am currently located in Manitoba. I graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Animal Science with an option in production. While in university I was a member of the meats judging team and was an intern with Cargill Pork at a 12,000 head sow barn outside of Dalhart, TX. Upon graduation I worked for Cargill Beef as a slaughter associate. After working in harvest, I went back to school at Oklahoma State and completed my masters degree in swine nutrition. My thesis covered the effects of a nutritional water supplement and increased threonine on weaned piglet growth performance. I also had the opportunity to help with other trials utilizing a water titrable zinc product. After successfully defending my thesis I worked for DNA Genetics in Nebraska, and helped start up a nucleus farm here in Manitoba. I then started with Hypor in May 2023 in technical services.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the swine industry?

My high school welding teacher, Mr. Tommy Henderson, was the swine advisor for the agricultural program. He asked me if I would raise a pig with the group that summer because he thought I would enjoy it. Little did we both know at the time I would be involved with it for the rest of my life. I love the animal and the people I get to meet in the process.

When it comes to working with customers, what’s your “superpower”?

Empathy. I understand there can be difficult days at the barn, especially when there is a lot of work to do. Being able to relate to the barn staff and understand the benefits and struggles of working in a barn helps me to have a connection with them. I am also very passionate about pigs and want to do everything I can to help our customers be successful in their operations.

What was the most rewarding project you worked on and why?

I love having the opportunity to work on research projects. Seeing the results and the progress being made and helping with the data collection process is something I love to do. Last October I had the chance to work on a research project in the United States and I was also able to see those results at the plant level in May. It was amazing to see the project full circle and meet some new friends and colleagues in the industry!

How do you see the future of the swine industry evolving?

I believe the future of the swine industry is evolving with a combination of increased use of technology, advances in health and welfare, research, consumer perception, and sustainability. With labor being a major challenge for the industry, video monitoring for health and behavior can also play an important part in alleviating the pressure. All these paired with the concepts of Hypor’s standards regarding improvements in sow stayability and piglet vitality to produce full value finishers will be instrumental in efficiently producing pork for the global market.

Outside the swine industry, what are you passionate about?

I love being outdoors! I love camping and hunting, but fishing is my favorite hobby. Open water is amazing and I love getting out in the canoe, but my heart is set on ice fishing. I participate in numerous ice fishing derbies throughout Manitoba during the hard water season and won the Grand Marais derby in March with a 69 cm Northern Pike. I love to target all species and learn about new bodies of water with good company. If you have any recommendations, I would love to hear about them. I also love watching college football even if the Cowboys aren’t playing.