Pork production is a stressful balancing act, but it’s also a noble calling driven by a deep appreciation for animals.

“There’s no doubt that caring for pigs is not an easy job,” says Jesus Garcia, pork production specialist with Zoetis. “Our relationships with our customers are our No. 1 top priority. We pride ourselves on being there as another set of eyes and a helping hand to roll up our sleeves and work hand-in-hand with our customers. We really pride ourselves in emerging ourselves in the culture and knowing everybody by name.”

Zoetis Pork is celebrating those shared values by telling their stories of care and progress. The Champions of Care content series honors pork producers, caregivers and Zoetis pork professionals dedicated to raising and caring for healthy pigs. Because at the end of the day, the health of livestock operations depends on herd health.

Garcia, a native of Honduras, is one example of someone who has dedicated himself to pig health. He moved to the United States with the intention of practicing English and learning about U.S. agriculture for a year or two before returning home to run his family’s dairy. Almost 20 years later, he’s still here, choosing a career focused on pig health versus milk production.

“I fell in love with the industry. I stayed for the pigs but grew with the people that surrounded me. The pigs made me stay, the people made me grow,” Garcia says.

A typical day for Garcia starts at 6 a.m. and ends, he says, “when we get done.”

“Every morning, we’re going to go into the barn to see pigs and help people. That is really what we are most passionate about,” Garcia says. “I think everybody in the barn has heard at one time or the other that we are going to provide air, feed and water and individual care for each animal. That’s how I define care – ensuring that those four items are 100% executed every single day.”

Garcia says rolling up his sleeves alongside Zoetis’ customers helps him better understand the challenges they are facing, which is the first step to solving production-limiting challenges. Working in tandem with pork producers and caregivers enables Garcia and his colleagues to tailor pork production efficiency improvements to each farming operation.

“We’re going into the trenches, identifying true science-based opportunities and helping provide a solution to any challenges our customers are facing,” he says.

As a trusted advisor, Garcia believes partnering on-farm with pork producers and caregivers results in shared success – for the pork producer and for Zoetis. Our paths might look different, but we are united by purpose – keeping pigs and operations healthy and productive.

To learn more about how Zoetis can help you advance pig health through personalized care, visit HeritageFeedsTomorrow.com.

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