By Suzanne Leonard, North Carolina State University

On May 7, in Goldsboro, North Carolina, the North Carolina State University Swine Extension Team will hold its annual Innovation Forum. Registration is free and lunch will be provided. Visit the website for more details and full agenda. Keynote speakers this year are featured below.

Dustin Kendall, swine nutritionist, Prestage Farms Inc.

The things we know and the things we thought we knew

Originally from southern Indiana, Dustin and his wife Charmae moved to North Carolina after completing degrees at Purdue University and the University of Missouri. In his current position, Dustin is responsible for swine formulations, feed quality assurance, swine research barns in North Carolina, along with input into purchasing decisions across the six states Prestage Farms has swine.

Mike Ellis, professor emeritus, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Leveraging academic-industry partnerships to drive swine industry solutions

Ellis' career has been focused on a wide variety of topics including nutrition, swine management practices, reproduction, genetics and transportation. He developed close working relationships with many industry partners, working together to create innovative and impactful solutions for today's producers.

Kent Gray, general manager, Smithfield Premium Genetics

Genetic innovations in the swine industry

Gray leads genetic improvement efforts by incorporating emerging genetic concepts, advanced statistical, biological and genetic methodology. He works closely with his team to determine the priorities of SPG to ensure quality genetics for future swine generations.