The pork industry lost a great friend, and the Iowa Pork Industry Center (IPIC) lost a great advocate with the passing of Dr. John Mabry this past week.

John began his ISU career in 2000 and, for more than a decade, used his genetics expertise and lifelong academic and industry connections to develop software and programs to benefit pork producers in Iowa and the U.S. His consulting work brought international faculty and post-doctoral students to the IPIC to work on approaches and spreadsheets for furthering cost-effective genetic systems for the swine industry.

He was a true team player in terms of sharing expectations, responsibilities, and appreciation with all who worked on projects. From IPIC campus-based staff and field staff to those from other extension program areas and ISU departments, each person was a part of the overall effort. He also encouraged his employees to go beyond what they might have felt comfortable doing, to expand their abilities and capabilities. Simply put, he championed his employees and the work they did.

During his tenure, he led the organizing effort of the annual Lauren Christian Pork Chop Open. This longstanding golf tournament raised funds for the Lauren L. Christian Endowment, which provided undergraduate scholarships and graduate fellowships to deserving animal science students. He also assisted in the reinvigoration of the Iowa Swine Day program, setting in motion a well-attended program that continues to this day.

John understood the importance of cooperative partnerships, especially with the Iowa Pork Producers Association. From annual Iowa Pork Regional Conferences to quarterly ICN programs with a Hogs and Pigs report focus to the very beginning of Pork Quality Assurance certification, each opportunity made that partnership even stronger.

Dr. Mabry received many accolades during his career that embody his dedication and passion for the swine industry and his service as IPIC director. These two awards, IPPA’s Honorary Master Pork Producer Award and National Pork Board’s Distinguished Service Award, are representative of the impact of his work over time.

The entire IPIC team, both past and present, is deeply grateful for his leadership and will dearly miss our friend and colleague.

 

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IPIC was established in 1994 as a coordinated effort of the colleges of Agriculture (now Agriculture and Life Sciences) and Veterinary Medicine at ISU. Its mission is to promote efficient pork production technologies in Iowa, maintain Iowa's pork industry leadership and strengthen rural development efforts. IPIC focuses its efforts on programs that are integral and complementary to ISU Extension and Outreach. Through IPIC, Iowa producers receive accurate and timely information to make their operations more efficient and profitable.