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A native of Denmark, Stein earned his Ph.D. in nutrition at the
U of I in 1998 and served as a manager and consultant in the
Danish pork industry prior to joining the South Dakota State
University faculty in 2000. "The pork industry in Illinois is
diverse, especially in terms of size," said Stein. "Enterprises
range from a few pigs to operations with 100,000 sows. I will be
getting out in the state, meeting with producers, listening to
them and finding out what their needs are in terms of Extension
programming."
Stein needs no introduction, however, to the importance of
the swine industry.
Stein's appointment as associate professor of swine nutrition
and Extension swine specialist marks the return of a U of I
Extension swine specialist, a position that had been filled by
various faculty members on a part-time basis following Gilbert
Hollis' retirement a few years ago.
The Illinois Pork Producers Association has committed
$100,000 toward supporting the position through use of checkoff
dollars. The swine specialist has been an invaluable resource
for producers in the past, said Gary Asay, a pork producer from
the Osco area and current president of the Illinois Pork
Producers Association.
"IPPA felt this was a worthy investment of checkoff dollars
to continue to offer that resource and provide much-needed
expertise to Illinois pork producers. We look forward to working
with Hans for the betterment of the pork industry in Illinois,"
said Asay.
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"The Department of Animal Sciences is pleased to have Hans
Stein joining our faculty as swine Extension specialist," said
Neal Merchen, head of the department. "Hans is one of the
foremost 'newer generation' swine nutritionists in the country,
and his presence will allow our department to provide greater
educational opportunities to Illinois pork producers.
"Hans has also established himself as a top-flight researcher,
and much of his research can be translated directly into improved
recommendations for swine production practices. Our department is
committed to re-establishing national leadership in all areas of
swine production science, and the addition of Dr. Stein to our
faculty is a big step in achieving that goal."
A national search resulted in the selection of Stein, who grew up
on a small livestock operation in Denmark.
His specialty is swine nutrition, but Stein indicated his
intention to reach out to experts in other areas, such as
management, genetics, health and facilities, in the Department of
Animal Sciences; the College of Agricultural, Consumer and
Environmental Sciences; and in other state universities.
"I hope to eventually develop some regional programs to take
advantage of the expertise in the Midwest," he said.
And, he added, he will be spending time in the field.
"I will be getting around the state and working with the
industry," he said.
[University
of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental
Sciences news release] |
