New degree in pig production in Illinois

Currently, the university's Department of Animal Sciences and a leading Illinois pig management business are in the process of developing the programme in the College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.

The degree, a sponsored Master of Science in Animal Sciences - Swine Production Management, is designed for high-caliber students with a BS degree in animal sciences or an associated discipline.

Career planning

"This programme is aimed at students planning a career in production management within the swine industry," said Michael Ellis, a professor in the department and head of the new degree programme.

"In the future, these individuals will need an increasingly broader range of technical and business management skills and practical experience if they are to be successful."

Sponsor is farm management service company The Maschoffs, headquartered in Carlyle, Illinois. In the last ten years the company embarked on numerous progressive research projects in the pig production science with the university, ranging from nutrition to health to transportation and engineering.

Applied pig research

Students will spend three semesters doing class work and being involved in a wide range of applied pig research. During the final semester of the programme, they will work within the company's system carrying out an applied research project.

The programme starts in the autumn of next year.

Related website:
• University of Illinois
• The Maschoffs

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