AASP vice-presidential candidates

January and February, 1998

H. Neil Becker, DVM, MS

Objectives for serving

To repay all those who have gone before, in some small way, for their many contributions to the AASP. "To honor the past and build for the future."

Personal

Birthdate: March 29, 1938

Married to Helen; Children: Garet, Monica, and Cory

Education

  • BS 1960--University of Illinois
  • DVM 1962--University of Illinois
  • MS 1967--University of Illinois

Employment

  • 1962-1964: Illinois State Diagnostic Laboratory
  • 1964-1969: Illinois Cooperative Extension Service, Swine Veterinary Extension Specialist
  • 1969-1974: Private practice, Shabbona, Illinois
  • 1974-1988: University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Associate Professor, Swine Medicine
  • 1988-1991: Private practice, Melrose, Florida
  • 1991-present: Technical service specialist, pork, Pharmacia and Upjohn

Professional activities--Current

  • Michigan State University Swine Health Seminar
  • Executive Veterinary Program (EVP), University of Illinois
  • AASP Communications Committee

Professional activities--Previous

  • DeKalb County (Illinois) Cooperative Extension Advisory Board
  • Kishwaukee Community College Instructor --Swine Health and Management
  • Service Chief--Rural Animal Medicine Service, University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Swine Medicine Teaching, Research and Service
  • Alachua Veterinary Medical Association, Vice President and President Elect
  • JAVMA and AJVR Editorial Boards
  • American Association of Agricultural Consultants

Professional organizations--Memberships

  • AVMA
  • AASP (Charter Member)
  • FVMA (Inactive status)
  • AAIV

Current positions--Activities

Technical support for sales and service of swine products for the Pork Strategic Business Unit, Pharmacia and Upjohn Animal Health

Business address

9919 East 1000 Street
Clarks Hill, Indiana 47930
317-523-3038

Fax: 317-523-3039
Phone mail: 800-732-9485 X760989
email: hnbecker@pwinet.upj.com

Objectives for serving

The major challenges I see facing the swine veterinary profession include the consolidation of the industry, environmental issues, food safety issues, drug usage/availability, and globalization of the North American pork industry and swine practice. During my term I would set out to establish a "Swine Practitioners Hall of Fame," push for hastened research on PRRSV, highlight food safety and environmental issues, and continue to provide information that will deal with the blending of science, practice, and industry.