For his service to the industry, recent OSU PhD graduate Jared Harshman was awarded Oklahoma Pork’s 2023 Ambassador Award at the Oklahoma Pork Congress in Oklahoma City.
In 2006, the Oklahoma Pork Council Board of Directors created the Ambassador Award to recognize individuals who don’t directly raise pigs but have made a significant impact on our state’s pork industry as a champion and promoter of what our farmers do.
Having just completed his doctorate in July 2023, Dr. Jared Harshman recently finished his nine-year Oklahoma academic career as an expert in swine nutrition. During the past decade, Jared has made significant research contributions while serving as a passionate advocate for modern pig farming. Because of his hard work and meaningful industry engagement, Jared was selected for the 2023 Oklahoma Pork Council Ambassador Award.
Originally from Mount Airy, Maryland, Jared first came to Oklahoma in 2014 to judge livestock and study Animal Science at Redlands Community College. From there, he transferred to Oklahoma State University where he worked at the university swine farm while earning a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctorate with a focus on swine nutrition. While his research as a graduate student covered a wide array of topics, his master’s research focused on feed additives in nursery and wean-to-finish pigs, while his PhD dissertation was focused on sow prolapse. Jared worked closely with longtime Oklahoma Pork ex-officio board member and OSU swine nutritionist Dr. Scott Carter. Jared has also found time during his studies to assist with Oklahoma Pork’s collegiate leadership program and work with our staff on key projects that serve the broader pork industry.
With his PhD complete, Jared plans to begin his full-time career as a swine nutritionist. When he is not conducting research, he enjoys spending time outside with his girlfriend and friends either hunting or fishing. Thank you to Dr. Jared Harshman for being a true champion of our state’s pork industry!
Interested in learning more about Jared’s sow prolapse research? Click here to check out Part One of his interview on The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt podcast earlier this year.
