Laura Greiner, associate professor in animal science and director of the Iowa Pork Industry Center, is the recipient of the faculty 2026 Outstanding Achievement in Extension and Outreach Award from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University. Her programs deliver measurable economic and educational benefits to Iowa’s swine industry. Her dedication to applied science continues to elevate Iowa State’s land-grant mission.
Part of Greiner’s effectiveness as an extension leader is derived from her ability to collaborate across departments, agencies and stakeholder groups. She collaborated with the Iowa Pork Producers Association on the Foreign Animal Disease Preparedness Demonstration in 2025, which brought together representatives from 80% of Iowa’s pork production systems and leadership from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, USDA and the National Pork Board. This event provided producers with hands-on exposure to emergency depopulation technologies and biosecurity management, significantly advancing Iowa’s readiness for potential foreign animal disease threats. Her leadership also extends globally. Through partnerships with the U.S. Soybean Export Council, U.S. Grains Council and Australian Pork Producers, her team has hosted multiple international training delegations, facilitating knowledge exchange between Iowa producers and global agricultural leaders.
“Something I admire about Laura is not only her creativity and innovation through research, but her understanding and drive to disseminate the knowledge gained through extension and outreach,” stated a colleague. “She truly understands that without educating the industry, we will not make the critical changes supported by research.”