AMES, Iowa – Chris Rademacher, clinical professor in veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine and swine extension veterinarian at Iowa State University, has been named interim director of the university’s Iowa Pork Industry Center.
Dr. Rademacher has been serving as the associate director of the center since 2018. He will begin his interim role Aug. 1, as Jason Ross prepares to begin his new role as chair of Iowa State’s Department of Animal Science. A search for a permanent director will begin as soon as possible.
“Both Jason and Chris have done terrific work together during their time as director and associate director, respectively, of the Iowa Pork Industry Center,” said Daniel J. Robison, holder of the endowed dean’s chair in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “As Jason moves on to his new role in the animal science department, CALS Associate Dean for Extension and Outreach Jay Harmon and I are confident Chris will continue that same level of excellence as interim director through this transition period.”
Dr. Rademacher received his bachelor’s degree in veterinary science and his doctor of veterinary medicine from the University of Minnesota. He joined Iowa State’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014.
As a clinical professor, Dr. Rademacher teaches swine production medicine courses and engages veterinary program students in field visits. He also conducts research on swine production medicine.
Through his extension appointment, Dr. Rademacher develops extension programming and conducts outreach to swine veterinarians, swine producers and allied industries.
“My plan as interim director is to continue to support the vision of the Iowa Pork Industry Center,” Dr. Rademacher said. “The center has become an internationally recognized center of excellence comprised of collaborative Iowa State faculty and staff that collectively generate and disseminate critical information to help stakeholders associated with the swine industry be successful.”
The Iowa Pork Industry Center was established in 1994 as a coordinated effort of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State. Its mission is to promote efficient pork production technologies in Iowa, maintain Iowa's pork industry leadership and strengthen rural development efforts. This is done, in part, through providing educational and informational opportunities to producers and industry members in the state.