Meet the We Care® Team: A Driving Force for the Pork Industry’s Stewardship Story

Follow Jamie on LinkedIn

My passion for protecting producers' freedom to operate comes from my experience seeing them exit the market. Being raised in what used to be the feeder pig capital of the world, I have witnessed producers backing up to the sale barn with their last load of pigs. This experience motivates me to be forward-looking about potential risks that affect their freedom to operate.

I have had the opportunity to work in all sectors of the industry - from showing pigs as a kid to having my own pigs to working for a vertically integrated company for 24 years. Along with my team, I frequently speak and meet with retailers and foodservice companies to share data that builds trust and fosters collaboration that supports the industry's long-term success. My daily goal is to have conversations with producers and states that align the We Care® Ethical Principles with sustainability and share how the ethical principles align with customers' goals.

Follow Dr. Fowler on LinkedIn

On behalf of America's pork producers, Dr. Fowler oversees public health, occupational safety and health issues related to U.S. swine production. She is a board-certified public health veterinarian with expertise in the areas of zoonotic disease, public health, worker safety and mental health, and One Health application.

Dr. Fowler's work covers public health and food safety, and overlaps with the other We Care® Ethical Principles. She works to share producer stories and how the ethical principles are applied daily. As a One Health champion, Dr. Fowler recognizes the connection between animal, human and environmental health, helping producers showcase how the One Health framework translates back to the We Care® Ethical Principles. She welcomes public health questions, concerns and ideas so she can help address them.

Follow Stephanie on LinkedIn

Stephanie advances science-based animal care practices and ensures producers have the needed resources to provide the best possible welfare for their pigs. With a background in animal science, livestock behavior and pork production, she works closely with industry experts, veterinarians and researchers to drive continuous improvement in sow housing, handling and overall pig well-being. Stephanie's role is supporting producers in their commitment to responsible pig farming. She encourages producers to contact her directly with any questions about animal welfare, programs like Pork Quality Assurance® Plus or Transport Quality Assurance®, or any ideas related to improving pig care.

Follow Marguerite on LinkedIn

Marguerite manages the research and development of environmental, sustainability and animal disease response and prevention programs for pork producers in air and water quality, soil health, manure and mortality management, emergency response, carbon footprint and facility management. Her role supports producers' freedom to operate by providing information and research to support reasonable and implementable permits and rule conditions for farm operations. There are various environmental permits and rules at federal, state and local levels - including construction, operation, air protection, water protection, manure management, internal combustion engines, drinking water systems, spill prevention and waste disposal. She is excited to be in an industry that is integral to shaping stewardship efforts in the pork industry.

Follow Eugenia on LinkedIn

Eugenia introduces producers to the Pork Cares Farm Impact Report, which identifies the strengths of producers' operations and potential areas of growth. This tool provides non-biased information and allows producers to determine what practices would best support their operation. The USDA grant program provides financial support to producers to implement practices that benefit their operation and the legacy they leave behind.

Eugenia's position aligns daily with the environment and community ethical principles. She supports producers' implementation of responsible practices to spotlight their dedication to responsible stewardship. As a member of the agricultural community, she's committed to the land and its people.

Follow Scott on LinkedIn

As a grant liaison, Scott collaborates with producers and state pork associations to educate producers on ways to seek funding for implementing sustainable practices and to gain financial support. Scott teaches producers about the value of the Pork Cares Farm Impact Reports for their operation and to the industry. The reports showcase producers' commitment to their communities and the environment by demonstrating how they improve manure management, conserve water, save soil from erosion, reduce energy usage and more. Upon receiving a report, Scott further educates and discusses possible additional practices for producers to implement that may further reduce their carbon footprint.