New Northwest Iowa Extension Swine Specialist is Ready to Help

There's no question too big or too small for Ashley Englin, new swine specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in northwest Iowa. On the job just since Jan. 29, she's already working to develop contacts, meet colleagues and clients, and prepare to offer great service to producers and others in that area.

"My primary responsibility is to provide resources to people to improve the local and state swine industry," she said. "I want everyone to know I'm a resource to call on when needed."

Englin said her background provides with her a great deal of first-hand experience and an understanding of what takes place within the day-to-day operations of a farm, and that's a big plus in this position.

"I was introduced to agriculture at an early age while growing up in Le Mars and participating in 4-H," she said. "I decided to pursue my passion by attending Iowa State University where I received a bachelor's degree in animal science."

After graduation, she began work as a nursery production training coordinator for Schwartz Farms, Inc., in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. In March 2022, she and her family returned to Le Mars and she started work as a wean to finish production specialist for Smithfield.  And when her current position with Iowa State opened, it immediately drew her attention.

"I was interested in this position because I enjoy working alongside other agriculture enthusiasts to provide solutions to the problems that the swine industry presents," Englin said. "I want people in the swine industry to realize what a great resource they have in their extension programs, and I hope I can display those resources to people and positively impact those programs even more."

What should people expect from this new swine specialist?

"I bring an attitude of hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication that I hope to convey in every interaction I have with people," she said. "I want people to always walk away from an interaction with me feeling like I gave them something valuable to use in future endeavors, and I want to help people be as successful as possible."