Connor Named IPPA Distinguished Service Award Winner

February 18, 2020 — 

Joseph F. Connor, D.V.M., M.S., Carthage, is the recipient of the 2020 Distinguished Service Award from the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA). As a dedicated veterinarian, mentor and promoter of the pork industry, the decision to award him with this title was effortless. Dr. Connor is founder of Carthage Veterinary Service, LTD in Carthage, IL. [Source: Farm Journal's Pork, Illinois Pork Producers Association 10 Feb 2020]

He grew up on a mixed livestock farm in central Illinois, before obtaining his D.V.M. from the University of Illinois in 1976 and establishing a practice in west central Illinois where he and his family reside today. He obtained a Master of Science in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 2006 and completed the Executive Veterinary Program in 2009 with the University of Illinois.

Dr. Connor has been a leader in many technologies including segregated production, wean-to-finish technology, positive pressure filtration, and disease elimination. Also, he is a well-known presenter and has given over 400 presentations, including many internationally. He has published numerous articles and coauthored the book Pig Health published in 2018.

"We are very fortunate to have such a knowledgeable individual advocating for the pork industry," states Jennifer Tirey, IPPA Executive Director. "His continued dedication to his profession and his willingness to push the envelope has led the way for advancements in herd health and animal disease prevention across the country."