AASV Members Recognized with 40 Under 40 Awards

March 26, 2014 — 

After evaluating numerous outstanding nominations for Vance Publishing Corporation’s inaugural 40 Under 40 in Agriculture Awards, a panel of judges from across the industry has narrowed the list to the final 40. These individuals were selected for their leadership and commitment in advancing the cause to double food production by 2050. Two AASV members, Jean Paul Cano and Luke Minion, are among those recognized.

Jean Paul Cano

Title: Senior Associate Director of Swine Professional Services

Company: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.

Global perspective makes Jean Paul Cano, 38, so special, according to Kelly Schwalbe of Blasdel Cleaver Schwalbe Communications, who nominated him for the 40 Under 40 list.

Born and educated in Venezuela, the son of Spanish immigrants, Cano grew up watching his father work in slaughterhouses and pork trading.

“I knew then I wanted to be a part of agriculture,” he says.

Cano learned the U.S. swine industry and made his mark through his research at the University of Minnesota into porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, a disease that causes $700 million a year loss to the industry.

As senior associate director of Swine Professional Services for Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. he emphasizes putting that research to practical use.

“We’re focused on applied research that is expanded to all players in the business.” And that means involving people and tools worldwide, an element that can be a challenge. “Most swine diseases have global implications and he understands practical application of science in those places,” Schwalbe says.

He also understands the cultural expanse.

“Different societies have different priorities,” says Cano. “As societies advance, they want more. Consumers want the best products. They’re concerned with animal welfare. But in developing countries, the priorities are different. They’re concerned with producing plenty of nutritious, safe, affordable food.”

Cano sees no reason why that focus can’t be blended through the use of practical science. “In this world we have the ability to produce food at a reasonable cost that allows access for everyone.”

Luke Minion

Title: DVM, CEO/President

Company: Pipestone Holdings, LLC

Not many people get a letter of recommendation from a state governor, but South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaar was happy to support Luke Minion for inclusion as a 40 Under 40 honoree.

“Dr. Minion’s advocacy for the agriculture industry is very admirable and his progressive, can-do attitude has made him a real leader in agricultural development,” Daugaar wrote. “His professionalism and understanding of agriculture and its importance to our state have impressed me time and time again. I have no doubt Dr. Minnion is changing the agriculture industry for the better in South Dakota.”

Minion, 38, grew up in southwestern Minnesota and began his career with the Pipestone Veterinary Clinic in 2000 after graduating from the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

Minion’s interests include production animal medicine and business management. Pipestone Holdings LLC is a well known affiliation of companies dedicated to providing professional services and support to independent family farmers who seek to remain competitive in the livestock production sector.

Minion has more than 13 years of leadership experience in the agribusiness industry and exhibits the core values of integrity, caring, commitment, growth and teamwork. Van Fishback, vice chairman of the Fishback Financial Corporation, says Minion has a lifelong passion and commitment to food production.

“There is no question that Minion has incredible energy and enthusiasm for his profession and agriculture. I have observed him as a guest lecturer in the Animal Science Department of South Dakota State University: His energy captivates the students, and if there were were an ambassador for recruiting young people into agriculture, he is it.”