Dustin “Dusty” Oedekoven, South Dakota’s state veterinarian, will become the chief veterinarian for the National Pork Board at the end of February.

Oedekoven, also the executive secretary for the South Dakota Animal Industry Board, will lead a team of veterinarians and swine production experts in Pork Checkoff-funded work to deliver on the No. 1 concern for pork producers: foreign animal disease preparedness and protecting the U.S. herd from African swine fever. Oedekoven will join the NPB on Feb. 25.

As the animal industry board’s executive secretary, Oedekoven provided strategic leadership and direction for the state’s animal health agency. The seven-member, governor-appointed board of livestock producers carries the responsibility for all animal health programs and disease control efforts in the state.

SOUTH DAKOTAN: Dusty Oedekoven has a long history involved with South Dakota agriculture.

Oedekoven’s move is one of a few for the NPB. Patrick Webb, DVM, will now serve as NPB’s assistant chief veterinarian, and Brett Kaysen, who most recently served as the senior vice president of sustainability for NPB, has taken on the role of senior vice president of producer and state engagement.

Kaysen will continue to oversee the sustainability team — now led by Sara Crawford, vice president of sustainability — and assume responsibility for the team charged with building grassroots leadership and partnerships among state pork associations and producers.

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