Meet the Staff
Dr. Doug Newcom, Vice President of Genetics & Technology
How many years have you worked for the NSR?
Almost seven years.
What is your favorite aspect of your role with the NSR?
Serving a diverse clientele that includes showpig breeders, junior members, commercially-oriented members and international members.
What is one thing you wish members knew about your job?
The latest trend in the showpig world or domestic issues aren’t always on the top of my radar. Things like African swine fever, international trade deals and tariffs, and how are we going to expand our NSR brand internationally keep me up at night. The newest issue is Coronavirus COVID-19. It is playing havoc with planning for international promotion and marketing activities.
What is your favorite NSR memory?
Taking my dad to China with me. He’s been twice, but to see the look on his face the first trip was priceless. I had warned him of a few cultural differences he may notice, but he didn’t believe me until he was actually there.
What was your involvement in the swine industry before your time with the NSR?
I grew up on a hog farm, showed pigs, sheep and cattle in 4H, studied swine genetics in college and worked for two swine breeding stock companies prior to joining NSR.
Please list your spouse and children (fur children included).
Jennifer, Olivia, Maella; Bruno and Russell are the fur children
Where did you go to college and what was your major?
Western Kentucky University – BS in Agriculture
Iowa State University – MS and PhD in Animal Breeding and Genetics
What do you enjoy doing outside of the office?
Attending my children’s sporting events, tinkering (as my wife calls it) in the garage or barn, working with my kids on their livestock 4-H projects
Where is your favorite place to visit or where is your dream vacation?
Having traveled around the world, I don’t get super excited about exotic vacations anymore. However, Fiji, Tahiti, or Hawaii would be pretty high on my list.
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?
Pork. Versatile and tastes great!
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I have a sizable scar under my goatee – from a 4-wheeler accident in the second grade.