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Columbus, Neb., veterinarian Dr. Christine Mainquist-Whigham routinely uses science to improve swine health and production. That dedication to using the scientific method has earned her the 2025 Science in Practice Award, which will be presented at the Allen D. Leman Swine Conference in September.
Mainquist-Whigham serves as the director of health at Pillen Family Farms and DNA Genetics, where she oversees health and biosecurity strategies across their commercial and genetic sow units and downstream nursery-finish spaces.
She finds numerous opportunities to take a science-based approach to her everyday work. Examples include taking advantage of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) introductions to evaluate herd closure strategies, defining and understanding gilt development practices on the onset of estrus and estrus detection accuracy, and studying how split suckling practices, or lack thereof, impact the livability and growth of pigs from birth to market.
“I’m lucky to have an integrated system to work with to understand the full picture,” Mainquist-Whigham said, crediting Pillen Family Farms owners with continuing her career development. “Jim Pillen was there to push me as a young vet, which was so critical for character building and toughness. And both Brock and Sarah Pillen have been actively
involved in supporting and challenging me through my career.”
In her opinion, science is creating a bright future for the swine industry. “I think we have very sophisticated and talented people driving the industry today, capitalizing on the knowledge sharing and contributing to the advancement of existing practices,” Mainquist-Whigham said.
While in veterinary school, Mainquist-Whigham was encouraged to simultaneously earn a master’s degree, a challenge that has paid off. She says the degree helped expand her thought processes on how to approach problem solving, dive further into population medicine and epidemiology, and provide the skill set and confidence to learn how to feel confident in decision making. Completing a master’s also prepared her to “defend” decisions based on data and research.
“Christine’s observational skills and dedication to finding facts rather than ‘feel goods’ are what make her an excellent veterinarian,” said Montse Torremorell, professor and chair of the Department of Veterinary Population Medicine at the University of Minnesota. “These qualities exemplify what we strive to honor with the Science in Practice Award. We are proud to recognize Christine for her outstanding work, generosity and humanity toward others in the industry.”
The Science in Practice Award is sponsored by Merck Animal Health, a company committed to helping its customers solve swine disease and reproductive challenges to enhance operational efficiency and improve animal health and well-being.
Mainquist-Whigham earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and master’s degree in veterinary preventive medicine in 2016 from Iowa State University. A native of Stanton, Iowa, she was raised on a farm with row crops and a cow/calf operation, which fostered her passion for agriculture and science. She resides in Columbus with her husband and two children.
Mainquist-Whigham will receive her award on Sept. 22 at the annual Leman Swine Conference in St. Paul. The conference is the industry’s premier health and production management conference.
June 10, 2025 - University of Minnesota
