Dr Daryl Olsen and the AASV Foundation Auction Committee are calling on all AASV members to join in the effort to raise $100,000 to benefit the programs of the foundation. “100K” is more than just a catchy phrase – it represents an opportunity to “double the money” with a matching-funds gift from MVP Laboratories and MJ Biologics. The two companies have pledged to donate 50 cents for each dollar raised at the auction – unless the auction receipts total $100,000 or more, in which case they will donate an even $100,000 to enable the foundation to fund research that benefits swine veterinarians and the swine industry. The opportunity to raise 100K and turn it into 200K is too good to pass up!

The auction will take place Monday, March 4 at the AASV Annual Meeting in San Diego. As in the past, the silent auction will be held during the day, and the live auction will take place at the conclusion of the AASV awards reception.

Auction list online

Once again, AASV members and industry supporters have been incredibly generous in donating items for the auction – just take a look at the many items up for bid at aasv.org/foundation/2013/auctionlist.php. All we need are bidders! Anyone can bid; those who won’t be present at the meeting in San Diego may contact the AASV (aasv@aasv.org) prior to the meeting to place bids.

Since all of the items for the auction have been donated, the full amount of the auction proceeds will benefit AASV Foundation programs that include swine externship grants, the Hogg Scholarship, swine research, travel stipends for veterinary students, heritage videos, and more.

Raffling the way to 100K

In an effort to engage every AASV member in this ambitious fundraising effort, the auction committee is selling raffle tickets for the chance to win one of four fabulous prizes. The raffle drawing will take place during the auction on March 4, but ticket holders do NOT need to be present to win. That means you – yes, YOU – can purchase a ticket to support the foundation and participate in the drawing to win:

1st prize: Log cabin quilt by Hen and Chicks Studio

2nd prize: $1000

3rd prize: 2014 AASV meeting registration

4th prize: 2014 AASV meeting registration

Contact one of the auction committee members to purchase raffle tickets, which sell for $100 each. Your support is essential to “Ensure Our Future Today – 100K!” The AASVF Auction Committee is chaired by Dr Daryl Olsen, and includes Drs Matt Anderson, Butch Baker, John Baker, Joe Connor, Scanlon Daniels, Tom Gillespie, Peggy Anne Hawkins, Rod Johnson, Jeff Kaisand, Ruth Loula, Darrell Neuberger, Max Rodibaugh, Larry Rueff, Tom Wetzell, and Warren Wilson.

Research proposals due February 1

As part of its mission to fund research with direct application to the profession, the American Association of Swine Veterinarians Foundation seeks research proposals for funding in 2013. Proposals are due February 1, 2013, and may request a maximum of $6000 (US$) per project. The selection and announcement of projects for funding will take place in March.

Proposed research must fit into one of the five action areas stated in the AASV Foundation mission (see sidebar).

Proposals must also contain the following:

  1. Identification of the issue.

  2. Background information.

  3. Description of the project.

  4. Timeline.

  5. Budget.

  6. Plan to apply results for maximum return to swine veterinarians, veterinary students, or both.

No project timeline is to exceed 12 months. A final report will be due within 60 days of stated project completion. For more information, or to submit a proposal, contact AASV Foundation, 830 26th Street, Perry, IA 50220-2328; Tel: 515-465-5255; Fax: 515-465-3832; E-mail: aasv@aasv.org.

Swine veterinarians invited to apply for Hogg Scholarship

The American Association of Swine Veterinarians Foundation is pleased to offer the Hogg Scholarship, established to honor the memory of longtime AASV member and swine-industry leader Dr Alex Hogg. Applications for the $10,000 scholarship will be accepted until February 1, 2013, and the scholarship recipient will be announced on Sunday, March 3, during the Foundation Luncheon at the AASV 2013 Annual Meeting in San Diego.

The intent of the scholarship is to assist a swine veterinarian in his or her efforts to return to school for graduate education (resulting in a master’s degree or higher) in an academic field of study related to swine health and production.

Dr Alex Hogg’s career serves as the ideal model for successful applicants. After 20 years in mixed-animal practice, Dr Hogg pursued a master’s degree in veterinary pathology. He subsequently became Nebraska swine extension veterinarian and professor at the University of Nebraska. Upon “retirement,” Dr Hogg capped off his career with his work for MVP Laboratories. Always an enthusiastic learner, at age 75 he graduated from the Executive Veterinary Program offered at the University of Illinois.

The scholarship application requirements are outlined below and on the AASV Web site at aasv.org/foundation/hoggscholarship.htm.

Hogg Scholarship application requirements

An applicant for the Hogg Scholarship shall have

•  Five or more years of experience as a swine veterinarian, either in a private practice or in an integrated production setting;

•  Five or more years of continuous membership in the American Association of Swine Veterinarians.

Applicants are required to submit the following for consideration as a Hogg Scholar:

•  Current curriculum vitae;

•  Letter of intent detailing his or her plans for graduate education and future plans for participation and employment within the swine industry;

•  Two letters of reference from AASV members attesting to the applicant’s qualifications to be a Hogg Scholar.

Applications and requests for information may be addressed to AASV Foundation, 830 26th Street, Perry, IA 50220; Tel: 515-465-5255; E-mail: aasv@aasv.org.