- The American Association of Swine Veterinarians named Dr. Brad Leuwerke the 2026 Swine Practitioner of the Year during its 57th Annual Meeting in Las Vegas.
- The award recognizes a practitioner who demonstrates exceptional effectiveness in delivering veterinary service to swine producers.
- Leuwerke works with Swine Vet Center in St. Peter, Minnesota, supporting sow, nursery, and grow-finish herd health programs.
- His work includes research and client education on biosecurity, infectious disease management, animal welfare, and responsible antimicrobial use.
- Leuwerke has also contributed extensively to AASV committees and professional initiatives, including the Pork Safety Committee.
Dr. Brad Leuwerke was named the 2026 Swine Practitioner of the Year by the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) during the organization’s 57th Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada. The award recognizes swine veterinarians who demonstrate exceptional proficiency and effectiveness in serving their clients and advancing the profession.
Originally from a farm near Forest City, Iowa, Leuwerke earned both his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and a master’s degree in veterinary microbiology and preventive medicine from Iowa State University in 2006.
Career in Swine Production Medicine
Following graduation, he joined the Swine Vet Center in St. Peter, Minnesota, where he oversees sow herd and nursery/grow-finish health programs while supporting research and producer education.
Colleagues credit Leuwerke for combining scientific insight with practical decision-making across areas such as animal welfare, infectious disease management, biosecurity, and antimicrobial stewardship.
Leadership and Industry Engagement
Leuwerke has remained active in AASV throughout his career, presenting at annual meetings, chairing seminars, serving on the program planning committee, and supporting student recruitment. He has also contributed to several AASV committees, particularly the Pork Safety Committee, and mentors early-career veterinarians.
“I am amazed and honored to be nominated, within this organization, for this award,” Leuwerke said. “To be included with past recipients is truly humbling.”
Information sourced from the association’s press release.
