Lance Fox New London, Wisconsin Senior Veterinarian, U.S. Dairy Veterinary Operations Pfizer Animal Health
Please describe your agricultural background.
I grew up in central Wisconsin working on a 34-cow dairy. This was my initial hook into the dairy industry that I never let go of. I did spend some time learning how to play cowboy on a cattle ranch in Montana, yet my deep Wisconsin roots kept me grounded here. When I climbed to the top of Mount Everest in 2009, I wore my cheese wedge hat while on top. I think it is fair to say I am a devout âCheesehead!â
Click here to read about his experience climbing Mount Everest.
What education are you bringing with you to this position?
I obtained my doctor of veterinary medicine degree in 1995 from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine .
The primary area I support is right here in my backyard, the state of Wisconsin, and specifically the northern two-thirds of the state. I also provide technical assistance on a much broader geographical scale for our feed additive products for cattle.
What are your new responsibilities?
As a member of the dairy veterinary operations group for the U.S. Pfizer Animal Health Cattle division, I provide technical sales and service support for our customers encompassing our comprehensive product portfolio, as well as initiatives and programs specific to the dairy industry.
What previous positions have you held?
I was in private clinical practice for four years. Clinical practice was followed by consulting in the veal industry for a few years before holding a position as national account manager for Milk Products Inc., based in Chilton, Wisconsin. I was then employed by Alpharma Animal Health as a dairy technical service manager until the recent acquisition of the company by Pfizer Animal Health.
What excites you most about working in your new role?
What excites me is the fact that I get to be actively involved in the dairy industry, working for a company committed to food-animal production and the dairy veterinarians and producers who all share the common goal of providing the world with a safe, wholesome and abundant food supply.
How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
Having had a strong personal background in the dairy industry, followed by a professional background covering several key areas of dairy production, I will be able to assist producers with many facets of their operations.
My strongest area of expertise, however, is that of calf and heifer rearing, a growing area for most operations. The newborn calf is the future of the dairy, and there is a lot of opportunity to continue to improve colostrum management, nutrition, housing and the correct implementation of vaccines and medications in a comprehensive calf and heifer management program.
Why did you choose this company?
Although I joined the company as part of an acquisition in early 2011, the company provides me with a great opportunity to work with dairy producers and veterinarians to help them manage all aspects of dairy wellness, and Iâm proud to be part of the leading animal health company, providing the industry with the latest tools and technology for producing a safe, quality food supply.
What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
My single greatest hope is to be a valuable resource of information for our customers, industry personnel, educators and, of course, my colleagues. It is an exciting time to be able to help educate producers on ideas and strategies for growing healthy and productive dairy cattle. PD
