Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Felisa Thornsberry

Galion,OH

Summary

Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives. With 9 strong years in the swine field.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Swine Technician

Hord Family Farms
06.2015 - 08.2016
  • Power washed farrowing crates, hallways, gestation pens and crates. Assisted in the daily cleanliness of the sow farms.
  • Assisted sows and gilts in the farrowing process, administered treatments to the animal before and after the farrowing process.
  • "Sized" litters within a timely manner, post farrow. Assured that each litter was set with the appropriate number of piglets and made sure each sow/gilt had the correct size piglet needed to maximize pigs weaned per sow/gilt.
  • Daily feeder cleanliness to ensured optimal growth performance with accurate record-keeping of feed consumption, and other relevant data.
  • Daily castration and tail-docking of piglets and administered any medication and iron supplement needed on a per pig basis.
  • Assisted in AI breeding to gain maximum performance per sow/gilt. Was taught to "be the boar" and executed that process during each breeding.
  • Heat checked efficiently, in the morning and afternoon prior to breeding and after breeding to ensure we wouldn't miss a heat for each weaned-sow and new gilt entering the breeding stock.
  • Learned to work in a very fast paced environment and exceed each and every task to my fullest capabilities.
  • Supported continuous improvement initiatives by actively participating in team meetings, offering suggestions for process enhancements, and implementing new strategies as directed.
  • Enhanced production efficiency by implementing proper swine handling techniques and maintaining biosecurity protocols.
  • Aided in reducing disease outbreaks by adhering to strict vaccination schedules and administering appropriate medications as needed.
  • Improved herd health through diligent monitoring and timely reporting of any signs of illness or injury.
  • Observed animals and notified supervisor of signs of illness.

Farrowing Manager (2,500 Head Sow Farm)

Hord Family Farms
08.2016 - 04.2017
  • Improved piglet survival rates by closely monitoring the health and well-being of both sows and piglets.
  • Enhanced overall productivity by implementing efficient farrowing practices and protocols.
  • Ensured accurate record-keeping for tracking sow reproductive performance, individual piglet growth, and overall farm productivity.
  • Overlooked and performed daily chores for farrowing. Assisted my team with the farrowing process, conducted daily "feed adjustments" for lactation and prior lactating animals. Conducted daily litter "sizing" to ensure the sow/gilt would maintain peak performance. Conducted daily "fall-behinds" to ensure each piglet was healthy and gaining/maintaining proper weight.
  • Collaborated with veterinarians to address health issues in a timely manner, reducing treatment time and improving herd health.
  • Collaborated with veterinarians to effectively rid the sow farm from PEDv. (January 2017)
  • Managed inventory, ensuring adequate supplies of feed, medications, and other essential items for smooth operations.
  • Worked with Hord feed-mill to ensure the farrowing department stayed current with fresh lactation feed. Gathered and reported proper bin levels three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday).
  • Increased employee retention through effective task training for farm staff and fostering a positive work environment.
  • Performed inventory control and quality assurance of farm's products, supplies and materials and discarded or reordered products as necessary.
  • Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
  • Gained trust from my department team by working diligently and handling team related issues effectively and fair.

Gestation Manager (2,500 Head Sow Farm)

Hord Family Farms
04.2017 - 11.2017
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
  • Resolved team member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
  • Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
  • Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and properly communicating with my team.
  • Conducted "preg-check" ultrasounds on bred animals to minimize "non-productive" days.
  • Ensured all breeding techniques were being utilized within my department to maximize breeding performance.
  • Performed daily gestation chores such as am/pm heat checking, moving heat checked animals to proper breeding location, AI of all breeding in heat breeding stock, location of pre-farrow sow/gilt that needed moved to farrowing, power washing of gestation department and administration of all pre-farrow vaccines.

Farrowing Manager (5,000 Head Sow Farm)

Hord Family Farms
11.2017 - 08.2018
  • Managed inventory, ensuring adequate supplies of feed, medications, and other essential items for smooth operations.
  • Worked with Hord feed-mill to ensure the farrowing department was always stocked with lactation feed. Collected and reported bin levels three times a week. (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
  • Conducted annual performance evaluations for employees, providing constructive feedback for continuous professional growth.
  • Maintained high biosecurity standards to minimize disease risks and ensure optimal animal welfare.
  • Ensured accurate record-keeping for tracking sow reproductive performance, individual piglet growth, and overall farm productivity.
  • Organized regular department meetings to discuss ongoing challenges, share best practices, and foster open communication within the team.
  • Performed inventory control and quality assurance of farm's products, supplies and materials and discarded or reordered products as necessary.
  • Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
  • Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
  • Overlooked 8-12 people in my department on any given day. Instead of performing most of the daily tasks, I kept the department running efficiently by training my team of people with my knowledge and helped each individual complete their tasks.
  • Produced high quality piglets and often accomplished peak production to gain higher paid bonuses to every individual assigned to that sow farm.

Unit Leader

Hord Family Farms
08.2018 - 08.2021
  • Evaluated team performance regularly, identifying strengths and areas for growth to inform future strategies.
  • Established a positive work environment by promoting collaboration, fostering open dialogue, and addressing conflicts proactively.
  • Assisted with new hire processing and existing training programs.
  • Evaluated employee skills and knowledge regularly, training, and mentoring individuals with lagging skills.
  • Maintained team flexibility and embraced change to adapt within dynamic markets. Especially during the difficult covid market.
  • Conducted barn tours and individual questionnaire during their pre-employment screening. Often gave human resources valuable feedback to ensure the correct individuals were hired.
  • Collaborated with the company veterinarian to effectively work through options upon receiving a positive PRRs result (March 2021).
  • Collaborated with the company veterinarian to efficiently de-populate sow farm to rid the PRRs virus.

Breeding Project Manager

Hord Family Farms
08.2021 - 08.2022
  • Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
  • Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
  • Coordinated transportation logistics for animals moving between facilities or being shipped internationally while maintaining strict adherence to biosecurity protocols and keeping animal stress at a minimum.
  • Conducted regular evaluations of breeding stock performance, leading to adjustments in selection criteria as needed for optimal results.
  • Increased reproductive success rates by monitoring animal health closely and addressing any issues promptly.
  • Improved breeding program efficiency by developing and implementing new protocols for animal care and management wile breeding in a finishing barn setting.
  • Defined clear breeding targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
  • Effectively managed 8-10 people between 6 finishing sites with implemented directions changing on a daily basis from senior leadership.

Swine Service Technician

Hord Family Farms
08.2022 - 09.2024
  • Aided in reducing disease outbreaks by adhering to strict vaccination schedules and administering appropriate medications as needed.
  • Collaborated with contract growers to raise the best produced market hog possible.
  • Optimized ventilation systems within facilities to create an ideal living environment for animals while minimizing energy costs associated with temperature control measures.
  • Facilitated smooth operations within the facility by promptly addressing equipment malfunctions or repair needs.
  • Developed positive relationships with veterinarians, contracted growers, and other industry professionals to efficiently address any challenges or concerns that arose.
  • Examined animals for signs of sickness and overall herd health.
  • Oversaw feeding, watering and health monitoring of swine at contract growers barns, prioritizing health and wellness.
  • Marketed barns efficiently to maximize profit and overall hog quality. With minimal or no dead per trailer, assisted numerous growers with loading the hogs.
  • Developed lasting trust and relationships with contracted growers through partnership and a very strong work ethic.

Education

High School Diploma -

Willard High School
Willard, OH
06.2014

Health Academy

Pioneer Career And Technology Center
Shelby, OH
06.2014

Skills

  • Project planning and development
  • Schedule Management
  • Client Relations
  • Advanced problem solving
  • Animal Welfare Compliance
  • Leadership Qualities
  • Continuous learning mindset
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Attention to Detail
  • Multitasking

Timeline

Swine Service Technician

Hord Family Farms
08.2022 - 09.2024

Breeding Project Manager

Hord Family Farms
08.2021 - 08.2022

Unit Leader

Hord Family Farms
08.2018 - 08.2021

Farrowing Manager (5,000 Head Sow Farm)

Hord Family Farms
11.2017 - 08.2018

Gestation Manager (2,500 Head Sow Farm)

Hord Family Farms
04.2017 - 11.2017

Farrowing Manager (2,500 Head Sow Farm)

Hord Family Farms
08.2016 - 04.2017

Swine Technician

Hord Family Farms
06.2015 - 08.2016

High School Diploma -

Willard High School

Health Academy

Pioneer Career And Technology Center

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Felisa Thornsberry