Ruth Woiwode
Palmyra,NE
Summary
Strategic agricultural executive with over a decade of experience leading national-scale programs in livestock welfare, audit systems, operational readiness, and workforce development. Expertly combines corporate discipline, scientific rigor, and mission-driven leadership to build and scale initiatives that enhance public trust, improve welfare outcomes, and promote sustainable growth in farm animal systems. Recognized for pioneering industry-facing solutions, spearheading cross-functional initiatives, and achieving measurable improvements in audit integrity, producer adoption, and industry alignment. Delivers a high-impact blend of business development, science translation, and humane farming advocacy to advance American Humane's leadership in farm certification and stakeholder engagement.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
08.2020 - Current
- Lead a statewide animal welfare program integrating research, teaching, Extension, and industry partnerships to advance humane and sustainable livestock production.
- Designed and scaled audit-readiness systems across feedlot, cow–calf, and research settings, reducing audit exposure and strengthening compliance.
- Serve as a national spokesperson, delivering 70+ invited presentations (5 international, 22 national) to elevate handling practices, welfare science, and industry transparency.
- Led development of the state's first mobile electrocution system for humane emergency depopulation; integrated into multi-agency preparedness exercises.
- Secured $2.35M in competitive funding and +$100K in equipment gifts through strong industry partnerships.
- Launched Nebraska's first digital credential in Practical Cattle Handling; established youth and workforce pipelines through 4-H, FFA, and collegiate programs.
- Translate complex scientific and regulatory content into accessible tools for producers, packers, and policymakers.
- Developed and delivered undergraduate and graduate-level courses focused on animal behavior and welfare.
- Mentored and guided students in academic research and professional development initiatives.
- Collaborated with faculty on curriculum design to enhance educational outcomes and student engagement.
- Conduct scholarly research, contributing to academic journals and conferences within the field of expertise.
- Implemented innovative teaching methods to improve student learning experiences and outcomes.
- Contributed to departmental goals by serving on various committees focused on curriculum development, assessment strategies, and accreditation requirements.
- Mentored students and communicated internship and employment opportunities.
- Helped struggling students by providing support outside of classrooms and consistently checking in on progress.
- Inspired critical thinking skills among students by fostering a learning environment that encouraged open-mindedness, curiosity, and intellectual exploration.
- Revised course objectives, course materials, instructional and assessment strategies for several courses.
- Enhanced student research skills by supervising independent studies projects both inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Used different learning modes and types of technology to engage students in achieving learning outcomes.
- Supported multidisciplinary research teams focused on scholarly publication.
- Designed and implemented innovative research methodologies to advance scientific understanding of the influence of human dimensions on welfare of domesticated livestock.
- Published findings in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to the body of knowledge and enhancing institutional reputation within the scientific community.
- Developed grant proposals that secured funding for high-impact research initiatives, expanding project scope and resources available for investigations.
- Generated data models and performed analysis to produce reports outlining results.
- Established partnerships with industry leaders to secure resources and support for cutting-edge research initiatives.
Consultant
Self-employed
01.2013 - Current
- Analyze client needs to develop tailored strategic solutions.
- Facilitate workshops to identify process improvements and operational efficiencies.
- Advise clients on industry trends and competitive positioning strategies.
- Conduct market research to inform decision-making and business planning initiatives.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to successfully deliver comprehensive solutions for clients.
- Manage client relationships through regular check-ins and updates on project progress.
- Assist clients in navigating complex industry challenges with strategic recommendations.
- Identify areas of improvement for clients' operations, implementing targeted solutions to increase productivity.
- Deliver high-quality presentations to stakeholders, effectively communicating project objectives and results.
- Analyze data sets to identify trends and opportunities for process improvements within client organizations.
- Design tailored training programs for employees at various levels within the organization, boosting overall skillsets.
- Facilitate stakeholder meetings to gather requirements and align expectations.
Manager, Livestock Audit Services
Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) Certification & Audit, LLC
08.2016 - 02.2021
- Built FSNS's livestock audit division from inception into a nationally recognized provider of animal welfare certification, verification, and compliance support services.
- Directed multimillion-dollar operational portfolio including auditor recruitment, training, calibration, performance management, and client relations across multiple species.
- Served as the public and executive-facing leader for livestock programs—positioning FSNS as a trusted, science-driven partner to producers, packers, and customers.
- Expanded market share through targeted producer recruitment, strategic partnerships, and industry-aligned program messaging.
- Developed business development strategies, delivered client-facing presentations, and strengthened customer retention through data-driven insights and solutions.
- Led USDA-facing response during humane handling noncompliance events; provided RHHP training, documentation support, and corrective action alignment.
- Standardized audit methodologies, KPIs, and reporting frameworks, improving consistency, transparency, and program credibility.
- Collaborated with technical committees to refine standards, expand audit scope, and enhance science-to-practice integration in certification programs.
Postdoctoral Research Associate & Interim Superintendent
New Mexico State University Clayton Livestock Research Center
10.2015 - 06.2016
- Oversaw facility operations, staff coordination, and research initiatives focused on livestock handling, welfare, and performance.
- Developed protocols, training, and compliance frameworks supporting safe and humane animal care.
- Designed and executed experimental protocols for livestock studies.
- Maintained accurate records of research findings and provided statistical analysis of data results.
- Contributed to and actively participated in research conception, design and execution to address defined problems.
Research Assistant and Dean's Assistant
Colorado State University
01.2008 - 08.2015
- Coordinated meetings and events for the Dean's Office, ensuring smooth execution and positive outcomes.
- Oversaw hiring processes for student workers, resulting in a reliable support team for the Dean's Office.
- Trained new staff on office procedures and software applications.
- Managed complex schedules and travel arrangements for the Dean, enabling efficient use of time and resources.
- Monitored project timelines, ensuring timely completion of tasks while maintaining high-quality output.
- Maintained open lines of communication with project leads and team members for effective collaboration on common goals.
- Assisted in preparing reports and presentations for academic committees.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information, upholding professional standards within the Dean's Office.
- Mentored undergraduate students in research techniques, fostering skill development and academic growth.
Education
Ph.D. - Animal Science (Behavior & Welfare)
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, COMaster of Science - Animal Science (Behavior & Welfare)
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, COBachelor of Science - Animal Science
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, COAssociate of Applied Science - Business Administration
National American University
Rapid City, SDSkills
- Business development expertise in certification systems
- Strategic industry partnerships
- Talent development
- Standards development
- Evidence-based decision making
- Risk management expertise
- Business development initiatives
- Thought leadership
Accomplishments
- Positioned FSNS as a competitor in the on-farm animal welfare audit sector, through building relationships based on trust, integrity, and responsiveness.
- Led the development of two national and one global set of standards for livestock production.
- Contributed to the development of animal welfare audit standards for dairy cattle, swine, veal calves, feedlot cattle, and wool sheep production.
- Documented and resolved gaps in employee training and animal care protocols which led to renewed trust with food companies and retailers.
- Established the first 4-H and FFA animal welfare judging activities in the nation as a strategy for early intervention in science literacy, teaching youth to critically evaluate animal welfare using an evidence-based approach.
Affiliations
- Chair, International Symposium on Beef Cattle Welfare
- Member, PAACO Board of Directors
- Faculty Advisor, Nebraska Beef Innovation Hub
- Specialist, Nebraska Extension Disaster Education Network
Certification
- PAACO Animal Welfare Auditor: Meat Plant, Dairy, Swine, Poultry, Feedlot
- Pork Quality Assurance Plus Trainer
- Dairy FARM Program Trainer
- Beef Quality Assurance
Timeline
Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
08.2020 - Current
Manager, Livestock Audit Services
Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) Certification & Audit, LLC
08.2016 - 02.2021
Postdoctoral Research Associate & Interim Superintendent
New Mexico State University Clayton Livestock Research Center
10.2015 - 06.2016
Consultant
Self-employed
01.2013 - Current
Research Assistant and Dean's Assistant
Colorado State University
01.2008 - 08.2015
Ph.D. - Animal Science (Behavior & Welfare)
Colorado State University
Master of Science - Animal Science (Behavior & Welfare)
Colorado State University
Bachelor of Science - Animal Science
Colorado State University
Associate of Applied Science - Business Administration
National American University
Past Industry Service
- PAACO Standards Review Panel
- Meat Institute | Animal Welfare Committee
- Meat Institute | Small Plant Task Force
- Animal Ag Alliance | Issues Management Committee
- National Cattle Feeders Association | Advisory Board
- Nebraska Feedyard Safety Council | Advisory Board
- Nebraska Livestock Emergency Response Preparedness Team| Co-Chair
SELECTED IMPACTS
- Programs reached operations representing 5M+ head of livestock annually.
- Delivered hands-on trainings reaching 1,500+ producers, educators, and industry personnel resulting in a +37% increase in confidence with animal handling.
- Directed preparation for first-ever third-party audit at a university research feedlot, achieving the highest performance across all research feedlots audited by the customer, and receiving no corrective actions.
- Led multi-agency emergency response demonstrations attended by leaders representing 70%+ of U.S. swine production.