WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - July 26, 2012 - Audubon-Manning Veterinary Clinic (AMVC), long recognized by Iowa farmers as an industry leader in assuring livestock health and welfare, is credited with also providing a valued service to farmers in six other states. The AMVC model of excellence and strong community commitment helped the Audubon business earn the July Iowa Farm Bureau Renew Rural Iowa Entrepreneur Award.
AMVC is a veterinary clinic, first and foremost, which offers services to small and large animals, but on a much larger scale. Dr. Daryl Olsen, one of AMVC's founders, says, "We offer services and management for 100,000 sows in seven states, which in turn, give birth to 2.5 million pigs and employ 450 people. We just listened to our customers and we tried to offer the services that they need. It's helped our business grow and find the best ways to serve our farmers," says Olsen. "We have grown to seven states now and we do that by hiring good people. We have employees at management levels, CBA's, PHd's, agronomists, vets but also we get the typical person who will work directly on farms."
Michelle Sprague, ISU grad, works at AMVC and oversees herd health. "I chose AMVC when I graduated because it seemed like a very progressive company that did a lot of things right, that cared about the community, the swine industry and the business as a whole. You can also tell that the employees are happy and it's fun to work here. Since I wanted to end up in rural Iowa, this is a great fit for me personally as well," says Sprague.
Randy Dreher, Audubon hog and cattle farmer, says AMVC's commitment to farmers is unparalleled. "Not only do we look to them for insight, but it's a valuable service for them to be a sounding board for my operation: to know what things I need to look for, not just for a profitability standpoint, but for livestock health as well," says Dreher, a local Farm Bureau leader.
Renew Rural Iowa (RRI) is an IFBF initiative supporting new and existing businesses through education, mentoring and financial resources. Visit with Renew Rural Iowa staff and partners at the Iowa State Fair on August 16 in Farm Bureau Park. For more information, go to www.renewruraliowa.com.
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