Zoetis Honors Outstanding Caregivers with 2026 Champions of Care Awards

DES MOINES, Iowa — During the 2026 World Pork Expo, Zoetis recognized three exceptional individuals whose dedication to pig care, team leadership, and the future of the pork industry earned them the company’s prestigious Champions of Care Caregiver Awards.

(Photo courtesy of Zoetis) From L to R:
Rob English, Country View Family Farms; Alfonso Aguilar Vega, Tosh Farms; Lyle Lupe, AMVC.
The 2026 award recipients are Alfonso Aguilar Vega of Tosh Farms in Tennessee, Lyle Lupe of AMVC in Arizona, and Rob English of Country View Family Farms in Indiana. The annual awards program recognizes swine industry professionals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to animal care, employee development, and the production of safe, high-quality pork.

Presented during a special ceremony at World Pork Expo, the Champions of Care Caregiver Awards celebrate the critical role caregivers play in maintaining pig health, supporting farm teams, and strengthening the U.S. pork industry. Winners were selected by a panel of judges based on their dedication to animal welfare, leadership abilities, and efforts to inspire the next generation of pork producers and swine professionals.

“On farms and in barns, caregivers are the backbone of our industry,” said Wes Lack, National Sales Director for Zoetis Pork. “At Zoetis, we are committed to honoring them and the work they do. We’re proud to honor Alfonso, Lyle and Rob, who exemplify what it means to champion care every day through their dedication to animals and their teams.”

Rob English, who has spent more than three decades working in pork production, currently serves as General Manager of Production Operations for Country View Family Farms. Throughout his 33-year career, English has built a reputation for servant leadership, strong animal care practices, and a passion for mentoring employees. He is especially recognized for helping develop young leaders within the swine industry while promoting continuous improvement across farm operations.

Lyle Lupe serves as Nursery Production Manager for AMVC, where he oversees teams responsible for animal health, production, maintenance, and environmental management. Colleagues describe Lupe as a compassionate leader who approaches challenges with patience and professionalism. His commitment to individualized animal care and maintaining high standards throughout production has helped drive success within his operation.

Alfonso Aguilar Vega, a herdsman with Tosh Farms, was recognized for his dedication to both animal care and team culture. Known for leading by example, Aguilar Vega encourages coworkers to strive for excellence while fostering a positive work environment. Before entering the swine industry, he worked in construction, but today he takes pride in helping care for pigs and contributing to the food supply through responsible pork production.

The recognition highlights the often-unsung role of caregivers in modern pig farming. From monitoring animal health and welfare to mentoring employees and maintaining efficient farm operations, caregivers remain essential to the success and sustainability of pork production across the United States.

Zoetis announced that nominations for the 2027 Champions of Care Caregiver Awards will open this October, providing another opportunity to recognize individuals making a difference in swine production and animal care.

Zoetis is a global animal health company serving veterinarians, livestock producers, and pet owners in more than 100 countries. The company develops medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and digital solutions designed to advance animal health and support the future of agriculture and food production.