Morgan Schaeperkoetter
Corder
Summary
Strategic and results-driven Applied Research Manager with deep expertise in animal behavior, welfare science, and swine production systems. Adept at leading multi-site initiatives that align science-based practices with operational execution across production, veterinary, and research teams. Recognized for a collaborative, approachable leadership style that fosters trust, promotes compliance, and enhances communication across diverse teams. Skilled in building consensus, developing practical solutions, and driving continuous improvement through empathy, clarity, and teamwork. Well-prepared to step into a Director-level role guiding welfare innovation, regulatory alignment, and organizational culture change.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Applied Research Manager
JBS LifeWork
01.2023 - Current
- Lead cross-functional research projects across swine production systems with a focus on nutrition, health, welfare, and production efficiency.
- Design, implement, and evaluate applied trials in commercial environments, collaborating with farm teams, veterinarians, nutritionists, and academic partners.
- Develop and refine protocols to assess behavior, well-being, performance, and productivity, ensuring relevance to field operations and producer needs.
- Interpret complex data to inform decision-making and operational strategies, utilizing performance metrics and biological indicators.
- Translate scientific findings into practical, field-ready solutions that enhance animal care, sustainability, and profitability across the live pork supply chain.
- Coordinate multi-site data collection, ensure compliance with internal research standards, and manage project timelines and deliverables.
- Present findings through technical reports, executive summaries, and stakeholder meetings; contribute to publications and producer education resources.
- Serve as subject matter expert on animal welfare and applied research within the company; support training initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
FSQA Regulatory Supervisor
Seaboard Foods
Guymon
11.2021 - 01.2023
- Ensured regulatory compliance with USDA, FSMA, FDA, and company food safety programs including HACCP, SSOPs, GMPs, allergen control, and sanitation.
- Led preparation for and response to third-party and internal audits, including SQF (Safe Quality Food) audits; maintained certification through rigorous documentation and continuous improvement.
- Conducted facility inspections and risk assessments to identify gaps, implement corrective actions, and ensure alignment with SQF standards and company policies.
- Developed and updated SOPs and prerequisite programs for food safety, animal welfare, pest control, and sanitation.
- Delivered plant-wide training on food safety, GMPs, and animal welfare protocols, enhancing employee awareness and audit readiness.
- Mentored food safety specialists and collaborated with operations leadership to drive compliance, audit readiness, and continuous improvement across all departments.
Stockyards & Staging Supervisor
Seaboard Foods
Guymon
10.2019 - 11.2021
- Supervised receiving and handling of all incoming livestock to ensure animals met processing and welfare standards.
- Ensured humane handling practices in compliance with USDA, FSIS, and company policies; identified and resolved process bottlenecks and animal welfare issues in real time.
- Oversaw facility maintenance and evaluated equipment and holding areas to ensure safe, hazard-free environments for animals.
- Trained and developed team members through hands-on instruction on SOPs, safety, and welfare protocols.
- Managed labor planning, scheduling, timekeeping, and compliance for up to 20 employees; participated in hiring and disciplinary decisions.
- Utilized daily performance data and KPIs to meet receiving and staging goals, improve flow, and reduce animal stress or injury.
Graduate Research & Teaching Assistant
Colorado State University
Fort Collins
08.2017 - 07.2019
- Conducted applied research under Dr. Temple Grandin on livestock behavior, welfare, and stunning practices in transport and processing environments.
- Designed and executed behavioral and physiological studies; utilized data collection tools including video analysis, handling audits, and physiological indicators.
- Authored and co-authored peer-reviewed research publications and presented findings at national animal welfare conferences.
- Supported curriculum development and lectured in undergraduate animal science and welfare courses.
- Led hands-on livestock handling labs, promoting safe, low-stress techniques and reinforcing core welfare principles.
- Guided student learning through grading, discussion facilitation, and mentorship; provided practical demonstrations of ethical livestock care.
- Collaborated with faculty and industry partners to ensure classroom content aligned with evolving standards in welfare science and commercial animal production.
Plant Intern Lead
Seaboard Foods
Guymon
06.2016 - 08.2016
- Assisted interns with applied research projects throughout the processing facility, including areas such as food safety, animal welfare, and operations.
- Guided and supported interns on project design, data collection, and analysis in alignment with company goals.
- Served as a liaison between interns and department leaders to ensure clear communication and smooth project progression.
- Helped facilitate intern presentations to senior leadership, ensuring successful delivery of final outcomes and recommendations.
Animal Welfare & Handling Intern
Seaboard Foods
Guymon
06.2016 - 08.2016
- Conducted applied research on animal handling during unloading; analyzed stress indicators and behavioral responses to improve welfare outcomes.
- Presented findings to Seaboard leadership and at the North American Meat Institute (NAMI) Animal Care & Handling Conference.
- Produced training videos and updated company protocols to align with humane handling standards and regulatory expectations.
- Performed facility audits to assess compliance with internal and USDA animal welfare standards.
- Worked closely with operations and FSQA teams to identify practical improvements in transportation and lairage processes.
Pork Procurement Intern
Tyson Fresh Meats
Columbus Junction
06.2015 - 08.2015
- Scheduled and coordinated hog deliveries in line with production schedules and market conditions.
- Audited animal welfare during unloading and lairage; evaluated condition and classification of incoming livestock.
- Collaborated with procurement and quality assurance teams to maintain traceability, record-keeping, and supplier communication.
- Gained exposure to pork pricing, procurement strategy, and live animal evaluation within a large-scale processing environment.
- Shadowed plant operations including safety, regulatory compliance, and product quality management.
Education
Master of Science - Animal Science, Livestock Behavior & Welfare
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO01.2019
Bachelor's Degree's - Animal Science and Agriculture Business
Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO01.2017
Skills
- Applied research
- Animal welfare
- Project management
- Regulatory compliance
- Performance metrics
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Research management
Certification
- HACCP Certification, Colorado State University (2018), Oklahoma State University (2021)
- Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization (PAACO), 05/18
- Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), 09/17–Present, #2773
Professional Meetings Attended
- Pig Welfare Symposium, Pork Checkoff, Des Moines, IA, 11/17
- NAMI Animal Care and Handling Conference, Kansas City, MO, 2016 & 2017
- Agriculture Future of America Conferences, Track 1 (2013), Track 2 (2014), Track 3 (2015), Track 4 (2016), Animal Alliance (2015)
Conference Presentations
- Process to Mitigate Warm Weather Conditions While Unloading, NAMI Animal Care and Handling Conference, 10/17
- Does Group Size Impact Efficiency of Market Hog Movement?, NAMI Animal Care and Handling Conference, 10/17
Awards
- Humility Value Award, JBS Live Pork
- International Livestock Congress Student Fellow, ISEF, Houston, 2019
- FB Houghton Memorial Scholarship, NWMSU, 2016–2017
- Clint Johnson Memorial Scholarship, NWMSU, 2013–2016
- Agriculture Future of America Scholarship, 2013
- President’s Honor Roll, NWMSU, 2015–2016
- Academic Honor Roll, NWMSU, 2013–2014
- American FFA Degree, National FFA Organization, 2014
Publications
- Baier F., Schaeperkoetter M., Edwards-Callaway L., Grandin T., Cattle Handling During Transport, In Review, Vetstream
- Schaeperkoetter M.A., Grandin T., Edwards-Callaway L., PSIII-16 Evaluating the Impact of Group Stunning on the Physiological Parameters of Pigs in a Small Abattoir, 2019, Journal of Animal Science, 97: 185
Leadership Roles
- Head of Animal Welfare Committee, Seaboard Foods, 2019–2023
- Lafayette County Fair Board Member, 2024–Present
- President, Animal Welfare Science Club, Colorado State University, 2018–2019
- Financial Advisor, Animal Welfare Science Club, Colorado State University, 2017–2018
- Vice President, Delta Tau Alpha Agriculture Honor Society, NWMSU, 2016–2017
- Vice President, Collegiate Farm Bureau, NWMSU, 2015–2016
- Treasurer, Collegiate Farm Bureau, NWMSU, 2014–2015
- Secretary, Collegiate Farm Bureau, NWMSU, 2013–2014
- 1st Vice President, Sigma Alpha Professional Ag Sorority, 2015–2016
- President, Collegiate FFA Chapter, NWMSU, 2015
- Secretary, Collegiate FFA Chapter, NWMSU, 2014–2015
- Reporter, Collegiate FFA Chapter, NWMSU, 2013–2014
- Secretary, Equestrian Club, NWMSU, 2013–2014
Timeline
Applied Research Manager
JBS LifeWork
01.2023 - Current
FSQA Regulatory Supervisor
Seaboard Foods
11.2021 - 01.2023
Stockyards & Staging Supervisor
Seaboard Foods
10.2019 - 11.2021
Graduate Research & Teaching Assistant
Colorado State University
08.2017 - 07.2019
Plant Intern Lead
Seaboard Foods
06.2016 - 08.2016
Animal Welfare & Handling Intern
Seaboard Foods
06.2016 - 08.2016
Pork Procurement Intern
Tyson Fresh Meats
06.2015 - 08.2015
Master of Science - Animal Science, Livestock Behavior & Welfare
Colorado State University
Bachelor's Degree's - Animal Science and Agriculture Business
Northwest Missouri State University
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