Special Guest: Janette Barnard
Janette Barnard is the director of Merck Animal Health Ventures. Merck Animal Health is one of the few Corporate Venture Capital groups operating in animal agtech, focused primarily on digital products that create value for livestock producers. Initially, Janette was responsible for the Ruminants portfolio, from sourcing new deals to business case development to managing portfolio companies post-investment. Her position has expanded to building their investment theses around Emerging Spaces within Animal Agtech.
Janette is bullish on the future of animal protein and passionate about the intersection of animal agriculture and innovation. Janette leads investments in emerging categories across livestock tech for Merck Animal Health Ventures. She is the creator of Prime Future, a weekly newsletter for innovators in livestock, meat, and dairy, while drawing from her background in agribusiness (Elanco, Cargill, McDonald's Global Supply Chain) and the startup ecosystem as a founder, then VP of Commercial at a venture-backed company.
The driving force for Janette’s passion for animal agriculture is her own experience growing up around livestock production and hearing stories of how previous generations in her family tackled the challenges of farming and ranching through innovative ideas. This embedded a deep respect for the rich history of the industry and an endless optimism for the future.
Dean's Dialogue
November 13, 2025
4-5 p.m.
Agricultural Hall - Room 135
Oklahoma State University