Bio
An Arizona native born in Mesa, Jim was active in sports, 4-H and FFA in Maricopa County and Arizona through high school. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences, majoring in Animal Sciences from The University of Arizona in 1984. Jim was a member of Block ‘N’ Bridle Club and on the 1984 Livestock Judging Team. He has extensive food animal production experience from work in Arizona feedlots, dairies and calf ranches. Jim gained sales skills with animal health distributor Animal Health International, Inc. (formerly Walco International, Inc.) and is a proud graduate of Project CENTRL Class XIV. He joined Fort Dodge Animal Health, division of Wyeth, as a Territory Manager in 2003. Jim was 2003 Rookie of the Year, earned President’s Awards for 2004 & 2008 and was promoted to Senior Territory Manager in 2009. Jim moved to Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. in October 2009 when Pfizer purchased Wyeth. He calls on producers, veterinarians, distributors, dealers and influencers from academia & regulatory agencies across Arizona as well as parts of Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Texas & Nevada. January 2014, Mr. Loughead was appointed by Governor Brewer to a four-year term on the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board (ASVMEB) as the public member representing the livestock industry. The board is comprised of five veterinarians, three public members and one certified veterinary technician. Jim was appointed to a second term by Governor Ducey and served as Chairman Feb. 2016-June 2022. Jim is on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Cattle Feeders Association, Business Associate Member of Arizona Cattle Growers Association, Maricopa County Farm Bureau Member, Past President & Past Chairman of the Board of the Arizona National Livestock Show and served 2010-2016 on The University of Arizona College of Agriculture & Life Sciences (UA CALS) Alumni Council Board of Directors. In May 2015, Jim received the inaugural Award for Extraordinary Efforts in Engagement and Advocacy from UA CALS. Jim served as a Supervisor on the East Maricopa Natural Resource Conservation District Board May 2005 – May 2010 and was the Board Secretary/Treasurer 2008-2010. In 2007, Jim was appointed to fill the vacancy of Treasurer for the Arizona Natural Resource Conservation Districts State Association and in 2008 was elected Secretary. Mr. Loughead lives in Gilbert, Arizona with his wife and daughter. His main professional interests are in the stabilization, profitability and growth of sustainable food animal production systems and the use of renewable natural resources to benefit citizens of Arizona, the Southwest and the United States. Jim enjoys hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities. L Bar Open 6 stacked is Jim’s registered Arizona brand.
