Founder of Brakke Consulting passes away at 84

In an announcement on July 31, 2025, Brakke Consulting, a firm specializing in animal health, pet care, and the veterinary industry, announced that Ronald Brakke, its founder and president emeritus, died at age 84. Brakke, a native to Forestburg, South Dakota, passed away surrounded by his family on July 30, 2025, from complications related to viral encephalitis.

Brakke earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in 1963 and then served in the Army National Guard from 1963 to 1971. He then went on to complete the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School in 1983. After this, his animal health career began with Sioux Nation’s Veterinary Supply.

Ronald Brakke, founder and president emeritus, passed away on July 30, 2025, after over 6 decades in the animal health industry (Image courtesy of Brakke Consulting)

Brakke eventually joined Diamond Labs over-the-counter division, leading him to move to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Then in 1966, he joined Thuron Industries in Dallas, Texas, which was later renamed the Animal Health Division of Zoëcon. In 1975, the company promoted him to president, and he increased its revenue from $15 million to $125 million. He guided the company to become the premier supplier of insect control products for livestock and pets. After more than 10 years, Brakke then left Zoëcon to start Brakke Consulting in 1985, following the sale of Zoëcon to Sandoz in 1983.²

Brakke Consulting provides consulting, market research, and recruiting services, as well as support for business development and licensing transactions in the animal health industry. It serves division leaders, CEOs, managers, stockholders, and investors for multiple leading pharmaceutical, vaccine, and pet food companies, as well as many top animal nutrition suppliers.¹

“Ron knew a lot of people, helped a lot of companies solve problems and grow, helped place a lot of people in new positions in animal health companies, and led many transactions for companies,” Robert Jones, PhD, president of Brakke Consulting, wrote in an email on July 31, 2025, to its subscribers. “Under his leadership, Brakke Consulting has produced 5 landmark studies that helped the animal health industry. He wanted it to be a better industry.”

In 2009, Brakke published US Animal Health Industry: Its Pioneers and Their Legacy of Innovation, which utilized his early knowledge of the animal health industry companies, plus its founders. He was also presented with the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor’s annual Iron Paw Award to honor his 6 decades in the industry. Outside of work, Brakke owned his family farm in Forestburg, where he was a part-time resident. He also enjoyed hosting family and business associates for pheasant hunts over several weekends in the fall.

Brakke is survived by his wife Rebecca, brother Allen (Jo) Brakke, daughters Rebecca Suzanne (Mick) Moore and Rachel (Matt) Holman, and 2 grandchildren. A service was held on Friday, August 22, 2025, in Dallas.

References

1. Industry pioneer Brakke leaves lasting legacy in animal health. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. August 20, 2025. Accessed August 22, 2025. https://www.avma.org/news/industry-pioneer-brakke-leaves-lasting-legacy-animal-health?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=todays-headlines-news
2. Ron Brakke, founder of Brakke Consulting passes away. News release. Brakke Consulting. July 31, 2025. Accessed August 22, 2025. https://brakkeconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Brakke-Consulting-Ron-Brakke-Passing.pdf