Beards have a lot to say about a man, says Tyne Morgan, host of U.S. Farm Report and one of the judges in the 2024 Farm Journal’s PORK’s Best Beards in the Pork Industry Contest.
“They say longer beards are often a symbol of maturity and wisdom, while shorter and more trimmed beards suggest an adventurous nature. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of long beards, as I think it often masks the best features of a person,” she says. “However, I have mad respect for those who are dedicated to their craft.”
This year’s judges included Morgan, Davis Michaelsen, co-host of AgriTalk, and Kylee Deniz, executive director of Oklahoma Pork Council. Factors they took into account in compiling their scores ranged from density to uniqueness.
“The beards in the contest that were longer, yet groomed, are the ones that grabbed my attention this year,” Morgan says. “I can only imagine the hours they’ve spent trimming and perfecting their scruff.”
As a first-time judge, Deniz says she was looking for a combination of texture, appropriate length, natural color and neatness.
“I valued beards that showcased the individual’s unique style and personality,” she adds.
Here’s a look at your 2024 winners.
1st Place: Jason Pooley
“Without the beard, does this contestant look a little like Chip Flory? Is it me? Not sure if that makes him the winner or disqualified,” laughs Michaelsen.
Pooley serves as the health programs manager for PIC. He’s from Hendersonville, Tenn.
“The best part of this beard is that it isn’t just a beard,” Michaelsen says. “The jaunty moustache that complements this fine crop of flowing face hair is incredible.”
Why did Pooley enter this year’s contest? He says it’s because he’s working on auditioning for Santa Claus.
“This beard has it all - exceptional texture, a natural yet vibrant color, and perfect fullness,” Deniz says. “The length is bold but refined, and the mustache symmetry is memorable. A true showstopper, worthy of the top prize.”
It’s always interesting to find out what makes our beard contestants unique. This year’s winner says his special talent is being able to recite the alphabet backwards in less than 10 seconds. He also admits he has a pretty awesome Star Wars room.
2nd Place: Ivan Mester
“The texture is smooth, the length is bold and the natural color features striking personality,” Deniz points out. “A true display of expert grooming and style.”
Mester is the national category manager for processed pork with Performance Foodservice, the second largest foodservice distributor in America. He has been in the industry for over 20 years and has done everything from selecting orders to purchasing to category management. He lives in Powhatan, Va.
“I entered on the recommendation of Steve DeVries with the National Pork Board. He obviously was impressed enough with my beard to warrant entering the competition. Judging by me making it to the final 5, maybe he was on to something,” Mester laughs.
One thing people may not know about Mester is that he is a first-generation American. His parents emigrated to America separately, but both came from Hungary.
3rd Place: Kent Bacon
“In full transparency, I judged these beards just before Christmas,” explains Morgan. “So, how could I not give this beard high marks? I can use all the help I can get to land on the ‘Nice List’ each year! But the beard is perfection. His hair and his beard are a perfect pair—almost as good as milk and cookies!”
How did she know? Bacon has played Santa for approximately 30 years now.
“In the off season many people comment that I look like Santa hence the hat that say’s ‘Yes, It’s really me,’” he says. Bacon works at a seed mill where he sells seed and feed to many farmers, including pork producers. And with a last name like Bacon, it only seemed logical to enter this year’s contest.
“Some of those fake Santas pay money – and spend months – dying their hair and beard to be the perfect shade of white. Not this Santa. His natural blend is one admired by those who try to mimic him each year, which makes this beard one for the memory books,” Morgan says.
Bacon resides in Quincy Wash. You can find him riding a sleigh behind a fire truck during the holidays, going through almost every residential street in both George and Quincy, Wash., he says.
“I go to most of the local schools, including the high school. I also enjoy going to many community events and doing private Santa photos, all for free. If they want to make a donation, we give it to a local need. Two years ago, a local firefighter lost his leg in an auto accident so the money was raised to pay for his leg prosthesis.”
4th Place: Gene Noem
“The natural flow and white tone offers a memorable, classic look of this U.S. pork industry legend. Nicely done!” says Deniz.
As a teenager, Noem always saw himself getting into the cow/calf business. But, he stayed in the pork industry because of the business and life mentoring he received from a handful of people. Those mentors, and the fast-paced change and growth seen in the pork industry kept him occupied and energized during his pork industry career from 1979 to 2023.
In addition to owning two contract growing sites in Iowa, the former National Pork Board president from Ames, Iowa, was recently asked to serve on the executive committee of the U.S. Meat Export Federation.
“There is a small but mighty pork industry force that lives in North Carolina,” Noem says. “Jan Archer and I have a number of differences (not the least of which is Vikings vs Packers), but also have a lot in common regarding agriculture, young people and especially the pork industry. She is the reason I entered this contest. However, I need to credit Russ Nugent for taking me fishing in June. That is when the beard started!”
5th Place: Jimmy Lolkema
“This up-and-coming beard is robust and untamed. Given more time, this could be one of the greats,” Michaelsen says. “Color, curl and an attitude that says, ‘never mind the weather… these chores ain’t gonna do themselves!’”
Lolkema works for Belstra Milling in DeMotte, Ind., where he is director of their nursery/finisher farms.
He was nominated by his sister Valarie.
“He is one of the most selfless, positive and happy people I know,” she says. “He is always willing to lend a hand, no matter what’s needed. Jimmy has this twinkle in his eye, always seeing the humor in everything. Nothing gets him down.”
When he’s not busy working, Lolkema loves to run and has run over 6,000 miles in the past 10 years. He’s currently training to be in his first marathon and will run in one in two years on his 42nd birthday.
Now’s the Time
“Whether your beard dreams involve crafting a majestic masterpiece or a rugged lumberjack look, now is the time to start growing and grooming,” Deniz advises. “Stock up on beard oils and start shaping for the 2025 Farm Journal PORK’s Best Beard Contest.”
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