IPPA's Master Pork Producers and Partners Awards Announced

Honoring the individual’s or family’s excellence in pork production, Iowa’s Master Pork Producers for 2022 were recently announced at the 2023 Iowa Pork Congress in Des Moines., co-sponsored by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) and Iowa State University Extension.

Measured by the producer’s pork production statistics, commitment to We Care ® principles of responsibilities and high standards for animal well-being, food safety, the environment and support of their local community, and their contribution to their community, IPPA’s 81st class of Master Pork Producers include:
• Chris and BreeAnn Bohnenkamp, Remsen 


• Steve and Lisa Thul, Bode
 

• Mark Schleisman, Lake City 


• Brad & Donell Nagel and Matt & Kate Nagel, Little Rock 


• Nate and Melissa Moretz, Kensett 


• Steve Doeden, Cleghorn 


• Ben Bader, Jesup


A program established in 1942, the Master Pork Producer Award program has now named 1,506 Iowa pig farming families as “Master Pork Producers,” the release says.
 

Pork All-American

Curt Winters of Sioux Center was named the Pork All-American, which honors producers 40-years-old or younger who have established themselves as leaders in the community and successful and dedicated business people.

 

Master Pork Partners

For their dedication as outstanding production partners who have positively impacted Iowa pork production, IPPA announces the 2022 Master Pork Partners:
•    Pat Weber, who has had many responsibilities in the swine business through his life and is currently with JBS as a production manager for grow-finish facilities; from Cedar Falls. 
•    Rex Yearous, owner of Rex A. Yearous Trucking LLC, from Quasqueton. 
•    Jim McMillan, DVM, a veterinarian at the Winthrop Veterinary Clinic; from Independence.

After being nominated by peers and neighbors, the Master Pork Awards are selected by a committee made up of staff from the ISU Extension, the Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State and the IPPA. Nominations for the 2023 Master Pork Program awards will open in May.