Four Honored with 2022 North Carolina Pork Council Awards
At the North Carolina Pork Council’s annual conference, four individuals received upstanding awards for their efforts on behalf of the state’s swine industry, explains a recent news release.
Hall of Fame: Bob Ivey of Goldsboro, N.C., receives highest honor of induction into the N.C. Pork Council Hall of Fame, recognized for a lifetime of achievements and contributions to the swine industry. Many significant advancements in the industry resulted from Ivey’s work over several decades. Ivey’s career includes developing a four-way crossbreed, producing silky pork for the Japanese market and multiple commercial and sow production facilities and systems, as well as adopting pen gestation across a large production system. He remains active through his ICFS swine genetics business.
Outstanding Pork Producer: Owner of Turnbull Company LLC in White Oak, N.C., Bob Livingston and his wife operate a 2,400-head sow farm through Smithfield Hog Production and consistently rank in the top 5 for production in sow farms. At Turnbull Company, safety on the farm and treating one another with dignity and respect are among the top priorities, which led Livingston to learn to speak various languages of his employees.
W.W. Shay Award for Industry Distinction: Exhibiting outstanding service to the pork industry, Charmae Kendall of Magnolia, N.C., has been invaluable at the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service teaching youth about the agriculture industry. Her drive and hard work have led to the Duplin County 4-H Pig Project, in partnership with Smithfield Hog Production, that engages 40 local youth in an eight-week swine-centered learning experience.
Emerging Leader: Rising from unfortunate circumstances, Josh Coombs of Clinton, N.C., inherited the family farm that was previously owned and operated by his father and grandfather. Contracting with Prestage Farms, Josh and his wife have grown the operation from four to 12 hog barns and added four nursery barns. Josh is a full-time fireman, has served as a member of the North Carolina Pork Board, and dedicates time to many other local and state level groups and associations.
Minnesota Pork Producers Association Announces New Board Members
Elected to serve three-year terms as Minnesota Pork Producers Association (MPPA) board members, Vice-President Vince Baack of North Mankato, Brandon Schafer of Goodhue, and Tim Schwartz of Sleepy Eye will lead and serve members through influencing public policy at local, state and national levels.
“The Minnesota Pork Producers Association board of directors is diverse, representing the broad range of farms found throughout the state,” says John Anderson, board president, in a release.
The recently elected members join Anderson of Belgrade, Secretary Adam Barka of Sleepy Eye, and members Bill Drager of Mapleton, Todd Marotz of Sleepy Eye, Mike Mouw of Sioux Falls and Daryl Timmerman of North Mankato. Lori Stevermer of Easton and Terry Wolters of Pipestone also currently serve as Minnesota representatives on the National Pork Producers Council board of directors.
