For Al Wulfekuhle, the best part of being a pig farmer is the never-ending challenge to improve.
“Every day I wake up and ask myself ‘how can I do this better?’ From improving production to making life better for my employee/partners to selling at the top of the market, the challenge is always there. I love that challenge,” Wulfekuhle says.
The latest challenge he’s taking on is serving as a member of the National Pork Board. On Nov. 11, he was appointed to a three-year term serving the U.S. pork industry.
The owner and operator of G&W Pork in Quasqueton, Iowa, Wulfekuhle runs a farrow-to-finish farm that markets 45,000 pigs annually in addition to raising corn and soybeans.
He shares some of his thoughts on the future and his role in serving the pork industry.
Q. Why did you choose to say yes to serving on the National Pork Board?
A. The biggest reason I said yes to serving on the National Pork Board is that I believe I can make a difference. I’ve spent my life learning everything I can about the pig industry and surrounding myself with the best people. My desire is to use this knowledge to help guide NPB members and staff to do what is best for U.S. pig farmers and the U.S. pork industry.
Q. What is the greatest opportunity ahead for producers in 2021?
A. The greatest opportunity for producers in 2021 is to continue learning and improving their operations. Advancements in genetics, nutrition, health, equipment, facilities and records systems are amazing. U.S. producers have the best people, companies and universities in the world supporting them.
Q. From your perspective, what is the biggest obstacle facing pork producers today?
A. The biggest obstacle facing producers today is lack of consumer trust. Many practices and products that improve the U.S. producer’s ability to care for their animals and provide consumers with the best pork products at the least cost are in jeopardy because consumers don’t trust them.
Q. What leadership experiences have you had to prepare you for this role?
A. I served on the board of the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) and as its president. I’m currently involved in IPPA finance, research and animal health committees, as well as IPPA’s Foreign Animal Disease Task Force. I chair the National Swine Disease Response Council and have previously served on numerous National Pork Board committees. I’m also on the Iowa State University advisory boards for the College of Veterinarian Diagnostics and Production Animal Medicine and Iowa Pork Industry Center.
More from Farm Journal’s PORK:
It’s Time to Stand Up For the Pork Industry, Hill Says
Sustainable Pig Farming Before It Was Cool
There’s No Better Lifestyle Than Pig Farming, Ballance Says
Newman Elected to Serve Second Term as President of National Pork Board
