Iowa

Iowa Implements 5-Mile Testing Radius to Contain Swine Pseudorabies

Fri, 01 May 2026 22:08:02 GMT

Iowa agriculture officials are working quickly to “stamp out” a confirmed case of pseudorabies (PRV) in a small commercial swine herd – the first detection of the virus in a U.S. commercial site since it was officially eradicated in 2004.

The detection, confirmed on April 30, involved five boars in a small commercial herd with less than 100 animals. While the virus has been absent from commercial herds for two decades, it remains endemic in feral swine populations, which is the suspected source of this “spillover” event.

Aggressive Containment Strategy

Following established USDA pseudorabies program standards , the affected site is being depopulated and all animals will be disposed of on-site to prevent any spread.

“The standards also require that we conduct surveillance around the site,” says Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “A five-mile radius circle has been drawn around the positive site. Swine facilities within that radius will need to test for pseudorabies within the next 15 days.”

A secondary, two-mile radius circle has also been established. Farms within this inner circle must undergo a second round of testing 30 days after the original site is fully cleaned and disinfected. Naig confirmed that every producer within these zones was contacted by late Thursday.

Tracing the Source

The investigation points to a direct trace-back: the five positive boars were part of a shipment received several months ago from an outdoor “transitional” herd in Texas.

“We coordinated with the state of Texas, who began testing the herd of origin immediately on Monday,” Naig says.

The virus was caught during routine screening at the Iowa operation. While the five boars tested positive, the remaining pigs on the Iowa site tested negative. Naig notes that because there was no spread within the facility, it provides a “strong indication” that there was no spread outside the facility either.

The Science: Why PRV is a Challenge

Pseudorabies is a herpes virus , which presents unique challenges for eradication. Iowa State Veterinarian Dr. Jeff Kaisand explains that unlike many viruses that are cleared by the immune system, herpes viruses can remain dormant in the body.

“The virus can hang out and hide in the cranial nerves of the brain and the tonsil,” Kaisand says. “Pigs may recover and stop shedding, but the virus remains. Under stress, it can resurface.”

While the virus spreads primarily through nose-to-nose contact, it can also move via aerosols or contaminated equipment. Despite the risk, Kaisand emphasizes that vaccination is not currently an option for the industry.

“We are not expecting area spread, and vaccine raises trade issues,” Kaisand says. “We don’t want to vaccinate our populations and confuse natural infection with vaccine.”

Trade and Safety Outlook

Because pseudorabies is a reportable disease, the USDA has notified international trading partners, but the impact is expected to be minimal.

“There is always a potential for trade disruption, which is why we moved so swiftly,” Naig says. “We anticipate minimal, if any, short-term trade disruptions.”

Naig also stressed that the detection is not a food safety concern. Pseudorabies does not pose a risk to human health, and the U.S. pork supply remains safe.

Remain Vigilant

What producers can do is what they always should do – practice good biosecurity, Naig says.

“This is an isolated, specific incident here that has a direct trace back to this Texas farm,” Naig says. “Biosecurity is important every single day for animal health. It is important for livestock producers of all species.”

Kaisand adds that biosecurity is “protection from the unknowns, not the knowns.”

Why Iowa’s New Pork Producers President Says He’s a Lucky Man

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 16:17:04 GMT

Lucky. That’s how Dean Frazer, newly elected president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association , feels about the career he’s led in the pork industry. In 1987, he graduated from Iowa State University and set out on his own to raise hogs in Conrad, Iowa.

Located in the center of the state in Grundy County, Frazer says it’s been a good place to raise hogs as it’s semi-isolated for the state. He ran a farrow-to-finish operation until recently with ownership. Then, they sold out of that, bought into a Pipestone unit and own 1,000 sows equivalent.

“We get 2,400 head of wean pigs in every three to four weeks and finish about 38,000 pigs a year,” Frazer says. “I’m lucky that I have my 28-year-old son, Grant, and his wife, Josie, both back on the farm full time with us every day. Along with my wife, Linda, a retired dietitian, we all work together with three employees running wean-to-finish barns.”

They also raise corn, soybeans and grow seed corn for Pioneer, he adds. Their older son, Chad, is a CPA in Des Moines.

“It’s been a been a good run, and it’s a lot of fun to farm with family,” Frazer says.

One of the first things Frazer did when he started his operation was join the Grundy County Pork Producers. He was active in the organization for several years.

“Then, life got busy when we had kids and I wasn’t very involved with Pork Producers for several years,” he says. “I got asked to be on the Iowa Pork Producers Association board four years ago. When I got to the first board meeting, I told Pat McGonegle: ‘I’m here, but I’m never moving up any higher than just being a board member.’ Then Pat chuckled, and here we are four years later.”

From Prop 12 and exports to domestic consumption and water quality, the issues are many for Iowa pork producers to consider right now. Frazer is excited to give back to the pork industry in this role as president and is grateful for the leadership of former president Aaron Juergens from Carroll, Iowa.

Aaron Juergens (left) hands over the gavel to new Iowa Pork Producers Association president Dean Frazer.

(Iowa Pork Producers Association
)

Farm Journal’s PORK met up with Frazer during the Iowa Pork Congress to find out more about IPPA’s new leader. From what you can expect from Frazer as president to how he is focusing his goals in the year ahead, he shares his thoughts on a variety of topics.

Q. Why did you decide to step up to this challenge?
I wouldn’t have stepped up to this if I didn’t have a son and daughter-in-law home managing the farm. As an independent pork producer, I have a lot of passion for the pork industry and want it to succeed. Also, my mom and my dad were very involved with civic responsibilities. My mom was on a state Farm Bureau board 40 years ago and my dad helped start the Grundy County Pork Producers in the 1960s. I grew up with the mindset that you need to give back to your community and your state.

Q. What is it like to serve on the IPPA board?
They are a great group of people to work with. When I come home from meetings, I feel very good about what we accomplished. We may talk about hard issues, but we’re surrounded by a lot of smart and positive people.

Q. What kind of leader are people getting?
I’m a quiet leader. For me, to say ‘yes’ to this was a big deal. At first, I was scared to death. But I can see myself progressing and am more comfortable now. I’ve learned if you have passion, and people know that you have passion, they’re not going to notice if you’re not Mr. Smooth Public Speaker.

Q. What’s one thing people may not know about you?
I’ve always loved to read, especially mystery novels. I deal with a lot of stress every day. At night, when I’m getting ready for bed and want to relax, I’m going to read something mindless. I’m a huge Iowa State fan. I told my two boys that we would pay for their college education to any college in the U.S., except the University of Iowa.

Q. There have been a lot of pork victories lately. What stands out as the biggest one in your mind?
I’m very proud that we’ve kept our pork exports near steady in 2025 and going into 2026, especially with all the disruptions and tariff battles we’re involved in. I’m thankful for our association and the work they do to keep exports going.

Q. What are you most excited about now?
I’m really excited about the new campaign “Taste What Pork Can Do.” We want to increase domestic consumption. Now is a great time to do it with high beef prices. It’s not the same pork industry it was 20 years ago.

Q. If you could only accomplish one thing this year, what would it be and why?
I would like to get rid of the Prop 12-type legislation and keep it from going to all 50 states. We want one set of rules, and that is still a priority for us. We know that road is very hard with the environment we live in right now, but it’s still a big deal to us. Everybody has the right to choose, and you will still be able to buy whatever pork you want, but it should not be mandated on us.

Q. This is not an easy job for a busy person. How will you fit it all in?
I’m completely confident in what my family is doing back home. Also, we know in today’s society that there’s more Zoom calls, and I am only an hour and a half from the Iowa Pork Producers Association office, so helps to be centrally located. I also am fortunate to be able to take my wife with me on many trips. That helps because I’ll have a babysitter to make sure I have my tie on straight to every meeting I go to.

Q. What do you like to do for fun?
In addition to reading, I like to golf once a week in the summer. We have season tickets to Iowa State basketball games, too. I actually like to work. I’m 61 years old, and my kids say I can retire when I’m 75. My wife wants it to be a little sooner than that, but I enjoy what I’m doing.

Iowa Farmer Battles Today's Pests While Eyeing Tomorrow's 'Mean Sixteen' Threats

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 19:31:41 GMT

For Worth County, Iowa, farmer Sarah Tweeten, the list of high-priority agronomic threats isn’t a political abstract — it’s a harsh reality she deals with every season.

Farming with her parents, Brian and Julie, and her uncle Roger, Tweeten has been steering the partnership toward more resilient cropping practices since joining the operation in 2021. This includes shifting from conventional tillage to strip tillage and splitting nitrogen applications.

The changes are part of a broader mindset: Protecting yields today from weeds, disease and insects while aggressively preparing for the next generation of agronomic threats. This forward-thinking approach is what led Tweeten to Washington, D.C., earlier this week as a Farm Journal Foundation farmer ambassador to help introduce a new report: “ The Mean Sixteen: Major Biosecurity Threats Facing U.S. Agriculture and How Policy Solutions Can Help. ”

Today’s Battles and Tomorrow’s Warnings
Researched and developed by Stephanie Mercier, PhD, the report takes an in-depth look at 16 significant pest issues U.S. farmers face now or could realistically in the future.

Tweeten is already battling a couple of the problems that underpin the urgency behind the research. For example, Palmer amaranth (pigweed) is gaining ground in her fields and across Iowa. The pervasive broadleaf weed can drastically reduce yields, with studies showing corn yield reductions between 11% and 91% and soybean yield reductions of 17% to 68%.

“We’ve struggled with pigweed as it continues to establish more resistance to our herbicides in our toolkit,” Tweeten says.

Two additional agronomic issues the report details include:

1. Asian Soybean Rust. First detected in the U.S. in Louisiana in 2004, this fungal disease has spread to southern states like Georgia and Mississippi. Scientists warn that warming winters could enable its migration to the Midwest, adding to existing disease pressures.

2. Corn Ear Rot. It can lead to aflatoxin production, making corn unmarketable and posing risks to humans and livestock. Aflatoxin is an issue Pickens County, Ala., farmer Annie Dee says is an ongoing problem for corn growers in her area.

“If we have aflatoxin, it can be impossible to sell the corn,” says Dee, also a Farm Journal Foundation Farmer ambassador.

A more recent threat she references is the impact of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (bird flu) on local poultry farms.

Since January 2022, HPAI has been confirmed in a commercial or backyard poultry flock in all 50 states.

(USDA)

“An important market for us is poultry feed meal, so that’s a constant worry. The trickle-down effect is if we can’t move our corn then we can’t meet our financial obligations,” Dee adds.

Despite agricultural R&D offering a high ROI — $20 in benefits for every $1 spent — the Farm Journal Foundation report notes public funding for ag research has been declining over the past two decades.

“Farmers urgently need sustained support for aflatoxin research and prevention because these risks threaten our yields, our markets and the trust consumers place in American agriculture,” Dee says.

U.S. public spending on ag research and development has been falling for two decades.

(USDA-ERS)

African Swine Fever Has ‘Devastating Potential’
Looking to the future, Tweeten says she is concerned about African swine fever (ASF) and its potential to impact crop farmers as well as hog producers. The highly contagious swine disease hasn’t been detected in the U.S. mainland, but it isn’t far away. ASF has been confirmed in the Caribbean countries of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, roughly 700 miles from Miami, Fla.

“Being a farmer from Iowa, where we have probably eight times the amount of pigs as we do people, an outbreak of ASF would be just devastating to our state,” Tweeten says.

Hogs are among the biggest customers for the corn and soybeans Tweeten and her family grow. If African swine fever were to shut down hog production or exports, it wouldn’t just be a blow to livestock producers – it would hurt the entire agricultural community, she contends.

Read about 5 livestock diseases that could impact U.S. food security and economic stability.

Food Security Is National Security
When it comes to justifying funding for ag research, Tweeten knows there’s competition for every federal dollar. But she believes agriculture deserves a front-row seat — not only because of its economic weight and impact on farmers, but because of its role in national security.

“There’s that argument that food security is national security,” she says. “If there’s one thing COVID made us aware of, it’s that a disruption to our food chain can be terrifying, quite frankly.”

The pandemic made consumers and policymakers more aware of supply chain vulnerability. In 2020, the shock to the supply chain came from a human disease and logistical bottlenecks.

(Sarah Williams Photography)

Next time, Tweeten says, the disruption could just as easily come from animal or plant disease — whether African swine fever in hogs, Asian soybean rust or some other pathogen in crops. She worries about scenarios where farmers could face a fast-moving disease or crop pest while critical tools are still hung up in regulatory delays.

Her message: Farmers need a full toolbox, not one that’s half-built by the time a threat arrives.

“Ag needs to be in a good position when these sorts of emerging diseases and pests come into the country,” she says, “to have the tools in our toolbox ready for farmers to pull out.”

About the Farm Journal Foundation
The Farm Journal Foundation is a farmer-centered, non-profit, nonpartisan organization established in 2010. It works to advance agricultural innovation, food and nutrition security, conservation, and rural economic development.

Iowa State Cyclones Moore, Bacon Team Up in NIL Partnership to Promote Pork

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:45:26 GMT

Iowa State University football standouts Tyler Moore and Caleb Bacon are back promoting “Moore Bacon.” The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) recently announced a renewed name, image and likeness (NIL) partnership with the pair.

Moore is a senior tight end from Des Moines. Bacon is a senior linebacker from Lake Mills, Iowa. Listen to Bacon’s conversation last season on The PORK Podcast here. Both players dealt with serious injuries last season and have overcome significant hurdles to return to the football field and help the Cyclones to a 4-0 start and top 15 ranking this year.

“Building on the momentum of the national award-winning Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon campaign, which went viral on social media and gained national media attention two years ago, the new #MooreBacon initiative once again connects Iowa pig farmers, football fans and pork lovers across the country,” IPPA said in a release.

Moore and Bacon are featured in a brand-new video in intense game-day preparation, fueled by sizzling bacon as the source of inspiration.

Blending actual game footage from this season with audio clips from the Voice of the Cyclones John Walters, the ad captures the fun, flavor and tradition of Iowa pork, IPPA explains.

The ad debuted Sept. 23 on Iowa Pork’s social media platforms and is a component of the pork industry’s national Taste What Pork Can Do campaign . You’ll see this video and accompanying images throughout October in celebration of National Pork Month.

“Iowa Pork is proud to team up with these outstanding young men who are great ambassadors for the whole state,” Aaron Juergens, a pig farmer from Carroll who serves as IPPA president, said in a release. “This collaboration has been a fantastic use of pork checkoff dollars, promoting our industry in a unique and entertaining way and boosting pork sales in grocery stores. We’re thrilled to work with Tyler and Caleb again this season, and hope everyone will be inspired by #MooreBacon.”

Giving Back
In conjunction with this NIL partnership and in cohesion with the pork industry’s We Care principles, IPPA plans to donate $2,500 worth of pork to each player’s food pantry of choice. Moore chose the Food Bank of Iowa and Bacon selected the Lake Mills Food Shelf. In 2024, the Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon NIL partnership resulted in 50,000 servings of pork being donated to food banks in the hometowns of 19 Cyclones student-athletes.

“I just appreciate everything farmers do for Iowa,” Bacon says. “They’re the backbone of this state, and to see pig farmers’ support for our program, support for local communities and organizing this ad campaign has been awesome. I really appreciate it.”

Giving back to their community is a priority Moore, Bacon and Iowa pig farmers all share.

“It’s important because there are a lot of people struggling with hunger and need a little extra assistance with food, or with something to help them keep going,” Moore says. “You never know what someone else is going through, so I think it’s important to give back to the community around you that helped you become what you are today.”

Pushing Through
Prior to the start of this season, Moore and Bacon were honored with the 2025 Nick Bassett Perseverance Award, named after a longtime Cyclone fan. IPPA explains this award recognizes two Iowa State football players annually who exemplify the characteristics that Nick Bassett is remembered for: positive spirit, perseverance and selflessness.

After just five snaps into the season in 2024, Bacon was injured and missed the rest of the year. Moore had to miss the final five games due to an injury. Despite the injuries, Moore and Bacon helped the Cyclones to a record-setting season by providing leadership from the sidelines. Bacon was named one of the Cyclones team captains for the 2025 season.

“That guy means so much to this team,” Moore says. “He’s been through so much, starting as a walk-on, and he worked all the way up to being a starter and one of our top tacklers. He missed almost all last year but turned that into a mentorship and coaching role and really helped those guys have an amazing season.”

IPPA says the Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon initiative that launched in September 2023 was the first major NIL deal tied to agriculture. Not only was it named the grand champion at the National Agri-Marketing Association’s awards ceremony in 2025, but it was also named best of show at the Public Relations Society of America’s Iowa chapter awards ceremony in 2025 and Best NIL Deal of 2023 by the Sports Business Journal.

“The partnership between Iowa Pork and Iowa State has continued to be a shining example of using NIL for good,” says Brent Blum, director of NIL development for Cyclone Sports Properties. “It’s the true definition of a win/win for all involved and showcased the best of our state in so many ways.”

New Data Supports Stable Farmland Market

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 13:07:06 GMT

Year over year, Iowa farmland values are down 2.2%. That’s the latest result from The Realtors Land Institute Iowa Chapter survey, where participants were asked to estimate the average value of farmland as of September 1, 2025.

(Realtors Institute, Iowa Chapter)

In the past six months, the statewide average showed a 1.2% decrease. The six months before that resulted in a 1% decrease. This is all for tillable acres.

Iowa Realtors say this continues the sideways trend for land values since the market spiked in 2021 and 2022.

“The market is continuing to confirm it’s stubbornly stable,” says Matt Vegter, Hertz Farm Real Estate. “To post the numbers we did with the uncertainty in the market with tariffs, the price of corn and soybeans, it’s really a bright spot in the farmland market.”

Survey respondents say the market is stable despite bearish corn and soybean prices.
What’s helping stand up the market are:

Lack of inventory
Expectation for an above average crop for most of Iowa
Strong cattle prices

Vegter says for his area of business, central Iowa, listings are down 10% to 20%, and that holds true across most of the state.

“The summer is normally slow, but this was extra slow,” he says. “Typically inventory picks up in the fall through the winter, and we are expecting an average season ahead.”

Pasture acre values across the state trended flat or up for every reporting district, ranging from 0% to +6.8%. Per acre average values range from $4,498 to $5,504 per acre.
Looking ahead through the winter, which is traditionally a time for higher volume in transactions, the Realtor respondents are watching how farmland values could be effected.

“The strongest values are in northwest Iowa and northeast Iowa, where you have the most cattle feeder,” he says. “But those strong values can be attributed to how profitable cattle have been in the last year or two.”

All states in the Chicago Federal Reserve district, average a 3% percent increase in dollar value of “good” farmland from July 1, 2024 to July 1, 2025. And by state:

Illinois 0%
Indiana 3%
Iowa 4%
Wisconsin 11%

“We say that eight of 10 farms we sell are bought by a local farmer,” Vegter says. “That trend won’t change.”

Furlow Joins Iowa Pork Producers Association as Director of Public Policy

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 20:27:09 GMT

The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) has named Harrison Furlow as its new Director of Public Policy. As of August 4, Furlow will bring extensive experience in agricultural policy, strategic communications and producer-focused advocacy to the organization.

“We are pleased to welcome Harrison to the team,” says Pat McGonegle, CEO of IPPA. “His experience and passion for the swine industry make him a valuable asset in our work to support and represent Iowa’s pork producers at the state and national levels.”

Furlow recently completed the Pork Industry Immersion Program, a two-year leadership initiative led by the National Pork Board (NPB), National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), and affiliated state pork associations. As part of the program, he served as Manager of Pork Industry Relations with NPPC. His experience also includes working with NPPC’s communications team in Washington, D.C., where he supported efforts to advance the pork industry’s priorities on Capitol Hill.

Originally from Bluemont, Va., Furlow holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Iowa State University. During his time at ISU, he was active in numerous leadership roles and hands-on agricultural experiences, including competing on the collegiate dairy judging team and working at the university’s beef teaching farm. His roots in agriculture run deep, having grown up in 4-H and livestock judging, while raising pigs, beef cattle and goats.

“Iowa has felt like home ever since my time at Iowa State University, so joining the Iowa Pork Producers Association is both a professional milestone and a personal return,” Furlow says. “It’s an honor to work on behalf of the state that welcomed me and continues to lead the nation in pork production.”

Read more:
Immersion Program Aims to Keep Best and Brightest in the Pork Industry

Hinson Introduces Bill to Save Family Farms, Protect Pork Producers from Patchwork Regulations

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 20:01:45 GMT

U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, has introduced the Save Our Bacon Act to help aid family farms across the country by providing certainty against a dangerous and chaotic web of conflicting farm regulations, including California Proposition 12.

California and Massachusetts have proposed arbitrary mandates on production practices for farmers in other states. Hinson says the Save Our Bacon Act would alleviate this overregulation by prohibiting state and local governments from interfering with the production of livestock in other states.

“The Save Our Bacon Act reaffirms livestock producers’ right to sell their products across state lines, without interference from arbitrary mandates,” Hinson says. “This legislation will stop out-of-touch activists — who don’t know the first thing about farming — from dictating how Iowa farmers do their job.”

(Rep. Ashley Hinson; public domain)

National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio, has expressed producers’ support of the bill.

“We sincerely appreciate Representative Hinson for consistently engaging with family farmers and championing legislation that provides the certainty we need to pass along our farms to the next generation,” he says. “Without legislation to shield America’s 60,000-plus pork-producing family farms from heavy-handed, multi-state regulations, many producers otherwise would be faced with business-crushing decisions.”

Stateler notes that bipartisan support for “averting a web of contradictory state laws” is growing, with support from President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden and their respective agriculture secretaries, Brooke Rollins and Tom Vilsack.

If left unchecked, Prop 12, along with a wave of contradictory farm regulations, will soon sweep the nation. Stateler says these include:

Serious threats of industry consolidation, pushing multi-generation farm families — especially small and medium-sized farms — out of business.
Skyrocketing grocery bills, with some pork products experiencing price hikes of as much as 41%.
Far-reaching and harmful impacts on both farmers and consumers.
Unfair costs forced on farmers to pay for out-of-state regulators to audit their farms.
Significant increases in the cost of raising pigs — by as much as 15% on each pig marketed.
Potential harm to pigs, as arbitrary, unscientific laws hamstring farm veterinarians’ herd health plans.

“With Proposition 12, California has set out-of-touch, arbitrary requirements for how producers should operate their farming businesses,” says Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. “California activists now claim to know what’s best for the producers who have raised livestock from generation to generation. The Save Our Bacon Act will allow Iowa’s farmers to continue doing what they do best - feeding our country and the world.”

Iowa pig farmer and Iowa Pork Producers Association President Aaron Juergens says he appreciates Hinson’s leadership in fighting to protect Iowa pig farmers, who work hard to care for their animals and produce safe, high-quality pork.

“The Supreme Court made it clear the best option is for Congress to address California’s Prop 12 to prevent a patchwork of conflicting state regulations,” Juergens says. “Since Prop 12 took effect, the law has negatively impacted both consumers and producers. We urge Congress to act this year and support Representative Hinson’s efforts to stop this burdensome mandate.”

Pork Steals the Show in Iowa State Fair's Best New Foods Competition

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 14:06:30 GMT

It should come as no suprise to U.S. pig farmers that pork’s taste and flavor is a winner. Two of the top three foods competing in a fan vote for the People’s Choice Best New Food title at this summer’s Iowa State Fair include pork.

The 2025 Iowa State Fair has a lineup of 67 new foods from nearly 200 food stands. Seven brand-new vendors will make their debut at the state fair in 2025. Fair officials narrowed the list of new foods down to 11 for a flavorful contest on July 15 where judges tasted each and voted for their favorites.

The top three finalists and official descriptions include:

Three Little Pigs

Three Little Pigs
(Iowa State Fair)

Oak-kissed smoked ham balls served as a trio flight of nostalgic flavors. First is a savory and sweet honey and mustard-glazed ham ball topped with cornbread crumbles, reminiscent of a tried and true corn dog. Next is a tangy cherry soda glaze with Maraschino cherries to give it the old-timey feel. The third ham ball has a buttery vanilla glaze dusted with powdered sugar, bringing a sweet contrast that plays on the classic fair treat. Three Little Pigs sells for $13 from Whatcha Smokin’ BBQ from Luther, Iowa.
Bacon chicken ranch eggroll

Bacon Chicken Ranch Eggroll
(Iowa State Fair)

Experience the savory delight of Winn and Sara’s handmade Bacon Chicken Ranch Eggroll, made fresh just for the Iowa State Fair. Each eggroll is lovingly wrapped by hand, filled with tender chicken, crispy bacon and rich white cheddar cheese. A perfectly golden, crunchy exterior drizzled with Winn and Sara’s famous homemade ranch dressing. Every bite is a delightful combination of cheesy, savory goodness wrapped in a crispy, flaky shell. Bacon chicken ranch eggroll sells for $15 from Winn & Sara’s Kitchen from Indianola, Iowa, and Norwalk, Iowa.
Scotcheroo shake

Scotcheroo Shake
(Iowa State Fair)

Meet your new fair favorite – a rich, creamy shake made with our handmade scotcheroo ice cream – peanut butter and butterscotch ice cream swirled with gooey scotcheroo fudge and packed with chewy chunks of the classic Midwest treat. It’s crowned with fluffy whipped cream, generous drizzles of chocolate and caramel and a full slice of scotcheroo on top. A nostalgic dessert reimagined as the ultimate fair shake. Scotcheroo shake sells for $12 from Over the Top from Pleasant Hill, Iowa.

Fairgoers can sample the top three finalists — along with all the rest of the new foods — and cast their vote in the Peoples’ Choice contest starting Thursday, Aug. 7 through midnight Wednesday, Aug. 13. The winner will be announced Friday, Aug. 15.

Other Best New Food semi-finalists featuring pork include:

Hawaiian Hog, Iowa Pork Producers - Iowa Pork Tent

Hawaiian Hog
(Iowa State Fair)

The Hawaiian Hog is a delicious sandwich layered with shaved pork loin, creamy coleslaw, brown sugar pineapple ring and served on a bun with a side of sweet chili sauce. This fits in with Iowa Pork Producer’s current menu as pork is the star of the show!
Maple Bacon Bourbon Grilled Cheese, What’s Your Cheez

Maple Bacon Bourbon Grilled Cheese
(Iowa State Fair)

It starts with a freshly made maple bread, then topped with a maple bourbon cream cheese. Add a gourmet maple bourbon cheddar cheese and wait. A bourbon maple candied bacon is added between all the goodness, and then it’s grilled to a golden brown and served with a maple bourbon raspberry dipping sauce.

Here’s a look at the 2025 New Food List:
• Bacon Chicken Ranch Eggroll *2025 finalist
• Bacon Popcorn
• Beignets - 2 Ct.
• Big Acai Sorbet Flight
• Butter Beer Cone
• Brisket Tenderloin
• Cafe Colada Funnel Cake
• Capn Crunch Berry Funnel Cakes
• Caramel Apple Delight
• Chicken & Waffle Breakfast Sandwich
• Chicken Pickle Ranch Rocket On A Stick
• Chicken Spiedini On A Stick
• Choc O Tater
• Chocolate Chip Storm Tornado
• Classic Korean Corn Dog
• Cookies N Cream Ice Cream Bar
• Craft Link On A Stick
• Deep Fried Banana S’mores
• Deep Fried PBJ with Nutella
• Double Bacon Cheese Burger Balls
• Fairgrounds Fiesta Wonton
• Flamin’ Hot Pickle Pizza
• Flaming Hot Cheetos Fries
• Footlong Hot Cheetos Corn Dog
• Freeze Dried Fruit Mix
• Fried Banana Cream Pie
• Full Mozzarella Korean Corn Dog
• Golden Fried Corn On The Cob Strips (Battered, Seasoned)
• Green Apple Cream Slush
• Hawaiian Hog
• High Roller Roll
• High Roller Roll Combo
• Holy Doughly
• HoQ Wrap (Chicken, Lamb Or Tofu)
• Hot Cheetos Mozzarella Corn Dogs
• Jalapeno Popper Egg Salad
• JR’s Bacon Wrangler BLT
• Lemon Cheesecake Ice Cream Single Scoop
• Loaded Cowboy Fries
• Lobster Biscuits & Gravy
• Maple Bacon Bourbon Grilled Cheese
• Maple Bacon Flavored Cheese Curds
• Nashville Hot Chicken Mac N’ Cheese Pizza Slice
• Oatmeal Cream Pie
• Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake
• Philly Cheese Steak Twisters
• Potato Half & Half Korean Corn Dog
• Praline Crunch Caramel Sundae
• Saigon Lobster Bomb
• Scotcheroo Ice Cream Shake *2025 finalist
• Sloppy Dog
• Smoked Meatloaf Platter
• S’mores Ice Cream Sandwich
• Soy On A Stick (Fried)
• State Fair Sweet Crunch
• Steak Tips Gnocchi
• Strawberry Cheesecake Flavored Pecans Small Cone
• Strawberry Kettle Korn
• Surf N Turf
• Sweet Granny’s Apple Delight Sundae
• Sweet Swine Stack Attack
• The Butcher’s Donut
• The Butter Cow Tornado
• Thelma’s Lemon Blueberry Ice Cream Sandwich
• Three Little Pigs *2025 finalist
• Voodoo Chips
• Voodoo Fries

The 2024 winner also featured pork - the Bacon Cheeseburger Egg Roll from Winn & Sara’s Kitchen.

Read complete descriptions here.

BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark Raises $20,000 for Iowa Food Banks

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 17:49:03 GMT

Events like BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark, held June 21 in Des Moines, show the strength of communities, says Doug Gruver, Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) board member and two-time event volunteer.

“Giving back is at the heart of what we do as pork producers,” Gruver says. “Whether it’s raising food or raising funds, we’re proud to serve Iowans beyond the farm. This event is also a great opportunity to showcase the high-quality product we raise in Iowa and the incredible BBQ talent and passion of the teams who compete.”

Hundreds of Iowans gathered at Principal Park for the third annual event, raising more than $20,000 to support food banks across the state. IPPA partners with the Iowa Cubs and Fareway Stores to host the competition.

Two dozen backyard barbecue teams competed for $12,000 in prize money across three pork categories: loin, ribs, and butt.

Attendees were treated to pork samples provided by BBQ competition contestants.

(Ginnie Coleman/Ginnie Coleman/For Iowa Pork Producers )

Attendees were able to sample pork provided by Iowa Machine Shed, the Ames and Beaverdale Fareway Meat Markets, Story County Pork Producers and local BBQ enthusiast Joe Osbrink.

Backroad BBQ of Ames earned the title of grand champion, while Brown Dog BBQ from Stuart was named reserve grand champion. Slap Your Bacon BBQ from Ankeny placed third overall and won the People’s Choice Award, securing $1,000 in prize money and directing a $1,000 donation to the North Polk Comet Cupboard food pantry in Polk City.

“This donation was such a blessing and came at a time of real need,” said Dixie Bequeaith of the North Polk Comet Cupboard. “Food insecurity doesn’t take a summer break, especially for families with kids out of school. Running a pantry often means wondering how we’ll keep the shelves stocked, but time and again, generous people and businesses step up. We’re incredibly grateful for this support from the winning team, and it will go a long way in helping our community.”

Click here to view full contest results.

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Agriculture in the Bull's-Eye: Raids Reportedly Resume on Farms, Meatpacking Plants

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 20:50:51 GMT

After President Donald Trump reportedly ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE ) to pause raids on farms and meatpacking plants last week, new reports say the administration is reversing course again. The on-again, off-again reports regarding ICE raids is sowing confusion for those who rely on immigrant labor and already causing labor shortages due to employees not showing up for work.

There was an update again late Friday, with President Trump saying he’s looking at new immigration policy steps that would allow farms to take responsibility for people they hire.

The Washington Post first reported Monday that ICE officials told leaders representing field offices across the country they must continue to conduct raids at worksite locations, which is a reversal from guidance issued just days earlier.

Officials with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) wouldn’t confirm the Washington Post’s report, but an agricultural association told Farm Journal the article is accurate based on their discussions with the administration.

Instead, DHS told us this:

“The president has been incredibly clear. There will be no safe spaces for industries who harbor violent criminals or purposely try to undermine ICE’s efforts,” says DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Worksite enforcement remains a cornerstone of our efforts to safe guard public safety, national security and economic stability. These operations target illegal employment networks that undermine American workers, destabilize labor markets and expose critical infrastructure to exploitation.”

By Friday, there was another update. Reuters reported President Trump said he was looking at immigration policy steps that would allow farms to take responsibility for people they hire.

“We’re looking at doing something where, in the case of good, reputable farmers, they can take responsibility for the people that they hire and let them have responsibility, because we can’t put the farms out of business,” Trump told reporters. “And at the same time we don’t want to hurt people that aren’t criminals.”

According to Farm Journal’s Michelle Rook, the recent ICE raids are already creating absenteeism and labor shortages that could severally disrupt the U.S. food supply. Ag groups are again calling for immigration reform with hopes the issue will finally come to a head.

Ripple Effect of Immigration Crackdown

Joe Del Bosque, owner of Del Bosque Farms in Firebaugh, Calif., is experiencing the rollercoaster with labor, saying the shifting policy strikes fear in farmers and workers.

“There’s so much uncertainty as to what the administration’s going to do,” Del Bosque told Rook on AgriTalk this week.

Del Bosque says the raids on California produce farms are disrupting the harvest of perishable produce.

“They haven’t been really huge sweeps. They’re usually picking up a few people. But it creates a lot of fear, and people don’t show up to work. That’s just as bad as if they were taken away,” he says.

According to an exclusive report by Farm Journal’s The Packer , the ripple effect of Trump’s immigration crackdown on agriculture could be far-reaching — if the administration revives its focus on ag.

Kevin Kelly is the CEO of Emerald Packaging — the largest flexible packaging supplier to the leafy greens industry. Based in Union City, Calif., the company has been in the packaging business for 62 years. Kelly says the immigrant workforce in California is feeling uncertain and afraid.

“We’ve certainly heard folks aren’t turning up to work in the fields, and we’ve seen it in our facility. We verify everybody, so we know everybody in our facility is documented and can legally work in the United States,” Kelly tells Jennifer Strailey, editor of The Packer. “In our case, it’s brothers and sisters being deported, and other family members being afraid. Our employees are staying home to help their family members move, to take care of them or to take them to see an attorney — that kind of thing.”

Dairy operations in several states have also been raided recently. Dairy producers say they rely on immigrant labor to provide a stable year-round work force and to keep the U.S. food supply stable.

“We need these people to take care of our animals so we can produce food. Without animal care, we won’t have milk, cheese, butter — nothing,” Greg Moes, MoDak Dairy in Goodwin, S.D., told Rook.

The recent ICE arrests at Glenn Valley Foods of Omaha, Neb. have also led to absenteeism at meat processing plants.

“At the beginning of the Trump administration, we had this same worry with the crackdown — whether this was going to impact absenteeism and things like that,” says Brad Kooima, Kooima Kooima Varilek in Sioux Center, Iowa. “So, hopefully we can put that in our rearview mirror.”

By the Numbers: A Heavy Reliance on Immigrant Labor
The news this week of the Trump administration putting a pause on raids of farms and meat processors is welcome news for those in agriculture. From dairies and produce farms, to meatpacking plants across the U.S., these sectors rely heavily on immigrant labor.

Immigrant labor makes up a substantial portion of the meat processing workforce, with estimates ranging from 37% to over 50%. However, states like South Dakota and Nebraska have even higher concentrations of immigrant workers in meat processing — reaching 58% and 66%, according to the nonprofit Migration Policy Institute.

And a large portion of U.S. dairy farms rely on immigrant labor, with estimates indicating that over half of all dairy workers are immigrants. Specifically, these workers account for 51% of the total dairy workforce and are responsible for producing 79% of the U.S. milk supply.

Farmworker Justice estimates 70% of the produce industry’s farmworkers are immigrants. USDA’s estimates are lower — closer to 60%.

Iowa's Third Annual BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark Scheduled for June 21

Thu, 15 May 2025 19:00:28 GMT

The third annual BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark is a family-friendly celebration of all things pork—brought to you by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), the Iowa Cubs and Fareway. The event takes place Saturday, June 21 from 12-4 p.m. at Principal Park in Des Moines.

The event features a pork barbecue competition with teams battling for $12,000 in prize money, samples of Iowa craft beer and cider, pork samples and live music. Proceeds from the event support food banks across Iowa, making it a fun way to give back.

“ BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark is just a fun way to celebrate pork and help out folks in our communities,” says IPPA President Aaron Juergens, a pig farmer from Carroll. “It’s all about good food, good company, and giving back. Last year, we raised over $20,000 for Iowa food pantries, and we’re hoping to top that this time around.”

Tickets are $20 in advance or $30 at the door. Kids 10 and under get in free.

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How Iowa Farmer Mark Hanna is Investing in Innovation and Giving Ag Startups a Fighting Chance

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 17:23:24 GMT

You’ll still find Iowa farmer Mark Hanna behind the wheel of his combine every fall. The technology and automation is a signature of their farm, and what helps keep running the combine still fun for someone who’s been farming for 46 years.

But the landscape of equipment and technology today looks drastically different from when he started farming in 1979.

“I joined my dad’s operation where I was basically the labor force to help me get started,” Hanna says, who farmers in Joyce, Iowa. “I would trade my labor for the use of his machinery.”

The Cusp of the 1980s Farm Crisis
Right on the cusp of the 1980s farm crisis, Hanna’s rookie years of farming were tough.

“It was a horrible time. It was 1979 and my grandpa, Dewey, whose farm we actually bought in 1980, said he was always going to sell me that farm, even when I was little,” Hanna remembers. “And it came about in 1981, and a year later, the farm was worth half of what we bought it for.”

Hanna describes farming as an occupation of risks and rewards. And the risks then were high.

“The bank got concerned and said, ‘Boy, your equity is going backward here. Your net worth isn’t good.’ And I said, ‘Well, I have a private contract with my grandpa. And as long as I make that, it really doesn’t matter to you.’”

The Mortgage Lifters
With interest rates at 18%, Hanna weathered that storm. One way he did was with farrow to finish hogs.

“I figured out they were the mortgage lifters,” he says. “So, I just raised as many as I could in every nook and cranny on the farm for about five or six years. And that kept me making my payments and kept me farming.”

Throughout the ‘90s, Hanna expanded more and more, moving all his hogs and pigs into an environment he could control.

“By 1998, I had even my sows inside as fully confinement buildings,” Hanna says. “But 1998, that was a pretty tough. We had 8 cent hogs in December. I had all my buildings full. We had just built two new buildings. It turned out to be a $30,000 a month loss with no end in sight.”

The Hog Market Crash of 1998
In 1998, Hanna met his biggest challenge yet. With margins in the red and the debt mounting, he knew he needed to find additional income. So, he decided to take a job in town working nights, while also still raising hogs.

“After two weeks of that, I decided, ‘You know what? There’s more important things in life. I’m doing the best I can. And if I’m doing the best I can and I can’t make it, so be it.’ So, I kept breeding sows and keeping all the facilities full. And by July that year we had $60 hogs. I had full buildings, and I made more money than I ever thought I would and got my debt taken care of,” Hanna says.

It’s that moment in Hanna’s career that his son, Philip, says was a pivotal point for their family farm.

“It really stuck out to me is that he just focused on ‘what can I do and not worry about the things that I can’t control and just focus on that’,” says Philip Hanna.

The Next Generation
Hanna’s sons, Philip and Andrew, are now partners in their family farm. And they say the thing they admire most about their dad is his vision and ability to take risks.

“I feel like technology-wise, our biggest thing is being able to variable rate our planting, planting our split application of 32% and our fertilizer in the fall. That’s been huge,” says Andrew Hanna.

Mark’s sons, Andrew and Philip, are now partners on the farm.

(Tyne Morgan )

From the latest technology to the decision to dive into strip till in 2018, even Hanna’s employee of 20 years will tell you he admires Hanna’s intelligence and ability to always look ahead.

“They’re just really good people to work for,” says Larry Severson, a long-time employee. “I mean, they’re very innovative. They try new things like the strip tower. We were the first ones in this area to make that leap. And they went headfirst into it and it worked out really well for them.”

Mark Hanna was one of the first in his area to try strip till, and it wasn’t just a few acres. Hanna went all-in.

(Matt Mormann )

Investing in Innovation
What may be the biggest mark of success is how Hanna is investing in innovation through Ag Ventures Alliance .

“We help startups in ag thrive and be successful,” he says. “We offer them a wealth of information and knowledge and help to get them going.”

Ag Ventures Alliance and AgLaunch now select their top 10 startups each year, offering advice and financial investment.

“Out of that spun AgLaunch Farmers LLC , which we started two years ago. Farmers actually get a stake in each company. They have to put up $100,000 and pledge it to the AgLaunch Farmer LLC. When they’re successful, the farmers will get paid back with their stake in the equity in the company,” Hanna says.

Ag Ventures Alliance was created to accelerate ag tech innovation and redefine resilience and profitability for American farmers.

(Ag Ventures Alliance )

For Hanna, investing in others and helping start-up companies launch into the ag field is one of the most rewarding parts of his job today.

“I like to see new innovations. We like to try the newest thing that’s coming out there on our own farm,” he says.

For his sons, Hanna’s ability to give back and support others is just a glimpse into the strong character he instilled in both of them.

“I came out of high school wanting to be just like my dad, wanting to be a farmer like he has been in the past and to grow with him in the future,” Andrew says.

Phillip adds, “I hope with my brother and me, when my dad starts phasing out, that we’re going to continue to be on the new technology like my dad was and just keep on improving things on the farm and not be afraid of trying new things and new technology.”
Congratulations to Mark Hanna, a finalist for the 2025 Top Producer of the Year.

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Iowa Man Reveals Best Tenderloin from 99-County Tour

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 03:34:54 GMT

After a ‘whirlwind of a sandwich odyssey’ in Iowa, JayJay Goodvin, chief explorer of the Iowa Gallivant, revealed his favorite tenderloin from his 99-county tour.

Just over 10 months ago, Goodvin started a quest to eat a tenderloin in all 99 counties in Iowa. With more than 28 million views of his videos across his social media platforms, the response to his journey left him speechless.

After thoughtful analysis and some soul-searching, Goodvin announced the winner to a live WHO 13 News audience on Feb. 13. The winning tenderloin was served by The Landmark Bistro of Grundy Center, Iowa.

What set this tasty tenderloin apart from the other 98?

“It was a beautiful tenderloin – they really did a great job with the mustard,” Goodvin says. “It was bigger than your compact tenderloin, but it wasn’t huge. The breading was crunchy, but didn’t overpower the flavor of the pork, which was very important. They had great seasoning in that breading.”

Most importantly the staff did a great job, he points out. They were busy, but they got the food out expeditiously. Most importantly, it was served scorching hot.

“It doesn’t matter what style of pork tenderloin you like, it’s got to come out scorching hot,” Goodvin told Farm Journal’s PORK in an earlier interview . “Whether you like them thin, thick, breaded, battered, small or huge elephant ears, it must come out hot. After that, it’s all up to the consumer on what style is their favorite.”

He notes there is a wide spectrum of tenderloins available.

“There is more variety than people realize,” he says. “You can get them battered, broiled, breaded, even served with a wheelbarrow of gravy over mashed potatoes on it.”

Where is the Iowa Gallivant off to next? He says he is starting a project called “99 Specials.” He will be going throughout the entire state of Iowa trying a “special” in every county. He’s hopeful he’ll be able to find 99 different specials from ham balls to hot beef sandwiches and everything in between.

Follow his journey here.

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Naig, Mowrer Named Honorary Master Pork Producers

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 14:00:00 GMT

The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is proud to announce Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, and longtime Senior Field Coordinator for the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, Kent Mowrer, as 2024 Honorary Master Pork Producers.

The award winners embody the diversity of Iowa’s pig farms and the dedicated individuals who support pork producers. Mowrer receives this award posthumously.

Mike Naig – An Advocate for Iowa Agriculture
Growing up on a family farm near Cylinder, Iowa, Mike Naig has always been deeply rooted in agriculture, a connection he maintains to this day. As the 15th Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, elected in November 2018, Naig is dedicated to advancing the state’s agricultural sector.

In a state where agriculture is a leading economic driver, Secretary Naig is acutely aware of the importance of protecting Iowa’s natural resources. He is actively involved in initiatives that foster public-private partnerships to safeguard the state’s air, soil, and water. As Secretary, he is committed to expanding economic opportunities for Iowans and advocates tirelessly for the hardworking men and women who keep the nation fed.

A significant aspect of Naig’s work includes his efforts within the pork industry. His early experiences on a Farrow to Finish hog farm taught him the value of agriculture. Secretary Naig can often be found at Iowa Pork Producers Association events such as Bacon Buddies, Giving Tuesday and many more.

Although becoming Secretary of Agriculture wasn’t his initial career goal, an opportunity presented by the late agriculture industry advocate Bill Northey led him down this path. As Secretary, Naig continues to advocate for the success of livestock production, recognizing its economic impact on the state and its importance to rural communities. His leadership has also emphasized foreign animal disease preparedness, demonstrating a model of effective public-private partnership.

In legislative matters, Secretary Naig balances the interests of both consumers and producers, understanding the impact of regulations like Proposition 12. He is a strong advocate for the agricultural community, fighting to mitigate the challenges posed by such regulations.

Looking ahead, Naig envisions a bright future for Iowa’s agriculture, focusing on collaboration and innovation to maintain the state’s leadership in the industry. He is dedicated to making agriculture more productive and profitable for future generations, continuing a legacy of excellence.

Watch his story here.

Kent Mowrer – A Legacy of Helping Farmers
Growing up on a family farm in Iowa, Kent Mowrer was deeply rooted in agriculture, a connection he maintained throughout his life. As the Senior Field Coordinator for the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, Kent was dedicated to advancing the state’s agricultural sector.

Kent’s role involved visiting with livestock farmers to answer their questions, whether over the phone or by sitting down with them on their farms. His primary responsibility was to help Iowa’s livestock industry grow successfully and responsibly. Known for his extensive knowledge of rules and regulations, Kent was a valuable resource for farmers seeking guidance.

Iowa Pork Producers Association CEO, Pat McGonegle, thought of Mowrer as a strong partner in the industry that the association could lean on. One of Kent’s significant achievements was his ability to facilitate the construction of new hog barns in counties that were not traditionally pig-friendly. His efforts often involved coaching young producers on how to communicate effectively with local supervisors, ensuring that their projects were approved. This knack for coaching and his passion for the livestock industry made him a beloved figure among farmers.

Kent’s commitment to the Coalition’s mission was evident in his work. The Coalition, which has been around for 20 years, focuses on helping Iowa’s livestock industry grow responsibly. The Coalition has worked with over 5,300 farmers, assisting with citing new barns, interpreting rules and regulations, enhancing neighbor relations, and implementing best management practices, all of which Kent was a big part of.

Kent’s integrity and thorough understanding of the industry set him apart. He was known for giving advice based on experience, not just what was written in manuals or textbooks. Farmers trusted him because he had been there and done that. His ability to deliver messages, even those that farmers might not like, with honesty and respect, earned him their admiration and trust.

Kent’s legacy lives on through the farmers he helped and the positive impact he had on Iowa’s agricultural community. His dedication to family and farming is a testament to his enduring legacy, one that continues to inspire those who knew him.

Watch his story here.

Swine Scholars Auction Raises Record Amount for Iowa Students

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 14:39:32 GMT

The 2025 Iowa Pork Congress saw a record-breaking fundraising effort for student scholarships in the pork industry. This year’s Dollars for Swine Scholars Auction raised an impressive $62,511, surpassing the previous record of $61,525 set in 2023.

Held in January at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, the auction was a highlight of the Iowa Pork Congress festivities. Proceeds from the event will support scholarships for incoming freshmen, returning students, graduate fellowships, and interns pursuing careers in the pork industry.

“We are incredibly grateful to the generous individuals and organizations that contributed to this year’s auction,” said Aaron Juergens, president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA). “This event is about investing in the future of the pork industry by supporting the next generation. It was a fantastic night, and we couldn’t be happier with the results.”

One of the most sought-after items was a CINCH World’s Toughest Rodeo package, donated by the Iowa Events Center, which fetched the highest bid of $4,100.

Adding to the excitement, Iowa State Cyclone football players Tyler Moore and Caleb Bacon—both part of the popular “Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon” promotional campaign—were on hand to sign autographs, meet attendees, and help auction their autographed jerseys. Their efforts contributed an additional $3,300 to the scholarship fund.

Other top-selling items included:
· Gift certificates from Hog Slat
· A pork-themed t-shirt quilt handcrafted by IPPA Producer Education Director Zoey Dinkla
· A unique Traeger grill shaped like a pig, generously donated by Kevin and Lisa Rasmussen

The Dollars for Swine Scholars Auction was organized by the Iowa Pork Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting Iowa’s pork producers—particularly by fostering opportunities for young people in the industry.

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Meet the Newly Crowned Iowa Pork Queen and Youth Leadership Team

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 15:05:19 GMT

Amanda Ostrem, a sophomore at Des Moines Area Community College, has been crowned the 2025 Iowa Pork Queen. Joining her as Iowa Pork Ambassadors are Calla Langel and Brady Allan.

“As Iowa Pork Queen this year, I am looking forward to advocating and educating on behalf of the pork industry across the state with producers, students, and the general public,” Ostrem says. “This industry is the backbone of our state, and I can’t wait to share that with others and to help others see the pork industry for the truly amazing industry that it is.”

The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) selected the members of the 2025 Iowa Pork Youth Leadership Team during last week’s Iowa Pork Congress in Des Moines.

The IPPA Youth Leadership Team contest evaluates participants based on a variety of criteria, including a written test on pork industry topics, individual interviews, and presentations. Judges also consider candidates’ prior community involvement and experience within the industry, IPPA explains. The female contestant with the highest score is named Iowa Pork Queen, while the top two remaining contestants, serve as youth ambassadors.

All three leaders demonstrated exceptional knowledge of pork production, outstanding communication skills, and a deep commitment to the agricultural industry during the selection process. Each receives a $4,000 scholarship and a plaque recognizing their achievement.

“Throughout 2025, the Youth Leadership Team will participate in a variety of events, from county fairs and community activities to the Iowa State Fair and the World Pork Expo. These engagements provide invaluable opportunities for team members to develop leadership skills, forge industry connections, and share their passion for pork production with Iowans of all ages,” IPPA says.

In addition to the three leaders, several other contestants earned recognition and $200 scholarships for their participation:
• Grace England, Winterset
• Owen Koester, Gladbrook
• Allie Kruse, Cherokee
• Haley Lampe, Fort Madison
• Trudy Locke, Manchester
• Kylee Reed, Ottumwa
• Mackenzie Thiele, Elma
• Katie Vogel, Lohrville

Meet the 2025 IPPA Youth Leadership Team
Amanda Ostrem
Amanda is the daughter of Jared and Janie Ostrem of Stanhope in Hamilton County. She is a sophomore at Des Moines Area Community College, where she is obtaining an Associates Degree in agribusiness, with a communications certificate. Following graduation, Amanda plans to attend Iowa State University for a double major in agricultural communications and international agriculture, before pursuing a master’s degree.

Calla Langel
Calla is the daughter of Nick Langel and Kari Frerichs of Le Mars in Plymouth County. She is a sophomore at Des Moines Area Community College, where she is pursuing an agriculture business degree, and a certificate in agronomy.

Brady Allan
Brady is the son of Mark and Alise Allan of Le Mars in Plymouth County. He is a freshman at Iowa State University, where he is majoring in animal science. Following graduation Brady hopes to pursue a career in the areas of swine nutrition or genetics.

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Delegates Pass Three Resolutions at Iowa Pork's Annual Meeting

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 21:34:51 GMT

Thousands of attendees gathered in Des Moines, Iowa, for the Iowa Pork Congress on Jan. 22-23. Prior to the event, the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) held its annual meeting on Jan. 21. During the annual meeting, the delegates passed three resolutions:

1. That IPPA and the National Pork Producers Council have meaningful conversations with USDA and the new Secretary of Agriculture as to why the pork industry is being burdened with USDA’s country of origin labeling requirements for the Federal Nutrition Assistance Programs, particularly in relation to pork coming from Canada.

2. That IPPA will work with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) to continue the engagement of all types for pork producers in the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan (US SHIP) , and that IPPA will provide additional resources to enhance the participation in US SHIP.

3. That IPPA work in collaboration with National Pork Board and colleges of veterinarian medicine to develop actionable plans and strategies for when a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) outbreak takes place and to develop an evidence-based protocol for producers to use on the farm.

The delegates passed a complimentary resolution to recognize Matt Gent for his outstanding efforts as IPPA president in 2024.

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‘Let’s Rock ‘n Roll’: Meet Iowa’s Newest Pork Industry Leader

‘Let’s Rock ‘n Roll’: Meet Iowa’s Newest Pork Industry Leader

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 21:18:38 GMT

Enthusiasm. Optimism. Energy. It’s not hard to see those three traits in the newly elected 2025 president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association. For Aaron Juergens of Carroll, Iowa, the opportunity to lead the largest pork producing state’s association is an honor and privilege that he’s looking forward to in the year ahead.

Growing up on a diversified agriculture operation has allowed Juergens to achieve a unique industry perspective. In the 1940s, his grandpa started buying fur, cream and eggs with one of his cousins. This eventually turned into a company called Juergens Produce and Feed. They sold feed through Purina, added a trucking operation and got into beef and pork production.

Juergens and his father were the start of the farrow-to-finish pork operation, he says. Growing up watching the swine farm evolve, he vividly remembers the transitions from outside huts to indoor production. This has helped him gain an even greater appreciation for the changes that have taken place in the pork industry and that are ahead.

“It’s incredible to think back to what my grandfather has done since the 1940s and all the things that have changed. I look at my 8-year-old son and wonder about the changes he will see in his lifetime,” Juergens says. “We’ve got to keep changing with open arms. We have faced many challenges and prevailed. We will face more, and we will keep prevailing.”

Today, Juergens manages nursery and finishing pig spaces throughout Iowa. In addition to contract production, he offers other services from labor solutions to loading. He and his wife, Chelsey, have two children ages 8 and 4. Being active in his community is a priority and brings greater meaning to his life, he says. He’s been part of the Carroll Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club and the board for New Hope Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting adults with disabilities.

Juergens is excited to give back to the pork industry in this role as president and is grateful for the leadership of former president Matt Gent from Wellman, Iowa.

“Matt did an outstanding job guiding us through a tough year, and I hope to build on his success,” Juergens says. “2025 looks promising, and I’m optimistic about a great year ahead for Iowa pork producers.”

Farm Journal’s PORK met up with Juergens during the Iowa Pork Congress to find out more about IPPA’s new leader. From what you can expect from Juergens as president to how he is focusing his goals in the year ahead, he shares his thoughts on a variety of topics.

Q. Why did you decide to step up to this challenge?
A. More than 10 years ago, I was part of Pork Leadership Institute (PLI). I keep in contact with several members of my class. There’s no doubt our lives have changed a lot since then, but the common denominator is we’ve all taken on bigger leadership positions. The program propelled us to better things. For me, I was encouraged to be on committees, then chaired committees, and eventually got into even more involved committees and here I am.

Q. What kind of leader are people getting?
A. I’m a good cheerleader. My goal is to keep things rocking and rolling. I don’t want to reinvent anything – we have a lot of good things going on. I believe some of my strengths will be following up and pushing through current initiatives we have such as foreign animal disease preparedness, demand and sustainability projects.

Q. What’s one thing people may not know about you?
A. I get excited about fitness. I used to be a mountain climber. I love skiing. It’s not uncommon to see me walking around town to get my exercise in. Every day I get up ready to rock and roll. To me, being fit and eating good food is part of living a good life.

Q. There have been a lot of pork victories lately, what stands out as the biggest one in your mind?
A. Everyone is looking forward to getting a farm bill through. We have a clear path forward, and getting that language put into the farm bill to where we could get a Prop 12 fix and some clarity going forward would be great. To me, having that framework laid out is a win.

Q. If you could only accomplish one thing this year, what would it be and why?
A. More clarity for long-term, stable demand. Everyone is working hard on it – making sure we have a stable path going forward domestically is important to our industry.

Q. What do you like to do for fun?
A. I love my work. But when I’m not working, I enjoy tiptoeing around youth sports and coaching my young kids. I also love traveling and seeing the mountains. We love visiting state parks, camping, fishing, hiking, skiing and exploring Iowa. There’s a hidden gem in every county – everywhere you go in Iowa is great.

Q. This is not an easy job for a busy person – how will you fit it all in?
A. Surround yourself with good people –family, coworkers, staff who will help keep me organized and help me through. Busy people get things done. It takes prioritization and hard work. I’ve been overwhelmed by how many people have reached out to ask how they can help me this year – that says a lot about this industry. When you have something good going on, others want to help out and be a part of it. It takes a team.

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Chef Jessica Baldus of Osage Wins Top Honors at Final Taste Event

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 17:43:32 GMT

The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is thrilled to announce Chef Jessica Baldus as the winner of the 38^th and final Taste event! Chef Jessica captivated the crowd with her exquisite Mangalitsa Estates pork tenderloin fillet, earning her the top honor and a $5,000 prize.

The competition, held on Jan, 20, 2025, at the Iowa Events Center, marked the end of a cherished tradition that has celebrated the creativity of professional chefs and the versatility of pork for nearly four decades.

Kelsey Sutter, Marketing Programs Director for IPPA, expressed her admiration for Chef Jessica’s achievement: “Chef Jessica’s dish exemplifies the innovative spirit and culinary excellence we have celebrated through Taste. It’s a true testament to the quality of Iowa pork and the incredible talent of our chefs.”

Attendees of the event had the opportunity to taste and vote for their favorite dish, ultimately crowning Chef Jessica as the champion. Her winning dish showcased the versatility and quality of Mangalitsa Estates pork, as a chowder-inspired entrée that left a lasting impression.

Chef Jessica shared her excitement and gratitude during her acceptance speech: " Thank you. This is really exciting. My heart is pounding. The pork itself was the star, and I wanted to make sure it was front and center. I was inspired by Mangalitsa Estates’ pork and knew it would be perfect for this event.”

You can experience Chef Jessica’s award-winning dish at Taste in Osage! The IPPA looks forward to continuing to inspire Iowa restaurants to feature delicious pork dishes on their menus, celebrating the enduring partnership between agriculture and the culinary world.

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Iowa Pig Farmers Provide 33% of the U.S. Hog Inventory

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 18:49:32 GMT

No one questions the value Iowa’s pig farmers bring to the state’s economy, but a new study confirms it. The data verifies Iowa’s status as the No. 1 pork producing state in the nation, providing 33% of the U.S. hog inventory, and creating more than 120,000 jobs.

“Iowa’s 5,172 pig farms help create more than 64,000 jobs in the state from hog production, more than 39,000 from hog slaughter, and more than 16,000 from hog processing, totaling 120,231. The pork industry contributed $15.4 billion in value added to Iowa’s economy in 2024,” the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) shared in a release.

Iowa Pork Industry Economic Contribution By the Numbers:
• $15.4 billion in value added to the state’s economy
• More than 120,000 jobs supported statewide
• $8.0 billion in household income
• $40.5 billion in total sales
• More than $2.7 billion in taxes paid

Breakdown of $15.4 billion in value added:
• $9.9 billion from hog production
• $3.9 billion from hog slaughter
• $1.5 billion from hog processing

“The pork industry is the backbone of Iowa’s agricultural economy, driving billions in economic impact, creating thousands of jobs, and feeding millions of people across the world,” Matt Gent, a pig farmer and IPPA president from Wellman, Iowa, said in the release. “The work of pig farmers is essential to the strength and resilience of our communities and the future of American agriculture.”

Pig farms with 2,000-4,999 head remain the most common in the state, comprising 31% of all pig farms in Iowa, the data showed.

Iowa’s hog cash receipts for 2023 totaled $9.328 billion, representing 34.3% of the U.S. hog cash receipts and 22.9% of Iowa’s total cash receipts from all commodities, IPPA noted. Hog inventory numbers set a record high in December 2023, with 25 million hogs on Iowa farms.

A Rich Heritage of Sustainability
Iowa leads the nation in pork production for several reasons, IPPA explained in the release.

“The state’s pig farmers take pride in a rich heritage, building on generations of experience while embracing cutting-edge research and technology to produce pork that is nutritious, safe, and delicious. Additionally, Iowa’s abundant supply of essential feedstuffs makes it an ideal location for raising pigs efficiently,” IPPA wrote.

Here’s a look at the cycle of sustainability:

A balanced pig diet contains energy and amino acids, which come from corn and soybean meal diets.
From weaning to reaching market weight, an average pig eats 12 bushels of corn and 2.5 bushels of soybeans.
Over the course of a year, Iowa pigs consume 2,272,856 acres of corn and 1,514,892 acres of soybeans. Nearly one-eighth of Iowa’s row crops are marketed for nearby use, thus reducing the cost of grain transportation.
Hog manure is invaluable to farmers as a sustainable and cost-effective fertilizer that enriches soil with essential nutrients, improving crop yields while reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
It helps farmers efficiently manage waste, enhance soil health, and create a self-sustaining cycle by fertilizing crops used to feed their livestock, maximizing farm productivity and environmental stewardship.

Top 5 Iowa Counties in Hog Inventory
1. Washington
2. Sioux
3. Lyon
4. Plymouth
5. Hardin

“Washington, Sioux and Lyon counties each have more than 1 million pigs. Hamilton, Lyon, Marshall, Plymouth, Sioux, Wapello, Washington, and Woodbury counties all have an estimated value-added contribution of more than $300 million from the pork industry,” IPPA shared. “Value-added refers to the difference between the total revenue of an industry and the total cost of inputs, such as labor, materials, and services.”

The study was conducted by Decision Innovation Solutions (DIS) in 2024.
See more numerical breakdowns here.

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Out-of-the-Box Promotion Garners National Attention for Pork and Iowa State Football

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 16:19:08 GMT

Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon. You may have heard the phrase and seen the videos. On the third episode of The PORK Podcast, hosted by Farm Journal’s PORK editor, Jennifer Shike, you’ll hear a little more about how a play on words and a viral photo turned into a successful campaign promoting the Iowa pork industry.

Iowa State University (ISU) linebacker Caleb Bacon and Iowa Pork Producers Association’s Communications Director Kevin Hall joined Shike to discuss football, all things pork and how the industry used this opportunity to promote pork while giving back to local communities through pork donations.

Bacon, who hails from rural Lake Mills, Iowa, says he always wanted to play for Iowa State and walked on to the team and played as a linebacker in 2023. Unfortunately he was injured at the beginning of the 2024 season, but is on the mend and continues to serve as a team leader.

“It’s definitely different leading when you’re injured, but it’s still just being there for your teammates, not treating it any different than if you’re playing right now,” Bacon says. “They respect the leaders. You give them respect back and it all meshes together.”

Working with the players has been a great experience, Hall says.

“They’ve been great ambassadors for the pork industry, as well as great ambassadors for Iowa State University, and really the whole state of Iowa,” he shares.

Producers have been pleased with the campaign as it’s been a fun and out-of-the-box way to bring pork to the minds of consumers.

“It’s been a joy to see the ‘Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon’ campaign go viral and touch people across our state and country,” Trish Cook, a pig farmer from Winthrop, Iowa, told Shike before the podcast. “It has put smiles on producers’ faces to see such a creative way to showcase our products.”

A partnership with Hy-Vee grocery stores has also been an added element to this year’s campaign, Hall notes.

“This year we’re going to be able to track it better and get some results back from Hy-Vee on how much pork they are able to sell during this fall tailgating season,” Hall says.

One of Bacon’s favorite parts of the campaign has been the creativity of joining with his teammates to make the videos. He also enjoyed being able to visit his hometown to present $1,000 worth of pork to the local food bank.

“To see some of the people at the food bank light up, it was really cool,” he says. “That $1,000 definitely made an impact.”

Tune into the latest podcast on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast channels, including iTunes , Spotify , etc.

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Toenail Clippings Of Farmers Needed For Chemical Exposure Research

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 14:06:18 GMT

Iowa farmers, get out your toenail clippers! Anna Proctor, a University of Iowa (UI) Ph.D. student, is collecting samples for a study she will conduct later this year using Iowa farmers’ toenails.

Proctor says the nail clippings will help assess farmers’ exposure to arsenic, pesticides and other chemicals.

“I’m trying to see what kinds of chemicals have built up in farmers’ bodies as a result of them doing their job. Farming is a super diverse occupation and there’s a lot of occupational demands that may change daily,” Proctor says. “This can result in a lot of exposures to multiple contamination sources, and these contaminates can be stored in the body.”

Essentially, Proctor wants to take an inventory of pollutants found in farmer’s bodies, using toenails as a biomarker.

Why toenails? Toenails can provide a 6- to 9-month record of a person’s exposure to the contaminants. They’re also easier to collect, handle and store than blood or urine, the typical samples used to determine environmental exposure.

“Toenails are a great noninvasive biomarker,” Proctor explains. “They measure long-term exposure rather than acute. They are stable so they’re easy to transport and store. They aren’t biohazardous material.”

Not to mention, cutting toenails is something most people do and it doesn’t require any medical expertise, she adds.

Why Farmers?

This project was created because Proctor wants to focus her career on improving the health of farmers.

“If the results of my dissertation show us what farmers in Iowa are being exposed to, we can better understand how to protect against those exposures,” she says. “To go about doing that, you need to know what the specific contaminates being built up are so you can have tailored remediation approaches to mitigate exposures to chemicals that are believed to be health hazards.”

In addition to Iowa being the nation’s top producer of corn, hogs and eggs, some parts of the state, in particular the north central region, have high levels of naturally occurring arsenic in groundwater that may be tapped for drinking water, researchers explain in an Iowa City Press-Citizen article. Highly toxic, arsenic has been tied to prostate and other cancers as well as to conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders.

Although this research is starting in Iowa, Proctor believes it can be expanded.

“I want the work I’m doing now in Iowa to eventually be used on a larger scale. Since different states have different types of agricultural practices and production, I think it could be interesting to see how farmers’ contaminant profiles across the U.S. compare with each other,” she says. “However, I think it’s important to start small and prove that you have effective scientific methods before expanding to something larger.”

Proctor, who most recently worked inside Iowa hog confinements for her master’s thesis, hopes this research will provide Iowa farmers with information that could help them better protect their health.

^{Anna Proctor says this is an easy study to participate in. Photo provided by Anna Proctor.}

“I come from a family of farmers and ranchers and I take this work really seriously,” Proctor says. “Farmers are typically not at the forefront of the country’s mind, which is unfortunate considering how much work and dedication goes into food production.”

She genuinely hopes the work she produces will provide a launch point to identify further areas of research to better protect and promote farmers’ health.

“I want farmers to know that agricultural research efforts are alive and well and researchers respect and want to protect farmers, agricultural workers and members of the food production system,” Proctor adds.

Clipping Toenails Is Easy

Farmers are busy and it’s hard to pull them away from the farm. That’s one of the reasons why toenail clippings are a great way to look at exposure to chemicals.

“You don’t need to be a medical professional to cut your toenails,” Proctor says.

Information gathered will be pooled so individuals’ identity will be protected. Proctor expects the study to take about a year and she plans to provide participants with an overview of the results.

In the study’s next phase, a more targeted group of farmer participants would be recruited to gather more details about their health, lifestyle, farming practices and livestock production.

That work, which isn’t expected to begin for another year or more, could begin to provide answers about farmers’ risk for disease.

How to Join In

Iowa farmers interested in participating in the study should email Anna Proctor at arproctor@uiowa.edu and she will provide a kit that includes a clipper, bag for returning the nail clippings, and a short questionnaire. Proctor expects it will take about 10 minutes for farmers to provide the sample.

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Iowa State Cyclone Women Agree to NIL Deal with Iowa Pork Producers

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 18:38:53 GMT

Being big fans of pork, four Iowa State Cyclone women’s basketball players have agreed to work with the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) to promote pork, according to an association release. The four sophomore players, Audi Crooks, Kelsey Joens, Addy Brown and Alisa Williams, each signed NIL (name, image, likeness) deal with IPPA.

Audi Crooks, a center from Algona, Iowa, became the first freshman All-American in Iowa State women’s basketball history last year. This NIL partnership is not Crooks’ first experience with the Iowa Pork Producers Association. She earned the IPPA Top Producer Award for Class 1A during the 2023 Iowa girls state basketball tournament. Crooks scored 49 points in the state championship game, leading Bishop Garrigan High School to the title.

“It’s so cool to kind of come full circle to win that award from the Iowa Pork Producers in high school, and now be a part a partnership with Iowa Pork on the advertising side of it,” Crooks says.

Audi Crooks’ incredible basketball skills and remarkable personality have garnered her a lot of attention. She’s thrilled to be part of the explosion in popularity of women’s basketball, and excited about the Cyclones’ chances on the court this season.

“I think it’s about time,” Crooks says. “Women’s basketball has always been great, but people are just starting to pay attention. It’s better late than never. We have super high hopes for this sport and this team. There’s really no limit to what we can do.”

Kelsey Joens, a guard from Iowa City, has her own connection to the pork industry. She worked in the family restaurant, Joensy’s, growing up. Joens’ father took over the restaurant from her grandfather in 2005. Pork tenderloins are their specialty, and Kelsey Joens expresses her fondness of pork tenderloins in the tryout video.

“I love pork tenderloins, so I was really excited to be part of this partnership,” Joens says. “I grew up working in the family restaurant. I would clear tables, get drinks for customers, and eventually waited tables and served customers, so with my background, I was thrilled to be able to promote pork.”

The breaded pork tenderloin sandwich is an Iowa staple, and the Iowa Pork Producers Association’s annual Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich Contest draws food lovers from across the Midwest to the winning restaurant each year.

Joens’ teammate Alisa Williams is also a big fan of pork. The forward from Denton, Texas was thrilled to secure an NIL deal to promote one of her favorite foods. “I’m so excited to be part of this,” Williams says. “I love bacon. I’m dead serious. I eat bacon every day.”

Cyclone forward Addy Brown enjoyed the ‘Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon’ promotion last year, so was thrilled to be asked to partner with Iowa Pork.

“I’m very excited. I think it’s a cool opportunity,” Brown says, “I remember seeing the commercial last year and I thought it was pretty funny so it’s cool to be a part of it and I’m excited to see how it turns out.”

Recently, the women showed up to the ‘Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon’ tryouts. While they declined to be part of that promotion, they all share a love for pork. You can watch the video here .

While the women’s basketball players opted not to participate in tryouts for the ‘Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon’ promotion, the search continues for student athletes to join in that partnership. In a series of videos to be released every Monday at 10 a.m. through Oct. 7, Myles Purchase, Tyler Moore, Tommy Hamann, and Caleb Bacon will continue to serve as a panel of judges as their fellow student-athletes try to join the pork roster. October is National Pork Month, aka ‘Porktober’.

In conjunction with the NIL partnership, the Iowa Pork Producers Association is donating $1,000 worth of pork to each participant’s food bank or food pantry of choice to help fight food insecurity. These were the ladies’ choices:

· Audi Crooks - Kossuth County Food Pantry in Algona, Iowa

· Kelsey Joens - First Church United Food Pantry in West Liberty, Iowa

· Addy Brown – Derby Community Food Pantry in Derby, Kansas

· Alisa Williams - Denton Community Food Center in Denton, Texas

Changes To Expect In The Farmland Market This Fall

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 12:43:27 GMT

The U.S. farmland market is changing, according to Jim Rothermich of Iowa Appraisal. He recently joined the Top Producer podcast to share the ways he’s seeing the transition occur.

“Auctioneers are struggling to get some of it sold,” Rothermich says. “We had 27 no sales [in Iowa] in the first six months of this year. That’s a lot.”

After multiple years of a red-hot land market, the high number of no sales is a new trend to watch.

“Auctioneers are saying the last bid has been 10% to 20% below the reserve,” he says. “If I was to put the last bid of no-sale auctions in my data, I would say the market would be closer to 4% or 5% down from a year ago.”

Rothermich adds the market is down about 6% from its peak in 2022, which he sees as relatively healthy in comparison to current commodity prices. But that downward trend is still troubling some auctioneers.

“Just from visiting with the auctioneers, I know they’re concerned right now,” he says. “They think they’re going to have a fairly active fall selling season, but they’re worried people are going to start pulling back. And I see that happening, going forward.”

Despite the softening overall, he believes high-quality farm ground will still sell for a premium.

“Buyers will still pay up for good ground,” Rothermich says. “I analyzed the top 25 sales from the first six months of last year and this year, and there was essentially no difference. It was maybe less than 1% different.”

Rothermich is still anticipating an active auction season this fall and encourages potential buyers to do their research and stay informed.

“Market conditions are changing. They’re trending down, and there’s going to be some opportunities out there,” he says.

Click here to hear more episodes of the Top Producer podcast .

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Animal Scientists at Iowa State University Honored

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 00:12:08 GMT

Iowa State University animal scientists have been honored with national awards from the American Society of Animal Science.

Anna Johnson (Credit: Iowa State University)

Anna Johnson and Kenneth Stalder, professors in the Department of Animal Science , were respectively presented the Animal Industry Service Award and ASAS Fellow in the extension category. The national designations were presented at the society’s annual meeting early this month.

Ken Stalder (Credit: Iowa State University)

“Dr. Stalder and Dr. Johnson have contributed valuable research discoveries and applications that enhance animal productivity and well-being for the swine industry,” said Donald Beermann, chair of the animal science department. “Their extension programs effectively provide a positive impact to various segments of swine production and processing businesses.”

Johnson’s award recognized her work in animal welfare. She began her career at the National Pork Board as director of animal welfare. She was instrumental in the formulation and launch of the Swine Welfare Assurance Program, now part of the Pork Quality Assurance Plus Program.

She joined Iowa State in 2005. Johnson earned a doctorate degree from Texas Tech University in animal science, a master’s degree in applied animal behavior and animal welfare from Edinburgh University in Scotland and a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Reading University in England.

Stalder joined Iowa State as an extension swine specialist in 2003. He earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Iowa State in 1987 and a doctoral degree in 1995, in addition to a master’s degree from Western Kentucky University in 1992.

Stalder has helped the U.S. swine industry focus on sow longevity, joining with colleagues to develop spreadsheets to determine how long a sow has to remain in a herd to be cost effective and posters showing ideal replacement gilt traits.

Iowa Farm Wife and Mom Shares Online to Help Other Women

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 02:08:33 GMT

Communication, efficiency and individuality are core values for Dawn Kress, a mom of three who raises pigs with her husband in Iowa. She’s passionate about pork and helping other women who want to live a healthy lifestyle.

“By realizing my core values, I found my place within our operation and the pork industry,” Kress says. “I enjoy sharing my perspective on the quality product we raise as it relates to other busy moms wearing all the hats and doing all the things.”

Finding her voice and being able to share online has been a journey for Kress. She admits she was pretty quiet and didn’t share much of herself. That began to change when she was faced with a scary diagnosis in 2014 after the birth of her second daughter: thyroid cancer.

“That was an awakening for me,” she says. “It was like a second-life situation. I always had these aspirations, but I would keep them inside. I realized some things in my life needed to change. I had to start focusing on my overall health.”

Finding her way

Kress grew up in rural Iowa. She fed scraps to her uncle’s pigs, detasseled corn in high school, and even bred sows on a second date with her now husband, Ryan. While she felt connected to ag, she still wondered how she fit into the industry.

“I literally learned to walk in the dairy parlor while my parents were milking cows,” Kress says. “I always had a connection with agriculture growing up and living in a rural community, but I felt like I was removed from life on the farm after my parents divorced and I moved to town. For many years, I worked a corporate job. Even though I was living on the farm, I felt like an outsider.”

Kress was inspired to open up about her story after she heard a message by Mel Robbins called the 5 Second Rule, which basically means the moment you have an instinct to act on a goal, you count down 5-4-3-2-1 and physically move or your brain will stop you. One thing that will increase your feelings of control over your life is a bias toward action.

“It started to click that I needed to like come out of my shell and share what I was thinking and feeling,” she says. “After I started blogging in 2019, I realized I wasn’t the only one that had these thoughts and feelings as a farm wife or just a wife in rural Iowa. People were interested in hearing about farm life and motherhood.”

Kress also became a certified mentor in integrative nutrition to further help other women find a healthy lifestyle that fits who they were designed to be.

“I really enjoy sharing the message of creating a healthy lifestyle and what that could look like for different women,” she says. “I want women to feel like they aren’t alone and that they are understood for being who they are.”

Part of sharing also includes showing photos and stories of farm life, especially when a new set of baby pigs comes into the farm. The family has a partnership with two other families as a wean to finish operation.

“My favorite times are when we get new pigs in and when we ship the market hogs,” she says. “There’s just something about the beginning and ending of the cycle that are exciting to me.”

Kress also enjoys sharing her passion for cooking with pork and its health benefits. While she admits she doesn’t necessarily share specific pork recipes, she wants to inspire other households to cook with it.

“Pork is such a quality protein source,” she says. “It’s also economical to feed a family without going broke. I want to get that message out a lot more to mothers. Busy moms all have that same struggle; we must get food on the table. No matter if we’re also helping on the farm, working a nine to five, or shuffling kids around, making dinner plans is a common problem we all have to solve.”

By sharing her story, photos and videos of farm and rural life, and being an advocate for how pork can fit into a healthy lifestyle, Kress hopes she can inspire other women.

“For many years, I didn’t know where or how I could fit into our operation working a corporate job, and not doing the day-to-day farm jobs or handling the books,” she says. “The generations before us did life differently than we are raising our families now. I feel blessed to be in this era where we do have voices sharing their stories and trailblazing all the paths.”

Kress shares about raising pigs, and being a farm wife and mother through Instagram and her website at Dawnmarie.co . She started her podcast, Harvesting Her Way , three years ago as a way for her and other guests to empower, inspire and educate women about cultivating a healthy lifestyle.

“I enjoy providing a platform for females to shine and be heard by women in rural and ag communities,” she says.

We will be uniting together June 3-8 for PORK Week across all of our Farm Journal platforms to elevate the important role the pork industry plays in feeding the world. Share your stories and post photos on social media using #PORKWeek to help us honor the pork industry. From “AgDay TV” to “AgriTalk” to “U.S. Farm Report” to PorkBusiness.com and everything in between, tune in and join us as we acknowledge the most noble profession there is: feeding people.

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Iowa Third State to Create Legislation Regarding Lab-Grown Meat

Tue, 21 May 2024 14:15:35 GMT

In an effort to maintain trust with consumers and protect livestock producers, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds recently signed into law SF 2391 , a bill prohibiting the misbranding of certain food products, including lab-grown meat.

Beginning July 1, lab-grown meat and plant-based imitation meat and egg products will have to be labeled with words such as fake, lab-grown, meatless, imitation or vegan, if sold in Iowa stores. The labeling requirements also apply to meat alternatives made with insect protein.

Gov. Reynolds shared her response to signing SF 2391.

“This legislation prohibits companies from exploiting the trust consumers have with our livestock producers and misleading consumers into buying products they don’t want,” she says. “This is about transparency. It’s about the common-sense idea that a product labeled chicken, beef, or pork, should actually come from an animal.”

Rep. Heather Hora, R-Washington, sponsored the bill in the House. As a pork producer herself, she says the bill protects farmers’ checkoff dollars that are used to market meat and eggs.

According to an Iowa Public Radio (IPR) article, the law will require the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing to inspect food processing plants or grocery stores for compliance if they receive a credible complaint about food products being mislabeled as meat. The law also provides penalties for not following labeling rules.

Furthermore, the law prohibits school districts, community colleges and public universities in Iowa from purchasing lab-grown meat and any foods misbranded as meat or egg products. In addition, the law requires the state to request a federal waiver to prohibit the use of federal food assistance to buy imitation egg products.

While many praised the legislation, some Democrats said their issue was with the purchase of egg alternatives.

IPR reported Sen. Herman Quirmbach, D-Ames, says he was proud to vote for the original version of the bill but had concerns with the final version.

“Truth in labeling is certainly something that I strongly believe in for consumer protection,” he says. “But I’m also concerned with consumer nutrition. And there are some people who can’t eat eggs because of allergies but still need the nutritive content that might be supplied by alternative products.”

That same day, Gov. Reynolds signed HF 2649 , a bill providing capital gains relief for farmers and ranchers selling certain classes of livestock. This was a bill to reinstate previous tax break exemptions that had ended in 2022.

“Our tax code should promote livestock production, which we know is often how beginning farmers get their start in agriculture,” says Rep. Derek Wulf, R-Hudson, who co-sponsored the bill. “We know that livestock production supports rural communities and drives our rural economic activity…We want to make sure that we don’t increase taxes on our livestock producers and farmers here in this state.”

Continued legislation against lab-grown meat

Iowa becomes the third state in the country to pass legislation regarding lab-grown meat. Florida and Alabama both passed laws banning the sale of the cell cultured alternative meat product in their states this month. Florida’s law was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on May 1, 2024, and Alabama’s Gov. Kay Ivey signed the Alabama Bill , which the prohibits “the manufacture, sale, or distribution of food products made from cultured animal cells,” on May 7.

Jack Hubbard, executive director of the Center for the Environment and Welfare, shares that consumers have several concerns in the matters of cell cultured meat.

“Policymakers nationwide are grappling with growing consumer concern regarding lab-grown meat’s use of immortalized cells, bioreactors, chemicals and the lack of long-term health studies,” Hubbard says. “I think a lot of this legislative activity is politicians and elected representatives voicing and acting on the concerns of constituents who are saying ‘what is this stuff and have we done our due diligence.’ And to be frank, there is a major yuck factor that a lot of people have when they actually learn about how this is made.”

Hubbard see additional states likely following suit in creating legislation.

“From a transparency perspective, it just seems like the right thing that consumers ought to have a right to know what they’re buying,” he says.

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