IPC Banquet Program 16 - Iowa Pork Producers Association

Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - 6.p.m.
Iowa Events Center - Grand Ballroom
Pre-Function Area
1
2016 Iowa Pork Congress Banquet
Awardee Information – Table of Contents
Welcome
David Struthers, 2015 IPPA President
Environmental Steward Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Invocation
Alex Conover, 2015 Iowa Premier Pork Youth Ambassador
2015 Iowa Environmental Steward
David Struthers, 2015 IPPA President
2015 Master Pork Producers, Master Pork Partners & Master Seedstock
Producer
Dr. Chris Rademacher, Iowa State University
2015 Pork All-American
Dr. Chris Rademacher, Iowa State University
2015 Honorary Master Pork Producers
David Struthers, 2015 IPPA President
Farewell from the 2015 Iowa Pork Royalty
Christy Calderwood, 2015 Iowa Pork Queen
Emily Cook, 2015 Iowa Pork Princess
Alex Conover, 2015 Iowa Premier Pork Youth Ambassador
Introduction of 2016 Iowa Pork Youth Leadership Team
Alison Swanson, Past IPPA Marketing and Programs Director
Announcement of 2016 Iowa Pork Youth Leadership Team
Alison Swanson, Past IPPA Marketing and Programs Director
Master Pork Producers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14
Master Pork Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-16
Master Seedstock Producer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-18
Pork All-American . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-20
Honorary Master Pork Producer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-22
Pork Youth Team Contest Contestants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23-25
Outgoing Royalty Farewell Address. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-31
THANK YOU!
Thank you for attending the 2016 Iowa Pork Congress Awards Banquet.
Additional information and press releases regarding awardees are available
at www.iowaporkcongress.org. We also invite you to view more photos of this
year’s producer award recipients at the President’s Dessert Reception, on plasma
screens in the pre-function area and Pork Plaza at the Iowa Pork Congress
tradeshow in Hy-Vee Hall.
For additional information regarding Iowa Pork Producers Association award
programs, please visit www.iowapork.org or contact IPPA by calling (800) 372-7675.
We look forward to seeing you in 2017 with another outstanding class of award
recipients!
2
3
2015 Iowa Environmental Steward Award
Joel & Laura Huber – Huber Crops & Chops, Inc.
Wellman, Washington County
Joel and Laura Huber are owners and operators
of Huber Crops & Chops, Inc., a 700-sow farrowto-finish farm marketing roughly 18,000 pigs
each year and farming 750 acres of row crops.
Sows are owned and managed through a coop
shares arrangement in conjunction with other
producers. Farm management and labor also is
shared with other members of the Huber family,
including Joel’s parents, sister and brother inlaw. The Hubers have two daughters, Alexa (10)
and Callie (8), who enjoy work on the farm when
not in school.
Joel received a degree in environmental science,
which has fueled his interests to experiment
with, better understand and educate others about environmental practices in
agriculture. Thus, the Hubers have been strong proponents of the Iowa Nutrient
Reduction Strategy efforts.
The Hubers have worked with many different programs to advance
environmental efficiencies and conservation on the farm, including use of the
Carbon Footprint Calculator available through the National Pork Board.
Area around the barns has been enrolled in the Conservation Reserve
Program (CRP). This has added benefits for site aesthetics, wildlife habitat and
revenue from the farms. The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) also has
provided benefits to the farm as Joel focused on late stalk testing to judge
total plant nitrogen needs. Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) and
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funds also have enabled cost
share for terraces and waterways on the farm to better hold nutrients for crop
use.
The farm has completed an environmental audit to determine potential areas
to improve utility efficiency. As a result, the Hubers have incorporated LED
lighting and solar panels at all facilities. Joel notes that more than 80 percent
of electricity needs are met through the solar panel, with exceptional results in
summer months, and benefits of net metering during periods of high output and
low use. He hopes for a 4-6 year payback of the solar units.
4
Manure management is an important aspect of the farm as the Hubers apply
their own manure and operate a commercial application business for other
area farmers. Joel has experimented with many different manure application
implements to achieve minimal soil disturbance and optimum nutrient
placement. This also includes use of guidance systems and variable rate
application. Various nutrient stabilizer products also have provided advantages
as the Hubers have integrated injection units on manure tanks to mix the
stabilizers into slurry during application.
All manure is sampled for nutrient content prior to application. The goal is
to apply 75 percent of needed nutrients with manure in the fall of each year
followed by late spring nitrate tests to determine additional commercial
fertilizer needs. By split-applying nutrients, they have been able to reduce total
nutrients applied and improve nutrient efficiency. The Hubers also recognize the
strong manure micronutrient benefits for soil health.
Joel and Laura place a strong emphasis on the importance of good neighbor
relations. They approached neighbors to discuss concerns prior to building,
inform neighbors of planned manure application, plow area roads in the winter
and work with varying odor mitigation products.
They continue to investigate and experiment with new conservation practice
opportunities, most recently cover crops. Joel notes recent strong cover crop
use from other Washington County neighbors and the valuable opportunity to
learn from their experiences.
The Hubers are past recipients of the Iowa Governor’s Farm Environmental
Leader Award and maintain an active role in the Washington County Pork
Producers Association through strong promotional activities and other efforts.
Joel is a past board and environmental committee member with the Iowa Pork
Producers Association.
“Focus on conservation has always been very important to us, as we hope
to leave the land in better shape than previous generations,” the Hubers
said in their application. “We also want to provide an opportunity for future
generations to farm.”
5
2015 Iowa Master Pork Producers
Tom & Kathy Langel
Le Mars, Plymouth County
The Master Pork Producer program began in 1942
through the efforts of Herb Plambeck, WHO Radio,
Elvin Quaife, Iowa State College Extension, and
Wilbur Plager, Iowa Swine Producers Association,
to stimulate pork and lard production to assist the
winning of World War II.
Tom and Kathy Langel are
owners and operators of T
& K Farms, Inc., managing
4,100 feeder-to-finish spaces
under contract production and
farming 680 row-crop acres.
The initial program standards stressed the total number of pigs per farm and weaned
per litter. In the late 1960s to early 1970s, the industry made a transition from pasture
systems to climate-controlled facilities that encouraged year-round production.
Most producers were farrow-to-finish operations or raised/purchased feeder pigs
with production on a single site. During this period, program standards emphasized
production records, the production of “high lean” pork, knowledge of all production
stages, and emerging pork industry issues.
The Langels worked with 120
sows, farrow-to-finish, after
marrying in 1975. As a way to
reduce risk, they exited the
sow business in 1998 and constructed finishing buildings to raise hogs under
contract production. Kathy focuses on finisher pig management.
In the late 1980s the industry changed again moving to specialization of management,
labor and financial components, multi-site production, purchased labor and new
ownership and contract configurations for pigs and production facilities. This task
specialization has transformed the Iowa pork industry and enabled many new pork
production relationships to develop.
After 43 years of pork production experience, the Langels are planning and
executing the transition of their farm to their son, Luke, who also currently
owns barns and cares for additional pigs. They note the high cost of land as a
challenge for beginning farmers, although contract pork production will help
enable the next generation to grow into their family farming operation with
reduced risk and capital needs. Other sons, Josh and Cody, also are active in
pork production and family farm assistance.
You will experience this diversity in this year’s Master Pork Producer class. Production
efficiency, expertise in their segments of the production cycle and an understanding of
current industry issues - including quality assurance, animal identification and animal
welfare - are the current program standards for successful candidates.
The Master Pork Producer Selection committee manages the recently created Master
Pork Partner Award, recognizing outstanding production company employees, and
the Pork All-American Award, recognizing one outstanding past Master Pork Producer
under the age of 40. The selection committee also assists with the Master Seedstock
Award, recognizing outstanding seedstock producers nominated by the Iowa Purebred
Swine Council.
This 74th class of awardees is joining the best and most accomplished Iowa pork
producers of the past seven decades. Iowa State University and the Iowa Pork
Producers Association sponsor this important award to demonstrate the varied
character and breadth of Iowa pork production.
We invite you to read more about the 2015 Iowa Master Pork Producers.
6
They recognize the importance of strong neighbor relations and site aesthetics
as their sites are clean and well-manicured with trees and welcoming driveway
décor. Emphasis on building and site maintenance has clearly added years of
valuable life to the now near 20-year-old barns. They also have completed a
successful inspection with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and take
proper steps for manure and soil testing to ensure proper nutrient placement
based on crop needs. They also work with custom applicators for GPS application
of manure.
The Langels are active in the Plymouth County Pork Producers Association, Iowa
Soybean Association and the Knights of Columbus. Tom also has been past
director for their church and director of Hinton-Owens Feed for nine years.
In addition to the sons mentioned, Tom and Kathy have two grown daughters,
Carmen and Stephanie, and 12 grandchildren. The Langel’s are a prime example
of an exceptional pork producing family committed to providing opportunities
for the next generation.
7
2015 Iowa Master Pork Producer
2015 Iowa Master Pork Producer
Leon Puhrmann
Paulina, O’Brien County
Marv & Helene Rietema
Sioux Center, Sioux County
Leon Puhrmann is the owner and manager
of a diversified pork operation consisting
of a wean-to-finish contract from a
Canadian sow farm, 400 row-crop acres
and a 1,200-head finisher currently under
contract production and utilized as a
2,400-head nursery.
He receives 3,500-head of weaned pigs
every 18 weeks, which are custom fed in
a nursery and two finishing sites. He is in
charge of all marketing on these pigs.
Leon began a career in pig production,
farrowing pigs with his father, after graduating from high school in 1976. He
continued to farrow pigs until moving to sow unit shares in 1996. With 39 years
of production experience, he has seen many industry transitions and has a
strong passion to keep independent producers in business.
Commitment to new technology is apparent on Leon’s farm as he has
implemented feed bin pad sensors to electronically monitor feed storage
systems and prevent out-of-feed events, which can have significant negative
impacts on pig health, comfort and profitability.
In conjunction with other partners, Leon has been in the Purina feed business for
30 years. Through this effort, he works with area producers for record keeping
and marketing assistance. He notes record keeping, benchmarking and margin
realization as pigs are being placed as critical to operational success.
Leon is part owner and manager of TopLine Feed & Supply, manufacturing
roughly 95,000 tons of swine feed annually. He also is the president of Zion
Lutheran Church, a past school board member and is active on the IPPA Public
Policy Committee.
Puhrmann also has a 53-head fall calving cow herd for which he also finishes the
calves. He and his wife, Jan, have three grown sons, Andy (Bailey), Clint and Bret,
and one granddaughter. Clint has joined Leon in the farming operation and Bret
continues to have aspirations and plans to transition into the farm moving forward.
8
Marv and Helene Rietema are part owners
and managers of R & H Pigs, a value-added
pork operation marketing roughly 20,000 pigs
annually.
This farm’s niche focuses on roaster pig markets
across the United States. Marv sources lower
value weaned pigs with the goal of providing
exceptional care and allowing for increased
value in the roaster pig market. The weight of
the roaster pigs at harvest can vary from 20 to
120 lbs. Due to the wide range in market age
and weights, Rietema pays particular attention to
medication residue and withdrawal requirements.
Marv taught school in Oskaloosa briefly following
graduation from Dordt College before returning to Sioux Center and eventually
starting Northwest Order Buyers. At a peak, Northwest Order Buyers covered 12
auctions each week and bought and sold 100-120 thousand pigs each year.
He notes the importance in surrounding himself with good people and treating
workers and neighbors well as he works with other area farmers to provide daily
care for their pigs.
With 52 years of pork production experience, Rietema has demonstrated a
strong passion for pigs and people of the pork industry. He looks to support
youth pork industry involvement in any way possible, which has recently
included endowment committee efforts for 4-H activity funding and scholarship
funds at Dordt College.
Marv is currently the northwest region director on the Iowa Pork Producers
Association Board of Directors, is a 12-year National Pork Industry Forum
delegate and is active with the Sioux County Pork Producers Association. He also
is active on the Sioux County Fair Board, area school board and church council
and they are regular pork donors to Food for Life.
The Rietemas have three grown sons: Jeff, Kurt and Justin, and three
grandchildren.
9
2015 Iowa Master Pork Producer
2015 Iowa Master Pork Producer
Jim & Lisa Boyer
Ringsted, Emmet County
Alan Bormann
Livermore, Kossuth County
Jim and Lisa Boyer are owners and managers
of Boyer Farms/Diamond 5, Inc., operating two
4,000-head wean-to-finish sites and farming 440
row crop acres.
The Boyers started with pigs on outdoor lots
in 1996, selling 1,000 head annually before
moving into a contract feeding agreement and
construction of a 4,000-head wean-to-finish site
in 1997, which Jim notes was one of the weanto-finish buildings in Northwest Iowa. This was
followed by the second 4,000-head site in 2001.
Jim and Lisa started Diamond ,5 Inc., in 2006
in conjunction with area producer Chuck Wirtz.
This includes a shared risk and marketing model
that has evolved and changed over time with
their risk varying from 25 percent at inception
to 75 percent today. Jim notes that Chuck brings valuable purchasing and marketing
experience to the farm and the shared risk model has allowed their family farm to
survive market volatility through the last decade.
Alan Bormann is the owner and manager of a
3,300-head feeder-to-finish site under contract
production. He also farms 400 row crop acres.
Grower field staff for Alan’s farm emphasize
his industry knowledge and keen attention
to detail, which has been gained through his
lifelong pork production experience. This
experience places him consistently in the top
quarter of site audit scores throughout the
production system.
Pigs coming to Al’s farm are in good hands as
he makes special efforts to ensure all pigs get
immediate access to water and are acclimated
to a warm and dry environment. Additionally,
he has demonstrated strong sorting skills for
marketing, which also has helped maximize feed efficiency and space.
He is diligent with maintenance of adequate records for site audits. Al pays
particular attention to medication withdrawl dates and segregates animals
requiring an injection in the 30 days prior to sale in accordance with the “All
Natural” program for which he raises pigs. He takes seriously the interdependence
of working under a contract and importance of maintaining equity in his farm
through strong facility upkeep. This has kept this 19-year-old building site in an
exceptional state of repair.
Family involvement on the farm has been central at Boyer Farms. Their three children:
Rebecca (20), Elizabeth (18) and Kevin (13) have played an active role on the farm and
demonstrated ag commitments through dedicated 4-H involvement. The Boyers look
to the future of their farm and desire to enable the next generation to continue in pork
production by delivering the high quality product expected by consumers. They place
high emphasis on telling the pork industry story and advocating for strong neighbor
relations and area industry growth through assistance to other young producers. The
Boyers also assist in farm operation, and provide manure value, for 900 additional
acres operated by the family.
Bormann also takes animal health and biosecurity very seriously on his farm. He
follows a strict routine for incoming service vehicles with additional sanitary zone
restrictions for rendering trucks.
The Boyers have taken on active roles in their community through teaching Sunday
school, and service on the North Union School Board and the 4-H county fair
committee. Jim completed the National Pork Producers Council’s Pork Leadership
Institute and testified before a U.S. House sub-committee on trade issues in 2013.
He also has served 19 years on the Emmet County Farm Bureau Board and been an
active member of Iowa Farm Bureau internal study, political action and swine advisory
committees.
As Al’s site is near the Spring Valley Golf Course, he has taken extra steps to ensure
strong neighbor relations and control odor from his farm. A straw biocover on his
earthen manure storage basin greatly helps reduce odor through the summer
golfing season and site aesthetics have been a top priority to present his farm
positively to all driving by. A rendering box on site also keeps animals out of site
prior to pick-up.
Lisa serves as a member of the Ringsted library board, church board, township clerk
and assistant city clerk.
Al has been a member of the Kossuth County Pork Producers and Iowa Pork
Producers Association, and remains supportive of their efforts.
10
11
2015 Iowa Master Pork Producer
2015 Iowa Master Pork Producer
Mike Kuhlemeier
Rockwell, Cerro Gordo County
Keith Wilgenbusch
Winthrop, Buchanan County
Mike Kuhlemeier is the owner and manager
of a naturally ventilated 5,000-head
feeder-to-finish site and tunnel ventilated
4,800-head wean-to-finish production site
marketing roughly 25,000 head annually
though contract production. He farms 250
acres of corn.
With nearly 20 years of production
experience, Kuhlemeier began feeding
pigs in 1995 with construction of the
5,000-head site. He continued to grow, adding the two 2,400-head wean-to-finish
buildings in 2008 and 2013, respectively.
Mike’s field advisor notes he is an exceptional animal caretaker with strong closeout
numbers, attention to detail and outstanding dedication to site aesthetics and
biosecurity. Mike has three employees that assist him with daily farm management.
In addition to the hogs, Mike manages two trucks hauling loads for his contractor
and other area producers, totaling roughly 15 loads each week. He also serves as a
commercial manure applicator for other area farmers.
Managing pigs, manure and trucking for multiple flows makes biosecurity
increasingly important on the Kuhlemeier farm. Thus, he has his own wash bay for
trucks and application equipment and ensures trucks are clean, disinfected and dry.
Site aesthetics and neighbor relations are incredibly important to Mike. He made it
a point to communicate with neighbors and county supervisors prior to building his
sites and continues to maintain communication during manure application. Mike
also works with other area farmers to sell his manure for fertilizer value and ensures
proper placement and nutrient utilization.
Mike has been an active member of the Cerro Gordo Pork Producers Association.
He and his wife, Kelly, have two children, Jacob (18) and Payton (15). Involvement
with student activities has led Mike to serve as a member of the West Fork Athletic
Booster Club and Football Backers and also serve on the building committee for the
new fitness center in Sheffield.
12
Keith Wilgenbusch owns and manages an 850sow farrow-to-finish farm finishing 3,500-head
annually and marketing an additional 20,000
weaned pigs to other area producers. He also
farms 80 acres of row crops.
Wilgenbusch worked with sows and managed
two 18,000-head nurseries at Iowa Select Farms
prior to coming home to farm and building the
sow farm with his father in 1996, which he
went on to purchase from dad in 2005
The farm includes a 39.5 Kilowatt solar panel
layout supplying more than 30 percent of the energy and reducing costs on
the sow farm. Keith hopes for a seven-year payback on the panels and noted
exceptional cost share support and assistance through the project development.
Animal health and biosecurity is a high priority for Keith and he notes that PRRS,
including variant 174, has proven to be one of the largest challenges on the sow
farm. Semen is collected from on-farm boars and extended on site as one way to
minimize disease risk and reduce cost.
Pending and anticipated barn maintenance has led Keith to explore decisions
on animal housing due to recent customer concerns on gestation stalls. He
emphasizes the animal care and employee benefits of stalls and hopes for
continued discussion stressing these points to customers moving forward.
Exceptional long-term help has been a key to success on the farm as Keith
emphasizes the three employees that help drive day-to-day management.
Keith and his wife, Jill, have four children: Keegan (10), McKenna (8), Corbin (5) and
Keira (4). They look forward to engaging their kids in multiple livestock projects
through the 4-H program as they have and plan to engage in cattle, broiler, laying
hen and sheep projects in addition to the hogs. The kids enjoy opportunities to
help dad in the barn and be active on the farm.
Keith is active in the Buchanan County Pork Producers and Farm Bureau
organizations. He also operates a 50-head cow-calf herd with his brother Craig.
Keith is a prime example of a strong and successful independent, farrow-to-finish
Iowa pork producer.
13
2015 Iowa Master Pork Producer
2015 Iowa Master Pork Partner
Matt & Courtney Gent
Wellman, Washington County
Ed Koedam
Larchwood, Lyon County
Matt & Courtney Gent are vital partners in the
family owned business, Prairie Pork, Inc., a 5000
sow farrow to finish operation and grain farm,
located in Washington County.
The family farm was established in the early 80’s,
starting with 100 sows. Matt’s parents expanded
the operation, with the help of Matt and his two
brothers, to where they are today. All aspects of
the operation are handled internally, including pig
production, employee management, feed milling,
trucking and manure disposal.
Production facilities consist of a newly built 5000
head, filtered sow complex, multiple nursery and
grow-finish sites, a fully integrated feed mill and
2 on-site truck washes, with company owned
trucks and trailers to help manage biosecurity risk. Prairie Pork has also invested in
solar panels and wind power to help lessen their impact on the environment.
Matt received an Ag Business degree from Kirkwood Community College before
returning to the family farm. He is a fundamental part of the daily operations.
His duties include, but are not limited to, overseeing management of all growfinish production, grow-finish record keeping, scheduling of pig flow, managing
approximately 30 employees and all aspects of the row crop entity.
Matt is financially invested in Gent Bros, LLC and G2 Pork, LLC, owning both nursery
and finishing spaces. Matt and his brother Dan are partners in row crop acres, raising
corn and soybeans that return to the operation for feed use. Matt’s wife, Courtney,
is an Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Manager at the University of Iowa Hospitals and
Clinics in Iowa City.
Matt, Courtney and family have been actively involved with the Washington County
Pork Producers’ Association and contribute to the board’s many promotional efforts.
Matt has served many leadership roles on the board including, past President.
Matt and Courtney have two young children, Madison (4) and Mason (1) , who enjoy
spending time helping their parents with the pigs. As they move forward, the Gents
have a goal of creating opportunities on the farm, in the future, for their young
children. This couple represents talented and knowledgeable young producers with
forward vision, attention to details and industry dedication.
14
Ed Koedam represents one of the many dedicated
farm managers critical to the success of the Iowa
pork industry. He is the farm manager for Winding
Creek Coop., a 2,750-head sow farm marketing
weaned pigs to investor producers.
Koedam started his pork career in 1989, working
his way from herdsman to manager at JLM Swine,
an 850-sow farm near Sioux Center. He moved on
to the current manager position at Winding Creek
in 2000, where he has gained strong support of
the leadership board and farm staff.
Winding Creek includes six full-time employees supervised by Koedam. Ed notes that
low-turnover and a mature staff have been critical components to the farm’s success.
Leadership within Winding Creek has recognized Ed’s exceptional leadership on the
farm. Dana Wilson, Land O’ Lakes, works with Ed on a regular basis regarding on-farm
management decisions. “Instantly after being hired, Ed brought a stabilizing presence
to the unit. The employees responded to Ed and appreciated that he is a handson manager that works right alongside them every day,” Wilson Said. “Ed has the
experience, leadership and mindset that Winding Creek is his unit and he makes all
day-to-day decisions quickly, accurately and in the best interest of the owners.”
Animal health receives high priority at Winding Creek. Strong biosecurity prevented
Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea entry through the heightened alert. Attention to detail
and strong protocol also aid in effective management of PRRS on the farm, which Ed
notes is always a learning experience. While PRRS has resulted in farm losses and sow
abortions, Ed and his staff have been effective in managing the virus to limit pre-wean
mortality.
Ed and his wife, Lori, have four children: Derek (25), Ashley (22), Crista (20) and
Taylor (16), which has kept them busy with school and athletic activities.
15
2015 Iowa Master Pork Partner
2015 Master Seedstock Producer
Bill Steenstra
Independence, Buchanan County
Wayne & Roxanne Huinker
Decorah, Winneshiek County
Bill Steenstra has dedicated more than
20 years to pork industry development
with Pipestone Veterinary Services/
Pipestone System, where he started
in the early ‘90s as a part-time
powerwasher.
Throughout his career, he has worn
many hats - including management of
sow farms, nurseries and finishers - to
his current role as a field supervisor
in the Pipestone grow finish division where he works with multiple growers and
employees. He represents Iowa’s dedicated production company employees who go
above and beyond to support quality pork production and continuous improvement.
Today, Bill consults with many different aspects of the pork industry. He works
closely with pig owners, feed mills, veterinarians, truckers and hogs buyers to ensure
pig quality. He has dedicated long hours to help farmers understand pig needs and
makes himself available to producers to comfortably seek solutions to production
challenges.
Throughout his career, Bill has helped educate hundreds of producers and worked
to improve animal husbandry, health and overall production performance. He is
passionate about educating current and future producers in proper pig care. He is
exceptionally dedicated to growing young leaders in the pork industry.
No in-barn task is left off Bill’s to-do list. He frequently assists producers with
sorting, treating, development of manure management plans, manure pump-out
safety, health management, animal handling and other daily management. He
also maintains status as a Pork Quality Assurance® Plus (PQA Plus®) advisor where
he is a diligent site assessor educating producers and ensuring adequate record
documentation and focus on continuous improvement for all farms he works with.
Steenstra is committed to community efforts through volunteer maintenance and
vacation bible school assistance at his church. He goes out of his way to help those
producers or neighbors in times of need.
Bill and his wife, Kim, have two daughters, Michaela (16) and Dennise (8). Both
girls enjoy spending time in the barns with dad. Micaela has already spoken of
aspirations to become a large animal veterinarian.
16
Wayne and Roxanne Huinker have demonstrated
strong commitments to the purebred seedstock
industry with more than 38 years of production
experience.
Upon entering pork production with 30 sows in
1977, Wayne and Roxanne focused on commercial
boar sales and central test stations having worked
with Wayne’s uncle, Dave. They continue to focus
genetics on basic function and end results. The
farm focuses primarily on purebred Yorkshire and
crossbred genetics.
They have seen many changes in the industry and
their farm over the years as they worked with their
own specific pathogen free (SPF) and Yorkshire
multiplier herds while surviving the farm crisis
challenges in the 80s. This was followed by strong opportunities in the early 90s as
they worked with Premier Swine Breeding Systems in Indiana through the early 2000s.
They have marketed animals across the U.S. and world, having previously shipped
seedstock animals to China.
The farm now sells animals to many different markets, selling boars and gilts as
seedstock, feeder pigs and market hogs as show pigs and market hogs to the
commercial market through Tyson. They farrowed 240 litters in 2014.They also farm
150 acres of corn, feeding all they produce to their pigs.
A beautiful 1860s stone barn on the Huinker farm has been well maintained and
continues to provide a home to some of their most prized seedstock. Gestation
sows are housed in groups in bedded hoop buildings. Most are bred with artificial
insemination with semen collected from boars on the farm and purchased from others.
They also collect and sell semen from their boars. They utilize Double L buildings for
farrowing and nurseries and an off-site 1,000-head finisher.
Working with young people in the pork industry is a clear passion for the Huinkers.
Wayne judges 4-6 county swine shows each year and enjoys watching young leaders
grow from the show ring into a career in the pork industry. They have worked to
provide animals to a school ag chapter in Sacramento, California, and maintain a
relationship with students there to educate them on pork production. Wayne also is
17
2015 Master Seedstock Producer
2015 Pork All-American
Brad & Terri Van Geleder
Creston, Adams County
past president of the National Yorkshire Board and current chair of the National Swine
Registry executive committee.
The Huinkers have had tremendous success at state and national livestock shows.
Their daughters exhibited the only two Yorkshire hogs sold in the Iowa State Fair Sale
of Champions in 1993 and 2004. Jake Keppy exhibited the Grand Champion FFA pig
in 2012 from the Huinker farm. They were honored to have the Yorkshire Hog College
Gilt three times at the National Barrow Show in 2004, 2011 and 2014. They also have
had six derby champions and one reserve champion at the Iowa State Fair and have
received many other champion and reserve champion awards at other shows.
The Huinkers are PQA Plus® - and TQA® - certified and have completed a PQA Plus site
assessment on their farm. They are active in the Winneshiek County Pork Producers
Association, where they worked to begin selling Pork Chops on a Stick at their county
fair, and have been active on the area school board and church parish council. They
have three grown children: Julie, Emily and Lisa.
Brad and Terri Van Gelder have raised pigs for
17 years. They are owners and managers of a
4,000-head wean-to-finish farm, built in 1998,
under contract production. They also farm 820
row crop acres with family.
The Van Gelders were recognized as Master
Pork Producers in 2012. Since receiving this
award, they have demonstrated exceptional
commitment and growth within the Iowa Pork
Producers Association. They dedicate countless
hours to the Iowa Pork Tent Committee and
operation of the popular state fair venue, which has become a new highlight
of their year. Terri also serves on the IPPA Youth Committee and assists with
the local county fair queen contest. They completed the Iowa Pork Leaders of
Tomorrow Program in 2014, where they had an opportunity to learn more about
industry issues, promote pork and provide input in state and federal policy
issues. Most recently, they travelled with IPPA to the Spring Legislative Action
Conference in Washington, D.C., to discuss federal policy issues.
Contract management for the Van Gelders emphasizes exceptional biosecurity,
quality care throughout the grow-out period and recordkeeping on the farm.
Medication records are kept on each barn door. Daily observation records require
notations on ventilation, water and feed levels and the ID of the observer. Brad’s
emphasis on details is reflected in his high productivity numbers.
Farm aesthetics also are high priority on the Van Gelder farm as trees, well-manicured
grounds, well maintained barns and farm signage add to the farm’s appearance.
Brad also operates a 17-year old commercial manure hauling business for about
50 local barns, applying about 14 million gallons annually. Recently, he has
embraced new technology and support of nutrient loss reduction by installing
low disturbance application toolbars on all manure application equipment. They
also no-till a large percentage of row crop acres.
Operating a manure application business, Brad places strong emphasis on
biosecurity between sites and his own to limit potential transmission of health
18
19
2015 Pork All-American
2015 Honorary Master Pork Producers
Deborah V. Durham – Director
Iowa Economic Development Authority
challenges. He also prioritizes adequate ventilation during pump out to help
ensure pig and employee safety.
Terri, a schoolteacher by day, helps with load-in and care for newly arrived
pigs, assisted by their two daughters: Alison (13) and Morgan (9).
Both are active in community, church, school and beginning involvement in
4-H leadership. Terri is a Little League Softball coach and is active in PTA, local
charities and fundraisers for early education and autism. Brad is an active
member of the county pork producers association serves on the Union County
Fair Board.
This young farm family represents a core of dedicated contract growers who
have recognized the importance of industry advocacy and dedication to the
We Care ethical principles of pork production.
Governor Terry E. Branstad appointed Debi Durham
director of the Iowa Department of Economic
Development in January 2011. As one of her first
orders of business, Debi worked with the governor
and legislators to restructure the department to
create a public-private partnership to update and
improve Iowa’s delivery of economic development
services. Debi now serves as the director of the
Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA).
Additionally, Director Durham oversees
IEDA’s efforts to develop and expand Iowa’s
entrepreneurial ecosystem. In collaboration with
the Iowa Innovation Corporation, the private side
of the public-private partnership, funding to support companies at early stages of
development was increased and the mentoring processes to ensure these companies
could be successful were made more robust.
Debi has been an active trade proponent as IEDA is engaged with Iowa’s pork industry
and other agricultural partners to enhance positive trade relationships. She has
been instrumental in support of meat trade activities including coordination of trade
missions, hosting trade teams and making the electronic meat supplier database
available.
Under Debi’s leadership, IEDA has worked to help modernize, recruit and invest
in new harvest and processing facilities to Iowa. Most recently, these efforts have
yielded significant results for the Iowa and U.S. pork industry as the joint Seaboard
Foods and Triumph Foods harvest plant plans were announced for her home area of
Sioux City. When completed in 2017, this plant will provide much anticipated and
needed infrastructure for Iowa’s pork producers. The plant in expected to harvest 3
million hogs annually, on one shift, with potential to add a second shift as harvest
needs increase. It also aims to employ approximately 1,100 people including 200
salaried positions and 900 hourly production positions. As the leading state in pork
production, one cannot stress enough the growth, opportunity and sustainability this
brings to Iowa’s already robust pork industry infrastructure.
Debi holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a marketing and
management degree from Missouri Southern State University. Durham and her
husband, Joel, have two grown children: Beau and Jordan.
20
21
2015 Honorary Master Pork Producers
2016 Iowa Pork Youth Leadership Team Contestants
Dr. Steven Hoff – Professor
Iowa State University, College of Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering
Dr. Steve Hoff is a professor of Agricultural and
Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University
and is a fellow of the American Society of
Agricultural and Biological Engineers. He has
received the Louis Thompson Distinguished
Undergraduate Teacher Award and works in the
Air Dispersion Lab at Iowa State University.
Putting “science into practice” has been a guiding
motto for Dr. Hoff’s research efforts. His areas
of research include evaluation of and design
conditions for efficient and sustainable animal
production systems, sensor development,
controller development and air emission
measurement and mitigation technologies for animal production systems.
Dr. Hoff has been an instrumental leader of IPPA-supported manure foam research
efforts within a multi-state approach in conjunction with the University of Minnesota
and the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana and USDA. This collaborative effort
aims to determine causes and solutions to manure foam, which has proven to be a
significant storage and safety challenge for Midwest pork producers.
He continues to develop and refine the Community Assessment Model for Odor
Dispersion (CAM), which has been used for siting evaluation of Iowa pig farms since
2005. This model was partially funded by IPPA and has been an important tool used
in siting consideration discussions and enhanced neighbor relations though the
Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers.
Evaluation of emissions from animal housing systems and cost-effective gas and
odor emission mitigation technologies continue to be of particular focus for Dr. Hoff.
Additionally, he is working on methods to automatically and continuously control
both space and radiant heating systems for efficient swine production systems.
Hoff holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering tech from the University
of Wisconsin-River Falls and bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in
agricultural engineering from the University of Minnesota.
Steve resides in Jewell with his wife Beth. They have two grown children, Ashley and
Elliot, and one granddaughter, Harper.
22
Olivia Bisbee is the daughter of Jerry and Pat Bisbee of Stacyville in
Mitchell County. She is a sophomore at North Iowa Area Community
College with plans of transferring to Iowa State University in pursuit
of a major in agricultural business. Upon graduation, she wants to be
an agriculture loan officer or work in the pork industry with her own
farrow-to-finish and cow-calf operation.
McKenna Brinning is the daughter of Shane and Kathleen
Brinning of Keota in Washington County. She is a senior at
Washington High School. McKenna plans to attend Iowa State
University and major in animal science with a minor in genetics.
She hopes to one day own a veterinary clinic in a rural area and
work with both large and small animals.
Holly Cook is the daughter of Aaron and Trish Cook of Winthrop in
Buchanan County. Holly is a senior at East Buchanan High School.
She plans to attend Iowa State University and major in agricultural
business and perhaps earn a minor in agriculture and society.
Kimberly Dornbier is the daughter of Phil and Michelle Dornbier of
Garner in Hancock County. Kimberly is a sophomore at Iowa State
University majoring in agricultural business. Following graduation, she
hopes to be an agriculture loan officer or a grain merchandiser.
Alex Fouts of Cedar Falls in Black Hawk County is the son of James
Fouts and Heather Danner. Alex is a senior at Hudson High School.
He plans to attend Iowa State University and double major in
animal science and communications with hopes of receiving a
Master’s Degree in swine nutrition and reproduction.
Mitchell Juhl of Hudson in Black Hawk County is the son of
Edward and Gayle Juhl. Mitchell is a sophomore at Iowa State
University majoring in agricultural business. Following graduation,
he hopes to have a career in the military before returning home to
hopefully own and operate the family farm.
23
2016
2016 Iowa
Iowa Pork
Pork Youth
Youth Leadership
Leadership Team
Team Contestants
Contestants
Jill Kessenich of Le Mars in Plymouth County is the daughter of
Joe and Carol Kessenich. She is a senior at Gehlen Catholic High
School. Jill plans to attend Iowa State University and possibly major
in agricultural business or animal science, with future ambitions
of serving her local agriculture community and bringing back new
ideas to the family farm.
Kalee Leistikow is the daughter of Kevin and Deanne Leistikow
of Readlyn in Bremer County. She is a freshman at Iowa State
University pursuing a degree in agricultural communications.
Following graduation, Kalee plans to have a career with the Iowa
Pork Producers and be an advocate for agriculture.
Madison Rousselow is the daughter of Scott Rousselow and Julie
Kacher of Waterloo in Black Hawk County. She is a freshman
at Iowa Central Community College with plans of transferring
to Iowa State University in pursuit of a major in agricultural
communications. Following graduation, Madison plans to have a
career as a pharmaceutical representative in veterinary medicine
Heather Schnitker is the daughter of Allan and Tiffany Schnitker
of Alden in Hardin County. Heather is a sophomore at Ellsworth
Community College and is planning to transfer to Iowa State
University and double major in animal science and agriculture
education. She hopes to have a career teaching high school students
and eventually own swine and cattle operations.
Ashley Smeby of Klemme in Hancock County
is the daughter of Todd and Tracy Smeby. Ashley is a junior at
Iowa State University majoring in agronomy with a minor in
animal science. Following graduation, she hopes to work in
an agronomy sales roll and assist farmers with their row crop
production.
24
2016 Iowa Pork Youth Leadership Team Contestants
Michael Tupper is the son of Larry and Joanne Tupper of Ionia in
Chickasaw County. Michael is a sophomore at Iowa State University
studying agricultural engineering with a minor in agricultural
business. Following graduation, he hopes to have a career in design
engineering with an agricultural company before returning to the
family farm to continue his direct involvement with production
agriculture, specifically pork production, and agricultural advocacy.
Angela Wilson of Delhi in Delaware County is the daughter of Dan
and Ann Gant and the late Mike Wilson. She is a senior at Maquoketa
Valley High School. After high school, Angie plans to attend the
University of Northern Iowa to major in communications and public
relations.
Emma Wilson is the daughter of Keith and Alane Wilson of Guthrie
Center in Guthrie County. Emma is a sophomore at Iowa State
University where she is majoring in agriculture education with a
life sciences-communications option. Her dream is to write articles,
publish photos and work for a magazine or newspaper such as Farm
News or Iowa Farmer Today.
Laura Yoder of Kalona in Washington County is the daughter
of Verlyn and Deb Yoder. She is a sophomore at Iowa State
University majoring in agriculture education- communications
option with a minor in animal science. After graduation, Laura
plans to work on marketing and communications to educate
consumers about production agriculture and the importance of
agriculture to the world and its growing population.
25
Farewell from the 2015 Iowa Pork Queen
Farewell from the 2015 Iowa Pork Queen
Christy Calderwood, Tama County
What a year it has been; 2015 was full of excitement
and adventure. I traveled 5,093 miles through our
fine state to promote, educate, and represent the
pork industry. My travels would not have been
possible without help and support from the Iowa
Pork Producers staff, board and committee members
as well as the county producers. I would especially
like to thank Joyce Hoppes for keeping me informed
about promotions throughout the year.
Words cannot explain how truly blessed I have felt over this past year. I am so
grateful to everyone who reached out to me and filled my year with exciting
events. Professor Randy Pausch said that “We cannot change the cards we are
dealt, just how we play the hand.” My advice to the next Queen is to take time
to collect your thoughts and connect with your audience; you never know who
you are talking to. Putting our best foot forward when promoting our industry
will help us to succeed and continue to feed the world. By the way, you will be
smiling a lot so get ready for your cheeks to hurt! Best of wishes to the 2016
Youth Team, I truly hope your year is as outstanding as mine.
I was fortunate to attend countless events that would range in the impact and the
impression they would leave. Some of the largest events such as the Florida State
Fair, the Washington DC BBQ Battle and the Iowa State Fair would allow us as a
Youth Team to reach large numbers of consumers with very diverse knowledge.
These venues allowed us to put a face on the pork industry and share information.
Other large promotions such as the Iowa and Iowa State Football Games and Iowa
Speedway let us reach out to consumers, give them a taste of our outstanding
product, and build good will towards their next trip to the grocery store.
The impact of smaller events was just as import because you had the
opportunity to really have a conversation and provide first hand experiences.
It was a pleasure to work with Van and Bonnie at the Casey’s Breakfast Pizza
Promotion and the Red, White and Pork Life Serve Blood Drive; with Cookies
BBQ Sauce and the Algona Fareway at the Pride in America Barbecue; with the
Missouri Valley Taste of Elegance; and with Iowa FFA at their State Leadership
Conference.
By surrounding myself with people who are very passionate I have learned a lot
about myself, the pork industry, and our consumers. From my observations, no
matter how much promoting and educating we do there will always be someone
that has not been informed. I am excited to pass on the title to an individual
who is as passionate about the industry as I am. I hope the members of the
next Youth Team will take every chance they get to reach out to our consumers
to share their knowledge and the benefits of eating pork.
26
27
Farewell from the 2015 Iowa Pork Princess
Farewell from the 2015 Iowa Pork Princess
Emily Cook, Hardin County
From the time I was little girl, toddling around in
rubber boots and loving on little piglets, I dreamed
of being a pork princess. I loved the farm and the
pigs, and I couldn’t think of anything better than a
chance to be able to share this passion with people
everywhere. Words cannot express how thankful I am
to have gotten to spend the last year as Iowa’s Pork
Princess. I often take for granted the wonderful gift
I have been given of being raised on a family farm
and I would not have gotten to this place without the
continual love and support of my family.
I’m also thankful for all the hard work that Shawnie, Joyce, and Josie put in to set
up events, make schedules, and communicate with us throughout the year. The
Iowa Pork Producers Association deserves a big “thank you” for providing this
amazing opportunity for Iowa’s youth. I am sad to not be crowning another Pork
Princess, but I think the 2016 team will be better than ever with two ambassadors!
I wish the new team the best of luck in their upcoming year and encourage them
to make the most of every opportunity!
This year has been full of teaching, learning, making new friends, and eating lots
of good food! The highlights of my year include a Taste of Elegance reception,
the World Pork Expo, a trip to D.C. for the National BBQ Battle, several county
fair swine shows, and the Iowa State Fair. At every event, there was a chance to
find at least one person who was willing and eager to learn more about where
their food comes from, and I was delighted to be able to fill them in with firsthand knowledge of how pork gets from the barn to their table. The state fair was
brimming with opportunities to talk with fairgoers as they came through the pork
tent, the swine barn, and the Animal Learning Center, where I spent most of my
time with the sows and new piglets. This was by far my favorite experience as Pork
Princess. I relished in the opportunity to talk to children about baby pigs, answer
questions, and even help deliver piglets for the display.
I am so grateful to have gotten to share these wonderful experiences with Alex
and Christy. Alex, your passion for pigs is so evident and I have no doubt that you
will continue to do great things for the industry. Christy, you were an amazing
queen and I learned so much from you about pigs and about reaching people.
I’m so glad I got to meet the two of you and spend the year working together on
something we all love.
28
29
Farewell from the 2015 Iowa Premier Pork Youth Ambassador
Farewell from the 2015 Iowa Premier Pork Youth Ambassador
Alex Conover, Ida County
Wow! The saying time fly’s when you
are having fun, took on a whole new
meaning for me this past year. It seems
like only yesterday was standing on the
stage at pork congress accepting my role
as your Premier Pork Youth Ambassador.
This year has by far been one of my
most memorable years, from talking to
consumers on Pennsylvania Avenue, in
Washington, D.C. to catching up with long
time pork producers at the local county
fairs. I would like to thank everyone who
had a role in aiding me on this wonderful
journey.
taken and cherished each opportunity to share my story and passion for this
industry.
My advice to the 2016 Youth Team. Take advantage of as many opportunities
that are presented to you, and to not be afraid of stepping outside your comfort
zone. Make as many connections as possible, your never know who you will run
into down the road. Enjoy ever second, and it will be over before you know it.
Have fun!
Lastly, I would like to thank everyone who has supported this year’s Iowa Pork
Youth Team. Your investment in the future of the pork industry has certainly not
gone unnoticed. I would also like to thank the entire IPPA staff, who has helped
guide and mentor each of us through this crazy adventure. Finally, I would like to
thank my family who instilled and helped me foster my passion and continues to
support me on this path.
My passion has and will always lay in the
pork industry. This year I was able to see
first-hand why pork, truly is our states
greatest commodity. My travels this summer took me to over 15 county fair’s and
help with numerous county pork producers associations with local events. Some
of my fondest memories from my time as Ambassador were the conversations
with the men and women who work day-in and day-out to care for the animals
on their farms and raise the highest quality pork. I would like to thank you all
for your continued dedication to the pork industry, and making it an even better
place for the next generation.
Growing up in the pork industry truly was a blessing. This industry has opened
many doors for me to grow as a person as well as equipped me with the tools
to educate everyday people about Iowa pork production. This past year I have
traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the Barbeque Battle, and have worked in
the Animal Learning Center at the great Iowa State Fair. Where ever you go, there
will always be someone who you can talk with or relate to through something
as simple as pigs. One of my proudest accomplishment this year is that I have
30
31
32