APORK 2013 BANQUET S - iowapork.org · Environmental Steward Award ... Thank you for attending the 2013 Iowa Pork Congress Awards Banquet

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Iowa Events Center •

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PORK

IOWA

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CONGRESS

BANQUET

Wednesday, January 23 - 6 p.m.

Iowa Events Center – Grand Ballroom

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Awardee Information – Table of Contents

Environmental Steward Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Master Pork Producers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-15

Master Seedstock Producer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Pork All-American . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Honorary Master Pork Producers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19

Pork Queen Candidates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21

Pork Youth Ambassador Candidates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Outgoing Royalty Farewell Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-29

THANK YOU!

Thank you for attending the 2013 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 2014 with another outstanding class of award recipients!

WelcomeBill Tentinger, 2012 IPPA President

InvocationJacob Swanson, 2012 Iowa Premier Pork Youth Ambassador

2012 Iowa Environmental StewardBill Tentinger, 2012 IPPA President

2012 Master Pork Producers & Master Seedstock ProducerDr. Jim McKean, Iowa State University

2012 Pork All-AmericanDr. Jim McKean, Iowa State University

2012 Honorary Master Pork ProducersBill Tentinger, 2012 IPPA President

Farewell from the 2012 Iowa Pork RoyaltyLindsay Reth, 2012 Iowa Pork QueenSterling Schnepf, 2012 Iowa Pork PrincessJacob Swanson, 2012 Iowa Premier Pork Youth Ambassador

Introduction of 2012 Iowa Pork Queen and Premier Pork Youth Ambassador ContestantsAmy Vossberg, IPPA Youth Committee

Announcement of 2012 Iowa Pork Youth RepresentativesAmy Vossberg, IPPA Youth Committee

President’s Dessert ReceptionYou are invited to the President’s Dessert Reception presented by Pfizer Animal Health in the pre-function area just outside the grand-ballroom.

2013 Iowa Pork Congress Banquet

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2012 Iowa Master Pork Producers

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.

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.

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.

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.

This 71st 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 2012 Iowa Master Pork Producers.

2012 Iowa Environmental Steward Award

Jason Russell - Russell Brothers, LLCPrairieburg, Linn County

Russell Brothers, LLC includes Jason, his brother Eric, father Dennis and uncles Dave, Ralph, Moe and John Russell. The enterprise built a 7,200-head wean-to-finish barn in 2003, for which Jason provides day-to-day management and labor and holds part ownership. The site is currently operated under contract with Maschhoff’s.

A 50-kilowatt wind turbine on the farm helps offset energy prices. Jason estimates a five year payback for the turbine on this site.

Wet-dry feeders, water cups and built in pre-soakers for powerwashing events are used to aid in water

conservation on the farm. Feed and pit additives are used to reduce Phosphorus excretion, minimize Nitrogen loss, reduce ammonia emissions from the barn, break up solids and reduce flies.

Russells use vertical conservation tillage to reduce soil compaction and limit soil erosion. Nitrogen stabilizer is added to preserve nutrients in the soil, improve crop yield and protect water quality. Grass waterways limit runoff and provide additional home for wildlife.

All 480 crop-acres operated by Russell Brothers, LLC are enrolled in the Conservation Stewardship Program. They are experimenting with the use of wheat cover crops. A windbreak on the farm also aids in reduction of particulate matter and odor leaving the farm.

They have a strong commitment to ag advocacy and neighbor relations. The barn site was setback significantly from the road to limit odor impacts on others. They donate pork to numerous area events, provide free pork to all neighbors within one mile of the site and are conscious about communicating with them prior to manure application.

Jason lives on their home farm near Prairieburg with his wife Sarah and young daughter Harper Joy.

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2012 Iowa Master Pork Producer

Dan SheehanRemsen, Plymouth County – District 1

Dan has raised pigs for more than eight years since returning from college. Dan and his father built a 1,000-head nursery in 2003. Dan built a 2,000-head double-wide finisher in 2005 after graduating college. He expanded his operation in 2009 by building another 1,000-head nursery. Dan also owns two 1,000-head finishers with his brother, which were built in 1998. Dan is the sole care-giver for the nurseries and finishers. Sheehan contract finishes through the local cooperative. He retains 25 percent ownership of the

weaned pigs, but all management decisions and recordkeeping are maintained through the coop. The feeding program is formulated and delivered by the coop. Currently all feeds are pelleted from wean to finish. Dan farms 250 acres of corn and 250 acres of soybeans. He and his brother also operate a custom manure business, servicing about 40 farms in his area. Dan is both PQA Plus certified, TQA certified and has had his farm site assessed. Market hogs are delivered to Tyson Fresh Meats. Dan and Lori have two pre-school aged children. They are active members of the community and the Plymouth County Fair. Lori is involved in the annual Remsen Oktoberfest and Quasi Centennial Committee. Dan is a fair board member and on the swine committee. Dan is a director of the Plymouth County Pork Producers and the Remsen Community Action Club.


Brian Schneekloth Little Rock, Lyon County – District 1

Brian has been raising pigs at various locations for 18 years. He is the original manager of New Horizon of Sheldon, opening as a 3,300-sow filtered barn in 2011.

The unit is negative pressure filtration which requires daily observations to assure all leaks are detected and plugged. He reports that pre-filters are changed every six months, including those for the cool cells. All entering people, animals and supplies (including food) undergo strict biosecurity steps to assure that they are unlikely to carry disease into the unit. Six full-time employees complete the team.

Weaning is done three to four days each week at a target age of 16-19 days. A filtered trailer delivers

weaned pigs. His attention to detail at all levels has resulted in more than 31 pigs/sow/year, which ranks high on national PIC herd production lists.

Brian utilizes two Boar Bots in tandem with three boars roaming between sows to stimulate estrous and maintain high conception rates to support production targets. Euthanasia is accomplished with carbon dioxide for piglets. Mortalities are disposed via off-site rendering pickup one-half mile away with no vehicle cross-over on the road.

Manure is applied by commercial applicator in accordance with the approved manure management plan. Brian and staff are PQA Plus certified and the site assessment has been completed.

Brian and Sheryl have three teenage children. They are active in church and community with an emphasis on children and youth development activities. He is a church trustee, teaches Sunday school and is an active fund raiser for youth mission trips. He has coached Little League Baseball and has been involved other school related athletic programs. He also is an active member of the local community youth development organization.

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Bill Bramley Emmetsburg, Palo Alto County – District 2

Bill has raised pigs for 35 years, starting with a traditional family farrow –to- finish operation.

In 1994, he built a 3,300-space finishing site and converted to custom feeding. In 1996, a second 3,300-space site was built. Both sites are now equipped with above ground Slurrystore storage to improve manure containment and nutrient quality.

Bill’s facilities are well cared for on both interior and exterior. In 2010-2011 both sites were renovated to wean-to-finish production standards. Animal care is a high priority which has contributed to excellent production numbers. Bill is PQA Plus certified and the sites are assessed.

Bill has an active jet-pump business in Northern Iowa for cleaning manure discharge pipes when they become plugged. He has seen many objects or management snafus lead to plugged pipes.

In 2000, he became a color commentator for Emmetsburg football and wrestling on KEMB, a local radio station. He has been the PA voice of Emmetsburg football for many years. Bill organized a competitive BBQ team, Beach Bums BBQ, which competes successfully throughout the Midwest cooking “delicious” pork ribs and shoulders.

Bill and Deb Weir have four post high school children. Bill and family are avid Iowa Hawkeye football fans, attending each home game and travelling to recent bowl appearances. From a regular site on campus, they grill pork for pre-game festivities. In concert with his passion for Iowa football and grilling, Bill and the Beach Bums BBQ team cooks for the team, coaches and families at the beginning of spring practice. The team also has grilled in support of IPPA promotional events at Hawkeye games in Iowa City.


Edward E. JuhlHudson, Grundy County – District 3

Edward has been raising pigs for 28 years at the current location. He started with a farrow-to-finish herd of 150 sows in 1991. Production has been in expansion mode since.

He moved 600 sows indoors in 1996. Additional gestation and farrowing has been added to total 1,700 sows with. An off-site nursery was built in 2006. Nine finishing sites were built since 2004.

The breed-to-wean performance is currently about 30 pigs/sow/year on PigChamp.

The 40,000 pigs produced annually are sold to Tyson Fresh Meats. Edward sells cull sows after acclimation to Jimmy Dean in truckload lots, receiving a premium for their condition.

Ed is the general partner in charge of swine production, and his partner manages crops on 2,000 acres. The partnership hauls manure from all sites except older parts of the breed-wean complex with outside storage. Each site follows a manure management plan.

All feed is locally milled and grain from the partnership is grain-banked. Edward has 20 full and part-time employees, many UNI students. Edward and employees are PQA Plus certified and all production has been site assessed.

Edward and Gayle, have one teenage son. Both are active in church and community activities. Edward has held multiple offices in the country church about a mile away. He is an active supporter of the local FFA and 4-H and active in the Grundy County Pork Producers Association. He is a member of the Northeast Iowa Experimental Farm operated by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and is current Treasurer of the Grundy County Farm Bureau.

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Tim FellingerHopkinton, Jones County – District 4

Tim has raised pigs for 20 years with the bulk occurring as herdsman for Witsam Inc., a diversified crop and livestock operation.

This farrow-to-finish experience allowed Tim to refine his swine production expertise. He also became quite proficient raising and showing pigs at county and state fairs. Using these lessons, in 2011, he built a new 2,460-head, wean-to-finish barn to custom feed for Cargill.

Characteristic of Tim’s detail orientation, he examined available configurations before settling on the Cargill unit. He liked the natural ventilation, large pens, and functionality for load-out offered by this design. He reports that the elevation of the building enables pigs to walk directly onto the lower trailer deck from the pen pre-sort areas. Obviously this selection suits his skills well as his first two turns in the building experienced a three percent death loss to market.

The unit has an adjacent composter that will be used for all mortalities. Manure is stored in deep pits, which will be transferred to adjacent land with an umbilical system under an approved manure management plan. Tim is PQA Plus certified and the site is assessed. He farms 650 acres of corn and 125 acres of soybeans with his brother-in-law.

Tim and Carrie have four teen and pre-teen children. Tim actively helps his children show pigs, cattle and rabbits. He has been a 4-H leader for seven years and member of the Jones County Youth Council. He and daughters have had success in the new Iowa “showpig” circuit.


Tim HollinrakeFayette, Fayette County – District 4

Tim is manager and part owner of New Horizons Pork, a 2,550-sow breed-to-wean facility, which is expanding to 2,750-head in 2013. He has raised pigs for 25 years in several management positions in Illinois and Iowa.

Tim was manager when New Horizons Pork started, in 2000, as a remodel and 350-sow expansion of an existing 850-head breed-to-nursery complex. It was later expanded to the 2,550-head breed-to-wean size.

Tim currently is overseeing the construction of a 1,200-sow filtered breed –to-wean facility to increase production.

Tim is very detailed oriented and explained the design and performance features of the filtered unit. All entries, including an enclosed load-out area, are positively pressured by filtered air before entry. Production in the current site is hovering at more than 30 pigs/sow/year.

All output is sold through Tyson Fresh Meats after finishing with the five local family owners.

Manure at the original site is managed with outside storage fed by flush from each building. Manure is commercially applied to adjacent land according to a filed DNR Manure Management Plan. The new site will have deep pit storage. Tim and five employees are PQA Plus certified and his breed-to-wean unit has been site assessed. He has no crop ground or other livestock.

Tim has three teenage children with whom he is very active. He has helped coach various sport junior teams and is active in other community projects. He is an active member of the Fayette County Pork Producers Association and is a willing griller.

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Craig & Karen WulfekuhleEarlville, Delaware County – District 4

Craig has been raising pigs for 12 years after returning from a stint in agribusiness.

The home-site facilities are remodeled from a farrow-to-finish operation with 3,000 nursery spaces. A 600-head nursery is off-site. Finishing consists of a 600-head older building on-site and five off-site locations with 5,700 spaces.

Craig receives 1,800 pigs at four to five week intervals, for total annual production of 20,000 head. Pigs are supplied by a local sow unit where he is currently president, and which is producing at a 30-31 pigs/sow/year rate. Craig applies manure from the home site and utilizes a commercial applicator for those more distant.

Craig makes and delivers all the feed for local nursery and finishers, using his own grain produced on more than 750 acres. Production is marketed to Excel and Farmland. His feed mill is newly redesigned and is home to group production records for all the sites, which allows him to compare performance information on each group marketed and on compliance with packer production standards.

Craig is PQA Plus certified and all sites have completed a site assessment.

Craig and Karen have four teenage and younger children. One daughter was Delaware County Pork Princess and another Little Miss Pigtails. Craig and Karen are active in church and school activities serving on multiple governing and foundation Boards. They serve as Beckman High School softball volunteers and are active in a range of other school activities. Craig is on the township assessor board of trustees and also is active with the Delaware County Pork Producers.


Dean KleinPanama, Shelby County - District 5

Dean has been raising pigs for 30 years. Originally a farrow-finish operation, he built a 2,000-head, two room, finishing building in 1995 and has been contract finishing ever since.

In 2011 he converted to wean-to-finish with a Murphy Brown contract and is currently marketing more than 4,100 pigs annually.

Dean’s brother, Larry, assists with cleaning and load-out. Dean is very detailed oriented as his records in the office attest and his production success demonstrates.

Since switching to wean-to-finish, Dean has concentrated efforts in the first two to three weeks to assure pigs get started well. Medication records are kept daily in the office, which also has observation windows into each room. Building appearance indicates a high quality maintenance level. Finished pigs are marketed to Farmland Foods in Denison.

Dean composts all mortalities in a covered shed using a mixture of shredded straw and broiler compost. All manure is applied by Dean and Larry to adjacent crop ground under an approved manure management plan. Klein Brothers grow 570 acres of corn and 260 acres of soybeans. Dean and Larry are PQA Plus certified and their production has been site assessed.

Dean and Connie have two grade school aged children. Both are active in their com-munity, church and increasingly with their children’s activities. Dean is a 25-year veteran of the Panama Volunteer Fire Department and has been on the Shelby County Fair Board for seven years. He is active in grilling with the Shelby County Pork Producers Association and has grilled at the Iowa Pork Tent for three years.

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Brad & Terri Van GelderCreston, Adams County – District 5

Brad and Terri have raised pigs for 14 years. They utilize four, 1,000-head, finishers built as curtain-sided, deep pit buildings in 1998. Production is currently under contract with Murphy-Brown. They are planning to move to wean-to-finish in their next contract.

Management emphasizes biosecurity, quality care throughout the grow-out period and recordkeeping. Medication records are kept on each barn door.

Daily observation records require notations on ventilation, water and feed levels and ID of observer. Brad’s emphasis on details is reflected in his high productivity numbers.

Feed is supplied by Murphy Brown from a local source. Power washing is done by a commercial enterprise, unless Brad has the time between other commitments.

Brad has a 14-year-old commercial manure hauling business for about 50 local barns, applying about 12 million gallons annually. Brad and his father have 360 acres of corn and 250 of soybeans. Terri, a schoolteacher by day, helps with load-in and care for newly arrived pigs, assisted by their two daughters. Brad is PQA Plus certified and the barns have been site Assessed. Brad and Terri have two grade school aged daughters. Both are active in community, church, school and beginning involvement in 4-H leadership. Brad is a Little League Baseball coach and assists with the county fair. Terri is active in PTO, local charities and fundraisers including walks and 5K runs for early education and autism. Brad is an active member of the Adams County Pork Producers Association and has worked the Iowa Pork Tent with the Murphy Brown team.


Michael AbelMediapolis, Des Moines County – District 8

Michael has raised pigs for 37 years at his current location.

In 2000, he transitioned from a traditional farrow –to- finish operation to contract production. He built, curtain – sided, wean-to-finishing buildings in 2000 and 2002. One has 120 pigs per pen and the other 30 pigs per pen; he reports no difference in performance, and is pleased with both. A 500-head finisher built in 1978 receives double stocked pigs from the wean-to-finish buildings.

Biosecurity is important to his disease control efforts, including use of home-made rodent bait stations spread liberally around each building. He

does the power washing to assure the quality of sanitation.

Michael has excellent production data ranking as a top contract producer for Tri-Oak Feeds. His secret to success, he reports, is “living with new arrivals” for the first month to assure a great start. Manure is custom applied.

Michael is PQA Plus certified and has completed a site assessment. Feed is delivered by the contractor, which frees him to market the grain from 1,340 acres corn and 1,220 acres of soybeans produced with his brother. Because of limited land availability, he is currently building a 2,480 wean-to-finish building to expand his operation to 5,465-head capacity.

Mike and Carol have two grown daughters who live in the area. They are active in their church and community activities, particularly related to 4-H and the county fair. Michael is active in the Des Moines County Pork Producers Association activities, including grilling at the Iowa Pork Tent.

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Sean DolanMasonville, Buchanan County

Sean is the owner and operator of Newton Pork, a 600-sow breed-to-wean farm. He finishes about 3,000-head of the production with the remainder sold to his brother and father to finish.

Sean became a Master Pork Producer in the 2007 class. At that time he had converted a traditional stall gestation barn to a unique configuration that utilizes an open pen, electronic feeding, “trickle system” from breeding to farrowing.

Two large pens of sows with separate water courts are major features of this configuration. During passage from the water court to pens, sow’s electronic ID tags enable them to be sorted by activity list into the alleyway or marked with one of two paint colors. With minor modifications, that system is still in use. Sean has moved from batch farrowing to weekly farrowing to meet production goals.

Sean introduces replacement stock as weaned pigs into an on-site isolation unit. After passing isolation testing they are grown in a continuous flow unit attached to the breed-to-wean facility for acclimatization.

Always someone to be receptive to new production ideas, Sean and a neighbor producer recently began to commingle weaned pigs. Sean and neighbors also are cooperating in a Buchanan-Delaware PRRS control program. Sean has completed PQA Plus certification and Site assessments for his operation. He farms 260 acres of corn and 80 acres of soybeans.

Sean and Sara have two grade school aged children. Both are very active in their community and church. Sean has served on the parish finance council and is a volunteer coach for the East Buchanan Mat Club introducing young children to wrestling. He has been active in county, state and national pork producer organizations. Some of the posts include Buchanan County Pork Producer President, IPPA Board of Directors, IPPA Executive Board and member of the IPPA New Products and Producer Education Committees. At the national level he has been a Pork Act Delegate, member of the National Pork Board Swine Health Committee and National Pork Producers Council Animal Welfare and Food Safety Committee.

2012 Iowa Pork All-American 2012 Iowa Master Seedstock Producer

Frank D. AlbertsenToledo, Tama County

Frank has achieved many unique goals during his 45 years of seedstock production. He is best known as a Poland China breeder of international renown, but during that period he has raised eight other breeds for varying periods.

His first Iowa State Fair champion gilt was in 1969, which was followed by a string of State Fair champions. He showed National breed champions on multiple occasions and has had several National Barrow Show top sellers.

Frank holds the distinction of owning the only Tamworth super-sire at in National Barrow Show history.

Frank was active in the Iowa test stations projects throughout their existence and had top performing pens. He helped develop a sow productivity index in the late 60s and used scanning technology to move his breed productivity forward to assist commercial customers.

Frank has been active in national breed association activities, particularly Poland China’s. He has been a show judge in both swine and cattle at the state, national and international levels. Currently he maintains a small herd of Poland China hogs to supply youth show animals and to strengthen the breed. He continues to show at the National Barrow Show, Iowa State Fair and some local shows.

Frank and Becky have five adult children. Both are active in community, church and school. Frank was Vo-Ag teacher for 40 years. He served on the Marshalltown Community College Advisory Council, has been a 4-H club leader and was Tama County Extension Director. He has been active in IPPA activities for many years along with active participation in the Tama County Livestock and Fair Association, Farm Bureau, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Soybean Association and international trade activities through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

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Ernie Barnes– National Pork Board

Ernie Barnes has dedicated much of his career to coordinating programs through our national pork organizations.

Barnes is the director of producer services for the National Pork Board where he coordinates the Pork Checkoff’s Operation Main Street and the Neighbor-to-Neighbor programs. He also works closely with seedstock producers and youth programs.

Prior to joining the National Pork Checkoff Board in 2001, Barnes was the assistant vice president of the National Pork Producers Council’s Shareholder Outreach, where he developed and managed the first three World Pork Expos from 1988-1990. He also initiated the National Pork Producers Council’s allied industry program, Pork Alliance, and coordinated the program for the next eight years.

Ernie continues to work closely with World Pork Expo. He also coordinates the Past Presidents’ program, which selects the Distinguished Service Award winners annually.

Barnes has served as executive secretary for the Landrace Breed Association. Prior to joining NPPC he also worked as a field representative for the Yorkshire Association, was a sales representative for the Upjohn Company and was a hog buyer for Bryan Foods.

Ernie enjoys working with young people through the 4-H and FFA organizations and has been a 4-H leader for 15 years. He received the Iowa FFA Distinguished Service award in 2000 and was inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame in 2009.

Ernie earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Mississippi State University in 1974. He received the Mississippi State College of Ag Achievement Award in 2005 and was inducted into the MSU Hall of Fame in 2009.

Ernie resides near Adel with his wife Paula. They have two children, Josh and Courtney.

2012 Honorary Master Pork Producers

Having grown up on a swine, dairy and crop farm in Southern Minnesota, Marlys Miller has had a lifetime of involvement in the pork industry.

Showing purebred Chester White hogs in 4-H and open class competitions led her to additional activities such as livestock and meats judging. She also served as the first Pork Queen for Rice County Minnesota and was a finalist in the state competition. She attended the University of Minnesota, where she received a bachelor’s degree in agricultural journalism with a minor in animal science.

Her professional career has been solely committed to the pork industry, working first as a hog market analyst and writer for Professional Farmers of America in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She then move on to Des Moines where she was editor of producer publications for the National Pork Producers Council.

Marlys joined the Pork magazine editorial staff in 1987 as associate editor. In 1995, she was named Editor of the magazine becoming only the second person to hold that position since the publication’s inception in 1981. Marlys left her position at Pork Magazine and Pork Network in November of 2012 to begin a freelance career focused on serving the pork and agriculture sectors. As she says, “my intention is to remain in the pork industry as that’s where my heart and soul are.”

Marlys has received several honors from the Livestock Publications Council and the American Agricultural Editor’s Association, including the Master Writer distinction. She has won seven Jesse H. Neal National Business Journalism Awards and five Certificates of Merit for editorial excellence presented by the American Business Media in New York. Marlys received the Minnesota Pork Board’s Distinguished Service Award in 2010.

She and her husband, Tony Smick, live in Madison, Wis., where they are active in a variety of community and city programs.

Marlys Miller – Editor, Pork Magazine (1995-2012)

2012 Honorary Master Pork Producers

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2013 Iowa Pork Queen Contestants2013 Iowa Pork Queen Contestants

Sarah Wall is representing Johnson County as their county pork queen. She is the daughter of Tom and Anita Wall of Iowa City. Sarah is currently a senior at West Branch High School and is taking classes through Kirkwood Community College. Sarah plans on pursuing a degree in agricultural geospatial technology, agricultural business or agricultural education.

Kimberly Schroeder is the county queen for Plymouth County. She is the daughter of Dean and Linda Schroeder from Remsen. Kimberly is a senior at Remsen-Union High School. After graduation, her plans are to attend a private four-year college to play collegiate softball and pursue a degree in business and pre-law.

Nicole Dierickx is the daughter of Pat and Lora Dierickx of Long Grove in Scott County. Nicole is currently a senior at Scott High School. She plans to attend Scott Community College to major in early childhood education.

Celsey Moody is a freshman at Iowa State University and working toward a degree in animal science. She is the daughter of David and Alice Moody of Nevada in Story County.She is a senior at Manson Northwest Webster High School. After graduation, she plans to attend Iowa State University and pursue a degree in animal science.

Lexi Marek is from Riverside in Washington County. She is the daughter of Tim and Heather Marek. Lexi is currently a senior at Washington High School and plans to pursue a degree in agricultural business at Iowa State University in the fall.

Brooke Miller is the daughter of Doug and Teresa Miller from Dunkerton in Black Hawk County. Brooke is a senior at Dunkerton High School. After graduation she plans to pursue her interest in agricultural business.

Kendra Kehrli is serving as the Buchanan County Pork Queen. Kendra is the daughter of Ken and Kathy Kehrli of Winthrop. She is a senior at East Buchanan High School and plans to pursue a degree in animal science, emphasizing in nutrition or veterinary science.

Alyce Johnson of Butler County is the daughter of Vernon and Lynda Johnson from Wellsburg. Alyce is a sophomore at Hawkeye Community College and plans on transferring to Iowa State University to major in agricultural business and finance.

Audrey Winterhof is a sophomore at Simpson College majoring in social work. She is the daughter of Dan and Lynn Winterhof of Aurelia in Cherokee County.

Mackenzie Felt plans on pursuing a degree in animal science at a four-year university in the fall. She is currently a senior at Adel-DeSoto-Minburn. Mackenzie is the daughter of David and Jennifer Felt of Adel in Dallas County.

Pork Queen Contestants Breanna Branderhorst is the daughter of Bryan and Deb Branderhorst of Prairie City in Jasper County. She is currently a freshman at Iowa State University seeking a major in agricultural and life sciences education with a minor in animal science. After graduation, she hopes to work in high school agricultural education as a teacher and FFA Advisor.

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2013 Iowa Premier Youth Ambassador Contestants

Zach Lear is the son of Greg and Ann Lear from Spencer in Clay County. Zach is a freshman at Des Moines Area Community College and is pursuing an associate’s degree in animal science. He then plans to attend Iowa State University to study swine breeding and genetics.

Curtis Rieks is currently attending Hawkeye Community College and majoring in agricultural power. Curtis is the son of Chris and Carolyn Riecks from Adel in Hardin County.

Emily Klootwyk of Knoxville in Marion County is the daughter of Brian and Kelly Klootwyk. She is currently attending Iowa State University to pursue a major in animal science and a minor in international agriculture.

Nicole Patterson is a junior at Iowa State University majoring in agricultural communications. She is from St. Ansgar in Mitchell County. Nicole is the daughter of Terry and Nancy Patterson.

Austin Knupp is the son of Zues and Jackie Knupp of Washington in Washington County. He is currently a freshman at Iowa State University. Austin plans to graduate in 2016 with a degree in agriculture studies and a minor in animal science and agronomy.

Caleb Beer is from DeWitt in Clinton County and is the son of Rob and Connie Beer. Caleb is currently a sophomore at Iowa State University studying animal science.

Notes

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Farewell from 2012 Iowa Pork Youth Representatives

Farewell from the 2012 Iowa Pork QueenLindsay Reth, Delaware County

Taking a glance over the past year, one word comes to mind—blessed. I am truly blessed and honoredto have had the opportunity to represent the Iowa Pork Producers as their 2012 Iowa Pork Queen. The year was filled with wonderful opportunities to reach out to the public and spread the word about our products. Each and every time I was at a promotion, I knew I was where I was meant to be: sharing my passion of pigs with others. I couldn’t help but to be completely honored each time I placed that crown on

my head along with the sash.

My first major event kicked off in Des Moines at the World Pork Expo. This was the first time I had attended the World Pork Expo. I was thrilled and amazed to meet so many wonderful pork lovers from around the world! The entire month of June was filled with smiles and waves as I went to many parades. Near the end of June, I took my first trip to our nation’s capital for the Barbeque Battle. I thoroughly enjoyed handing out pork samples and explaining how easy it is to cook with pork. When we were not at the barbeque, we had the chance to do some sight-seeing. What a beautiful city filled with history!

The month of July included handing out ribbons at my county fair along with various promotions including Fareway grillings while helping out the Delaware County Pork Producers.

August brought a whole new meaning of the Iowa State Fair for me. Being at the state fair was the highlight of my reign. Whether it was handing out ribbons, working in the Iowa Pork Tent, answering questions in the Animal Learning Center, giving out free samples in the Agricultural Building, judging the pig calling contest and pork cooking contest, or simply talking with people from all over the nation, I saw everyone’s interest and passion for the pork industry. Even after the ten days spent at the fair, I didn’t want to leave! I will always treasure the memories made in those ten days and the 2012 Iowa State Fairwill always be the best fair, for me.

This past year has been such a blessing and I’m truly grateful to represent such a fine group of people that make up the pork industry. All of my experiences would not be possible without the help of many people who truly care about the industry. A big ‘Thanks!’ goes to Kelsey, Alison, Mary Lea, Colton, Joyce, Bill and all the other staff at IPPA and NPPC. To my family and friends—thanks for all your continued support through my endeavors. And of course, “Thank You!” to Sterling and Jake for all the great memories we created as we went through all our adventures together this past year!

No matter what will come my way in the future, I will always cherish the opportunities and memories made this past year. If the going gets tough, I will always fall back onto what the pigs have taught me: to think PIG. Be Persistent, show Integrity, and have Guts. With persistence, integrity, and guts, I know I will have all the tools to live a successful life.


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Farewell from the 2012 Iowa Pork PrincessSterling Schnepf, Plymouth County

When I was six, I wore my first crown for the pork industry as the 1998 Little Miss Pigtails. For a six year old, that year was just special to wear a pig skin sash and getting to hand out pork chops in a glove at the fair. Fifteen years later, I was selected to serve as the 2012 Iowa Pork Princess. This year, as was when I was six, has been very surreal. To represent the pork industry is an honor like no other.

One of my first duties after the contest was serving pork sausage at Iowa State University Collegiate FFA breakfast with Jake. It was exciting to be able to talk to Iowa State professors about the competition and the year ahead. Not to mention having a breakfast of pancakes and sausage before class on a Monday morning!

The next event of the year was World Pork Expo in June. Before expo, we had the opportunity to take part in a two-day training with other pork ambassadors and interns from other states. Working together to learn more about the pork industry and how to best represent Iowa through my role was rewarding. At World Pork Expo, I had the opportunity to teach youth how to ear tag during the Youth PQA training. It was also fun to be able to spend the day with my father and visit all of the companies represented.

The highlight of the year came in June as my mom and I traveled to Washington D.C. to promote pork. It was eye opening to share pork with people who aren’t used to eating it every day like I am. I handed out samples, became a grill master and interacted with consumers. We were even able to grill and eat breakfast with the History Channel Grill Team, take pictures with the wiener mobile and of course tour the sights of D.C.

It was time to then come back to Iowa and hand out ribbons at the O’Brien and Plymouth County fairs, take in a few parades and promote pork at the Iowa Games before State Fair. During the state fair I worked in the agriculture building, the animal learning center, and the pork tent. The pork tent committee became


my family for ten days and they even let me take over the grill for a while. I don’t know if I did as good of a job as they but I can assure you that it was 145°F. Some highlights were the Channel 13 weather man highlighting my pork ring on the evening news, weighing in the big boar with my sister the State Fair Queen and working the Iowa Pork Tent with Plymouth County.

Throughout the year, I did many radio and newspaper interviews. The highlight by far was before the Iowa State game. Go Cyclones!

I would like to thank IPPA for allowing me the opportunity to promote pork this past year. As the pork princess, I was able to interact with people from producers to consumers and everywhere between. The pork industry is truly my passion. From growing up on the farm to now wearing a crown, I am proud to be a pork producer.


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Farewell from the 2012 Iowa Premier Pork Youth AmbassadorJacob Swanson, Wapello County

My year as Premier Pork Ambassador has been a great joy and opportunity. As a new youth team is about to get started, I can easily say serving as the 2012 Premier Ambassador has been a year of growth, progress and overall a lot of fun. The experience would not have been possible without the support of the Iowa Pork Producers, the National Pork Board, the Pork Checkoff, my family and producers from around the country, and to them I would like to extend my sincere thanks.

Throughout the past year, I have had the opportunity to travel around Iowa representing this industry that, I have reaffirmed, has such a tremendous impact on the livelihoods of millions of Americans. Lindsay, Sterling

and I have served countless pork burgers, loins and chops, visited with thousands of producers and consumers from across the world and even got our picture taken with the largest boar to ever walk the planet. It has been an eventful year and I am confident that we have made a difference in this industry. It has been an honor to be able to work amongst such a passionate group as this past year I have been “living the dream.”

It was a privilege to be able to promote pork at the World Pork Expo, the Iowa State Fair, the Safeway BBQ Battle in Washington, D.C., the Iowa Games and at Iowa State Football games, among a variety of other venues. It was both a positive learning experience for me, and for a lot of the consumers that I had the opportunity to visit with. I am fortunate to be from this


agricultural state, the largest pork-producing state in the country, and I believe Iowans should take a lot of pride in both our people and our products. Pork is a versatile entity and we all have an important story to tell.

I will say, nothing makes you lose a little faith in humanity like hearing someone confuse a pig and a goat, or being asked where pork comes from—which both happened to me. However, I have found that it is a rewarding experience to help explain that pork is a nutritious form of protein, explain that pigs have a colossal economic impact on the livelihood of Iowa and our country and correct misconceptions and re-connect consumers with agriculture. I believe that is what it means to be an Ambassador of pork and it is an experience that I am so grateful to have had.

Like every Ambassador before me, I wish the new youth team, and all who support them, a successful 2013. I am confident that the coming months will be filled with diligent hard work and excellent representation of this industry.


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NotesNotes

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Documents

APORK 2013 BANQUET S - iowapork.org · Environmental Steward Award ... Thank you for attending the 2013 Iowa Pork Congress Awards Banquet