Financial Challenges Hit Prominent Iowa Pork Producer, JWV Pork

Oct 02, 2023

JWV Pork, a well-established four-generation hog farm based in Washington, Iowa, is facing financial distress, defaulting on over $38.8 million of debt, as revealed in court records. The company, a major player in Iowa’s pork industry, has experienced significant success under the co-ownership of Jerome and Heidi Vittetoe since the early ’80s.

According to legal documents filed in the Iowa District Court in Linn County, JWV Pork failed to make timely payments on loans from Farm Credit Services dating between 2016 and 2022. This default has resulted in a total outstanding indebtedness of $38.8 million for JWV Pork, JWV Milling, Savanna Pork, Vittetoe Enterprises, and J & H Legacy Farms, as of August 10.

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Video: PRRS Eradication Strategies - Dr. DeBuse and Dr. Tousignant

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, Dr. Neil DeBuse from Kalmbach Feeds and Dr. Steve Tousignant from Vaxxinova US discuss PRRS management strategies, recombination risks, whole genome sequencing, and the role of autogenous immunization programs in swine systems. They highlight practical approaches to improving immunity, reducing outbreaks, and advancing PRRS control across production systems. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Being PRRS negative sooner is a real key for eradication because every additional positive week increases production losses and viral exposure risks." - Dr. Neil DeBuse

Meet the guest: Dr. Neil DeBuse is a veterinarian at Kalmbach Feeds with more than 30 years of experience in swine health and production. His work focuses on PRRS control, biosecurity, immunity, and improving production stability across commercial swine systems in the United States and internationally.

Dr. Steve Tousignant is Director of the Swine Business Unit and Technical Services Veterinarian at Vaxxinova US, with a DVM and PhD from the University of Minnesota. His experience combines epidemiology, technical services, and practical immunization strategies designed to support consistent herd performance and long-term production stability. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the Swine Inner Circle!