Ingris Rivas: A South Dakota Master Pork Producer

Feb 19, 2024

Ingris Rivas was recently named a 2023 Master Pork Producer at the 55th Annual South Dakota Pork Congress in January. Ingris’s journey began in August 2017, marking the start of her career in swine production at PIPESTONE. South Dakota Master Pork Producers are recognized for their outstanding contributions to the state’s swine industry.

Starting as a Swine Technician at Thunder Ridge, Ingris wasted no time showing off her skills and love for the industry. She quickly climbed the ranks, becoming the Farrowing Lead at Fox Run by January 2018. Then, in June 2022, she took charge as the Site Manager of Fox Run. Ingris and her team of 15 worked together and had the farm running like a well-oiled machine.

Under her watch, Fox Run consistently landed in the top 10% of PIPESTONE managed-farms boasting stellar sow mortality rates and was one of the top farms in pigs weaned per sow. November 2023 saw Ingris stepping into yet another new role, overseeing five farms in the west region as a Production Supervisor.

The best part is how she works with people. “Ingris finds the strengths in every individual,” comments Pedro Bordes, VP of Production for the West Region. Human Resources Director, Rochelle Remund agrees, “She is great at developing employees, advancing their skill sets so they are ready to take on leadership roles.”

Ingris isn’t just a Master Pork Producer – she’s a force to be reckoned with. Congratulations Ingris, here’s to many more victories ahead!

Click here to see more...

Video: Season 7, Episode 1: Managing Risk and Seeing Opportunities in U.S. Pork Production

Today’s episode features three guests discussing the similarities and differences between pork production in the United States and Brazil, along with strategies for managing risk in today’s industry while recognizing and acting on opportunities. First, Dr. Anne Caroline de Lara, executive manager of live pig production at Seara Alimentos, a JBS company in Brazil, is joined by Dr. Matthew Turner, head of operations for JBS Live Pork. Together, they discuss how labor, climate and ventilation challenges vary between Brazil and the United States, while underscoring their shared commitment to raising healthy pigs. They also point to lessons producers in both countries can take from one another’s systems and on-farm experiences. Then, Brady Reicks, risk manager at Reicks View Farms, shares his perspective on risk management, drawing from his background in markets and his transition into farming. He discusses how protecting margins varies by operation and offers practical approaches producers can use to make marketing and business decisions with greater confidence rather than hesitation.

Both conversations were recorded at recent industry events focused on swine livability, including the International Conference on Pig Livability and Iowa Swine Day.