Iowa Pork Honors Top Offensive Linemen in HS Championship Games

Dec 04, 2023

The Iowa Pork Producers Association paid tribute to seven players in the state high school football championships for their valuable, but often unheralded, contributions. The Hog of the Game Award goes to the outstanding offensive lineman in each of the seven state championship games. The awards are sponsored by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) and awarded by the Iowa High School Sports Network (IHSSN).

The seven players will receive a personalized trophy upon graduation from high school. Each respective school receives a commemorative plaque to be displayed in their trophy case. Presentations were made following the conclusion of each state title game, which took place November 15 and 16 at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls.

“Iowa pig farmers know it takes a lot of hard work and a team effort to be successful at our jobs, and the same principles apply to high school football,” said Trish Cook, president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association. “Offensive linemen are often the unsung heroes on the field. They contribute greatly to the team’s success by protecting the quarterback, creating running opportunities, and providing leadership and communication on the field. We enjoy honoring these young men for their commitment and perseverance.”

This is the fifth year the Iowa Pork Producers Association has sponsored the HOG award.

The seven players who received the 2023 Hog of the Game Awards are:

8-PLAYER: Logan Nemmers of state champion Bishop Garrigan, Algona, who was presented the award by IPPA member Rachel Fishback.
CLASS A: David Smith of state champion West Hancock, who was presented the award by IHSNN’s Ric Silvestrini.
CLASS 1A: Keon VanHorn of state champion Grundy Center, who was presented the award by IPPA board member Clark Wikner.
CLASS 2A: Garrett Weigel of state champion Van Meter, who was presented the award by IPPA member Craig Metzger.

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Video: FLEECED! Sheep Shearer Hands Over Clippers!

It's sheep shearing day at Ewetopia Farms! ?? Our Dorset lambs and ewes are getting fleeced — and for the first time, our shearer hands over his clippers to a beginner. We finish shearing the last of our adult ewes and this year’s Dorset ewe lambs.

From moving the sheep between barns, loading them into chutes, and watching the wool come off, this is always one of the most satisfying days on the farm. But this video has a twist — we welcomed a new helper, Gian, who’s not only lending a hand but also learning how to shear! With guidance from our experienced shearer, he got a crash course in sheep shearing and even tried his hand at shearing a couple of lambs himself.

You’ll see firsthand how both teacher and student handled this unique challenge. Shearing is more than just removing wool — it’s about sheep health, comfort, and giving us a closer look at the flock. It’s always amazing to see the transformation from woolly sheep to freshly shorn ewes and lambs.