IPPA recognizes counties for leadership in the pork industry

The Iowa Pork Producers Association honored the commitment and passion of local leaders within the state’s pork industry during the annual Iowa Pork Congress in late January. The event highlighted the achievements of county organizations for their leadership and efforts in advancing pork production and promotion across Iowa.

The County Outreach award recognizes counties for their pork promotional and educational efforts. This year, there were three winning programs from two counties:

• Clay County promoted pork by featuring 10 local restaurants and their pork menu items on Facebook, while also providing educational materials like table tents and recipe cards. The campaign aimed to raise awareness of pork as a protein option and support local businesses, drawing over 2,300 viewers online in October. The group plans to expand the program next year with incentives to encourage customers to order pork at participating restaurants.
• Chickasaw County turns downtown into a gathering place each fall to host “Grilling for a Cause”, inviting the community to share a pork tenderloin meal served by local producers and volunteers. The event raises funds to support local facilities and nonprofits, with this year’s funds directed to the Chickasaw Event Center’s general building improvement fund. They also support their fair’s 4-H BBQ fundraiser by coming together to grill and serve pork loin sandwiches. The event brings together 4-H families and community members, with all proceeds supporting the Chickasaw County 4-H program while highlighting pork producers’ commitment to community involvement.
• Jones County partnered with HACAP and the Great Jones County Fair livestock auction to create a market option for fair pig buyers while donating fresh, locally processed pork to families in need across eastern Iowa. What began as a way to better support youth swine exhibitors has grown to provide 28 pigs and nearly 5,000 pounds of fresh pork in 2025, showing how 4-H and FFA projects can serve both youth and the broader community
• Tama County teamed up with ISU Extension Outreach and Dr. Amy Powell, along with the Iowa Pork Queen, to lead a sustainability program for 4-H swine exhibitors. The session explored how pig farmers fit into the carbon cycle and impact their community, and during the fair, exhibitors calculated their own emissions before participating in a Q&A. Each year, the group offers a new educational program for fair swine exhibitors, hoping to inspire the next generation who will shape the future of their community.