Farms.com Home   News

Strohbehn Named Iowa Pork Producers Association Producer Education Director

The Iowa Pork Producers Association has named Jesi Strohbehn as its new Producer Education Director. Strohbehn began her role in April and will lead efforts focused on engaging with pork producers, supporting industry initiatives and strengthening connections across Iowa’s swine community.

In this role, Strohbehn will be responsible for developing informational materials for Iowa pig farmers, administering pork quality improvement programs and working with key stakeholder groups such as Iowa Farm Animal Care and the Iowa Pork Industry Center. She will also work directly with producers to provide resources and support, while contributing to programs centered on swine health, research and innovation within the pork industry.

Strohbehn most recently served as an Agriculture Compliance Investigator for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s organic program. In that role, she conducted organic inspections for processing facilities, livestock operations and crop producers. Prior to that, she worked for Zoetis as an Area Application Specialist with the Improvest team, providing on-farm implementation expertise across the Midwest and gaining hands-on experience in swine health and production practices.

“With her industry experience and rural Iowa roots, Jesi has a strong understanding of the producers we represent,” said Pat McGonegle, CEO of the Iowa Pork Producers Association. “She will be a great asset to our producer education efforts.”

Originally from Winthrop, Iowa, her agricultural background and previous work in the swine industry have shaped her passion for supporting pork producers and advancing the industry.

“I’m excited to meet Iowa’s pork producers and to be back working in the swine industry full time,” Strohbehn said. “This role offers a great opportunity to learn and experience a wide range of areas, from swine health to innovative research. I’m especially excited to work alongside people who are passionate about continuing to improve pork production.”

Click here to see more...

Trending Video

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

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.