Visionary Honored by NPB and NPPC with Paulson-Whitmore Award

Mar 20, 2023

Mike Telford Recognized for Charting New Courses for Iowa Pig Farmers

Mike Telford’s 20 years at Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) were filled with stories of overcoming adversities through preparation and working to bring about the best opportunities for pig farmers and pork production.

At the 2023 Pork Forum, Telford was recognized with the Paulson-Whitmore Award by National Pork Board (NPB) and the National Pork Producer’s Council (NPPC). The award recognizes the achievements and contributions of state pork association leaders to their states and the pork industry as a whole.

Preparing for the Future

Telford’s tenure with IPPA began in 1978 when he was only 24 years old. During his nearly twenty years as state executive director, Telford led the organization through challenging years in agriculture and major changes in the pork industry.

Under his leadership, Iowa led the nation in establishing a mandatory Pork Checkoff. For this and other accomplishments, Telford is quick to deflect any of the credit for the accomplishments of IPPA to his producers.

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Video: CEOs of the Industry – International Edition Michael Agerley | Partner, IQinAbox

In this CEOs of the Industry – International Edition, we sit down with Michael Agerley, Partner at IQinAbox, to explore how data is reshaping the future of pig production.

After more than 20 years as a veterinarian, Michael shares his unique perspective on the shift from hands-on animal care to data-driven decision making across the pork value chain.

We dive into:

• How better data is improving real on-farm decisions

• The biggest opportunities still untapped in pig production

• How Europe is leading (and where it’s still lagging) in tech adoption

• The role of AI and smart systems in the next 5–10 years

• Why trust, leadership, and practical application matter more than ever

This conversation bridges veterinary insight, technology, and real-world farming, offering a clear look at where the industry is headed—and what it will take to get there.