Winter 2021
INSIDER
IOWA
LIVESTOCK
STAFF Brian Waddingham Executive Director Kent Mowrer Senior Field Coordinator Gabby Glenister Assistant Field Specialist
PARTNERS Iowa Beef Industry Council Iowa Cattlemen’s Association
HELLO
Iowa Corn Grower’s Association Iowa Farm Bureau Federation Iowa Pork Producers Association Iowa Poultry Association Iowa Soybean Association Iowa Turkey Federation Midwest Dairy
IOWA LIVESTOCK INSIDER Winter 2021
5400 UNIVERSITY AVE. WEST DES MOINES, IOWA 50266 800.932.2436 SUPPORTFARMERS.COM 1
CSIF TEAM BRIAN WADDINGHAM Executive Director
BWADDINGHAM@SUPPORTFARMERS.COM 515.225.5531
BW
Waddingham directs the Coalition’s work in helping farmers follow all rules and regulations, choose good locations for new farms, strengthen neighbor relations and safeguard air and water quality.
KENT MOWRER
Senior Field Coordinator KMOWRER@SUPPORTFARMERS.COM 515.225.5422 Mowrer assists livestock and poultry farmers in following all rules and regulations, choosing good locations for new livestock barns and feedlots, enhancing relations with neighbors and implementing best management practices that improve air, soil and water quality.
GABRIELLE GLENISTER
Assistant Field Specialist GGLENISTER@SUPPORTFARMERS.COM 515.225.5526 Glenister communicates the Coalition’s mission and services by sharing the success stories of Iowa’s farm families who have grown their livestock farms successfully and responsibly using on-farm best management practices.
2
Prior to his work with the Coalition, Waddingham served 9 years with the Iowa Beef Industry Council as the Director of Industry Relations. He worked in the areas of producer communication, checkoff collection and compliance, coordination of research projects and the development and execution of the Beef Quality Assurance program. He also served as the Agriculture and FFA instructor at Baxter High School located in central Iowa. He is a native of Klemme, Iowa, with a degree in agriculture education from Iowa State University.
Prior to his work with the Coalition, Mowrer served as an ag account representative for Alliant Energy where he was responsible for managing relationships with ag customers for the successful delivery of Alliant Energy programs and advising and assisting farmer customers constructing new facilities. He also acted as the primary contact between the company and customers regarding questions and inquiries. Mowrer also has experience as a site development manager for an Iowa hog company, a research assistant for Monsanto and research associate for Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
KM
Mowrer grew up on a diversified crop and livestock farm near Perry and has a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Iowa State University.
GG
A native of New York state, Glenister grew up on her family’s diversified livestock farm in Pulaski. She graduated from the State University of New York at Cobleskill with an associate of science degree in animal science: dairy production and management. Following her time in New York, Glenister attended Iowa State University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications. Prior to her work with the Coalition, Glenister worked with Sullivan Supply Inc., as the assistant dean of Stock Show University and most recently the content coordinator for The Pulse.
Winter 2021 IOWA LIVESTOCK INSIDER
IOWA
INSIDER
LIVESTOCK Winter 2021
CONTENTS 5
LIVESTOCK 101
7
NEW PROGRAM
9
IOWA FARM BUREAU
Reminder: winter application of liquid manure
Apply by February 15th for the Derecho Windbreak Grant
Farmers are doing their part to slow climate change
11
IOWA SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION
13
IOWA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION
14
MIDWEST DAIRY
15
IOWA CORN GROWERS ASSOCIATION
17
IOWA BEEF INDUSTRY COUNCIL
19
IOWA TURKEY FEDERATION
20
IOWA POULTRY ASSOCIATION
21
IOWA PORK PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION
Discover benefits of perennial groundcover at Feb.15 event
Sarabeth Decious named 2020 Iowa foundation heifer program winner
Former Midwest Dairy CEO recognized with prestigious Lyng Award
Iowa Corn launches Stronger Together campaign
Iowa Beef recognizes BQA award recipients
Apply for the Iowa Turkey Federation internship by February 28th
Apply for the Iowa Poultry + Iowa Egg scholarships by February 20th
Pork producers name 2021 Youth Leadership Team
PHOTO + COVER PHOTO: GABBY GLENISTER, COALITION TO SUPPORT IOWA’S FARMERS
LIVESTOCK 101
REMINDER: WINTER APPLICATION OF LIQUID MANURE
N S
F
or some livestock farmers, manure application has come to an end as state law prohibits the application of liquid manure from confinement barns with over 500 animal units on both snow-covered and frozen ground, except in the case of an emergency.
Producers must call the local DNR field office to report emergency applications before they apply. Five hundred animal units equates to 1,250 finishing hogs; 5,000 nursery pigs; 357 mature dairy cows; and 500 steers, immature dairy cows, or other cattle. While the law affects confinements with liquid manure, open feedlots and poultry producers can continue to apply manure, but are reminded to keep manure in place by using common sense and choosing application areas far from a stream, on flat land with little snow cover. Confinement facilities cannot legally apply liquid manure on snow-covered ground (defined as soil having one inch or more of snow cover or one-half inch or more of ice cover) from Dec. 21 to April 1. If manure can be injected or incorporated, it can be land applied during this time.
Additionally, liquid manure can’t legally be applied on frozen ground from Feb. 1 to April 1. Frozen ground is defined as “soil that is impenetrable due to frozen soil moisture but does not include soil that is frozen to a depth of two inches or less.” For more information on manure application and separation distances, contact the Coalition at 800.932.2436.
IOWA LIVESTOCK INSIDER Winter 2021
5
W O Photo: Gabby Glenister, Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers
6
Winter 2021 IOWA LIVESTOCK INSIDER
APPLY BY FEBRUARY 15TH FOR THE DERECHO WINDBREAK GRANT
NEW PROGRAM
IOWA LIVESTOCK INSIDER Winter 2021
Introducing the CSIF Derecho Windbreak Grant Program As a friend of agriculture, you understand the enormous impact of the August 10th derecho that wreaked havoc across Iowa + decimated generations of farm families. Steel buildings collapsed, crops were flattened, livestock buildings were split in two + precious windbreaks were shredded. Farmers are no strangers to adversity; however, rebuilding in a pandemic year – on top of years of challenging markets – is proving to be a seismic lift.
At the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF), we take a positive, solutions-based approach helping livestock farmers successfully + responsibly grow or start their farm.
7
Photo: Gabby Glenister, Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers
The Green Farmstead Partner program was created in 2009 to provide livestock farmers with help to establish tree + shrub plantings specifically designed for livestock farms. Through a unique partnership with the Iowa Nursery + Landscape Association ++ Trees Forever, the program offers the expertise of 28 nursery professionals around the state. Research shows planting rows of shrubs + trees on livestock farms serve as a natural filtration system for odors, helps conserve energy, provides additional shade in the summer + protection from snow + improves neighbor relations. Donation funds will assist Iowa livestock farmers in repairing + refurbishing windbreaks that were damaged or destroyed during the derecho. Apply on our website!
In December 2020, we launched the Derecho Windbreak Grant Program to help livestock + poultry farmers repair or replace windbreaks around their livestock buildings damaged by the derecho. CSIF became involved after seeing firsthand the devastation the derecho caused on farms. The Derecho Windbreak Grant Program is a natural fit for us through our Green Farmstead Partner (GFP) program.
Photo: Gabby Glenister, Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers
8
Winter 2021 IOWA LIVESTOCK INSIDER
CHA
IT’S NO SURPRISE that a recent estimate found U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions plummeted during 2020, falling more than 10 percent to their lowest levels in more than three decades. However, the reasons behind the sharp decline may come as a surprise to some. Critics often point a finger at agriculture, and especially livestock raising, as a major contributor to GHG emissions. But the numbers, including those in this new report, just don’t bear that out. Farmers for decades have reduced their environmental footprint while increasing their output of food, fuel and fiber. While it spans the continent, U.S. agriculture accounts for only 10% of the country’s GHG emissions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). By contrast, transportation accounts for 28 percent and electrical generation accounts for nearly 27 percent. IOWA LIVESTOCK INSIDER Winter 2021
CLIMATE
Photo: Gabby Glenister, Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers
Contact: Dirck Steimel, news service manager + editor of the F
9
FARMERS ARE DOING THEIR PART TO SLOW
The impact of transportation and electrical production on emissions showed through in the 2020 report. As Americans drove fewer miles in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, GHG emissions from transportation fell by 14.7%. Likewise, as reduced electrical demand slowed power plants, GHG emissions from that sector declined by 10.3%. By contrast, agriculture certainly didn’t slow down in 2020. Farmers, food processors and retailers have continued to operate at full tilt through the pandemic to produce the meats, dairy products, vegetables and other foods for Americans and people around world. That food was essential to keep people healthy and help them strengthen their immunity during the global pandemic. Farmers are not done reducing their GHG emissions. In fact, according to a recent report, agriculture is on a trajectory to reduce its emissions by 50 percent in the coming years. And as they continually adopt new technology to increase efficiency, I’ll bet farmers beat that number. Agriculture’s success is a very encouraging story as the world works to reduce GHG emissions. But it may be one that comes as a surprise to folks with no dirt under their fingernails.
ANGE
Farm Bureau Spokesman, dsteimel@ifbf.org
10
Winter 2021 IOWA LIVESTOCK INSIDER
DISCOVER BENEFITS OF PERENNIAL GROUNDCOVER AT FEB. 15 EVENT Two Iowa soybean farmers will join a group of Iowa State University (ISU)scientists, professors, and industry professionals to discuss the benefits of perennial groundcover systems during a virtual learning session on Feb. 15 from 1-4 p.m. Chris Gaesser and his father, Ray, farm near Corning and incorporated two small-scale trials of perennial grass in 2020. The Gaessers already added cover crops to the operation and are eager to learn more about the perennial practice.
“We’re interested in the benefits of perennial groundcover, including the opportunity to establish a practice that won’t require annual seeding,” said Chris Gaesser. “If we can also reap the perks of added weed suppression, use of fewer chemicals, and fewer passes in the field, that is also attractive.” IOWA LIVESTOCK INSIDER Winter 2021
Perennial groundcovers can offer a cost-effective, practical way to provide important ecosystem services in production agriculture systems, which is only achievable by increasing plant cover diversity and duration. Such services include preventing soil erosion, building soil carbon and soil health, increasing water infiltration, reducing runoff, weed control, and retaining nitrogen. The Gaessers worked with Corteva and ISU in three areas, working with bluegrass and fescue with soybeans. They plan to increase the trial to cover more acres and study the results with corn. The father-son farming team will discuss their experience during the online workshop, which offers a systems approach to conservation and row crop farming.
11
RAY AND CHRIS GAESSER HAVE INCORPORATED PERENNIAL GRASS TRIALS ON THEIR FARM NEAR CORNING. THEY WILL PARTICIPATE IN A VIRTUAL LEARNING SESSION ON FEB. 15. (PHOTO: JOSEPH L. MURPHY/IOWA SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION)
The workshop will focus on perennial groundcover (PGC) systems, which consist of an annual row crop grown in association with an ecologicallyappropriate perennial groundcover. These PGC systems conserve natural resources for crop production while enhancing the soil-plant environment, leading to both improved soil health and crop productivity. The PGC system also recognizes existing market forces, infrastructure investments, and federal farm programs, and thus is widely supported by farmerled groups, rural economic development organizations, and commercial input suppliers.
12
The three-hour workshop includes presentations from famers who are trialing PGC systems as early adopters, as well as agricultural researchers on system development and the federal policy framework, followed by Q&A. There is no-cost for this workshop. CONTACT: HEATHER LILIENTHAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER HLILIENTHAL@IASOYBEANS.COM 515.334.1016
Winter 2021 IOWA LIVESTOCK INSIDER
SARABETH DECIOUS NAMED 2020 IOWA FOUNDATION HEIFER PROGRAM WINNER The Iowa Cattlemen’s Foundation has again partnered with Iowa Beef Breeds Council to provide an amazing opportunity for one deserving seventh grader in Iowa, to promote seedstock herd development and help youth become more involved in the cattle industry.
Photo: Gabby Glenister, Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers
The 2020 Iowa Foundation Heifer Program winner is Sarabeth Decious. Sarabeth is the daughter of Peter and Kelly Decious of Tracy, Iowa. Sarabeth is a member of the Iowa Junior Beef Breeds Association, the American Junior Hereford Association and the American Chianina Association. She has participated in local, regional and national events within these breed organizations. She attends Pella Middle School where she is active in basketball and choir.
CONTACT: JACKIE DITSWORTH, GRAPHIC DESIGNER IOWA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION, 515.296.2266
Sarabeth is excited for her opportunity to participate in this program because she wants About the Iowa to learn more and become more involved Cattlemen’s in the cattle industry. Association: The She is anxious to become a producer Iowa Cattlemen’s and this program is Association giving her the chance to achieve one of her represents goals of starting her nearly 9,000 beefown herd.
producing families and associated companies dedicated to the Her plans are to grow this into a show cattle company, save enough money to pay for college as well as learn financial future of Iowa’s responsibility, learn how to market cattle and plan for the beef industry. unexpected. ICA’s mission Sarabeth receives three Registered Bred Heifers of the breed of is “Grow Iowa’s her choice and accepts all responsibility for the animals during the next five years, including maintaining records for income/ beef business expenses, submitting yearly reports and summaries of her through advocacy, activities with the heifers. At the end of five years, she will donate $6,000 to the program which will be used to purchase heifers for leadership and future recipients. This year, Sarabeth chose bred heifers from education.” www. VanAernam’s Simmentals, owned by Gale and Andy VanAernam from Exira, Iowa. Gale and Andy operate their Simmental herd iacattlemen.org. with support from their wives and children, and have been supporters of this program for many years. Sarabeth will be recognized the evening of February 15, 2021 during the Iowa Beef Expo. For more information on this program, please contact the Iowa Beef Breeds Council at iowabeefexpo@gmail.com or the Iowa Cattlemen’s Foundation at 515-296-2266 or visit iowacattlemenfoundation.org.
IOWA LIVESTOCK INSIDER Winter 2021
13
ROSEMONT, Ill. – The National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB) has honored Mike Kruger as the 2020 recipient of the Richard E. Lyng Award for his contributions and distinguished service to dairy promotion. Kruger, former CEO of Midwest Dairy – which represents 5,800 farmers in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma – was honored at a recent meeting of the NDB. The award is named for former U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Richard E. Lyng, who played a critical role in implementing policies that led to the establishment of NDB more than 35 years ago. The Lyng Award honors leaders who have made a significant contribution to dairy promotion that benefits the entire community. “This award distinguishes those leaders in dairy who have shown a dedicated commitment to dairy farmers and dairy promotion,” said Brad Scott, California dairy farmer and NDB chair. “Through his 35-year commitment representing thousands of dairy farmers across the Midwest, Mike has a proven track record of leading local dairy promotion efforts and providing a strong voice to help guide national checkoff strategies and programs.” Kruger played a critical role in changing the dairy industry landscape across the Midwest, exemplifying transformative leadership by unifying dairy promotion organizations at the regional level and streamlining communications between Midwest Dairy and other state, regional and national dairy promotion organizations.
CONTACT MIDWEST DAIRY INFO@MIDWESTDAIRY.COM 800.642.3895
In 1993, Kruger brought together dairy checkoff organizations in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota to form the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council of the Upper Midwest. In 2000, he led the consolidation of that organization with the then Midland Dairy Association, which included Iowa, Missouri and eastern Kansas. Later, additional regions were added from Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma, along with Illinois and Nebraska. Through the formation of what has become Midwest Dairy, Kruger championed innovation and increased resource efficiencies under a unified approach to follow and promote milk in its various markets. Kruger also helped form the Minnesota Dairy Leaders Roundtable, which led to the “Milk and Main Street” campaign that highlighted dairy’s economic contribution in Minnesota and a precursor to the “Path Forward” campaign, which sought to enhance the region’s dairy economic development plans and showcased the value of a strong, vibrant dairy industry. He also partnered with numerous academic and philanthropic organizations to benefit dairy farmers. This includes relationships that resulted in the first dairy economist position at the University of Minnesota and outreach with Share Our Strength and Hunger Free Minnesota, among other efforts.
FORMER MIDWEST DAIRY CEO RECOGNIZED WITH PRESTIGIOUS LYNG AWARD 14
“Mike represents the best of our leadership,” Scott said. “His contributions on behalf of Midwest, and the nation’s, dairy farmers benefits farmers today and in the future.”
Photo: Midwest Dairy
As part of the Richard E. Lyng Award, the NDB will contribute $2,500 in Kruger’s name to the Midwest Dairy Association scholarship fund for fulltime undergraduate students in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences at the University of Minnesota. This scholarship is for full-time undergraduate students, with a preference for Minnesota students pursuing studies in dairy product economics and marketing, dairy food nutrition science and dairy processing.
Winter 2021 IOWA LIVESTOCK INSIDER
IOWA CORN LAUNCHES STRONGER TOGEHTER CAMPAIGN CONTACT: Brandi Snyder, Public Relations Manager, bsnyder@iowacorn.org, 515.225.9242
I
owa Corn has kicked off a new “Support Local Corn Farmers” campaign. We know Iowans truly are stronger together and work tirelessly to close the gap between Iowa corn farmers and consumers. We are sharing with Iowans three action items they can do to support local farmers in everyday life.
Corn-fed livestock, conservation, and ethanol are at the core of this campaign. Over the next year, we will encourage Iowans to: Buy corn-fed meat, dairy and eggs from the grocery store Corn production and the livestock industry go hand in hand. We support livestock producers as they are a top consumer of corn. Iowa livestock consumes 320 million bushels of corn, whether that be direct consumption or eating corn through distillers’ grains (DDGs). This campaign focuses on reminding Iowans to fill their grocery cart with corn-fed beef, pork, poultry, dairy and eggs as there is a good chance that the foods you purchase are locally grown and produced right here in Iowa. We are not only the top corn producers but also the top egg and pork producing state and a leader in beef, dairy, and poultry.
320 MILLION BUSHELS IOWA LIVESTOCK INSIDER Winter 2021
Photo: Iowa Corn Growers Ass
15
Fill water bottles with safe drinking water from the tap “Farmers care about the water we share,” is a message we have pushed for many years now. This campaign is an extension of this statement by encouraging all Iowans to trust the water that comes from the tap by having confidence in their local farmers who take careful measures to keep drinking water safe. Not only do farmers preserve the water but also the land, another focus we will push through this campaign.
Fuel vehicles with E15/E88 Iowa corn farmers deliver. 57 percent of Iowa corn goes to ethanol plants, so it is no surprise Iowa is the nation’s leader in ethanol. Farmers encourage Iowans to fuel up with higher blends of ethanol that are clean-burning, homegrown, affordable, and safe for your vehicle. These are all points we will push through this campaign to encourage Iowans to utilize higher blends of the cleaner-burning ethanol fuel. We encourage you to follow Iowa Corn on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to help spread the word about supporting local farmers by liking and sharing these posts. To view the Stronger Together video, click here.
sociation
16
Winter 2021 IOWA LIVESTOCK INSIDER
IOWA BEEF RECOGNIZES
BQA AWARD RECIPIENTS
B
eef Quality Assurance (BQA) continues to be an important pillar of checkoff programming and each year we strive to recognize outstanding individuals that exemplify the tenets of the program. The awards were announced on December 18th during the Annual Meeting. We are pleased to share the winners of the 2020 Beef Quality Assurance Awards.
CONTACT: CASEY ANDERSON
DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY RELATIONS
IOWA BEEF INDUSTRY COUNCIL CASEY@IABEEF.ORG 515.296.2305
Photo: Gabby Glenister, Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers
About the Iowa Beef Industry Council: The Iowa Beef Industry Council is funded by the $1-per-head National Beef Checkoff Program and the $0.50-per-head Iowa State Beef Checkoff. Checkoff dollars are invested in beef promotion, consumer information, research, industry information and foreign market development, all with the purpose of strengthening beef demand. For more information, visit WWW.IABEEF.ORG.
About Beef Quality Assurance: Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) is a nationally coordinated, state implemented program funded by the Beef Checkoff that provides U.S. beef producers guidelines and certification drawn from common sense husbandry techniques and accepted scientific knowledge on how to raise cattle under optimum management and environmental conditions. BQA reflects a positive public image and instills consumer confidence in the beef industry. When producers implement the best management practices of a BQA program, they assure their cattle are the best they can be. For more information on BQA, visit HTTP://WWW.BQA.ORG/. IOWA LIVESTOCK INSIDER Winter 2021
17
2020 BQA FEEDLOT AWARD
Photo: Iowa Beef Industry Council
The Iowa Feedyard awards recognizes outstanding farmer feeders with a commitment to BQA principles. Mogler Farms of Alvord, IA is a family operation spanning three generations with seven family members currently working on the farm. This is a diversified farm operation encompassing a hog farrow-tofinish operation, row crops, beef feedlot, and a commercial grain elevator. The beef feedlot consists of 3000 head and is the pride and joy of Howard. Mogler Farms have been early adopters of electronic ID, feedyard performance monitoring programs and have participated in university studies to examine best management practices. Ross Mogler shared, “Since implementing the BQA standards, we have seen improvement of cattle care, comfort, health, and performance. The team prides themselves on handling the cattle in the proper manner and seeing the benefits of leading animal husbandry standards.” Their commitment to a high standard of care is all encompassing, congratulations to Mogler Farms on being selected the 2020 Feedyard Award recipient.
2020 BQA COW/CALF AWARD Setting cattle up for success starts early in life at the first stage of production. David Bruene, Iowa State University Beef Teaching Farm Manager, works diligently to help students and farm employees understand the importance of BQA principles and how to implement those strategies every day to ensure calves are set for long-term success. When working in a teaching environment, safe cattle handling is paramount for students and the cattle. Student hires at the farm come with varying degrees of experience and the BQA program provides a consistent standard that helps build continuity within the team, no matter the task. Congratulations David Bruene on being selected the 2020 Cow-Calf Award recipient. Photo: Iowa Beef Industry Council
Photo: Iowa Beef Industry Council
2020 MARKETER BQA AWARD Iowa is the home to a robust live auction system facilitated by the work of auction markets across the state. Dunlap Livestock Auction is a long-time builder of the next generation of livestock producers – having supported many local county fair 4-H and FFA beef shows, worked with ISU extension to study impacts of feeder cattle pricing, etc. and even hosted the World Livestock Auctioneer Contest in the early 200’s. Family matriarch’s Jim and Ruth purchased the market in 1950 with the transition to Jay, Jim and Jon taking over the family business in the 90’s. Today, the third generation of Schaben’s are involved in the family business. Dunlap Livestock Auction has been a household name in the livestock business as their influence stretches far beyond the gavel. They have been integral in helping local cattlemen attain BQA certification by working alongside BQA educators to host several certification events for producers seeking assistance. Congratulations to Dunlap Livestock Auction for being selected as the 2020 Iowa Marketer Award recipient. For more information contact IBIC’s Director of Industry Relations, Casey Anderson, at casey@iabeef.org.
18
Winter 2021 IOWA LIVESTOCK INSIDER
APPLY FOR THE IOWA TURKEY FEDERATION INTERNSHIP BY FEBRUARY 28TH
Overview The Iowa Turkey Federation is a non-profit organization that works with farmers, Allied Members, and other commodity groups to support Iowa’s turkey industry. We are a small team that is housed in Ames, Iowa. Job Description Help implement the current communications efforts and assist in developing new ways to promote Iowa’s turkey industry which include the following: Weekly submissions to social media Assist with events and the event planning process State Fair promotions/ Turkey Grill Quarterly magazine, Turkey Talk Develop promotional materials Website maintenance Communicate with farmers Represent the ITF at meetings and events Skills Social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) skills Microsoft office skills Basic office skills Strong written and oral communications skills
Photo: Adobe Stock - Tertman
IOWA LIVESTOCK INSIDER Winter 2021
About Available during the spring semester 10-12 hours a week Available during the summer for 40 hours a week $10/hour Deadline for applications is February 28th. To apply, e-mail your resume, cover letter, and class schedule to Morgan (morgan@iowaturkey.org). Interviews and start date will be mid-March.
19
2021
APPLY FOR THE IOWA POULTRY + IOWA EGG SCHOLARSHIPS BY FEBRUARY 20TH
Iowa Poultry + Egg Foundation scholarships are available to both graduating high school seniors + returning students. Two undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Poultry/Animal Science OR has a major prepping them for a career related to the poultry industry, will each receive $1,500. Scholarship recipients will be recognized at the Iowa Poultry Association Fall Festival + Annual Awards Banquet. Both applications can be found on the Iowa Poultry Association WEBSITE. GRADUATING HIGH APPLICATION
SCHOOL
SENIOR
RETURNING STUDENT APPLICATION
Photo: Adobe Stock - davit85
20
Winter 2021 IOWA LIVESTOCK INSIDER
Pictured L-R: Reagan Gibson, Panora, 2021 Iowa Pork Ambassador; Leah Marek, Riverside, 2021 Iowa Pork Queen; Paige Dagel, Sanborn, 2021 Iowa Pork Ambassador. Photo: Iowa Pork Producers Association.
PORK PRODUCERS NAME
2021 YOUTH
LEADERSHIP TEAM CONTACT: IOWA PORK PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION INFO@IOWAPORK.ORG, 800.372.7675
IOWA LIVESTOCK INSIDER Winter 2021
21
L
eah Marek, Riverside; Paige Dagel, Sanborn; and Reagan Gibson, Panora, are the 2021 Iowa Pork Youth Leadership Team. They were selected from the 11 young Iowans who competed for the honor earlier this week.
The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) sponsors the contest, which includes interviews, speech presentations, and knowledge of pork and pig production. Their previous community involvement and experience are also considered. The top female contestant is crowned pork queen, and the top remaining contestants, male or female, are named youth ambassadors. Marek, a freshman at Iowa State University, will reign as the 2021 Iowa Pork Queen. Dagel and Gibson are Pork Ambassadors. Each receives a $4,000 scholarship and plaque noting their award. But according to their predecessors, the most valuable things they will gain are the many growth and leadership opportunities provided by these positions. Over the next year, the IPPA Youth Leadership Team will participate in public activities promoting pork and pig production, from county activities around Iowa to the Iowa State Fair and World Pork Expo.
L
eah Marek is the daughter of Timothy and Heather Marek of Riverside. Her family has a long history in pork production in Washington County, with a current focus on raising show pigs. Marek says she has shown pigs since she could walk. That early interest in agriculture led to her involvement with the Global Youth Institute through the World Food Prize. The combination of those interests is seen in Marek’s biology and global resource systems majors at ISU. Paige Dagel, the daughter of Paul and Stacey Dagel of Sanborn, is a freshman at Briar Cliff University in Sioux City pursuing degrees in business and public relations. Dagel says her family’s diversified farm operation, including a pig nursery and finishers, is the foundation of her passion for the pork industry. She had served as the O’Brien County Pork Queen in 2020, and took the opportunity to learn about more aspects of the pork industry than what she had experience with on her farm. Reagan Gibson is the daughter of Jim and Karwyn Gibson of Panora, where Reagan is a senior at Panorama High School. While she hasn’t made a final decision on where she will attend college, her career goal is to teach high school ag education. Her family has a purebred swine operation where Reagan spends time learning more about that business. She is also involved with the Iowa Swine Jackpot Series Junior Board of Directors and her school’s FFA chapter. She also spends time tutoring elementary students in math and reading.
22
Winter 2021 IOWA LIVESTOCK INSIDER