Iowa Pork Producers Association Recognizes Outstanding Local Leaders

February 5, 2025

 The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) celebrated the dedication and enthusiasm of local leaders in the state's pork industry at the annual Iowa Pork Congress held in late January. The event recognized both individuals and county organizations for their contributions to promoting pork production and providing leadership in the industry.

Belle Ringer Award Winners

Seven women from across Iowa were nominated for the state Belle Ringer award. The Belle Ringer Award recognizes and honors women in the pork industry who have gone above and beyond in helping promote and educate about pork. The county winners for this award are as follows:

  • Grundy County: Laura Hommel has served on the board for eight years, coordinating projects, promotional activities, and educational efforts.
  • Plymouth County: Sterling Meyer has served on the board for ten years, planning projects and promotional activities, and educating about the industry.
  • Buena Vista County: Crystal Nieland has served on the board for four years, including as President. She has assisted with numerous promotional activities, including the Buena Vista Bacon Buddies event and several educational programs.
  • Lyon County: Erin Berentschot has served on the board for seven years, holding various offices. She played a vital role in grilling events and county fair duties.
  • Washington County: Jennie Greene has served on the board for four years, including as Secretary and Vice President. She is involved in several programs, such as Pork in the Pantry.
  • Delaware County: Lindsay Manternach has served on the board for six years, holding several officer positions, including Secretary and Vice President. She has coordinated county shows and educational programs.
  • Buchanan County: Tracy Zitelman has served on the board for three years, including as Secretary. She has helped with grilling events and planning county activities to promote pork.

Sterling Meyer and Laura Hommel were named the state Belle Ringer award winners. Meyer and Hommel exemplify leadership, dedication and commitment to the promotion of the Iowa pork industry. The IPPA promotion committee selects the nominees and winners of the state Belle Ringer awards. The county organizations nominating the state winners each received $250, while those nominating other nominees earned $100.

Hog Wild Award Winners

Five men from across Iowa were nominated for the top Hog Wild award. The Hog Wild Award recognizes and honors men who have gone above and beyond in helping promote and educate about the pork industry. The county winners for this award are as follows:

  • Delaware County: Jordan LeClere has served on the board for eight years, instrumental in fair activities and promotional events.
  • Buena Vista: Aaron Nieland has served on the board for four years, including as President. He has coordinated many projects and volunteered for several committees.
  • Lyon County: Chad Berentschot has served on the board for seven years, including as Vice President, Treasurer, and Fair Board member. He has helped coordinate many projects and promotional events.
  • Washington County: Matt Romoser has served on the board for four years, including as President and Vice President. He has played a significant role in Washington County's success through promotional events and trainings.
  • Plymouth County: Simon Kern has served on the board for seven years, including as Treasurer and participating in various committees. He has helped plan educational programs and promotional events.

Jordan LeClere was named the state Hog Wild award winner. LeClere embodies dedication, leadership, and a deep commitment to supporting and promoting the pork industry in Iowa. The IPPA promotion committee selects the nominees and winners of the state Hog Wild award. The county organizations nominating the state winners each received $250, while those nominating other nominees earned $100.

County Outreach Award Winners

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

  • Plymouth County:
    • The Plymouth County Pork Producers organized the Plymouth County Tenderloin Trail. The trail highlighted nine area restaurants and their pork menu items, with patrons collecting stamps in a passport by ordering pork dishes. Completed passports were entered into a prize draw, encouraging consumers to explore new local eateries and menu options while re-energizing their dining experience.
    • The Plymouth County Pork Producers partnered with Jordan’s Meat Market to supply pork sticks for a backpack program benefiting school students. Every Friday, these backpacks, containing easy-to-eat, shelf-stable food, were sent home with students who might not have easy access to meals over the weekend. This collaboration resulted in the distribution of 4,050 pork sticks across several area schools, showcasing a strong community effort from production to distribution within the county.
  • Story County: The Story County Pork Producers partnered with their local FFA Chapter to promote pork by providing 300 grilled Iowa chops at their annual chapter banquet and grilling pork loins for over 160 7th graders and teachers during Ag Day. Additionally, they educated both 7th and 8th graders on the importance of pork production in Iowa. The groups also offered a free pork loin dinner to the Nevada community in January. They also distributed information on preparing pork in various forms, highlighting the quality of pork products and the importance of production.

Each of the winning programs was awarded $250 to the county organization, and five other nominated programs were awarded $100 to the county organization.

County Involvement Award Winners

The IPPA Membership and Leadership Committee annually recognizes and rewards counties who are keeping an active presence in their communities through the County Involvement Awards program. Counties can earn points by actively promoting the pork industry and pork products and creating their own unique promotional events that help their communities.

The top five counties receiving awards were:

  • Plymouth
  • Washington
  • Lyon
  • Delaware
  • Buchanan

The top five counties accumulating over 2,000 points were awarded $1,000 each, while other counties with over 2,000 points received $500.