Master Seedstock Producer

The Master Seedstock winner is selected each year during the annual meeting of the Iowa Purebred Swine Council. That meeting is typically held in early April. Nominations of those who have made significant contributions to the purebred industry are made during the meeting. Those in attendance vote to select the winner who will be honored at the Iowa Pork Congress in January of the next year. This award has been given since 1958. 

Download the full list of past winners, or watch the profile on the 2024 awardee below.

Ken & Austin Lane - Spragueville, Jackson County

 

Born into a tight-knit farming family, Austin’s path was set in motion by his eighth-grade SAE project for FFA. With the need to diversify their offerings, they chose Berkshires, a breed that wasn’t highly regarded at the time. Ken, with his connections at Iowa State’s swine teaching farm, secured a couple of gilts that unexpectedly became the foundation of their success.

The family’s operation grew from this modest project to a thriving enterprise with about 65 Berkshire sows and 12 boars. In 2018, they joined Berkwood Farms, a co-op that markets 100% Berkshire pigs to niche markets primarily on the East and West Coasts. This opportunity has been pivotal for their operation, providing a reliable market for their hogs while Austin handles the show pig sales.

Embracing technology, they began DNA profiling their sires to enhance meat quality. They only accept sires with AAs for meat quality traits. This has improved their herd’s quality significantly. They also scan their gilts for marbling, ensuring the best possible meat quality for the Berkwood Farms organization. In turn, they are able to utilize their own replacement gilts to expand their herd.

Their involvement in Iowa Purebred Swine Council’s VIP program, which encourages buying show pigs from in-state breeders, has also been crucial to the operation. Austin feels that knowing families are committed to buying in-state significantly boosts their revenue and supports the state’s purebred producers & purebred associations.

Their commitment also extends to community involvement and leadership roles. Austin serves on the American Berkshire Association (ABA) adult board, a position he cherishes for the opportunity to give back to the association that has supported them.

Family remains at the heart of their operation. Ken’s wife, Karen, has served as the support staff behind their success. The involvement of Austin’s siblings, nieces, and nephews adds to the family-centric approach that defines their business.