Iowa Pork Congress Annual Lunch and Awards Tuesday Jan. 20, in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Putney/MP Media)
DES MOINES, IA – The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) honored the commitment and passion of local leaders within the state’s pork industry during the annual Iowa Pork Congress in late January. The event highlighted the achievements of county organizations for their leadership and efforts in advancing pork production and promotion across Iowa.
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:
- Clay County promoted pork by featuring 10 local restaurants and their pork menu items on Facebook, while also providing educational materials like table tents and recipe cards. The campaign aimed to raise awareness of pork as a protein option and support local businesses, drawing over 2,300 viewers online in October. The group plans to expand the program next year with incentives to encourage customers to order pork at participating restaurants.
- Chickasaw County turns downtown into a gathering place each fall to host “Grilling for a Cause”, inviting the community to share a pork tenderloin meal served by local producers and volunteers. The event raises funds to support local facilities and nonprofits, with this year’s funds directed to the Chickasaw Event Center’s general building improvement fund. They also support their fair’s 4-H BBQ fundraiser by coming together to grill and serve pork loin sandwiches. The event brings together 4-H families and community members, with all proceeds supporting the Chickasaw County 4-H program while highlighting pork producers’ commitment to community involvement.
- Jones County partnered with HACAP and the Great Jones County Fair livestock auction to create a market option for fair pig buyers while donating fresh, locally processed pork to families in need across eastern Iowa. What began as a way to better support youth swine exhibitors has grown to provide 28 pigs and nearly 5,000 pounds of fresh pork in 2025, showing how 4-H and FFA projects can serve both youth and the broader community
- Tama County teamed up with ISU Extension Outreach and Dr. Amy Powell, along with the Iowa Pork Queen, to lead a sustainability program for 4-H swine exhibitors. The session explored how pig farmers fit into the carbon cycle and impact their community, and during the fair, exhibitors calculated their own emissions before participating in a Q&A. Each year, the group offers a new educational program for fair swine exhibitors, hoping to inspire the next generation who will shape the future of their community.
- Plymouth County showed appreciation for the 185th Guard troops in Sioux City before their deployment by grilling and serving pork chops on the base. The meal was a thank-you to local service members, many of whom work on farms in the community or are farmers themselves, and reflected the group’s commitment to supporting those who serve. County members who participated also had the opportunity to tour the base, making the event a meaningful experience for everyone involved. They also recently invited their adopt-a-pig participants to tour the brand-new veterinary clinic in Le Mars, giving students a behind-the-scenes look at the world of animal care. After exploring the facility, the group gathered as Dr. Westhoff walked them through a pig anatomy demonstration and explained how he diagnoses animals. The experience not only highlighted the clinic’s expansion but also sparked curiosity about veterinary careers and the many paths available in the animal industry.
- Lyon County offered $2 off coupons for pork meals of $5 or more at local restaurants, encouraging consumers to choose pork dishes in their community. Now in its second year, the program continues to support local businesses while promoting pork consumption.
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 County
· Delaware County
· Lyon County
· Buchanan County
· Washington County
The top five counties accumulating over 2,000 points were awarded $1,000 each, while other counties with over 2,000 points received $500.
Other Award Winners
The Iowa Pork Producers Association also recognized Washington County as the county with the largest membership. In addition, 50 counties were recognized for their contributions to the Pork in the Pantry Program, which provides funding to the county organizations for pork donations to local food pantries. There were also 39 counties recognized for hosting Bacon Buddies shows in their county.
