OCTOBER 15, 2020 SALUTE TO PORK PRODUCTION KOSSUTH COUNTY ADVANCE - B5 PORKS A L U T E T O Production Wilson: Never envisioned working with hogs or how large the industry would get By Alan Van Ormer sows I said, ‘What! Let me inter- going on in the Midwest Region Managing Editor view with these guys.’” or specifi cally by state. After Wilson accepted the in- Contracts used to be a hand- terview, he remembered seeing shake and let’s do business, Wil- HOBARTON - Todd Wilson Wendell Murphy’s picture on the son said. “It seems instead of a had no plans to work with hogs front of a national hog magazine. three- or four-page agreement it after graduation from Iowa State “When I got to North Carolina and is now 20 plus pages. The legal- University. Now, 33 years later, walked into my fi rst 1,000 sow ity and risk part of any contract Wilson continues to work with hog farm I knew Murphy Farms continues to get longer and com- the hog industry – fi rst with Mur- was serious,” he said. “This was plicated,” he said. “It clarifi es phy Farms and then when it be- a different part of the industry that things for both parties. Sometimes came Smithfi eld. I wasn’t necessarily exposed to it feels exhausting how long they “It has been exciting, always when I was going to Iowa State are. A contract makes things clear- a challenge, a lot of change and University or working with my er for both individuals and what fun,” Wilson said. “It may seem folks.” the expectations are.” like a cliché but the people I’ve What drew Wilson to Murphy The hog industry has changed worked with through those years Farms were the individuals he in- Todd Wilson The perception family farm op- have been great.” terviewed with that included Sam erations have been more widely Wilson is the Grower Devel- Ennis, Bob Honour, Julia Fanjoy growers that work with us,” he accepted than when Wilson was opment Manager for Smithfi eld and Jim Stocker. During his inter- said. “There are challenges that go growing up. “Family farms with Hog Production Midwest Region. view he met Murphy. He accepted along with that.” hogs are viable,” he said. “They His responsibility is to handle the the job. Wilson enjoys the diversity are differently structured and contract relationships with grow- Wilson spent eight years in of his current job because there handled.” ers in Iowa, South Dakota, Mis- North Carolina working on sow is something different each day. Genetic change of hogs has al- souri, specifi cally Nevada, Mo. farms. He ran a nursery, worked “You talk to many people and ways intrigued Wilson. The type and Oklahoma. in a breeding area, managed sow help them with their situations. of hog that replaced his father’s The Start farms and serviced contract sow You make sure that what they’re Chester White is still part of to- Wilson was raised on a hog farms. His next stop was Nevada, doing with pigs works for them, day’s hogs. “Those genetics still farm in northeast Iowa. His father Mo., where he worked with the as well as for us,” he said. “They today are part of the mix of what raised purebred Chester Whites sow base, became a multiplication need to be sustainable in their the industry uses and that individ- but changed to a commercial herd manager and later an operations business and in our business long- uals put on the market,” he said. after a swine disease changed manager for the Nevada operation. term. That is Smithfi eld’s goal: to “From what we did as a purebred is more positive. “It goes back to are taken care of to the best of their ability to sell purebred ani- After eight years there he ar- continue to produce an enjoyable, breeder to what I do today is a making sure people know what their abilities,” he said. mals. “I’ve raised hogs all of rived at Texhoma, Okla., just sustainable and safe product for long ways and long difference in we do, being as transparent as When Wilson saw his fi rst my life. I was pretty good with a south of Guymon, Okla., on the consumers. ” many ways. But still I’m raising we can be, and talking to people 18,000 sows in North Carolina he shovel,” he said. edge of the panhandle. “We did an While much of his time is spent pigs and working with different about what we do and how we do never envisioned the hog industry After college he interviewed acquisition there of 20,000 sows in the Hobarton headquarters, Wil- families and the communities I’m it,” he said. “If we have issues, we would evolve to the industry that with pharmaceutical sales, feed to fi nish operation,” he said. Af- son does visit contractors depend- in.” make sure we discuss it, and peo- it is today.. “I’ve never imagined sales and even sent resumes ter he worked on the transition, he ing on the contractual obligations Being part of the community ple know what we’re going to do how diverse on what we do and to Wall Street. “I got to the became general manager and was and issues that are going. Mainly is important to Wilson and other about it.” what we produce,” he said. “I en- point where I needed a job,” he responsible for Oklahoma and he handles the paperwork, docu- Smithfi eld employees. “When Wilson enjoys his work with joy working with the group here in remembers. Texas operations. ments, and communications with you’re part of the community people who deal with hogs. It in- the Midwest and Algona. I contin- He was asked to make a trip to Coming to Hobarton more than 500 contracts as well they’re going to understand bet- cludes the multiple personalities, ue to work on how we can make North Carolina. “My placement In 2007 Wilson wound up at as more than 40 production indi- ter what we do, why we do it, and the different things that are going contractual relationships better offi cer at Iowa State University Hobarton. “It has been interest- viduals who visit sites on a week- how we do it,” he said. “When I on in each person’s lives, and the by communication, clearer docu- asked me to interview with Mur- ing compared to some of my roles ly basis. The communications do get the opportunity, I try to tell work they do with hogs. “They ments, and well-defi ned expecta- phy Farms. I asked him who is prior to this; a larger geographi- with contractors involve contract our story.” like taking care of those animals tions and continue to be involved Murphy Farms,” Wilson recalls. cal area, a lot of different person- renewals, industry information, Over the years Wilson believes and making sure the environment in the communities we work in.” “He told me they had 18,000 alities and situations and many Smithfi eld information and what’s the perception of the hog industry is right to make sure the animals Pork industry and trade changes try has sent the most pounds of recipients. If a producer was aggressive on been overproducing pigs. Then By Alan Van Ormer product to Mexico. “That is why “China needs pork and we have hedging earlier on it minimized you throw the COVID impacts, it Managing Editor this agreement is so important,” pork. The back and forth relations some of the losses, Nelson said. created a shortage of capacity to he said. “The value of exports al- with China is kind of iffy,” he “If a producer was aggressive on move hogs. I think if the industry HOBARTON – Over the past lows us to export the parts of the said. “That could play a role in the hedging the producer probably liquidates and cuts back and pack- 12 months the swine industry has pig we don’t eat or utilize in the future. That could be a concern.” wasn’t as bad off as someone who ers can get through this COVID, seen several changes with trade. United States. That adds value to Another concern is United hadn’t,” he said. we’ll have packing capacity.” There is a new United States-Ja- the overall carcass.” States hogs contracting a foreign In addition, once COVID hit Despite the setbacks, Nelson pan trade agreement, a fi rst phase Other countries have exclusive animal disease, specifi cally Afri- plants shutdown and producers said when an industry or business agreement with the U.S. and Chi- ways they use the different por- can Swine Fever, that will cut our couldn’t sell their pork. “That was loses money it starts to look at na and the USMCA (United States tions of a hog that U.S. consum- exports off overnight, Nelson said. pretty hard on the industry,” Nel- how it can become more effi cient Mexico Canada) trade agreement. ers may not. “That is what makes Although there has been posi- son said. “Some producers had to and lower costs, so it doesn’t lose “These are big breakthroughs the export market so important,” tive news on the trade front, over- euthanize hogs because they had as much. “The producers that con- for the United States pork indus- Nelson said. “It allows us to move all, it has been a tough year for the no place to go with them. There tinue to be in business and will be try,” said Conley Nelson, Mid- product we wouldn’t be able to pork industry, Nelson said. “Be- were a lot of things like that, that Conley Nelson more effi cient going forward,” he west general manager for the hog move here in the United States fore COVID we had excess pork impacted the industry.” said. “We still have the markets so production group at Smithfi eld directly.” and markets dragging down,” he The COVID pandemic has lim- day-to-day if employees would producers can make money if de- Foods. Specifi cally, for Smithfi eld, said. “When COVID hit it basical- ited the percent capacity of pack- show up. The packing industry mand is there. It has been a rough The China agreement helps the Nelson said, “we probably export ly closed the restaurants and shut- ers and has not allowed packing in better shape here now than we 12 months for the industry.” U.S. pork industry to increase its as much as any other packer as far down the food service industry.” houses to operate at 100 percent. were,” Nelson said. “It’s not about share of pork back into that re- as exporting pork. Any free trade As an example, Nelson said “The packers didn’t know from lack of packers. The industry has gion. Japan is important because it agreement helps, not just Smith- approximately 65 percent of the is the pork industry’s largest value fi eld, but the whole industry.” bacon is consumed through food market, Nelson said. “U.S. pork Despite mostly positive news service. “COVID caused the mar- exports are on a record pace in on the trade front, Nelson said the kets in the industry to lose a lot of 2020. Even with the COVID set- ongoing relationship with China money this year,” he said. “You’re back earlier in the year, trade has does have everyone nervous. Un- seeing liquidation of sow herds been going well with pork.” der the fi rst phase of the China and some producers and compa- USMCA went into effect on agreement, agriculture is a big nies getting out of pork produc- July 1. At least up until 2020, part of the agreement. Pork has tion. You’re seeing an industry Nelson said the U.S. pork indus- been one of the country’s biggest changing right now.” B6 - KOSSUTH COUNTY ADVANCE SALUTE TO PORK PRODUCTION OCTOBER 15, 2020 Pork industry provides major impact in Kossuth County By Alan Van Ormer million in taxes is generated from mussen said. “It is something they Managing Editor the pork industry. The Iowa pork can do and still work with the crop industry contributes 41 percent to operations.” The pork industry continues to state and local taxes and 59 per- Pork producers have not been have an economic impact on those cent to federal taxes. immune from COVID. “COVID who live and work in Kossuth Rasmussen has been involved has been a Black Swan event. It County. in a farrow to fi nish operation has affected everybody,” he said. “Iowa continues to be the top for 44 years. He currently is re- “Livestock farmers are in an es- pork producing state in the na- structuring his operation to a cus- sential business. We didn’t get tion,” said Kevin Rasmussen, who tom fi nished operation. “It might to stop production just because currently serves on the Iowa Pork have been expedited by COVID, things weren’t going well. That is Board. “We have the resources but we were planning on doing who we are and what we do.” here. We have the packing facili- it,” he said. “We made the deci- Finding shackle space for ani- ties. We have land base for ma- sion sooner because of the market mals and packing plants reduc- nure. Manure is not a waste ma- disruption.” ing kills or shutting down because terial. It is a fertilizer material for While the pork industry con- of employee safety impacted the our corn crop and have the corn to tinues to work at effi ciency, Ras- pork industry. “Employee safety feed them.” mussen said it does run into chal- is number one. Producers aren’t The 2020 Iowa Pork Econom- lenges within its pig populations. asking employers to come to work Submitted photos ic Contribution Study shows that “We learned about biosecurity in and risk their health,” Rasmus- Kevin and Lisa Rasmussen are shown in front of their pork farm. Kevin has been involved in the there are 650,390 hogs in the the pork industry and continue to sen said. “Yet, we have animals pork industry for 44 years. county, 130 hog farms and 1,712 improve our biosecurity because we need to kill. We’ve worked jobs. The value-added activity is of the threat of foreign animal dis- through that well. We found ways the food banks,” he said. “When The pork industry has worked reason at all when there are hun- $148.8 million. This is the dif- eases,” he said. to hold back animals, slow down you’re between a rock and a hard for several years to prepare for the gry people in the world. Farmers ference between sales from pork What keeps Iowa pork produc- animals and raise the gain.” spot you can’t see the light at the possibility of foreign animal dis- and pork producers are in the busi- production, slaughter, processing ers going, whether they’re a con- He said the pork industry is end of the tunnel. If you can help eases. They’ve been role playing ness of feeding the world. We’re and related activities and the cost tract grower or operator, is that a close to 100 percent capacity to- someone else, it makes you feel how that would happen, how they not in the business of destroying of inputs. crop farmer can’t utilize its labor day. Rasmussen feels there have good. As pork producers we were would manage through it and what animals.” Pork production and process- for 12 months, Rasmussen said. been some good things come out able to help food banks out.” would happen if they couldn’t sell The pork industry continues ing sales is estimated at $441.9 “We need more employment. of the COVID. Pork producers were also able their product. to consolidate, Rasmussen said. million, while the total household We’re not fully employed,” he One was the opportunity for to educate others on how the ac- “COVID gave us a trial run. It “We’re becoming an effi cient in- income related to hog production, said. “In today’s world, we have pork producers to fi nd ways to tual process works of raising ani- is important to keep community dustry,” he said. “It’s going to put slaughter, processing and other re- to come up with another job. We slaughter pigs and provide them mals from conception to the time leaders informed when packing a high-quality pork product on the lated activities is $71.3 million. need more employment and better to food banks. USDA and Iowa the pigs hit the grocery store, plants are asking their employees plates of Americans and around There is an estimated 82,393 use of our time.” Pork Association spearheaded Rasmussen said. “Every time we to come to work so that they can the world at a reasonable cost That acres of corn and 58,279 acres of He said livestock fi ts in well the Pass the Pork program. “Iowa have an opportunity to educate the harvest these animals,” he said. is our goal. We will all play a dif- soybean consumed for the pork with a farmer. “Farmers generally Pork gathered donations to pay for public it’s just a good feeling,” he “We can’t destroy animals for no ferent role.” industry. It is estimated that $22.9 like to take care of livestock,’ Ras- processing and all that meat led to said.
Smithfi eld is committed to the We Care principles and salutes our pork producers.
Submit your name and phone number to [email protected] for your chance to win a Smithfield 10-lb. boneless pork loin by October 31, 2020. Kevin Rasmussen inspecting hogs in one of his fi nishing buildings.
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FORT DODGE 10N29th S (515) 955 3331 723 1 t A S (515) 573 1900 B kN h OCTOBER 15, 2020 SALUTE TO PORK PRODUCTION KOSSUTH COUNTY ADVANCE - B7 We Care gets the pork story out By Alan Van Ormer story of pork production,” he said. principles,” Ulrich said. Managing Editor “As consumers we are more curi- “Over the past decade, ous about where our food comes our communication In Smithfi eld’s Midwest Re- from. It is more important today channel has turned to gion, based out of Algona, fl eet than ever that we have a story to social media, providing vehicles and semis can be seen share with them about where their information to consum- displaying the We Care logo. We food comes from.” ers and promoting our in- Care is an in initiative that pro- There are six ethical principles dustry. As agriculture contin- motes responsible practices sur- that guide the industry’s everyday ues to change, we stay abreast of rounding farming and pork pro- business: consumer trends and concerns to duction methods. • Food Safety: providing safe make sure we’re sharing our mes- “It basically consists of two and nutritious food sage of responsible farming and fundamental messages,” said Bet- • Animal well-being: safe food a wholesome, affordable protein sey Ulrich, marketing and com- begins with healthy, safe animals source.” munication specialist for Smith- that receive the best possible care Mogler said the pork indus- fi eld at the Hobarton offi ce. • Our People: employee edu- try has put time and effort into “First, it encourages farmers and cation, training, and engage- research and insight on what the employees to understand and use ment encompasses a safe, ethical customers are thinking about Submitted photos the best practices in raising ani- workplace when they’re going into a grocery The We Care logo can be seen on Smithfi eld’s Midwest Region fl eet vehicles and semis on Kossuth mals. Second, it’s a promise to the • Public Health: evolving tech- store or a restaurant. “If we can County’s roads. nology to ensure frame our stories around this be- high quality and lief, we can continue to build trust a lot of different ways through the step up and tell our stories,” Mo- To learn more about practices safe pork with consumers,” he said. We Care program.” gler said. “We have to continue to and principles, go to porkcares. • Environment: He uses food safety as an ex- This has included videos, a step up and be a voice that offers org for more information. we continue to use ample of how the pillars work. podcast chop talk and sharing sto- their stories to consumers who are sustainable meth- “We have a good record of hav- ries of hog farmers. “We have to eager to hear that kind of stuff.” ods to reduce envi- ing the best food safety system in ronmental impacts the world,” Mogler said. “Specifi - • Our Commu- cally, I would point out people put nity: as neighbors a lot of stock and lot of trust on and citizens, we seeing that USDA inspected label are dedicated to on products. The standards and giving back to our requirements we have for food communities safety the people know we have Jay Carroll from Algona, Production Team Lead We Care was a safe product when it has USDA for Smithfi eld. developed in 2008 safety standards.” public that America’s pig farmers by the National Pork Board, Mogler said as consumers con- are committed to responsible and the National Pork Producers tinue to be more curious about ethical animal agriculture.” Council and state organizations how their food is produced, Drew Mogler, public policy representing pig farmers. they’re also going to want to put director for Iowa Pork Producers “As a result, integrators around a face on their product. “Who are Association, said the pork indus- the country have also adopted and the people behind the food they’re try must have a framework of how supported the initiative. As part enjoying? We’re going to have to it tells the story of pig farming, not of Iowa Pork Producers Asso- continue to work harder to con- only in Iowa, but across the coun- ciation’s Public Relations Com- nect consumers to our pork pro- try. “Those six pillars are really mittee, our annual efforts are fo- ducers across the state of Iowa,” the framework for how we tell the cused around promoting these he said. “We’ve been doing that in
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1905 HWY 18 East • Algona Grocery 295-3831 Meat 295-5262 2200 River Road • Algona, Iowa 2020 www.erpeldingexcavating.com 515.295.2499 B8 - KOSSUTH COUNTY ADVANCE SALUTE TO PORK PRODUCTION OCTOBER 15, 2020 Hogs are part of the Anderson family By Alan Van Ormer in the 4-H/FFA Show at the Kos- Managing Editor suth County Fair and earned a trip to the North Central Iowa Show- KOSSUTH COUNTY – Dr. down in Britt. Matt Anderson, swine veterinari- All agree working with pigs is an and co-owner of Suidae Health fun. “They are intelligent, affec- and Production, had his fi rst hog tionate and trainable. It’s also a at the age of 4. Now married and fun project to make each pig the with a family, all have joined him best it can be,” Dini said. “This is in the hog industry. a project that the whole family can “Hogs turned into a great proj- does participate in together, even ect to get the kids started in 4-H if we only have one or two show- and FFA,” Matt said. “Amanda men at a show, everyone’s help started with her fi rst pigs in 2007 is needed. We have taken pigs to and we have continued ever since. the Kossuth County Fair and Iowa Hogs are a great way to be in in- State Fair shows since 2008.” volved in agriculture as a family. Matt and Dini hope working Pork is the world’s number one with hogs instills goal setting, meat and is a good way to teach hard work, allows their children kids responsibility, work ethic and to dream big, help others and love care of animals.” what they do. “Good things come Joining Matt in the hog indus- through hard work and dedica- try are his wife Dini, who is the tion,” Matt said. family projects director, and four Dini added their children also children, Amanda, Hunter, Lauren are learning animal care and han- and Beth. dling, knowledge and experience Amanda, 23, is a third-year vet- regarding how agriculture and sci- erinary student at Iowa State Uni- ence work together and a sense of versity. She is pursuing a career in responsibility. “They have a sense swine medicine. of accomplishment when hard Hunter, 17, is a senior at Al- work pays off. They really enjoy The entire Anderson family, including grandparents, at the 2019 Iowa State Fair. Submitted photos gona High School. He has been the pigs!” she said. “They enjoy involved in swine and beef proj- all the extra training and caring ects every year since he was fi rst that they need to do to get them eligible in the fourth grade. Be- ready for shows.” fore that he helped Amanda show Each pig has an individu- in the Kossuth County Open Hog al diet that changes according to Show. Hunter plans to work with its development, each one needs livestock in some capacity in the walked once or twice a day, and future. their skin and hair needs kept clean Lauren, 16, is a sophomore at and conditioned. “Our livestock Algona High School. She shows projects keep them busy during beef projects each year in 4-H the summer, stimulated and hav- and FFA. She also helps Beth and ing fun with their animals. (They Hunter with swine projects. She also show cattle,)” Dini said. “The and Beth have also done a couple kids say they have learned to work of swine research trials for science hard, and they feel a sense of pride fairs. Lauren is undecided on what when the pigs do well or get com- her future will be. plimented by the judges.” Beth, 16, is a sophomore at Al- Matt and Dini agree agriculture gona High School. She has been and livestock agriculture has been involved in 4-H and FFA proj- extremely diffi cult for everyone ects every year in swine since involved during the COVID-19 she was fi rst eligible in the fourth pandemic. “There were many grade and also helped show at the challenges nobody saw coming,” Beth showing at the Kossuth County Fair. Hunter and Amanda helping Beth as she is walking her Kossuth County Fair Open Hog Matt said. pig to the show ring at the Iowa State Fair. Show when she was younger with Matt said production has its Amanda. Beth wants to go to Iowa peaks and valleys. “Some of the State University and pursue a ca- valleys get pretty deep. We are in reer in veterinary medicine. one of those now,” he said. “The “All of the kids love being on a uncertainty of markets, world farm and enjoy working with ani- trade and “Black Swan” events mals in general,” Dini said. come with a certain amount of The work the Andersons have stress. An additional concern is done with hogs shows at the coun- people getting further and further ty fair and other events around away from understanding where the area. Amanda was a win- their food comes from and how it ner in the Kossuth County Open is produced.” Hog Show her senior year and a There are rewards working with reserve champion or champion in hogs. The family says pigs are just her division at the Iowa State Fair fun and enjoyable to work with. in 2009, 2012 and 2015. “It can be rewarding to see how In 2019, Beth was the grand they progress throughout the sum- champion at the Kossuth Coun- mer. The excitement of competi- ty Open Hog Show and reserve tion and striving to rise to the top champion at the Hancock County of it is stimulating for the kids,” District Show and at the Kossuth she said. “The time spent togeth- County 4-H Fair. At the Iowa State er as a family and with the many Fair, she received champion in her great friends we have gained division and third overall with when going to shows, is reward- crossbred barrow. In 2020, Hunter ing. And, of course, the pork is won grand champion market hog excellent!” Hunter and the Anderson family with his winning gilt from this and grand champion breeding gilt year’s Kossuth County Fair.
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