Sam DeWitt, Chair of the Tama County Pork Producer Royalty Committee announced that Jay Bru has been chosen to serve as the 2022/23 Tama County Pork Ambassador. And she also proudly announced that Lillian Bru has been crowned the 2022 Tama County Pork Queen. Their parents are Ryan and Laura Bru of rural Gladbrook. Jay is a freshman at GMG and Lillian is a sophomore at GMG. They will work with Pork Producers throughout Tama County promoting pork at parades and grilling. Pictured are Sam DeWitt, Jay Bru and Lillian Bru. – Photos provided

Members of the Tama County Pork Producers met on Jan. 15 at the Traer Memorial Building for the Annual Tama County Pork Producers Banquet. The meal was prepared by Spanky’s and Tama County 4-H members assisted in serving.

Tama County Pork Producers President Phillip McKenna presided over the meeting. Featured guest speaker was Neil Dierks. He is Chief Executive Officer of the National Pork Producers Council.

Dierks spoke about animal health and the importance of strict biosecurity, animal welfare and California’s Prop 12 law, noting that Prop 12 was up for review by the US Supreme Court. He closed by telling producers to be optimistic noting that pork is the most consumed protein in the world.

Since the banquet, a judge has halted the Prop 12 enforcement on whole-pork sales as a result of California’s two year delay in finalizing the regulations on the Prop 12 initiative.

Lillian Bru was crowned 2022 Tama County Pork Queen and Jay Bru was named Tama County Pork Ambassador. They are both students at GMG High School and are the children of Ryan and Laura Bru of rural Gladbrook.

Tama County Pork Producer President Phillip McKenna is pictured presenting the $1,000 Pork Producers Scholarship to Katlyn Kucera. Katlyn is a sophomore at Simpson College and is the daughter of Bruce and Kathy Kucera.

A $1,000 Pork Producers Scholarship was presented to Katelyn Kucera. She is a sophomore at Simpson College and the daughter of Bruce and Kathy Kucera.

Auctioneer Keith Sash was in charge of the annual Pie Auction. Sheryl Jesina of Toledo is well known for her pies. And this year her expertise paid off as she was named “Best Pie Maker” at the annual banquet.

Jesina’s Apple Pie was purchased by Farm Credit Services of America for an impressive $600.

All who purchased a pie had their name placed in a drawing for a free grilling. ZMO Crop Insurance/Mike Zmolek was the winner.

A special thanks is extended to Doris Gienger for providing the photos and to Lilly Bru for assisting with the identification of participants.

The Tama County Pork Producers support Tama County 4-H members who show Swine at the Tama County Fair. Each member received a $300 premium for exhibiting. Pictured are Jayden Beichley, Jay Bru, Lilly Bru, Berkley Dvorak, Drake Dvorak, Owen Koester and Ryan Koester.

Chief Executive Officer of the National Pork Producers Council Neil Dierks was the featured speaker for the Annual Tama County Pork Producers Banquet.

2022 Tama County Pork Producer Board members include, front row (l-r): Doris Gienger, Monica McKenna, Sheryl Jesina, Keith Sash, Brent Beichley, JoAnne Sash; second row: Dennis Gienger, Bill Jesina, Phil McKenna, Matt Kopriva, Christy Calderwood, Jason Gienger, Pete Popelka, Dean McKenna; not pictured: Samantha DeWitt, Mark McKibben, Brooke Ewoldt and Reece Ewoldt. – Photo provided