The Youth Swine Committee recognized the Youth Swine Exhibitors with their bonus money. Requirements were met by: front row: Jaden Beichley, Mason Hosek, Owen Koester and Rhianna Murty. In back are sponsors Brent Beichley, Jason Gienger, Matt Kopriva and Pete Popelka. Philip McKenna is also a member of the committee. PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGAN GIENGER

The Tama County Pork Producers recently donated $1600 to the three food banks in Tama County. Gladbrook site chairperson Jeanne Paustian said, “The ongoing support of individuals, churches, business, and civic organizations is important to us and to those in the communities who count on the food pantry during their time of need.”

According to Pork Producer Dennis Gienger, “The Producers agreed that they would match the money the Grand Champion Pie brought during the annual Pie Auction. This amount would be donated to the three food pantries in Tama County.”

The Grand Champion Pie brought $800. It was a two-crust blueberry, made by Megan Gienger of Gladbrook. The pie was purchased by State Bank of Toledo.

The Tama County Pork Producers’ annual Banquet and Meeting was held on January 14 at the Gladbrook Memorial Building. The meal was catered by Spanky’s Restaurant. The pork loins for the auction were grilled by Dennis Gienger. The Wolfcreek Whirlwinds 4-H Club helped with clean-up and a donation was made to them.

Tama County Sheriff Dennis Kucera and Deputy Sheriff Casey Schmidt and his K9 Deputy Tyson were presented with a $1,500 donation. No public funds are used for the support or care of Tyson. Having a Canine Assistant to work with a Deputy is beneficial for all residents of Tama County. The dog is a full service dog and is used in patrol, searches, rescue, apprehension of suspects and drug search.

The Tama County Pork Producers donated $1500 toward the Tama County Sheriff's K9 Program. This program is 100% funded with donations and no county money is spent on the K9 Unit. Pictured are Tama County Sheriff Dennis Kucera, Tama County Pork Producer President Pillip McKenna, K9 Officer Casey Schmidt and K9 Deputy Tyson. PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGAN GIENGER

Tama County Swine royalty announced included Tama County Pork Queen Lily Bru; Tama County Pork Princess Skylar Murty and Pork Ambassadors Jay Bru and Owen Koester. These young people will attend grilling events, ride in parades and assist the Pork Producers in promoting pork and the industry.

The Youth Swine Committee recognized the Youth Swine Exhibitors who met all requirements to receive the bonus money. Criteria required included attending the Swine Workshop, Showing the pigs at the fair, attending Swine Carcass Meeting after the fair, turning in a completed record book and attending the Pork Producers Banquet. Individuals recognized included: Jayden Beichley, Jay Bru, Lily Bru, Faith Dvorak, Grace Dvorak, Hope Dvorak, Mason Hosek, Ryan Hosek Owen Koester, Ryan Koester, Rhianna Murty, and Skyler Murty.

The 2022 Scholarship Recipient was Thomas Hulme. He is attending Hawkeye Community College. He will receive his scholarship money following the completion of one year of college. The 2021 Scholarship Recipients Frances Jackson and Dylan Hosek were awarded their scholarship money. Frances is attending Iowa State and Dylan is attending Morningside College. Both are taking Ag related classes.

Thomas Hulme, Clayton Boldt, and Carter Kemp spoke about the Florida Ag Trip they attended in March of 2022.

Jarrod Sutton, former Chief Strategy Officer at the National Pork Board, spoke about bridging the gap between farmers and the consumers. He stated, “Farmers need to continue to share their story, especially on social media. Forty percent of the United States population lives in a coastal county. If farmers can reach those viewers and tell them the story, there is an opportunity to change people’s beliefs.”

The Wolf Creek Whirlwinds assisted with serving and cleanup of the annual Pork Producers banquet. Pictured in front: Willa Rodgers, Beau DeWitt, Brianna Ferch, Jenna BEichley. In back are: Caleb Ferch, Rhianna Murty, Adelyn Sienknecht, Carter Kemp, Jayden BEichley, Owen Koester, Clayton Boldt and Tama County Pork Producers President Phillip McKenna. PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGAN GIENGER

Guest Speaker Eric Keller told how he was a shy child growing up and that 4-H presentations pushed him outside of his comfort zone. After his first presentation in front of his 4-H group, his leaders pushed him to deliver the presentation at the Tama county Fair. He placed first and was awarded the opportunity to present at the Iowa State Fair. This inspired him to pay it forward by becoming a 4-H leader.

The meeting concluded with the annual pie contest and auction. See page 2 for more information about the contest/auction.

Special recognition goes to Megan Gienger who took all the Pork Producers Banquet pictures and for compiling information used for the article.

The Tama County Pork Producers Board Members pictured include (front, l-r) Sheryl Jesina, Christy Calderwood, Pete Popelka, Monica McKenna, Dean McKenna, Doris Gienger; (back, l-r) Keith Sash, Dennis Gienger, Samantha DeWitt, Phillip McKenna, Brent Beichley, Jason Gienger, Eric Keller, Matt Kopriva, and Bill Jesina. PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGAN GIENGER

Tama County Pork Producer Royalty was announced during the annual meeting. Pork Producer President Phillip McKenna and Sam DeWitt, Tama County Pork Producer Royalty Chairperson, are pictured with Pork Producer Ambassador Owen Koester. Also recognized, but not present for the photo, were: Tama County Pork Queen Lily Bru, Tama County Pork Princess Skyler Murty and Ambassador Jay Bru. PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGAN GIENGER

2021 Scholarship recipients Frances Jackson and Dylan Hosek were awarded their scholarship money. Requirements are that the money is awarded upon completion of one year of college. Frances is attending Iowa State University and Dylan is attending Morningside at Sioux City. Both ae involved in agricultural studies. Pictured are Tama County Pork Producers President Phillip McKenna, Frnaces Jackson and Dylan Hosek. PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGAN GIENGER

Jarrod Sutton, former Chief Strategy Officer at the National Pork Board, spoke about bridging the gap between farmers and consumers. PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGAN GIENGER

Guest Speaker Eric Keller gave a presentation on how he got started in 4-H and his involvement with public speaking and showing swine at the Tama County Fair. He intends to pay it forward by becoming a 4-H Leader. PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGAN GIENGER

Each year the Tama County Pork Producers give monetary support to 4-H members who want to show swine at the fair and do not have the means to "get going". This program was the brainchild of Eric Keller when he approached the Pork Producers with the idea 6 or 7 years ago. It has been very popular and 20 plus 4-H Members have benefited. Pictured are the 2022 recipients and leaders: Jason Gienger, Emilie Claussen, Ethan Klemesrud, Caleb Ferch and Eric Keller.