Meet the people behind the pork.

They care about their pigs, neighbors and the environment too.

Get to Know Iowa Pig Farmers

The work of raising pigs and producing pork is both hard and fulfilling, and it’s an important part of Iowa’s agricultural heritage. But farmers don’t do things like they used to, and five years from now, it will probably be different again.

That’s because farmers are always evaluating and improving the way they farm, taking advantage of new learning, data, technology and experience to understand what works, what doesn’t and what can be better.

To hear more about how Iowa pig farmers care for their animals, the environment, their communities and families, take a few minutes to meet a swine veterinarian and Iowa farm families who are happy to share their stories with you.

Farm family with children stands before farmhouse

Female veterinarian smiles while holding baby piglet

Family with young children poses on farm

Man and woman smile and hold ears of ripe corn in field of corn

Meet the

Hinkeldey Family

from Aurelia, Iowa

Aaron Hinkeldey is a fifth-generation pig farmer from Aurelia, Iowa. Aaron and his wife, Nicole, are proudly raising their three young children on the same farm where he grew up. For the Hinkeldeys, caring for pigs is more than a job — it’s a lifestyle — and a way to support their rural community.

Watch the story

Meet the

Schleisman Family

from Lake City, Iowa

Mark and Melissa Schleisman embrace farming as a family affair, with each member of their family having a role in their farm. Beyond their commitment to animal care, the Schleismans are known as environmental leaders, working to leave the land and water better for the next generation.

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Meet

Dr. Cara Haden

swine veterinarian from Independence, Iowa

Swine veterinarian Dr. Cara Haden works with farms of all sizes to ensure the health and welfare of their animals. Dr. Haden is also a wife and mom to young kids and shares her work with the world on TikTok.

Watch the story

Meet the

Ditch family

from Center Point, Iowa

After years in the suburbs, Matt and Melissa Ditch decided to change career paths and return to the farm to raise their family and pigs. Like others in their community, the Ditches share a passion and commitment for hard work, family and being good neighbors.

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Meet the

Lundell family

from Kiron, Iowa

Brothers Brian and Brad Lundell are continuing their family farm tradition by working together to care for their pigs and the land and water around them. They also give back to their communities, including serving on the local fire department.

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Meet

Kevin and Lisa Rasmussen

from Goldfield, Iowa

Kevin and Lisa Rasmussen know that it takes a village to be successful farmers, including neighbors, local businesses and veterinarians. The Rasmussens want to be remembered for giving back to their community and caring for the land for future generations.

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Caring for

Pigs

Producing safe, healthy food is the foundation of what Iowa pig farmers do, and it revolves around healthy, well-cared-for animals. Taking care of their pigs, focusing on animal comfort, and giving them a safe and healthy environment is a responsibility they take very seriously – not just because it’s critical to their livelihoods, but because it’s the right thing to do.

Caring for

People

It’s important to keep Iowa’s rural communities thriving and our state’s economy strong. Raising pigs in Iowa creates jobs and opportunities for local businesses and our communities. Like others in their communities, Iowa pig farmers share a passion and commitment to hard work, family and being a good neighbor.

Caring for

the Environment

Like all Iowans, Iowa pig farmers care about clean water, clean air and protecting and conserving our natural resources. They work hard to minimize their impact on the environment. They understand they are caretakers of the land and are committed to leaving it better than they found it.

Want to Learn more?

ChopTalk Podcast

Check out the ChopTalk podcast to meet more Iowa families who raise pigs.

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See Inside a Real Pig Barn

A pig’s physical and nutritional needs change as it grows. Follow along on the journey pigs take from the farrowing to finishing barns.

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See How Iowa Pig Farmers Protect the Environment and Support Communities

Hear from Iowa Pork policy leader Ben Nuelle about what Iowa pig farmers are doing to protect the environment for the next generation and how they support their communities.

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Three women posing for a photo holding pork products.

See Iowa Pig Farmers’ Contributions to Their Communities

Visit one of the stops on the Iowa Pork Thank You Tour, where pig farmers gave back to the communities that mean so much to them and their families.

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By providing programs and resources for all Iowans, IPPA is dedicated to the state, and especially to rural Iowa.

IPPA is committed to serving Iowa's pork producers with education, information and research.

IPPA has many types of memberships. Find the one right for you.

Meet the people behind the pork.

Get to Know Iowa Pig Farmers

Want to Learn more?