The consumer “face and voice” of the Iowa pork industry has been honored by Iowa State University.

Joyce Hoppes, consumer information director for the Iowa Pork Producers Association for more than 35 years, received the Helen LeBaron Hilton Award from the College of Human Sciences and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in ceremonies on the ISU campus on Oct. 28.

This annual ISU award recognizes graduates who are nationally and internationally recognized for their community leadership, meritorious service or distinguished achievement in the areas of family and consumer sciences.

Hoppes graduated from ISU in 1979 with a degree in home economics education.

Dedicated to representing Iowa’s pig farmers, Hoppes collaborates with influencer groups including ISU, the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival and the Iowa Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to reach Iowans of all backgrounds. She educates consumers about the pork industry, modern pork production and pork’s farm-to-table story. Hoppes provides vital nutritional information and showcases pork’s versatility in recipes. She also has represented pig farmers on trade missions to Japan and Mexico.

“The integrity that she brings into her daily work has earned her statewide and national credibility,” wrote one of the nominators.

Hoppes takes consumer engagement to a whole new level. She is responsible for developing IPPA’s highly popular and successful farrowing display at the Iowa State Fair that has been replicated across the country.

She also helped establish the Iowa Agricultural Literacy Foundation to educate youth about the importance of agriculture. Her desire to shape the future of home economics is evidenced by her service as president of the Iowa chapter of Home Economists in Business and as district president of the Iowa Home Economics Association.

“Joyce embodies a commitment to lifelong learning each day to a profession she loves and an industry she serves,” another nominator wrote.

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