Iowa Pork Names Sadie Heath Programs and Events Manager
August 25, 2026
The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) has welcomed Sadie Heath as its new Programs and Events Manager, bringing a lifelong connection to agriculture and a strong background in agricultural communications, outreach and marketing to the organization.
Heath grew up on her family’s third-generation dairy farm near Tony, Wisconsin, where she and her four siblings represent the fourth generation of the family operation. Her great-grandfather moved from Sioux City, Iowa, to Wisconsin in 1940 and settled at the farm’s current location in 1942.
In addition to its dairy herd, the family raises beef cattle and grows cash crops. Pigs have also been part of Sadie’s agricultural experience, with her family raising a small group each year for their own freezer.
Agriculture has been a constant throughout Sadie’s life. She began milking cows as soon as she was tall enough to reach the milking units and grew up taking on responsibilities ranging from caring for livestock to rock picking and driving tractors.
“Growing up on the farm taught me the value of hard work and gave me a strong appreciation for agriculture and the people who make it possible,” Heath said. “I’m excited to join the Iowa Pork Producers Association, learn more about the pork industry and put my education and agricultural background to work.”
Sadie graduated from Iowa State University in three years with double majors in Agricultural Communication and International Agriculture and a minor in Public Relations. Her college experience also gave her a global perspective on agriculture and food production through three study-abroad opportunities in Italy, France and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
She further developed her communications skills through internships in agriculture, communications and public relations, gaining hands-on experience in outreach, marketing and working with people throughout the agricultural industry.
As Programs and Events Manager, Heath will help coordinate IPPA programs and events that connect Iowa pig farmers with fellow producers, industry partners and consumers.
“We’re excited to welcome Sadie Heath to the Iowa Pork team,” said Pat McGonegle, CEO of the Iowa Pork Producers Association. “Her strong agricultural background and enthusiasm for working with farmers make her a great fit for our organization. She understands agriculture firsthand, and we look forward to the energy and perspective she’ll bring to our programs, events, and the county organizations and producers we serve.”
While dairy cattle may have been the primary livestock on her family farm, Sadie already has a few memorable experiences working with pigs.
“I’ve been covered in pig manure a time or two after a pig decided to run between my legs and tip me right over,” she said. “So, I guess you could say I’ve already had some hands-on experience in the pork industry!”
Sadie Heath joins IPPA at its Clive office and looks forward to building relationships with Iowa pig farmers and others throughout the state’s pork industry.