Aron Nieland started with The Maschhoffs as a site manager in 2012. He has since climbed the company ladder, including promotions to field supervisor, then logistics. He currently is a senior production manager of regional logistics, overseeing three production managers.
In addition, Aron, 35, recently became a production partner within The Maschhoffs system. He and his wife, Crystal, purchased a wean-to-market barn last fall.
“It’s kind of a dual role that’s really neat,” Aron says. “We’re really looking forward to the next decade and bringing our kids on and being able to expand the operation.”
Aron has deep roots in the pig industry. His paternal grandfather has raised pigs most of his life on a small family farm. His maternal grandpa helped start Newell Locker in Newell, which is now owned and operated by Aron’s dad. Prior to joining The Maschhoffs, Aron spent 15 years working at the locker.
Besides pigs, the Nielands own “a zoo” of assorted breeds of ducks, geese, and chickens. Their son runs an egg business, and they have a few cows in the pasture.
Aron not only pours his heart into his job, but he also supports his community. A member of the Buena Vista County Pork Producers, Aron sources pigs from The Maschhoffs to use for the long-running Special Swine Program. About 50 4-H’ers—particularly those with no access to livestock or facilities—learn about pork production and each receive two pigs to care for and show during the county fair.
Off the farm, Aron is a lay minister at First Congregational Church of Christ in Newell and leads services when the pastor is gone. In the church basement, his wife operates Kadens Kloset, a nonprofit organization that provides clothes to foster, adoptive, and needy families. Aron and Crystal are licensed foster parents themselves, and have three of their own children.
Aron is involved with Buena Vista Extension and a volunteer for athletics at Newell-Fonda Schools, where Crystal is an agriculture teacher and FFA adviser.