Iowa Select Farms

We are pleased to welcome Matt Grimm as a Director of Breed-to-Wean. Matt brings over 25 years of leadership experience in pork production and will play a key role in leading the continued transformation of our breed-to-wean system. In this role, Matt will oversee a third of our 260,000-sow system and the associated gilt development units, focusing on consistency, accountability and performance throughout the system. Matt’s background includes leadership roles at Passel Farms, Professional Swine Management, M2P2/Ag Feed USA and Murphy Brown LLC, bringing valuable experience across sow and grow-finish systems. We are excited to welcome Matt to Iowa Select Farms and look forward to the leadership and insight he will bring.

Last week, the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation delivered 20 Bilingual Book Carts to elementary schools! Over the coming weeks, 100 carts will be delivered to schools in our Homegrown Iowa communities. Each cart has 75 books, half in English and half in Spanish geared for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. Schools from last week: Pineview Elementary, Iowa Falls Rock Run Elementary, Iowa Falls Alden Elementary Hubbard-Radcliffe Elementary Northeast Hamilton Elementary Pleasant View Elementary, Webster City Stratford Elementary Sunset Heights Elementary, Webster City Eldora-New Providence Elementary South Hamilton Elementary AGWSR Elementary AGWSR Elementary at Wellsburg Grundy Center Elementary Parkersburg Elementary BCLUW Elementary Clarksville Elementary Lincoln Elementary, Osage Riceville Elementary St Ansgar Elementary Crestwood Elementary, Cresco

"There's no secret to raising pigs," said Tom Boge, Senior Wean-to-Market Supervisor for Iowa Select Farms. "Give them proper ventilation, food, water, and care, and you'll have the world's happiest, healthiest pigs." If it's not Tom's bright smile that catches your attention, it's his unwavering work ethic, positive attitude, and dedication to service that truly set him apart. For 30 years, Tom has been a tremendous leader on the wean-to-market team, caring for pigs from six weeks of age and ensuring they receive the nutrition and care needed to thrive. "Working with pigs gives me a sense of pride and responsibility," said Tom, "It's about showing up every day and doing right by them." Tom also gives credit and respect where it's due, and that's to the rest of his team. "I'm only one person," said Tom, "If I did not have the team of people I have with me, I would be where I am today." Tom served 21 years in the Iowa National Guard's 34th Infantry "Red Bulls" Division, deploying four times to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, and Afghanistan, retiring his military career as a Sgt. 1st Class. While Tom may not realize it, the discipline and leadership he honed during his military career are evident in everything he does today through his commitment to serving the pigs and people around him on the farm. Congratulations, Tom, on 30 incredible years and counting— THANK YOU for your commitment to our country and Iowa Select Farms!

“I couldn’t ask for a better job,” said Monica Dodge, the Manager of ISO Pork Gilt Development Unit (GDU). “Caring for pigs can be challenging, but it’s also very rewarding.” Monica graduated from college with a degree in animal science and applied for a job at Iowa Select Farms in 2000. Today, she manages a GDU near Iowa Falls, overseeing a team of seven who play a significant role in our production system. Growing up on a farm, Monica has always had a deep love for animals. “That’s what farmers do; we care deeply for animals and keep them alive,” said Monica. “It’s a way of life.” Throughout her career, Monica has demonstrated exceptional leadership and has consistently worked to develop both herself and those around her. She trains new employees in various tasks, including moving gilts, checking for heat, artificially inseminating, and monitoring for health issues. But most importantly, Monica shows up day after day until the job is done. “I have a deep sense of responsibility for my farm, the animals, and our team,” she said. “I take a lot of pride in that." Outside of work, Monica enjoys spending time with her horses, dogs, and cats, tending to her flowers in the summer, and spending time with Chris and their son, Rafe. Congratulations, Monica! Thank you for 25 years of dedication and commitment to Iowa Select Farms.

“The days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into years. Before I knew it, 25 years had passed,” smiled Misty Walkup, an incredibly valued Farrowing Department Head at Last Chance Sow 32. “It’s hard to grasp how fast it’s gone.” At the start of her career with Iowa Select Farms, Misty was responsible for checking gilts and sows to confirm pregnancies at Sow 15, 16, and 17. Today, she leads the farrowing department at a 6,500-head sow farm in southeast Iowa. Sow 32 opened its doors in 2017, and Misty has been an essential team member ever since. “My job is rewarding,” she said. “I look forward to going to work each day and witnessing the positive outcomes of providing the best possible animal care.” When Misty reflects on her time with Iowa Select Farms, the word "family" immediately comes to mind. “We’re like family here. Family is important to me, and I truly appreciate the culture on our farm and throughout the company.” Misty emphasizes that it's the people who make all the difference. “I’ve had the privilege of working with many wonderful individuals. I am grateful for the guidance and encouragement from my managers and mentors—Don Hunt, Doug Bates, and Adam Houk.” Thanks to their support, Misty has never backed down from a challenge. Her advice? Never stop learning! Misty is devoted to her farm team, her friend Jeff, her children Shaun and Tory, and her grandchildren Ryer and Rogan. Her dogs Philly and Nika, along with her cat Stinker, also hold a special place in her heart. In her free time, she enjoys camping, fishing, golfing, and cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Congratulations, Misty! Thank you for 25 years of dedication and commitment to Iowa Select Farms.

Steady, dependable, and loyal describe Doug Gillmore, a valuable employee we want to recognize for his contributions as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement. Over the past 30 years, Doug’s journey with Iowa Select Farms has taken him from sow farms to gilt developers. In his most recent role at Marton/Hunt gilt developer, Doug has been essential in leading the breed crew through multiple breeding projects. “He has done almost everything,” said Jeremiah Hall, Director of Gilt Development Units. “And what I particularly appreciate about Doug is he is always willing to do anything you ask.” As Doug enters retirement, he looks forward to spending more time with his family, especially keeping up with his six grandkids. He plans to enjoy fishing, collecting and restoring tractors, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Badgers. While he is excited about the additional family time, Doug will miss the friends he has made at work. “I’ll really miss the people,” he said. “And I’ve met a lot over the last 30 years!” Congratulations, Doug! We wish you the best in this next chapter of life!

The Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation was joined by Henry and his family to deliver a Henry's Heroes Bilingual Book Cart to his school in West Des Moines! Henry is a kindergartener at this school and was excited to be able to share the new books with his classmates. Each book cart includes 75 books, half in English and half in Spanish, that range from picture books to graphic novels to early chapter books. Learn more about Henry's Heroes: https://lnkd.in/eJmD3Bpc

"There's no secret to raising pigs," said Tom Boge, Senior Wean-to-Market Supervisor for Iowa Select Farms. "Give them proper ventilation, food, water, and care, and you'll have the world's happiest, healthiest pigs." If it's not Tom's bright smile that catches your attention, it's his unwavering work ethic, positive attitude, and dedication to service that truly set him apart. For 30 years, Tom has been a tremendous leader on the wean-to-market team, caring for pigs from six weeks of age and ensuring they receive the nutrition and care needed to thrive. "Working with pigs gives me a sense of pride and responsibility," said Tom, "It's about showing up every day and doing right by them." Tom also gives credit and respect where it's due, and that's to the rest of his team. "I'm only one person," said Tom, "If I did not have the team of people I have with me, I would be where I am today." Tom served 21 years in the Iowa National Guard's 34th Infantry "Red Bulls" Division, deploying four times to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, and Afghanistan, retiring his military career as a Sgt. 1st Class. While Tom may not realize it, the discipline and leadership he honed during his military career are evident in everything he does today through his commitment to serving the pigs and people around him on the farm. Congratulations, Tom, on 30 incredible years and counting— THANK YOU for your commitment to our country and Iowa Select Farms!

Childhood cancer takes so much away—but moments of joy, adventure and togetherness should never be lost. That’s why the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation is proud to offer A Special Adventure, a program designed to give Iowa families affected by childhood cancer a much-needed all-inclusive weekend getaway to create lasting memories. Each year, up to 40 families get the chance to embark on one of four incredible Iowa-based trips: 🌿 Nature Lover’s Dream – Explore scenic parks and wildlife wonders https://lnkd.in/gpRs28Tz 🎡 Iowa State Fair Adventure – Experience the magic of the fair https://lnkd.in/guBV-dzg 🌊 Lake Life Escape – Relax by the water, enjoy boating & fishing https://lnkd.in/gDYnHKQK 🎢 Splash and Thrill Getaway – Dive into amusement and water park fun https://lnkd.in/gnPJUs28 These adventures are about more than just travel—they’re about healing, bonding and making joyful memories. Each trip includes accommodations, activity passes, special keepsakes, and a few surprise extras! Know an Iowa family impacted by childhood cancer? Encourage them to connect with Children’s Cancer Connection to gain access to this program and many other invaluable resources. 🔗 Apply today or learn more about eligibility: https://lnkd.in/gak_gY-4 #ChildhoodCancerAwareness #FamilyFirst #SpecialAdventure #DebAndJeffHansenFoundation #IowaSelectFarms #GivingBack

The Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation’s Operation Christmas Meal has become a beloved tradition for the organization and its employees since 2011. Each year, over 200 Iowa Select Farms employee volunteers brave the cold to hand out five-pound pork loins and recipe books to families in need, providing a nutritious holiday meal for those who might not otherwise have access to one. Over the years, the program has grown significantly, with 24,000 pork loins distributed over two weeks. With no required qualifications to receive a pork loin, participants picked up a loin for themselves or delivered it to another family in need. This program has become an essential part of the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation’s mission to fight hunger in Iowa, and its continued success is a testament to the generosity and compassion of its volunteers and supporters.