Iowa Pork Producers Association's new strategic plan and vision statement shift group's focus globally.

January 25, 2018

2 Min Read
Iowa pork leaders set vision for future

Diverse farming practices and perspective in a state, where nearly one-third of the nation’s pigs are raised, exists yet pork and pigs bring the farmers together to discuss issues, ideas and take actions to move the industry forward. “Without your time, effort and input, IPPA folds up the tent pretty quickly,” says Pat McGonegle, Iowa Pork Producers Association CEO.

As McGonegle stresses in his CEO report, the people make a difference in the organization, driving its direction and future. People are the most valuable asset of the association. Without the leaders with vision, the organization will wander aimlessly. And that is precisely why the IPPA spent a serious amount of time last year developing the strategic planning and vision.

Successful farming enriched lives is the new vision statement for the IPPA. The organization is focusing on making all those in the Iowa swine business — independent producers, contractor growers or employees — successful and enriching those lives of the people hog farmers feed.

Looking forward, the IPPA set priorities to support responsible industry growth, enhance efforts to tell Iowa pork producers’ story, be better prepared for foreign animal disease and engaging with members. As more Iowa pork is exported around the world, it is time to adjust the organization’s focus more globally, stresses McGonegle.

For 2018, the key areas for the organization build on the work of the association in years past.

• Pork promotion
• Continuous improvement
• Engaged leaders
• Commitment to transparency
• Stewards of financial resources

The biggest emphasis is on engaging leaders. “The board wants IPPA to be a leader; they want you to be a leader; and they want you to be proactive,” says McGonegle.

Moving forward, he encourages members to look out and be aware of what is front of us, especially as the industry is growing.

“We are going to have to enhance our efforts in telling our story,” he stresses. “We have to get a megaphone out and talk, talk and talk as loud as we can to neighbors, peers and thought leaders about the value this business brings to this state.”

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