Jan. 26, 2017
Contact:
Drew Mogler, Producer Education Director
(800) 372-7675,
For Immediate Release!
Delaware County family joins ranks of Master Pork Producers
(CLIVE, Iowa) — A family that successfully raises crops and hogs in Delaware County has been named 2016 Master Pork Producers by the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
Russ and Dianne Reth of Manchester were honored at the Iowa Pork Congress Banquet in Des Moines last night. IPPA presented the couple with the award emblem, the brass Master Pork Producer belt buckle. A brief multi-media presentation of the Reth pork enterprise also was shown.
The Reths have raised pigs for 26 years and currently have a wean-to-finish system on their family farm. They receive pigs every eight to nine weeks from a 2,500-head sow unit they have interest in. The family marketed nearly 4,400 head in 2015 to Tyson Meats.
The farm includes 550 acres of row crop, 450 acres of which were planted to corn in 2015. Russ grinds and mixes his own feed on site and feeds about half of the corn grown to the pigs.
All daily farm operations are completed by the couple themselves. Together, they have continued to grow their operation over the years and promote the pork industry.
To be named Master Pork Producers, nominees must meet several specific requirements, including community involvement. The Reths aced that one. Both volunteer in various church activities and serve on committees and Russ is a Communion Lay Minister. He also is a past school board member. Dianne was a Delaware County 4-H leader for 14 years. The couple is members of the Delaware County Pork Producers with Russ active on the county grilling team. They both participate in pork promotions at the Iowa Speedway, Iowa State Fair and at the Safeway BBQ Battle in Washington, D.C.
Russ and Dianne have three children and three granddaughters.
Nominated by their neighbors and peers, Master Pork Producers are recognized for their innovation, attention to quality, efficiency and production records within their farm enterprise. They are considered industry leaders who are committed to producing the highest quality pork products. Their operations are environmentally sound, they care about the livestock, are good neighbors and active in their community.
IPPA and Iowa State University have carefully selected Master Pork Producers every year since 1942.
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