Jan. 28, 2016
Contact:
Tyler Bettin, State Public Policy Director
(800) 372-7675,
For Immediate Release!
Plymouth County’s Langels named 2015 Master Pork Producers
(CLIVE, Iowa) —A Plymouth County couple has been recognized by the Iowa Pork Producers Association as Master Pork Producers.
IPPA presented Tom and Kathy LangelLe Mars with the coveted brass belt buckle, emblematic of the award, at the Iowa Pork Congress Banquet in Des Moines last night. The honor included a brief multi-media presentation of their hog farming business.
The Langels own and operate T & K Farms, Inc., managing 4,100 feeder-to-finish spaces under contract production.They also farm 680 acres.
The couple started in 1975 with 120 sows in a farrow-to-finish business. They exited the sow business in 1998 and constructed finishing buildings to raise hogs under contract production. Kathy focuses on finisher pig management.
They recognize the importance of strong neighbor relations and site aesthetics as their sites are clean and well-manicured with trees and welcoming driveway décor. They have completed a successful inspection with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and take proper steps for manure and soil testing to ensure proper nutrient placement based on crop needs. They also work with custom applicators for GPS application of manure.
Tom and Kathy are active in the Plymouth County Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association and the Knights of Columbus. Tom also has been past director for their church and director of Hinton-Owens Feed for nine years.
The Langels have three sons, two daughters and 12 grandchildren.
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 havecarefully selected Master Pork Producers every year since 1942.
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