Search Site   
News Stories at a Glance
Deere 4440 cab tractor racked up $18,000 at farm retirement auction
Indiana legislature passes bills for ag land purchases, broadband grants
Make spring planting safety plans early to avoid injuries
Michigan soybean grower visits Dubai to showcase U.S. products
Scientists are interested in eclipse effects on crops and livestock
U.S. retail meat demand for pork and beef both decreased in 2023
Iowa one of the few states to see farms increase in 2022 Ag Census
Trade, E15, GREET, tax credits the talk at Commodity Classic
Ohioan travels to Malta as part of US Grains Council trade mission
FFA members learn about Australian culture, agriculture during trip
Timing of Dicamba ruling may cause issues for 2024 planting
   
Archive
Search Archive  
   
Iowa hog producer to replace America's Pig Farmer of the Year

 

DES MOINES, Iowa — The National Pork Board (NPB) has named Leon Sheets, a fourth-generation Iowa hog producer, America’s Pig Farmer of the Year for the remainder of 2017-18 program year.

The previous winner, Columbus, Neb., pig farmer Leslie McCuiston, recently stepped down after taking a new position in the U.S. agricultural industry where she will not be directly working with pigs – an ongoing requirement for the role of America’s Pig Farmer of the Year.

“With the unexpected change, the National Pork Board reached out to our America’s Pig Farmer of the Year judging panel,” said Terry O’Neel, a Friend, Neb., pig farmer and president of the NPB in Des Moines. “The panel unanimously voted to elevate Sheets, a finalist from last fall, with the move adopted and supported by all members of the National Pork Board.”

Last October, the NPB announced McCuiston the 2017 America’s Pig Farmer of the Year, when she achieved the highest combined score from a third-party judging panel and online voting. In addition, she won after taking part in a series of written and oral interviews by a panel of expert judges, excelling in all aspects of pig farming, including animal care, environmental stewardship, employee work environment and outstanding community service.

The annual award recognizes a U.S. pig farmer who excels at raising pigs using the We Care ethical principles and who connects with today’s consumers about how pork is produced.

“First and foremost, I would like to congratulate Leon and thank him for graciously stepping into the role of America’s Pig Farmer of the Year,” McCuiston said. “He is a great representative of what pig farmers do every day.

“Although it’s bittersweet for me on a personal level, one must evaluate professional opportunities as they are presented. I am excited to continue working with pig farmers and veterinarians in my new role.”

For Sheets, raising pigs has been a lifelong passion, starting when he farmed with his grandfather as a young child. Sheets, who’s been raising hogs for nearly 40 years, owns 33,000 pigs on his Chickasaw County wean-to-finish farm in Ionia, where he focuses on animal care and environmental sustainability. The Sheets use crop rotation, plant cover crops and have installed terraces, grassed waterways and buffer strips.

Last year, the family received an Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award in recognition of the steps that have been taken on their farm to prevent erosion and protect water quality. Sheets was named a Master Pork Producer by the Iowa Pork Producers Assoc. (IPPA) in 1984 and has been inducted into its Feeder Pig Hall of Fame in recognition of production excellence and his contributions to the pork industry.

Last October, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced the Sheets family had been named the winners of the Gary Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award, which honors late veteran Iowa farm broadcaster Gary Wergin.

With the help of Sheets’ employees, his son, Jarrod, and his wife, Barb, the family also grow corn, soybeans, hay and cover crops.

“Working with pigs has been a rewarding profession,” he said. “Every morning, I wake up to new challenges, along with knowing what to expect when I head to the barns. Living on a farm is more of a lifestyle than simply a job. I look forward to sharing my passion and experience with others.”

Sheets will serve in the role until a new America’s Pig Farmer of the Year is announced this October. According to NPB officials, any U.S. pork producer who is age 30 or older as of Jan. 1, 2018, may apply, but they must own and have five years of professional working experience on a pig farm.

Preliminary applications (which include the submission of three farm photos) are due by 11:59 p.m. CST on March 11. For a complete list of official rules, visit www.americanpigfarmer.com

2/14/2018