Iowa Select Farms

06/15/2026

Summer is upon us, which means the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation's Haul Out Hunger program is back on the road!

As children spend more time at home during summer break, local food pantries often see an increased need for nutritious food donations.

The program will help provide nutritious, high-quality protein to communities across the state when it is needed most.

This year, our team will reach over 100 organizations, spread across 72 communities and 36 of Iowa's counties, in total donating over 34,000 pounds of ground pork ----enough to provide over 136,000 servings to Iowans in need.

We're proud to support the food pantries, volunteers, and community partners working every day to fight hunger and strengthen rural Iowa.

Follow along throughout the summer as we share stories and highlights from this year's Haul Out Hunger deliveries!

06/09/2026

Sharing this from Irreverent Warriors Iowa — if you’re a Veteran, Guard, Reserve, or currently serving, check out this upcoming opportunity to reconnect, laugh, and walk alongside the military family that always shows up for each other.
Tap the original post for details and registration.
Register here: https://irreverentwarriors.donordrive.com/desmoines26

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1PGScdPJm3/

River Valley Veterans Network Invitation

Veterans, Active Duty, National Guard, and Reservists — we want to make sure you’ve heard the call. The Irreverent Warriors Des Moines Silkies Hike is coming up on July 11th, and it’s one of the most meaningful (and downright fun) ways to celebrate the 250th birthday of our nation.

There’s nothing quite like walking shoulder‑to‑shoulder with people who understand the journey — laughing, reconnecting, finding purpose, and showing up for one another. If you’ve been missing that camaraderie… if you’re looking for a reason to get outside… or if your legs could use a little ☀️sunshine☀️, this is your sign to join the family you didn’t know you needed.

‼️ If you want a hike t‑shirt, registration time is running short ‼️

Irreverent Warriors’ mission says it best:
“We bring veterans together using humor and camaraderie to improve mental health and prevent veteran suicide.”

🔗 Register here: https://irreverentwarriors.donordrive.com/desmoines26

Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs

05/25/2026

Happy Memorial Day from Iowa Select Farms and the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation! Ahead of the holiday weekend, 560 Children's Cancer Connection families across Iowa were surprised with picnic-themed care packages designed for family fun.

Each surprise box includes essential items to have the perfect fun-filled day outside. Families received supplies to paint their own plates, a picnic blanket, reusable utensils, a kite, a bug-catching kit, and a book of coupons and recipes fit for a picnic.

05/19/2026

Iowa Select Farms is continuing to invest in workforce development through its welding internship program, in partnership with Ellsworth Community College (ECC), creating hands-on opportunities for students while helping strengthen the company’s long-term talent pipeline.

Leaders from both Iowa Select and ECC said the partnership has provided students with valuable real-world experience while exposing them to career opportunities within agriculture and maintenance operations.

“I believe that the welding internship is a great program to bring local talent to ISF,” Alicia, Human Resources Specialist, said. “It gives students a different option when looking for a career path.”

The partnership began after conversations between Iowa Select leaders and ECC staff about ways to connect students with industry experience.

“I believe it is our responsibility to promote and recruit students into animal agriculture,” Scott Stehlik, Vice President of Support Operations, said. “Ellsworth Community College has a strong agricultural program that sits in our backyard, so the connection became obvious.”

Stehlik said internships allow students to better understand workplace expectations while giving Iowa Select an opportunity to showcase careers within the company.

“Structured internship programs give students the opportunity to see what the ‘real world’ looks like and what it takes to be successful,” he said.

ECC leaders said the value of the program comes from giving students practical, hands-on experience outside the classroom.

“Finding local opportunities for internship for our welding students is imperative because internships help students apply what they've learned in the classroom and in the welding lab,” Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Honoria Balogh said. “There is nothing more valuable in the career and technical education world than true hands-on experience where students can solve real-life problems and immediately see their positive impact in the workplace.”

Balogh said ECC welding instructor Blake Walker immediately recognized the opportunity the partnership could provide students.

“When Iowa Select Farms reached out to partner with Ellsworth, our welding instructor, Blake Walker, jumped on the opportunity to partner with ISF staff and help his students gain the experiences they needed beyond the classroom,” Balogh said.

The first year of the program has already produced positive results, including the transition of intern Jayden into a full-time role with Iowa Select Farms.

“This has been a big win for our team on a lot of levels,” Dan Childs, Director of Maintenance, said. “To now see that internship turn into a full-time career opportunity says a lot about the endless value partnerships like this can have.”

Childs said Jayden's growth throughout the internship highlighted the potential of the program and the value students can bring to the company.

“From day one, what has stood out is his attitude, his willingness to learn, and the level of skill he already brought with him,” Childs said.

Vice President of Human Resources, Kerry Sweeney, said the partnership benefits both students and Iowa Select Farms.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to partner with local community colleges in our area to provide experience for them and fill a need we have as well,” Sweeney said.

Leaders said the success of the first internship reinforced the importance of continuing to build partnerships with local colleges and invest in future talent.

“It’s been a real success story of collaboration,” Stehlik said, “and one we will continue to add to with future internships with ECC students.”

04/24/2026

Congratulations to Chris for receiving the 2025 Wean-to-Finish Pride 4P Award. With more than 30 years at Iowa Select Farms, Chris’s leadership, experience, and commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact across the system.

Senior Supervisor Tom described Chris as a highly respected and dependable leader.

“Chris is a very seasoned supervisor,” Tom said. “When you give Chris the intent and the ‘why,’ you can step back and watch him develop his people and his area. He is highly respected by his peers throughout the system. Chris has worn many hats over the years, and with that comes a great deal of knowledge and expertise. No matter the question — big or small — I know I can go to Chris for an honest perspective.”

Tom added that Chris’s dedication reflects both his personal standards and his impact on the organization.

“Chris’s dedication to accomplishing all duties to a high standard and achieving excellence is a great credit to himself and Iowa Select Farms,” Tom said. “Well deserved, Chris.”

Vice President, Wean-to-Finish, Tyler also highlighted Chris’s ownership and leadership.

“In the short time I’ve gotten to know Chris, it’s clear he has high standards and carries those through to his sites and how he works with his managers," Tyler said. "He takes true ownership of his route. Recently, when he had to be out of the sites, Tom said, ‘Man, it’s tough when I don’t have him.’ For anyone who knows Tom’s level of experience, that says a lot. Chris is a valuable member of the Iowa Select team, and his contributions do not go unnoticed — he is greatly appreciated.”

For Chris, the award is a reflection of the people around him.

“Receiving this award means the people I work with are doing an exceptional job. I don’t necessarily like receiving awards myself — I believe a supervisor is only as good as the people around them,” Chris said.

Chris began his career with Iowa Select Farms in November 1994, spending 18 years on the farrowing side before transitioning to finishing. Over the years, he has been shaped by many individuals across the organization.

“There have been so many people who have influenced me at Iowa Select that it wouldn’t be fair to name just a few,” Chris said. “I appreciate everyone who has helped me along the way, both past and present.”

He takes pride in supporting his teams by providing timely information and feedback to help them succeed.

“I try to get new information and processes to my team quickly so they can be successful. I also make sure performance results are shared so everyone can improve,” Chris said. “When people are given feedback, they naturally work to fix the negatives and build on the positives. Most people want to do well — they just need the right tools and encouragement.”

After decades in the industry, one thing continues to stand out to Chris.

“I’ve seen many hog companies come and go over the years,” Chris said. “What I admire about Iowa Select Farms is that it has stood the test of time.”

4P Awards are given to appreciate an individual’s dedication and continued commitment to our core values of People, Pigs, Profit, and Pride. Your hard work, leadership, and passion help drive our success every day. Congratulations, Chris!

04/10/2026

"Military children serve in their own way, through resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering support for their families,” said Erin Coogler, Iowa National Guard Child and Youth Program Coordinator.

Did you know? April 10th is Purple Up! Day this year, a day to celebrate and support military-connected children by wearing purple. This year, the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation's Henry's Heroes program was proud to send 1,480 purple t-shirts to Iowa's military children located in 73 Iowa counties ahead of the Month of the Military Child.

Learn more about Henry's Heroes: https://www.iowaselect.com/foundation/henrys-heroes/

04/09/2026

The 2025 numbers are in! The Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation is proud to offer intentional and impactful programs that feed hungry Iowans, honor and recognize our military and veterans, and support families who are navigating childhood cancer. This week, we want to highlight Operation Christmas Meal!

Each year, to celebrate the holiday season, the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation organizes Operation Christmas Meal, a beloved tradition for the organization and its employees since 2011.

In December, employees brave the cold to hand out five-pound pork loins and recipe books to Iowans in need, providing a nutritious holiday meal for those who might not otherwise have access to one.

In 2025, over 500 employee volunteers handed out 27,000 pork loins at Operation Christmas Meal events across Iowa. In addition, 6,000 pork loins were delivered to the Food Bank of Iowa and the Northeast Iowa Food Bank.

Over the past 15 years, over 4.5 million pounds of pork have been given away at Operation Christmas Meal events in 58 communities.

To read more about the Foundation's efforts, visit https://www.iowaselect.com/foundation/2025-impact-report/.

04/02/2026

For Misty Walkup, a career at Iowa Select Farms was not simply a job. Rather, it was an extension of the life she had always known.

Growing up on a farm with her parents, raising pigs and cattle, Misty developed a deep love for animals at an early age. That passion carried into her adult life, where she continued to raise hogs and eventually found her way to Iowa Select in 1998.

“My love of animals drew me to Iowa Select in the first place,” Misty said. “It was just the natural thing to do.”

Though the animals initially attracted her to Iowa Select, it was the values of the company that kept her.

“I felt very secure with Iowa Select,” Misty said. “They made me feel at home. I worked with pigs every day, and I love the family-oriented values. I also worked with some very special people throughout the years.”

She began her career as a preg checker technician, traveling between multiple sow farms and GDUs. It didn’t take long before her dedication and skill earned her a full-time role.

Over the years, Misty took on leadership positions, including breeding department head and, most recently, farrowing department head at Sow 32.

Her time at Sow 16 marked an important chapter in her career, where she worked alongside a strong team and celebrated multiple top-10 finishes.

“We were in the top 10 several times,” Misty said. “And when I moved to Sow 32, we were able to do that again.”

Beyond performance and facilities, Misty said the most meaningful part of her work was helping others grow.

“One of the best feelings is knowing that I taught people important things about pigs,” Misty said. “Not just anyone can do this job, but I found it rewarding in many different ways. People just need to be patient, take their time, and the pigs will do the rest.”

As she reflects on her time with the Iowa Select family, it’s the relationships — both with people and animals — that stand out most.

“I will miss both the people and the pigs,” Misty said. “They both meant a lot to me.”

Now, as she looks ahead to retirement, Misty is excited for a new chapter filled with time spent doing what she loves: camping, fishing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

04/01/2026

The 2025 numbers are in! The Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation is proud to offer intentional and impactful programs that feed hungry Iowans, honor and recognize our military and veterans, and support families who are navigating childhood cancer. This week, we want to highlight Gold Star Families.

Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day, celebrated on the last Sunday of September, honors mothers, fathers, and family members of fallen military service members. To commemorate the holiday, each year, the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation sends every Gold Star family in Iowa a unique and thoughtful gift to remember and honor their fallen family member.

In 2025, Iowa Select Farms employees selected a custom wind spinner to be sent to the 600 Gold Star families in Iowa. The wind spinners were sent to both Gold Star Lapel Pin recipients and Next of Kin Lapel Pin recipients—widows, widowers, parents, children, and siblings of fallen service members.

To read more about the Foundation's efforts, visit https://www.iowaselect.com/foundation/2025-impact-report/.