The 2025 Iowa Pork Congress witnessed a record-breaking fundraising effort as the Dollars for Swine Scholars Auction raised an impressive $62,511, surpassing the previous high of $61,525 set in 2023.
Held at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, the annual auction is a key event supporting scholarships for students pursuing careers in the pork industry. Funds raised benefit incoming freshmen, returning students, graduate fellowships, and interns, helping to cultivate the next generation of industry leaders.
Investing in the Future of Pork
“We are incredibly grateful to the generous individuals and organizations that contributed to this year’s auction,” said Aaron Juergens, president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA). “This event is about investing in the future of the pork industry by supporting the next generation. It was a fantastic night, and we couldn’t be happier with the results.”
Among the top auctioned items was a CINCH World’s Toughest Rodeo package, donated by the Iowa Events Center, which fetched the highest bid of $4,100.
Adding to the excitement, Iowa State Cyclone football players Tyler Moore and Caleb Bacon—both featured in the “Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon” promotional campaign—attended the event to sign autographs, meet attendees, and help auction their autographed jerseys, contributing an additional $3,300 to the scholarship fund.
Auction Highlights
Other top-selling items included:
✅ Gift certificates from Hog Slat
✅ A pork-themed t-shirt quilt, handcrafted by IPPA Producer Education Director Zoey Dinkla
✅ A unique pig-shaped Traeger grill, generously donated by Kevin and Lisa Rasmussen
A Night of Generosity and Community
The Dollars for Swine Scholars Auction was organized by the Iowa Pork Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting Iowa’s pork producers and fostering opportunities for young industry professionals.
A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this auction a record-breaking success! Your support is shaping the future of the pork industry, one scholar at a time.
For more updates on industry news and events, stay tuned to Swine Web.
About the Iowa Pork Producers Association
The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) promotes, educates, and provides a leading voice for a sustainable, socially responsible, and globally competitive pork industry.
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