Smyrna Sow Farm, managed by Adam Swalla, has been recognized with the prestigious SelectCare Excellence Award for its invaluable contributions to agriculture and groundbreaking medical research. The farm, located in eastern Clarke County, cares for 7,500 sows, producing high-quality pork that sustains human nutrition. However, their impact extends far beyond the farm.
Through a long-standing partnership with Struve Labs, Smyrna Sow Farm plays a pivotal role in supporting critical medical research. The farm provides approximately 40 bred sows each quarter, which are used in pioneering cancer therapies, diabetes treatments, and cutting-edge organ development for human transplants. These sows are transported to Struve Labs, where their piglets are delivered via c-section in a sterile environment and nurtured in incubators before being sent to biomedical researchers across the United States.
One of the most notable collaborations between Smyrna Sow Farm and Struve Labs is a project focused on combating cardiomyopathy, a severe heart condition. The farm’s ability to provide clean pigs meeting stringent requirements has been crucial to the success of this medical research.
Additionally, the farm’s pigs are utilized for islet cell harvesting, a vital component of diabetes research, helping to advance insulin production. They are also involved in xenotransplantation projects aimed at developing organs for human use, though this area remains in its early stages due to regulatory and funding challenges.
Dr. RexAnne Struve, owner and research director at Struve Labs, emphasizes the critical role that Iowa Select Farms and Smyrna Sow Farm play in this work. “Pigs’ capacity to help people is phenomenal,” she stated. “We couldn’t accomplish our goals without Iowa Select Farms.”
Beyond their contributions to medical research, Smyrna Sow Farm also supports the agricultural community by helping to develop vaccines that protect swine herds. Many of these vaccines, which are now widely available on the market, were developed through collaborations between Struve Labs and producers like Iowa Select Farms.
Reflecting on the farm’s recognition, Adam Swalla expressed pride in his team’s efforts. “I’m proud to be part of a farm and company that helps provide lifesaving organs for humans. While our team is focused on animal care, meeting daily production goals, supporting one another, and improving the farm, knowing we are part of something bigger than us is truly an honor.”
The Smyrna Sow Farm team includes a dedicated group of professionals who work tirelessly to ensure the highest standards of care and innovation. Congratulations to Adam Swalla and the entire Smyrna Sow Farm team for their exceptional contributions to agriculture and human health.
