Darian Fisher, a name synonymous with dedication and hard work in the swine industry, is celebrating an impressive milestone—30 years with Iowa Select Farms. What began as a childhood passion for agriculture has blossomed into a fulfilling career that Darian “can’t picture doing anything else.”
Rooted in Agriculture
Growing up, agriculture was an integral part of Darian’s life. His grandparents raised hogs, and he fondly recalls earning money as a child by helping a neighbor with their farm. “I knew I wanted to stay connected to the industry,” he shared.
After high school, Darian pursued his passion at Ellsworth Community College, earning a degree in farm management. His journey with Iowa Select Farms began with a recommendation from one of his college instructors, who also worked in the company’s HR department. “The rest is history,” said Darian. “This was the closest opportunity to farming, and I’ve been here ever since.”
From Sow Farms to Leadership
Over three decades, Darian has held various roles within the company, from working on sow farms to managing Gilt Development Units (GDUs). Today, he serves as the Breeding Department Head at the Marton/Hunt GDU near Ackley, Iowa. In this role, Darian ensures the efficiency and productivity of the production system by supplying quality replacement gilts to nearby sow farms.
Darian’s extensive knowledge of pork production and his ability to adapt have earned him the nickname “the jack of all trades.” Reflecting on his growth, Darian said, “I’ve learned a lot from other managers, supervisors, and maintenance techs. I enjoy being able to assist wherever I can and help guide new employees on our farm.”
A Culture of Growth and Camaraderie
For Darian, the culture at Iowa Select Farms is one of the main reasons he has remained with the company for 30 years. “The people, opportunities for growth, and the family-like atmosphere have made it easy for me to stay here for so many years,” he said.
Family and Hobbies
When not working, Darian enjoys spending time with his wife, Kelly, and their four children: Brittany, Breanna, Bethany, and Brayden. Remarkably, his son Brayden shares his father’s passion and works part-time as an animal caretaker. In his downtime, Darian can be found hunting or reading his favorite John Grisham novels.
Looking Ahead
Darian’s future plans are simple: “I think I’m just going to keep going,” he says with a smile. His dedication to Iowa Select Farms and the swine industry serves as an inspiration to both new and seasoned professionals.
Congratulations, Darian, on this extraordinary milestone, and thank you for 30 years of hard work and commitment to Iowa Select Farms!
