Carroll County pig farmer Aaron Juergens has been elected president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), stepping into the role during the organization’s annual meeting in Des Moines on January 21. Juergens, who oversees operations managing over 100,000 nursery and finishing pig spaces for Sunburst Valley Farms near Carroll, brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to advancing Iowa’s pork industry.
Juergens expressed his gratitude and excitement about leading the IPPA. “It’s an incredible honor to lead this outstanding organization and work alongside such a dedicated board of directors,” said Juergens. “This group has always been a source of inspiration for me. I never imagined being elected to serve on the board, let alone as president. It’s truly overwhelming.”
Juergens succeeds Matt Gent, a Wellman pig farmer who now serves as IPPA’s past president. Juergens acknowledged Gent’s strong leadership during a challenging year and vowed to continue building on that success.
“Matt did an outstanding job guiding us through a tough year, and I hope to build on his success,” said Juergens. “2025 looks promising, and I’m optimistic about a great year ahead for Iowa pork producers.”
A History of Leadership and Advocacy
Since joining the IPPA Board of Directors in 2020, Juergens has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s initiatives, serving on committees for public relations, finance, and producer education. His leadership training includes graduating from the Iowa Pork Leadership Academy and the National Pork Producers Council’s Pork Leadership Institute. Juergens is also a seasoned advocate, serving for over a decade as a speaker for Operation Main Street and earning the Dale Carnegie Course Highest Award for Achievement.
Juergens’ accolades include being named an Iowa Master Pork Producer in 2014 and receiving the Iowa Environmental Steward Award in 2009, the national Pork Industry Environmental Steward Award in 2010, and the inaugural Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award in 2011.
Beyond his contributions to the pork industry, Juergens is active in his community through organizations such as the Carroll County Farm Bureau, Rotary Club of Carroll, and the New Hope Foundation. He holds a business management degree from Loras College in Dubuque and resides in Carroll with his wife, Chelsey, and their three children.
Key Resolutions Passed at Annual Meeting
During the annual meeting, IPPA delegates approved several resolutions, including:
- Engaging with USDA and the Secretary of Agriculture regarding burdensome country-of-origin labeling requirements affecting pork from Canada in Federal Nutrition Assistance Programs.
- Collaborating with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) to enhance participation in the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan (SHIP).
- Working with the National Pork Board (NPB) and colleges of veterinary medicine to develop evidence-based PRRS outbreak protocols for producers.
- Recognizing Matt Gent with a complimentary resolution for his exceptional leadership as IPPA president in 2024.
About the Iowa Pork Producers Association
IPPA promotes, educates, and serves as a leading voice for a sustainable, socially responsible, and globally competitive pork industry.
For more industry updates, visit SwineWeb.com.
