Congratulations to Mike on 25 years with Iowa Select Farms!

“I took this job 25 years ago to get off the road and be home every day,” said Mike, who is celebrating 25 years as a truck driver for Iowa Select Farms. “This company has allowed me to accomplish this and be home with my family night after night.”

Congrats to Mike who recently celebrated twenty-five years on the transportation team as a CDL driver, hauling loads of animals between farms or to the packer.

He started in 1996 and says he’s “hauled it all.” Weaned pigs, feeders, market hogs and breeding stock, even making several trips to Texas to bring gilts back up to Iowa. “I enjoy hauling livestock and I love to drive, so I get a paycheck for doing what I love—I call that a win.”

“Transporting livestock hasn’t changed much, but the company has,” said Mike. “The number of farms we’re hauling to and from has really grown.” As has the department. Today, the transportation team is made up of dozens of employees, ranging from CDL drivers, wean truck drivers, and dispatchers to trailer washes, mechanics and members of wash crews.

Mike has seen a lot of new drivers come on board. He says his best advice is to never be afraid to ask questions as there are no dumb ones (only dumb answers!) and to treat the equipment like you own it.

And if you are ever around Mike at a company event, let’s say the Iowa State Fair, you know his family is what he’s most proud of. “I enjoy spending time with family and friends, especially my grandchildren,” said Mike. He and his wife, Barb, also like to keep busy with camping, kayaking, riding his ATV and taking in sporting events and racing.

“Iowa Select Farms has been a good employer to me,” said Mike. “I get to work and do my best every day, and when people ask me when I am going to retire, I tell them I hope I have another 20 years with Iowa Select Farms.”

Congratulations to Mike on 25 years with Iowa Select Farms!
 

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