posted on Monday, December 20, 2021
“As pork producers, we understand the importance of nutrient management and benefits it has to soil health,” said Mike, a both a custom applicator and contract grower for Iowa Select Farms. “I am proud to not only raise pigs for Iowa Select Farms, but to also run my application business and partner with such a great company.”
It’s that dedication to his important role in both pig care and nutrient application that earned him the Q2 SelectPride Partner recognition.
Nominated by both the Iowa Select Farms environmental services team and the finishing team, Mike is being recognized for his important contribution to our collective mission of producing pork. Mike’s work ethic and love for pig farming can be traced back to helping his dad with chores. Growing up on a corn, soybean and farrow-to-finish pig farm near Bode, he learned good pig care, and the dedication it takes to raise livestock—a farm his father still operates today.
As Mike got older, he was able to help out other farmers in the area with daily chores and loading. While in high school he got his first experience helping a local custom manure applicator—a business sector that has flourished in rural Iowa as result of livestock production.
When talking with Mike, his passion and pride for the pig industry shines through, especially when he talk about his own children getting involved. He and his wife, Tara, have five children. The older ones are starting to help out with the farm chores, just as he did as kid.
“My whole family is tied to this industry,” said Mike. “The opportunities pig farming has given my family is immeasurable.”
In addition to managing his pig farm, for 12 years Mike has been operating his custom application business, M&M Pumping, LLC which consists of four tanks and up to 12 crew members.
Sadly, last summer his business partner, Randy, tragically passed away in a farming accident. “We’ve had to pick and move on,” said Mike, whose is navigating through his first pumping season without him. “I want to keep his legacy going and run a pumping business I know he’s proud of,” said Mike.
Max, a nutrient service manager for Iowa Select Farms, said Mike is reliable, dependable and always willing to go the extra mile. “We take our commitment to environmental stewardship seriously, and Mike and his crew are incredibly careful to follow all company protocols,” said Max. “They get the work done and get it done right. They do a great job for Iowa Select Farms and our farming partners.”
“Everyone at Iowa Select Farms has had a positive impact on me and my family and we are proud to be a part of it,” he said.
“Mike is who I know I can always count on for anything,” said Ashley, a finishing supervisor for Iowa Select Farms. “He knows the industry, but more importantly, he knows that great animal care means showing up every day, walking the pens and getting all of the air, feed and water details right. Plus, he’s ultimate team player by jumping in to help everyone out.”
Ashley describes Mike as being the first at a farm at 3:00 a.m. when the power goes out from a bad storm, or when someone in the area needs a hand. “Everyone who knows him as a tremendous amount of respect for him.”
Thank you, Mike, for your commitment to the environment and great pig care!
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