Jan. 26, 2017
Contact:
Drew Mogler, Producer Education Director
(800) 372-7675,
For Immediate Release!
Smithfield employee named Master Pork Partner by IPPA
(CLIVE, Iowa) —The Iowa Pork Producers Association and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach have presented a 2016 Master Pork Partner Award to apork production company employee.
Doug Matthies of Walnut in Pottawattamie County was recognized and presented the brass belt buckle emblematic of the award at the Iowa Pork Congress Banquet in Des Moines last night.
Matthies serves the Midwest region of Smithfield Hog Production as business improvement manager. He has been involved in the swine industry for more than 45 years, starting as a hog buyer for Farmland. He joined Smithfield when itpurchased Farmland.
Doug assists growers with the permitting process for new construction. He oversees facility construction and works directly with contractors in bidding, workmanship, and follow-through. He is currently implementing a raised-without-antibiotics program with contract growers in southwest Iowa.
Matthies has witnessed many changes in the swine industry over the course of his career. He recalls his early days when 200 pound pigs were considered heavy by packers. He also notes the changes in biosecurity and health management, which he views as “before PRRS” and “after PRRS.” Doug has always been a champion of change and encouraging those he works with to improve their management and their bottom line.
In the community, Matthies is a past president of the Walnut Community School Board, president of the Walnut Optimist Club,and commander of the Walnut American Legion Post 422. He is state chairman of American Legion Youth Baseball Program and has also served on several youth baseball programs throughout the years. Doug also is a PQA and TQA trainer/advisor.
Doug and his wife, Margo, have three children.
The Master Pork Partner Award recognizespork production company employees who have demonstrated positive impacts in their production systems and a commitment to the We Care ethical principles, but don’t have active daily roles at a specific production site. This is the third year that the award has been presented.
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