Hogan takes on youth leadership role with IPPA

Growing up in a family that raises pigs and has long been active in the pork industry, it only seems natural that Caleb Hogan of Monticello would eventually serve on the 2020 IPPA (Iowa Pork Producers Association) Youth Leadership Team.

     Hogan became part of the trio in January of this year. His leadership ends in January 2021.

     “Unless they cancel the Iowa Pork Congress,” Hogan said of the January 2021 event and the COVID-19 pandemic.

     Hogan joins Alexis Berte and Abby Bean has the three-member Youth Leadership Team.

     “I heard about others who were part of the Youth Leadership Team (in the past) and it sounded like something I’d really enjoy,” Hogan said of getting involved. “It sounded fun, and an experience I could add to my resume.”

     In order to qualify for the role, Hogan had to give a speech, take part in the pork quiz bowl, give a mock TV interview, and take part in a personal interview. He said this experience helped prepare him for college and the job market.

     Despite some limitations and cancellations of events due to COVID-19, Hogan has remained busy promoting the pork industry throughout Iowa.

     In January, he helped grill pork butterfly chops and sausages at the Jackson County Fairgrounds.

     In February, he handed out samples of pork products at the Eastern Iowa Home Show in Waterloo, and gave introductions of Iowa State University professors at the Iowa Pork Regional Conference in Washington, Iowa.

     In March, Hogan spoke with agricultural leaders such as Mike Naag, Iowa Secretary of Ag, at a dinner for ag leaders.

     In June, Hogan assisted at pork hog shows in Spencer and Marshalltown.

     In July, Hogan was seen at his own hometown fair, the Great Jones County Fair, assisting at the Swine Show by handing out ribbons and plaques.

     In August, with The Big Show Tractorcade in Monticello, Hogan sold pork sandwiches with the Jones County Pork Producers to attendees from all over Iowa. Naag and Bill Northey, former Iowa secretary of ag and current Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation with USDA, were also present.

     In August, Hogan attended the modified Iowa State Fair and helped in the showring at the Swine Show. He also sold pork chops on a stick, bacon on a stick, and pulled pork sandwiches to the 4-H and FFA families.

     As a member of the IPPA Youth Leadership Team, Hogan tired his best to put in 100 hours of volunteer time promoting the pork industry.

     “I promoted it as much as I could,” he said.

     In addition to attending events when and where he could, Hogan also shared information and facts about the pork industry and Pork Producers via social media.

     “It wasn’t hard to promote,” he said, “it was hard to find things to do (to promote pork). A lot of activities were cancelled.”

     The September issue of the Iowa Pork Producer Magazine quoted IPPA CEO Pat McGonegle as saying the role of the Youth Leadership Team is essential to the pork industry in Iowa. Hogan concurred.

     “We promote our industry to consumers,” he explained. “We help producers tell their stories, and promote healthy and safe pork products, even throughout the pandemic.”

     Hogan said it’s important for consumers to understand the food supply chain and the process from farm to store and restaurant.

     He’s also been active with the Jones County Pork Producers, promoting their annual PORKer Ride. Earlier this year, Hogan attended the Buchanan County Pork Banquet where he gave an invocation. He would like to see Jones County eventually have its own pork banquet and bring back the royalty titles.

     Since graduating from Monticello High School in 2019, Hogan has been helping his family on their farm where they raise 13,000 hogs. He earned his Class A CDL, which allows him to drive semis, an added bonus when working on a farm.

     Hogan has been attending Kirkwood Community College where he’s studying ag business, and plans to transfer to Iowa State next fall. He hopes to pursue ag studies and animal science. During his time with Kirkwood, Hogan took on two internships with River Valley Coop in Ryan and Gavilon Grain in Dubuque.

     Even when he heads to Ames to further his education, Hogan plans to remain active in the pork industry.

     “That’s why I want to minor in animal science,” he said, “to learn more about the industry.”

     His year with the IPPA has helped Hogan break out of his shell. He said it’s also taught him to adapt to change due to COVID-19.

     Hogan exhibited pigs at the GJCF and Iowa State Fair for years growing up, and offers advice to younger kids looking to do the same: “Try your best. Learn different ways to go about things. Work hard. You might surprise yourself.”

     If anyone is interested in learning more about the IPPA Youth Leadership Team, visit iowapork.org or call 515-480-2831.