Iowa Pork Producers Association's 2024 president Matt Gent presents 2024 Master Pork Producer Award to Doug Gruver of Sully.
The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is proud to announce Doug Gruver as a 2024 Master Pork Producer Awardee. The awards were presented at the Iowa Pork Congress Banquet on Jan. 22 in Des Moines. The award winners embody the diversity of Iowa’s pig farms and the dedicated individuals who support pork producers. Nominated by their peers and neighbors, these honorees reflect the strength and collaboration within the pork industry.
Gruver serves as a grow/finish production manager with AMVC and, in addition, manages his own contract finishing barns outside of Sully. In this role, he supports a network of contract growers throughout eastern Iowa, providing direction on pig care and site management. He works closely with his veterinarian and the grow/finish team at AMVC, ensuring all data and records are accurate and reported in a timely manner.
Gruver’s dedication to keeping animals healthy begins with utilizing multiple biosecurity measures and close collaboration with his veterinarian to ensure health, well-being, and producing safe food. To maintain a safe working environment and comfortable living conditions for pigs, Gruver works hard to maintain his facilities.
Following along the We Care principles, Gruver also responsibly uses resources, fertilizing his crop ground with manure from his pig barns and conserving water and natural resources. Recently, he began participating in the Pork Cares Farm Impact Reports to create yearly on-farm sustainability reports showcasing his land stewardship actions. Gruver is also a member of various agricultural organizations, including the Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, and Jasper County Farm Bureau.
He has served as a board member of his church and is heavily involved with other community efforts. When he’s not volunteering, Gruver enjoys spending time with his wife Janise and their two children, Abby and James.
Gruver’s commitment to the swine industry extends beyond daily pig care. He is also actively involved with the Iowa Pork Producers Association and is passionate about sharing pork’s story. Currently, Gruver serves on IPPA Board of Directors, where he is the vice president of producer services. Gruver has volunteered in Des Moines, feeding the less fortunate with IPPA, and hosted National Junior Swine Association Board Members for a farm tour. He is also a participant in the 2024 Pork Leadership Institute.
“The Master Pork Awards showcase the best of pork production – celebrating those who are driven by passion and committed to feeding the world a safe, high-quality protein,” said IPPA Producer Outreach Director Brielle Smeby. “As the top pork-producing state, Iowa’s success comes from our hardworking producers who face challenges head-on and continue to set the bar for excellence in the industry.”
Now in its 83rd year, this program welcomes a new class of honorees who join the ranks of Iowa’s most accomplished pork producers, representing eight decades of excellence and innovation in the field. Through this award, IPPA and Iowa State University celebrate the character, dedication, and impact of Iowa’s pork producers, showcasing the vital role they play in agriculture and their communities. IPPA started the Master Pork Producer Award Program in 1942 and has now named 1,533 Iowa pig-farming businesses as Master Pork Producers.
