Gruver Honored as 2024 Master Pork Producer

Doug Gruver received Master Pork Producer Award

posted on Monday, February 3, 2025 in Central Region News

The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is proud to announce Doug Gruver as a 2024 Master Pork Producer Awardee. 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.

Doug Gruver, serves as a grow/finish production manager with AMVC, and in addition, manages his own contract finishing barns outside of Sully, Iowa. 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, Doug works hard to maintain his facilities.

Following along the We Care principles, Doug 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.

Doug 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, Doug enjoys spending time with his wife Janise and their two children, Abby and James.

Doug’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’s Board of Directors, where he is the Vice President of Producer Services. Doug 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.”

You can watch his story by visiting the Iowa Pork Producers Association's YouTube page.


Source: Iowa Pork Producers Association

Tags

  1. amvc employees
  2. award
  3. employee recognition
  4. our team
  5. swine

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