Aaron Juergens took over as president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association this week.

There’s not much about raising hogs that Aaron Juergens hasn’t seen — from working on his grandpa’s 100-hog and 600-steer operation in Carroll County growing up, to managing his own contract grow-out and feeder operations today.

Juergens carries three generations of pig farming knowledge and experience with him to his new role as president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA).

“Hog farming is definitely not for everyone,” he said. 

“You’re in and out of barns all day, you’re working with animals, sometimes you get manure on you, you’re always dusty. I love it.”

The family farm

Juergens is one of four children born to Ron and Betty Juergens. The homeplace, where Ron and Betty still live, is just outside the city of Carroll....