A new year means a change in leadership for the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA). As Curtis Meier  passes the torch to Gregg Hora to lead the state’s pork association, it’s a good time to reflect on the successes and challenges of the past year, and look forward to what lies ahead in 2018.

Both leaders say that the two new packing plants, the Triumph/Seaboard plant in Sioux City currently operating and the Prestage Foods plant in Wright County currently under construction, will provide more competition for hogs.

“Landing the two packing plants here in Iowa has been a big success,” Meier said.

Just 16 miles away from Hora’s farm near Fort Dodge, the Prestage Foods plant is another opportunity for all pig farmers because it will increase...