The Thiele family of Elma believes in giving back.

As the new president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association, Trent Thiele is glad to give his time and talents to grow his industry. “I like being involved and handling obstacles as they come,” says Thiele. “It was an honor to be asked by people I respect.”

His wife, Kris, is a pre-school paraprofessional. It’s a job that lets her enjoy kids, shape the next generation and, from time to time, practice her “herding” skills.

Their children Clayton, 13; Mac­kenzie, 11; and Toni, 9, are active in school, 4-H and community projects.

That’s only the beginning. The Thieles have been foster parents to six youth and host a 17-year-old foreign exchange student from Switzerland. They also help with the Howard County Fair, pork producer grillings and hog show weigh-ins.

And ...