Former Iowa Pork Producers CEO Rich Degner was honored recently with two national prestigious pork industry awards.

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) joined the National Pork Board recently in presenting Degner with the inaugural Paulson-Whitmore State Executive Award.

The award, named after Don Paulson, past Minnesota state pork executive, and Rex Whitmore, past Wisconsin state pork executive, recognizes the outstanding leadership and commitment of state pork organization executives.

Also, the National Pork Board honored Degner as the recipient of its Distinguished Service Award. The award is given to an outstanding leader to recognize his or her lifelong contribution to the pork industry.

Degner worked for the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) for 35 years, serving as CEO the last 17 of those years...