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Gent named new IPPA president

The new president of Iowa Pork Producers Association is a third-generation pig farmer from Washington County.

Matt Gent tells Brownfield the pork industry is changing and the organization needs to adapt to the needs of its producers and consumers. “The order generation that’s bought a lot of meat in the traditional way is changing,” he said, “and the young consumer wants things readily prepared. We need to innovate our products to meet their demand.”

He says international relationships should also be a focus. “One in every four pigs goes overseas,” he said. “That’s always kind of been the answer to the growth of the industry was as we produce more, other countries will just buy more. I think most producers today would say trade is really good.”

Gent succeeds Winthrop, Iowa pork producer Trish Cook who now holds the position of past president on the IPPA Board of Directors.