Supporters turn out for 2026 BV County Pork Producer’s Banquet

The 2026 Buena Vista County Pork Banquet brought together pork producers, business people, youth and supporters at the Cobblestone Ballroom last Saturday night.  The Merchandiser of the Year award went to Justin Mason of Mason Auctions.

A wrap-up of the year’s activities provided by board member Michelle Ehlers shows how active this group is:

• On Feb 15, Youth Team delivered 325 lbs ($1,000 worth) of ground pork purchased at a local locker to five food pantries in BV County

• In April we donated pork to Storm Lake Elementary, Middle and High School for a "Made in Iowa" lunch and were at all buildings to hand out pencils, pig "ears" (hats) and answer questions from kids about our industry

• On April 18 we pulled our grill to the Mid American Parking Lot and grilled free meals for Storm Lake first responders and residents after rough storms swept through town.

• In May we grilled for a new business outside of Storm Lake – Parks of Iowa.

• The Youth Team participated in four parades throughout June and July.

• We provided supplies, manpower and grilled for the Food From a Farmer Meal during the BV County Fair. The Youth Team handed out trophies during hog show.

Board members ran the Special Swine Program for 28 4-Hers.

• We grilled for Thresherman’s in August and Heartland Tire in Storm Lake.

• We grilled for AgState in Albert City and Platinum Crush in Alta in September.

• We were a part of and grilled for Sept. 24 BV County Emergency Management Livestock Rollover training for 38 first responders in Alta

• In October to celebrate Pork Month we supported a local restaurant, Cobb Tavern, by offering $3 off special pork offerings. The Youth Team and board also planned and coordinated educational second grade classroom visits to four schools in BV County.

• We did holiday radio ads to promote our industry for both Pork Month (October) and the Holodays (December). 

• This past January we received community involvement recognition from the Iowa Pork Producers.

• For 2026 we will again be making pork in the Pantry donations as well as having a local fabricator make new meal cut signs to go over our charcoal grills. We are getting ready for our upcoming grilling season.