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Cook becomes first woman to lead Iowa Pork Producers Association

An eastern Iowa hog farmer has been named the new president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association, marking the first time a woman will lead the organization.

Trish Cook of Buchanan County tells Brownfield she’s honored to help represent the state’s pork producers.

“My interests are the same as other pig farmers,” she said Wednesday at the 2023 Iowa Pork Congress in Des Moines. “I view it as a team effort. On our farm, my husband and I run the farm together. Just like at Iowa Pork, it’s the board and staff and producers all working together as a team.”

She says prevention of foreign animal diseases, like African swine fever, is her top priority.

“The United States is being very diligent with biosecurity practices at the borders using the Beagle Brigade at airports and keeping pork out that hasn’t gone through the proper channels,” Cook said.

Cook succeeds Kevin Rasmussen, who now holds the past president position on the IPPA Board of Directors. Her full interview with Brownfield can be found below.