Queen Committee Member Samantha DeWitt, 2019 Tama County Pork Queen Abbigail Froelich and 2019 Tama County Pork Ambassador Eric Keller are pictured following the crowning of the 2019 royalty.

The Tama County Pork Producer’s annual banquet was held recently at the Traer Memorial Building. Spanky’s Restaurant of Gladbrook catered the pork loin and rib meal.

Pork Producer President Phil McKenna welcomed members, guests and dignitaries. Samantha DeWitt, Queen Committee member, introduced Abbigail Froelich as the 2019 Tama County Pork Queen. She is the daughter of Brent and Stacy Froelich of Toledo. Eric Keller of Gladbrook was announced as the 2019 Tama County Pork Producer Ambassador. He is the son of Ryan and Melissa Keller of Gladbrook.

Abbigail is a sophomore at South Tama and is involved in FFA, Cross Country, Track and South Tama Technicians. She plans to attend Iowa State University and dreams of becoming a large animal vet. She also enjoys the outdoors, animals, drawing and helping others.

Eric is home schooled and is currently a senior. He instigated the Swine Pork Ambassador Program. This two year old program assists new swine exhibitors to raise swine for the Tama County Fair. The program is funded by the Pork Producers and local sponsors by purchasing the pigs and supplying feed to alleviate the up-front cost with exhibiting swine. He is a member of the Young Guns 4-H Club and is a leader in Shooting Sports.

Board member Dennis Gienger recognized Cookies Barbecue Sauce owner, Speed Herrig, for his thirty plus years assisting the Tama County Pork Producers in the promotion of pork.

Deputy Sheriff Casey Schmidt and his K-9 partner, Tyson, were presented with a $1,000 donation. No public funds are used for the support or care of Tyson. Having a Canine Assistant to work with a Deputy is beneficial for all residents of Tama County. According to Tama County Sheriff Dennis Kucera, “The dog is a full service dog. It is used in patrol, searches, rescue, apprehension of suspects and drug search.”

Jason Gienger, Youth committee member, spoke of the requirements 4-H and FFA swine exhibitors are required to complete to receive the bonus money from the Tama County Pork Producers. The youth must attend all swine education meeting, exhibit swine at the Tama County Fair, attend a carcass meeting following fair, turn in a completed record book and attend the Tama County Pork Producer Banquet. There were 33 youth participating.

Recipient of the 2017 Tama County Pork Producer scholarship award was Tanner Calderwood. The money is presented during the second year of college in the amount of $600 and was presented by President Phil McKenna.

The prestigious Hog Wild Award was presented to Lawrence Rouw. Donna Rouw was named winner of the Belle Ringer Award. These awards are given to persons who have helped promote pork throughout the years. The Rouw Family lives near New Sharon, but have always been extremely involved with grilling and lots of Tama County Pork Producer events.

Guest speaker was Traer native Jake Hlas. He is State FFA Vice-President of the NE District. He spoke of his year-long journey as an FFA officer. Jake traveled with the 2016 Tama County Pork Producers Florida Ag Trip and is currently a sophomore at Iowa State University.

The evening concluded with the annual pie auction. Marilyn Popelka was the Grand Champion winner with her one crust Apple-Caramel Pie and she also won the two crust division with her Apple Pie. Bill Jesina was named men’s winner with his Peach Pie and Tama County Pork Queen Abbigail Froelich topped the youth division with her Cherry Raspberry Pie.