Bob Hemesath – Iowa Corn Grower and Pork Producer

Bob Hemesath, who serves on the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) board, farms with his brother near Calmar in Winneshiek County. They are the fourth generation on their family farm; raising corn, soybeans and hay. They also own and operate a wean-to-finish hog operation.

Bob is not only involved in the ICGA, but he is also involved in the Iowa Pork Producers Council. Last week, he served as a voting delegate at the Iowa Pork Congress. The resolutions addressed included the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, animal well-being audits, labor availability, packing plant unloading practices and the school lunch program.

Bob believes that it’s important for farmers to stay in-tune with the policy being taken by the groups representing the farming industry.

“We have great farmer-leaders in the state who care for the prosperity of this industry. We each need to take time to stay on top of issues that are arising and make sure we know about the latest issues in our state and nation,” says Hemesath. “It’s important to attend these sessions to make sure our voice is heard from the grassroots level.”

“An issue like the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy is important to me as a corn grower and pork producer and it is important to our state,” he adds. “The Iowa strategy emphasizes voluntary conservation efforts to help improve our ability to keep the nutrients and crop protection products we use where they are needed. The Iowa strategy is the first time stakeholders from both the point-source community, such as municipal wastewater treatment plants and industrial facilities, and nonpoint sources, including farmers, have come together to develop a comprehensive plan.”