After nearly three decades of dedication, early mornings, and countless farrows, John Hoffman is retiring from Iowa Select Farms—leaving behind a legacy defined by excellence in animal care and farm leadership.
John began his journey with Iowa Select Farms in 1995. It didn’t take long for his passion for livestock, strong work ethic, and natural leadership skills to be recognized. Rising through the ranks, John eventually took on the role of farm manager—a position he held with pride for many years.
Most recently, John led Fonken Sow 26, a 4,000-head sow farm that has earned a reputation within the Iowa Select system for its high health standards, strong production metrics, and consistent performance. His leadership helped shape the farm into one of the company’s most dependable and high-performing sites.
“John is one of the most dedicated employees I’ve worked with,” said Chris Nydegger, who supervises Sow 26. “He’s incredibly dependable, always willing to jump in and help, and his attention to detail is second to none. We’re really going to miss him.”
Dan Dean, Breed-to-Wean Director and John’s former supervisor, echoed those sentiments: “I never had to worry about Sow 26 because John was always reliable. His dedication to the farm is unmatched – he managed the site as if he owned it.”
Now stepping into a well-deserved retirement, John is looking forward to spending quality time with his children and grandchildren—and cheering on his beloved Mizzou Tigers and Kansas City Chiefs.
From everyone at Swine Web, thank you, John, for your remarkable career and contributions to the pork industry. Your legacy of leadership and care will be remembered for years to come. We wish you the very best in your next chapter.
