A group of some of the Iowa Premium Day-One employees recognized at the recent 5th anniversary celebration. -Photo provided

Though Thanksgiving is now behind us, it’s still a time of gratitude at Iowa Premium. Though I’ve felt immense appreciation for the career opportunity, the dedication of our team and the warm welcome from this community it’s now even more than usual, as Iowa Premium celebrates its fifth anniversary.

While anniversaries are an important and exciting milestone, I like to focus on the days, weeks, months and years that lead up to a milestone. I also keep in mind the strong foundation a milestone represents for the future. These things are what tell the true story of our rich past and pave the way to our promising future. I think Iowa Premium’s story is one of growth, substantiability and community.

Iowa Premium started operations in November 2014. This came after investors purchased the Tama Pack facility, built in 1972. Various packing companies, with a variety of business formats, operated this facility for 35 years and in October of 2016, Iowa Premium attained full capacity of 1,100 head per day.

More Than 800 Employed

Today, Iowa Premium, as part of National Beef, employees more than 800 people, who join us from Tama, Toledo, Marshalltown, Cedar Rapids and beyond. This Iowa Premium family represents more than 20 nationalities and speaks more than seven languages. Together we’re a strong force, representing the second largest employer in Tama County.

Since moving to Tama, I’ve seen the important relationship between Iowa Premium and this community. I’m proud to be part of an organization that’s committed to lasting relationships and who recognizes the strength of Iowa Premium. Whether its donating hamburgers to local non-profits, or grilling at the Toledo Farmer’s Market to raise funds for the South Tama County Youth Rec or anxiously awaiting the opening of Superior Rentals, that’s sure to be filled by Iowa Premium employees, we are actively engaged in building partnerships that help grow this community and benefit our employees and the farm families who produce our corn-fed, Black Angus cattle.

Over the past five years, Iowa Premium has demonstrated a commitment to sustainable production and responsible resource management. We’ve continually invested in our facility that serves as an important and viable cornerstone in the community.

We’ve added 12,000 square feet of cooler capacity, increased security with fencing and lighting, resurfaced the livestock truck entrance and are building a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment system, among other things. We’re not stopping there. We are actively planning improvements and expansions to the facility to position Iowa Premium for future success. With more than one million Black Angus cattle fed within 150 miles of Tama, there is no limit to our potential.

Support Family Farm

We believe in and support the family farm. It’s a sustainable business model, where corn feeds the cattle and creates a market where producers are rewarded for supplying the quality consumers want. But the economic impact is broader than that. Just ask material suppliers, truck drivers, and even the convenience store and other Tam County business owners who benefit from the business. Our relationships fuel an economic engine.

Our loyal and valued customers are from across the United States and around the globe. We are approved for export to more than 50 countries. Our single plant source provides our customers the opportunity to share the farm story behind the Iowa Premium brand.

Now part of the National Beef family, we have reason to dream. As we celebrate five years and ready ourselves for decades more, there are new opportunities for Iowa Premium and the community we call home. Iowa Premium has long-term viability as a strong, sustainable brand for National Beef, thanks to our delivery of premium, family farm raised, corn-fed Black Angus beef.

On this special anniversary, I’m grateful to work side by side with a team of valued employees and Iowa farm families, committed to premium quality. I hope you’ll join me in celebrating Iowa Premium today and well into the future.

Jon Surman