November 2026 Newsletter
Updated: 6 days ago
Mark Your Calendars!
We will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, but will be back on Black Friday! Stay tuned for adjusted delivery dates for the Thursday route!
It’s our 20th Anniversary!
In November of 2006, Spencer Ag Center was formed by the three partners, Dennis Harmon, Greg Lear, and Tim Christensen, after purchasing Sioux Nation’s Spencer location. November 2nd marks our 20th year as SAC! We are honored to continue to serve our customers and grateful for our dedicated team! Tim always says that we were “just a feed store that got out of control!” and with your business, our small feed business has expanded and supports over 30 staff members.
We thank you all for your business and for making 20 years possible! Looking for nostalgia? Check out our archived newsletters over the past 20 years!
Out on Stalks Post-harvest?
Cows on cornstalks are a great option for your operation. Functioning as a symbiotic relationship, your cows gain body condition by consuming the spare corn, while your field has less volunteer corn for next year's season, as well as direct manure application! Turning cows out on stalks is a cost-effective feed option for cows in mid-gestation after weaning calves. This season is a great stage for feeding maintenance-style diets. Be sure to supplement their diet with a source of protein, such as feed or protein tubs during the later season on stalks when all that remains is the stalk and husks. Weather also affects the quality and quantity of stalks, as warmer or higher moisture conditions will affect the amount of consumable forage for your herd. This additional protein will make the grazing process more efficient, as protein helps the rumen break down the roughage and makes it more bioavailable to the animal. Lower body condition-scored animals will need the additional protein support to improve based on their nutritional requirements. Ask what Spencer Ag Center has to offer for protein supplementarion!
IPLA in Washington DC IPLA at the Iowa State Capitol IPLA in North Carolina at Hog Slat
My Time with Iowa Pork Leadership Academy
Claire Christensen, Marketing and Logistics
In 2026, I participated in Iowa Pork’s Leadership Academy (IPLA). This past year has consisted of multiple sessions to hone my leadership abilities within the swine industry and to learn about the valuable resources that Iowa Pork, National Pork Producers Council, and National Pork Board offer. Alongside 11 other industry professionals ranging from genetics and health companies to independent producers, we spent our year traveling across the United States and learning about differing production practices, regulatory protocols, and our government’s influence on ag. IPLA consists of 4 main sessions; here is what our group was able to accomplish during our time in the academy and what prospective professionals who may be interested in applying may have in store for the upcoming 2027 academy!
Our first session consisted of introductions and learning how both the National Pork Board and Pork Checkoff Funds are utilized to support the industry. We also had the opportunity to tour the recently built Wholestone-Prestage Plant in Eagle Grove, Iowa.
On our second visit to Des Moines, Iowa, our session took a legislative focus, where we learned how to address our political representative as constituents. This gave us the
chance to represent the industry as we visited the Iowa State Capitol to meet with State Legislators and policy officials. After our second session, we were prepared to travel to our third visit, which took place in Washington, D.C. IPLA met with Iowa Senators: Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, and Iowa Representatives: Marianne Miller-Meeks and Zach Nunn, to talk with Congress about buzzing pork industry topics. As producers, we came at a pivotal time to support the “Save Our Bacon Act,” which was on the docket to potentially be included in the Farm Bill. We also discussed the upcoming renewal of USMCA Trade (United States - Canada -Mexico Agreement). Additionally, we met with Richard Fordyce, Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation at the United States Department of Agriculture.
During our last session, we traveled to both North and South Carolina, where we visited with North Carolina Pork about the environmental regulations surrounding pork production. Did you know that since 1997, North Carolina has had a permanent moratorium on pig barn construction enforced by the Environmental Protection Laws? During 1995-1999, there were heavy rains, hurricanes, and the Oceanview Farm Spill that resulted in many open-air lagoons polluting the surrounding environment. It was interesting to hear how different states function under regulatory law, as Iowa’s pork production is abundant, with new barns built over the last 30 years. We also attended multiple agro-tours of cotton, peanuts, tobacco, and oysters farms and toured Hog Slat’s Manufacturing Plant, Mt. Olive’s Pickling Plant, and Custom’s Border Patrol in Charleston.
I would encourage anyone who has an interest to apply for Iowa Pork’s Leadership Academy to do so. Being a part of this academy has been incredibly rewarding, as it has taught me how to represent and advocate for pork production. In addition to opening the door to communicate with legislators, it has provided a strong network of fellow pork professionals. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to learn more about Iowa Pork and to return with
resources to support my local pork producers in my county!
New Product Alert!
Smell in your chicken coop?
Consider Dr. Connie’s Odor-Lok!
• Powerful Odor Control – Instantly neutralizes ammonia and hydrogen sulfide odors, keeping your chicken coop fresh and odor-free.
• Moisture Absorption & Bedding Longevity – Reduces excess moisture, helping to extend bedding life and maintain a drier, healthier environment.
• 100% Natural & Safe – Made with non-toxic, all-natural ingredients, free from chemicals, perfumes, or additives—safe for chickens, people, and the planet.
• Easy & Effective Application – Sprinkle in the coop or run for long-lasting freshness.
No mixing or complicated steps required.
Are you prepared for a cold weather front? Here are our recommended items to check before the cold sets in:
Ritchie water heaters and heating elements for your waterers – may need to be tested and replaced before the first freeze
Rat and mouse bait – to help eliminate unwanted critters from seeking shelter in your barns this winter!
Adjust Barn Ventilation Settings - Call to schedule a barn walk-through, ventilation training, or check out our winter checklist!
