About us

Board of Director Bios:

Kirk Pugsley – Kirk Pugsley is our 2025-2027 IPPA President. Kirk started raising pigs with his kids having their first two litters with his kids 4-H gilts that were left from the 2004 fair season. Those two sows were the spring board turning the family project into a deep seated passion for working with kids and raising pigs to give other kids a chance to show animals as well. Kirk’s wife Sheryl, had never lived around livestock but has over time become a key member of the production department, especially as the kids grew up and moved on to live their adult lives. Kirk is hopeful to keep producing pigs for his four amazing grandchildren.

Over the years the family has bred and raised cattle, sheep and pigs. Kirk has been a 4-H leader for over twenty years as well as a supporter of FFA youth. Kirk has also been involved in promoting opportunities for kids throughout the northwest to excel in livestock exhibitions by managing and hosting jackpot shows for several years. One of the most rewarding activities was being asked to judge the Western Idaho Fair open hog show in the summer of 2025.

Kirk has enjoyed numerous successful champion and reserve champion hogs at many fairs throughout the northwest. While the show pig industry is the main focus of his operation, he hopes that he can lead the organization in a way to benefit both show pig producers as well as the commercial producers to build a stronger IPPA.

Logan Thornton – I loved growing up on the pig farm. Checking on the newborns, feeding, showing pigs, even cleaning pens are some of my greatest memories out on the farm with dad!

I now, alongside my wife Melissa, get to share the same things with our children as we work hard together to responsibly raise our pigs! Working with pigs is my passion and what I feel I do best. I am happy to help our customers in any way I can when it comes to pigs. From filling the freezer to making memories in the show ring, I am here to help.

Matt Henderson – My wife, Jessica and I are the 5th generation to live and work on the family Ranch in Swan Lake, Idaho. Working alongside my dad, we run a 100 cow/calf operation, 60 sow operation, harvest grain/hay, grow pasture-raised meat chickens, smoked meat business, and a small butcher business where we butcher our own hogs (when we have time!).

My dad started our hog operation in 1983 where we have supplied our surrounding region with show pigs, feeder pigs, and butcher hogs. If we aren’t chasing cows, we are chasing pigs. If we aren’t chasing pigs, we are chasing kids!

The official Henderson Ranch motto is, “The best way to raise kids is tired” and according to my wife, the best thing to be put in tractors was the buddy seat!

Rick Roper – Rick is a third-generation pig farmer. He currently lives on his family farm in Kimberly, Idaho where he and his wife, Courtney are raising their four young children. They have a 500 sow operation, a small crop farm, 60 beef cows, and a custom manure management business. He values agricultural freedom and pragmatism in policies.

Rick received a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business from Brigham Young University-Idaho and a master’s degree in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University. He is involved in his church and family life and finds great joy in sharing the lessons and experiences unique to agriculture with anyone unfamiliar with them. 

Joe Kornbau – is a board member of the Idaho Pork Producers Association and brings both industry leadership and hands-on livestock experience to the organization.

Joe is the owner and operator of High Desert Show Stock, where he and his family produce high-quality show pigs in Southern Idaho. Based in Burley, Idaho, High Desert Show Stock focuses on sound, competitive genetics and youth development within the show pig industry. Joe lives in Burley with his wife Shawna and their children, who are actively involved in agriculture and livestock projects.

In addition to his livestock operation, Joe works in management with Bunge North America, where he is involved in operations, leadership, and business decision-making within the agricultural sector. His professional background provides valuable insight into the broader grain and protein supply chain.

Joe is also deeply committed to youth agriculture. He serves as a 4-H advisor in Cassia County, mentoring young exhibitors and helping develop the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Through his roles in production agriculture, corporate management, and youth education, Joe is dedicated to advancing the pork industry and supporting Idaho producers.