A Le Mars pork producer has been named to the Iowa Pork Producers 82nd class of Master Pork Producers. Joe Kessenich was one of eight producers from around the state of Iowa to be named this year. Also on the list is an Aurelia producer, Aaron Hinkeldey. The Master Pork Producer program began in 1942. Over 15-hundred pig farming businesses have been so honored. Another Le Mars resident honored this week is Jim Hitchler, who was named a Master Pork Partner. Hitchler delivers feed for pork producers as a driver for Gengler Feed Service in Remsen. An O’Brien County couple received the Iowa Environmental Steward Award. Dennis and Lori Heemstra of Primghar own a 33-hundred head wean-to-finish pork operation in O’Brien County. They were named Master Pork Producers in 2014. The Iowa Pork Congress held the annual awards banquet in Des Moines on Wednesday.