Surprises — Some Good, Some Not

When a question is posed about what has surprised Rehmeier most during his pork production career, caution momentarily sets in, but he soon acknowledges that the forced split of the two industry organizations — NPPC and the Pork Board — came as a surprise. But, he quickly adds: “What pleases me most is now seeing both organizations working together, perhaps better than they have since the separation was mandated.

“I look forward to working in the pork industry, and I hope to retire from it and see my kids and grandkids get into it — if they want to. It's important to approach it with a real business structure and make sure everyone understands where you're at. Sometimes that's hard when it's family. Once in a while you've got to bite your tongue and say, ‘OK, you take care of that however you want to,” he admits.

Reflecting on his chosen profession, Rehmeier says the best advice he can offer his nieces and nephews and other young people is this: “You've got to take time for other activities; don't ruin your life over raising hogs. Work hard, but play hard, too. Be sure to do some other things that you enjoy.”