New Outreach and Communications Specialist Hired by Iowa Pork Industry Center


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Marta Grant headshot.

Marta Grant was recently hired by the Iowa Pork Industry Center (IPIC) to fill the role of outreach and communications specialist. She started the position in December 2025.

In this role, Grant will promote IPIC programs and manage communications with producers and stakeholders across the state.

Grant’s background in agriculture started from a young age, growing up on her family’s swine and grain farm in Preston, Iowa. "Growing up, I was really involved in the day-to-day operations of our swine business. It taught me the value of hard work, attention to detail, and swine health management."

After graduating from Iowa State University with a degree in agricultural business, Spanish, and international agriculture, she began working in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Office for Global Engagement as a study abroad advisor. For three years, she recruited students, coordinated events, and developed new communication strategies to revive participation in study abroad programs following the COVID-19 pandemic.

When the position with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach became available, it was immediately of interest.

"With the IPIC position, I was excited about the opportunity to return to the swine world. As a farmer myself, I understand the numerous challenges producers face on a day-to-day basis. I look forward to collaborating with swine faculty and staff across the university to provide industry stakeholders with the latest resources and educational materials."

Grant continues to be involved in the family farm and manages her own row crop operation back in eastern Iowa.

Contact Marta Grant


IPIC was established in 1994 as a coordinated effort of the colleges of Agriculture (now Agriculture and Life Sciences) and Veterinary Medicine at ISU. Its mission is to promote efficient pork production technologies in Iowa, maintain Iowa's pork industry leadership and strengthen rural development efforts. IPIC focuses its efforts on programs that are integral and complementary to ISU Extension and Outreach. Through IPIC, Iowa producers receive accurate and timely information to make their operations more efficient and profitable.