Iowa Agriculture Secretary Visits Knoxville Hormel Plant

Naig tours facility, meets with leadership and employees during annual county tour

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig visited the Hormel meat processing plant in Knoxville, Iowa on Friday as part of his annual tour of all 99 counties in the state. Naig toured the facility, which produces over a million pounds of dry sausage per week, and met with plant leadership, employees, and the Knoxville mayor to discuss the plant's operations, challenges, and growth opportunities.

Why it matters

Naig's visit highlights the importance of Iowa's food production industry, which is a major driver of the state's economy. The Knoxville Hormel plant is a significant producer of pepperoni and other meat products, serving consumers across the United States and globally.

The details

During his visit, Naig toured the Hormel meat processing facility in Knoxville and met with plant leadership, employees, and Knoxville Mayor Brian Hatch. Naig said he wanted to hear the plant's perspective on the marketplace, challenges they face, and potential growth opportunities. The Knoxville Hormel plant produces over a million pounds of dry sausage per week, making it a major contributor to Iowa's food production industry.

  • Naig visited the Knoxville Hormel plant on Friday, February 21, 2026.

The players

Mike Naig

The Iowa Secretary of Agriculture who was touring facilities across the state's 99 counties.

Hormel

A major meat processing company with a plant located in Knoxville, Iowa that produces over a million pounds of dry sausage per week.

Brian Hatch

The mayor of Knoxville, Iowa who met with Naig during his visit to the Hormel plant.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This plant right here in Knoxville is serving a significant percent of the US pepperoni needs but also consumers around the world and that all brings value right back here to Marion County.”

— Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture (KNIA/KRLS)

The takeaway

Naig's visit to the Knoxville Hormel plant underscores Iowa's leadership in the food production industry, with facilities like this one serving consumers across the country and around the world. The state's agriculture and manufacturing sectors continue to be vital economic drivers, even as the industry faces ongoing challenges.