News
Ankeny, Iowa – The North Central Poultry Association (NCPA) honored Dr. Craig Rowles as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Hall of Fame Award on September 23 at the NCPA Fall Festival and Annual Meeting awards banquet in Altoona, Iowa.
The Hall of Fame Award recognizes one individual each year who has made a lasting impact on the North Central Poultry Association (NCPA) and/or the Iowa/Minnesota/Missouri poultry industry. This recognition is reserved for poultry producers, industry leaders, professionals, and others whose efforts have strengthened the poultry community, whether through direct contributions or by enhancing programs and initiatives that bring value to the industry as a whole.
Dr. Craig Rowles, an Iowa native, earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University in 1982 and began his career in mixed animal practice with a focus on swine. In 2014, he transitioned into egg production as general manager of cage-free production for Versova, where he has overseen the construction of cage-free facilities for over 12 million layers. He and his wife, Beth, have been married 44 years and have three sons, Matt (Lizzie), Brian (Kathy), and Johnny (Ashlee), along with six grandchildren.
Dr. Rowles has been a dedicated leader in the poultry and livestock industries, serving on the NCPA board, including the past five years as president, as well as on the United Egg Producers board. He has chaired critical task forces on fire prevention and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza preparedness. His leadership has been recognized with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians Meritorious Service Award, the Versova President’s Award, and most recently, the 2024 United Egg Producers Egg Producer of the Year Award.
“I’m humbled and grateful to receive this award,” Dr. Rowles said. “I have always been passionate about producing food through animal agriculture. I have always focused on doing it the right way every day. I am honored to work with the Versova teams who work every day to provide protein with purpose.”
“Craig is a fantastic mentor and leader who has helped our organization through COVID, avian influenza, state mergers, and other challenges with positive energy and a fighting spirit,” said Dr. Ian Rubinoff, president of NCPA.