As part of a week long tour around the state, Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey made a stop at Ulrich Meat Market in Pella Monday afternoon.

Northey tells KNIA/KRLS News his visit was part of highlighting Iowa-made products during National Agriculture Week.

“It’s certainly great to have them back in business, and the commitment by the two families to get this started again and to be able produce a great product here locally, and just great to be able to hear some of that story,” Northey says.

Northey learned about Ulrich’s famous Pella Bologna and the transition of ownership to the Van Wyks and Veenstras, who reopened the meat market in November 2015.
Co-owner Jamie Veenstra says he was able share with Northey what goes into making their business run.

“It was really nice to have people like him come in and tour a local facility and see where products are made like that,” Veenstra says. “We went over all the different products; the bologna, which is 149 years old this year, and all the other products we are going to stores with, plus our store in Pella.”

Northey will stop in over a dozen communities this week to showcase local agriculture and efforts made through the Iowa Water Quality Initiative.