Q&A with Matt Romoser — Swine Extension Specialist at Iowa State University

In this installment of Showmen Currently in the Field, we catch up with Matt Romoser, Extension Swine Specialist with Iowa State University, to talk about his roots in the swine industry, how 4-H helped shape his career path, and how he's using innovative tools to teach biosecurity to the next generation of pork producers.

Q: ShowPig

Matt, thanks for joining us! Let’s start with the basics. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

A: Matt Romoser

Thanks, Lexi. I'm humbled and fortunate to be here and share a little about my background in the swine industry. I grew up in Southeast Iowa, in Washington County—Keota is my hometown. I was raised on a farrow-to-finish operation, and that's really where my passion for the pig business began.

My family operation started with a more commercial focus, but over time, as we got more involved in 4-H and FFA, we shifted toward an exhibition-minded setup. Dad and I still operate it together today.

That early involvement in pigs sparked a career path: I went on to Iowa State University, earned my bachelor's and master's degrees in animal science and swine science, and then spent a few years working in genetics. Today, I serve as an Extension Field Specialist at Iowa State, where I work with both youth and pork producers in Iowa.

Q: ShowPig

That’s a full-circle moment—starting in 4-H and now helping lead 4-H efforts through Extension. How do you work with young 4-Hers today?

A: Matt Romoser

Yeah, it's been really rewarding. One of the coolest parts of my job is being able to connect with young exhibitors who are just beginning to explore agriculture as a career path. We do a variety of things—from ag exploration days for high schoolers to hands-on 4-H workshops.

During these events, we cover everything from swine nutrition and health to genetics and barn management. A big part of what we’re doing is helping young people realize that what they’re learning in 4-H can directly connect to real careers. It’s all about making those connections—turning the passion they have in the show ring into long-term interest in the ag industry.

Q: ShowPig

You recently brought the Iowa State Biosecurity Trailer to an event for middle schoolers. Can you explain how it works and why it's so impactful?

A: Matt Romoser

Absolutely. Biosecurity can be a tough topic to teach—especially to youth—because it's hard to visualize. You can’t see germs, and sometimes even farms with great biosecurity still deal with disease. That’s why we developed the biosecurity trailer.

We took a closed-sided trailer and retrofitted it to mimic the entryway of a commercial pig facility. It includes a mock Danish entry system, a shower area, and boot-changing stations. But the game-changer is the black light system. We use a powder called Glow Germ, which fluoresces under the lights and simulates how germs can spread.

It gives students—and even producers—a visual, hands-on experience. They can see how easily pathogens can be tracked into a barn, and that really drives home the importance of biosecurity. It’s all done in a safe, contained environment without putting any animals at risk.

Q: ShowPig

Why is that lesson especially important in a place like Iowa?

A: Matt Romoser

Washington County is pork Mecca—we’ve got a high concentration of hog farms. That means the stakes are high when it comes to keeping disease out of barns. For 4-Hers showing pigs, biosecurity isn’t just a buzzword. It’s critical. If a pig goes off feed due to illness, that’s not only tough emotionally, but also a financial hit.

Giving young people a chance to learn and see how simple actions—like changing boots or washing hands—can make a big difference is incredibly valuable. It reinforces how the small steps add up in protecting both animal health and producer profitability.

Q: ShowPig

As we head into fair season here in the Midwest—county fairs, state fairs, jackpot shows, and even winter shows down south—do you have any tips for show pig exhibitors on maintaining biosecurity and keeping their pigs healthy?

A: Matt Romoser

Absolutely. The simplest tip I always start with is being mindful of your footwear. For example, in my role, I travel to a lot of county fairs in the summer to do ultrasound scanning, which is a great teaching tool for backfat, loin eye area, and ultimately how that translates to pig value. But because I’m visiting so many sites, I treat the back of my car like a clean/dirty line.

Fair shoes stay in the trunk or only go on fairgrounds—they never come into the cab or my home. And I apply that same mindset when visiting my family’s farm. I have dedicated footwear that never leaves the garage or gets worn off-site. That simple boundary helps keep anything from gas stations or public places from tracking into our barns.

This practice is easy and inexpensive: assign specific shoes for the fair, for the barn, and for chores, and don’t mix them. Even within a farm, try to avoid using the same boots in every building. That helps ensure you’re not bringing pathogens from one group of pigs to another.

Especially with exhibitors managing pigs at different stages—some just starting their jackpot season and others focused on state fair later in the summer—health is everything. And working closely with your veterinarian to establish a health plan, including vaccinations and knowing what to do if illness strikes, is also key.

Q: ShowPig

Those are great tips. I think we tend to forget how often we wear the same shoes everywhere—whether it’s the fairgrounds or church. Is disinfectant a good idea too? I know clean/dirty lines are number one, but should we be actively cleaning our “dirty” shoes and other supplies along the way?

A: Matt Romoser

Yes, disinfectant is a great tool. I keep a can in my car at all times. Especially when I know I’ll be visiting a producer’s farm, I prep ahead of time—vacuum the interior, wipe everything down with Clorox wipes, and spray down the floor mats, foot pedals, and my shoes.

Even if you’ve never worn a pair of shoes into a pig barn, if you’ve walked through a gas station or grocery store in a pig-heavy region like ours, there’s still a risk. It’s always better to play it safe. Disinfectant spray adds an extra layer of protection and peace of mind.

And don’t forget—it’s not just shoes. Supplies matter too. If you're using the same show whips or brushes at jackpot shows and then bringing them back into your barn, that can also spread disease. Pay extra attention if you’ve been at a show where pigs were coughing or if the weather’s been fluctuating. Temperature swings can trigger flu outbreaks, so being proactive with cleaning and monitoring is really important.

Q: ShowPig

Switching gears a bit—let’s talk about your background. You’ve held leadership roles all through school and into college with Block and Bridle and the livestock judging team. What was the biggest lesson you took from those experiences, and what would you tell today’s youth?

A: Matt Romoser

Livestock judging, especially at the collegiate level, taught me a lot about grit. You give up your weekends, spend long days judging in all kinds of weather—like looking at 10 classes of bred heifers in South Dakota during a blizzard. As a pig kid, I definitely had moments where I questioned my choices!

But those experiences built skills you can’t get in a classroom—like critical thinking and effective communication. You can memorize information for a test, but giving oral reasons under pressure forces you to think on your feet and explain yourself clearly.

I also learned accountability—being someone others can rely on. Whether it was in FFA, Block and Bridle, or judging, I had to step up because others were counting on me. And one of the most valuable takeaways was building a strong network. You can’t do everything alone, and surrounding yourself with people who support and challenge you is key.

Q: ShowPig

Final question—what’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young showman today?

A: Matt Romoser

I’ll echo what we just talked about: surround yourself with good people. That’s more important than anything else. I’ve been lucky to have great mentors—people who encouraged me, challenged me, and told me what I needed to hear when I needed it.

As adults, we have a responsibility to be those mentors for the next generation. You never know when a small comment or moment can make a lasting impact on a young person. So let’s lead by example, be present, and support those coming up in the industry.

This interview is part of Showmen Currently in the Field, a content series made possible through the strategic partnership with the National Pork Board. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from leaders shaping the future of the pork industry.