RECOGNIZING DAYTON MEAT PRODUCTS

On 2026-02-24, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING DAYTON MEAT PRODUCTS" in the Senate. The speech addressed the environment and also covered trade policy. It referenced legislation including S643, S644.

RECOGNIZING DAYTON MEAT PRODUCTS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 36 (Tuesday, February 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 36 (Tuesday, February 24, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S643-S644] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING DAYTON MEAT PRODUCTS Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This [[Page S644]] week, it is my privilege to honor Dayton Meat Products of Poweshiek County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Established in 1959 by Lawrence Dayton, Dayton Meat Products, originally known as the Malcom Locker, is one of the most respected and well-known meat processors in Iowa. From the beginning, the business embodied the values of a true family operation. Over the past 67 years, Lawrence's wife Edith and their five children all contributed to the success of the business. In 1994, the family moved to South Malcolm and built their current facility, which includes a slaughterhouse, garage, smokehouse, cutting rooms, and retail store. This custom meat- processing business now includes jerky, deer, sandwiches, homemade pies, and catering services. Today, they process more than 700 hogs and 45,000 pounds of game meat each year. Customers are welcome to bring in their own cattle, hogs, or deer and purchase through Dayton, working closely with the team to create custom cuts and smoked products. In 1999, Lawrence retired and passed the business on to his sons Bill and David and son-in-law Mark Lang. Today, Bill Dayton and his two sons Josh and Jake continue to own and operate the business, proudly upholding Lawrence's legacy. Under their leadership and with a dedicated team of 15 employees, including two American Association of Meat Processors master meat crafters, Dayton Meat Products has earned widespread recognition for its award-winning dried beef, bacon, ham, and jerky. Beyond their traditional services, Dayton Meat Products is known for its creativity and innovation. They are particularly recognized for their cheddar and cranberry summer sausage and their gummy bear bratwurst, which all quickly became best sellers. The business has received numerous awards at the American Association of Meat Processors--AAMP--convention, the Poweshiek County Fair, and the Iowa State Fair. Most recently, they were named the Grand Champion for semi- boneless ham at the AAMP Convention's American Cured Meat Championship. Bill Dayton is also well known throughout Malcolm for sharing his knowledge with new entrepreneurs. To recognize his contributions, Bill was honored in 2012 with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Iowa Meat Processors Association. In 2015, he was inducted into the Cured Meats Hall of Fame under the American Association of Meat Processors. Dayton Meat Products values the importance of giving back to the community. They regularly donate to the local food bank, recognizing their products as an important commodity for those in need. They also support the local fire department and were recognized by the Grinnell Lions Club with the Ag Appreciation Day Agri-Business of the Year Award. It is my honor to recognize Dayton Meat Products for their outstanding contributions and presence in the Malcolm community. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years to come. ____________________