RECOGNIZING HENNINGSEN'S MEAT PROCESSING

On 2026-09-28, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING HENNINGSEN'S MEAT PROCESSING" in the Senate.

RECOGNIZING HENNINGSEN'S MEAT PROCESSING

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 153 (Monday, September 28, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 153 (Monday, September 28, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S5069] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING HENNINGSEN'S MEAT PROCESSING 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 week, it is my privilege to honor Henningsen's Meat Processing of Cass County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. After years of working in construction, Randy Henningsen decided to return home to Atlantic to be closer to his father and brother. Randy's father had previously owned a meat locker that tragically burned down in 1972. In 1978, Randy, his father, and his brother decided to carry on the family tradition and opened Henningsen's Meat Processing. Together, the Henningsens set out to provide Atlantic and the surrounding communities with high-quality, locally sourced meat. Henningsen's Meat Processing specializes in custom pork and beef processing for farmers and operates a full-service meat counter for customers throughout southwest Iowa. In addition to its meat selection, customers can find products ranging from fish and frog legs to locally made cheeses. Randy later purchased his father's and brother's shares of the business. Henningsen's remains committed to the same quality and service it was founded on. Today, Randy leads a team of 14 full- and part-time employees serving Iowans across the State. Henningsen's is also an active member of the Atlantic community and the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce. Randy and his team regularly support local fairs, churches, museums, fundraisers, and other community events through donations. In 2022, Henningsen's donated 200 pounds of meat, about 800 servings, to the New Opportunities food pantry in Audubon County and contributed an additional $100 toward the processing fee. It is one of many ways Randy and his team have given back to the communities that have supported the business over the years. Nearly five decades after Henningsen's Meat Processing first opened, Randy continues his family's legacy of providing quality meat and dependable service to southwest Iowa. For Randy, the people he serves are what make the business special and continue to bring energy and purpose to his work after all these years. The entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to quality, and dedication to community demonstrated by Henningsen's Meat Processing embodies the very best of Iowa small businesses. I want to congratulate Randy Henningsen and the entire Henningsen's Meat Processing team for their hard work, dedication, and exceptional service to Cass County and southwest Iowa. I look forward to seeing their continued success. ____________________