Sioux Center poultry farmer recognized with state award

SIOUX CENTER, Iowa (KCAU) – In 1978, Bruce Dooyema asked his parents for help on a summer project, not realizing it would launch his future career.

“I’ve been in the poultry industry since I was 13 years old and made the mistake of asking mom and dad for 12 chickens one summer,” Dooyema said.

Dooyema found his career path in seventh grade with 24 chickens and his two brothers. Now he’s an integral part of Center Fresh Egg Farm, helping raise more than 4 million egg-laying hens.

“Through different things that have happened during the course of being a seventh grader to being where I am today, God has opened doors to be where I am today,” Dooyema said.

After 40 years, Dooyema has found his place in the industry and serves on the International Egg Board and the World Poultry Foundation Board.

“Those two boards have gotten me all over the globe,” he said. “Central America, Africa, last year I was in 17 different countries because of the egg industry trying to promote eggs all over the world.”

Outside of poultry, Dooyema is active in his neighborhood, acting as a bus driver for students and an EMS driver for Sioux Center Ambulance.

“Getting those calls at midnight, one, two, three, in the morning, you have to be ready to go,” Dooyema said. “It’s rewarding to be part of helping the community out and being there in a time of need.”

On Wednesday, Dooyema and his wife Deb were honored with the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award for his work in livestock farming and his influence in the community.

“We like to tell positive stories about the impact of animal agriculture on our communities,” Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said. “The way that farm families give back to the communities, of course that’s true of the Dooyema family, especially as it relates to the emergency services here in Sioux County.”

“It’s humble, it’s gratitude, it’s nice to be noticed,” Dooyema said. “You know I’m not doing it for recognition, I’m doing it [because] I want to make a difference in our community.”

Dooyema is the second farmer in Sioux County to receive the award and the 188th in the state to be honored.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.