U.S. Senator Joni Ernst announced on Mar. 31 that Zeb’s Smokehouse of Taylor County has been named her Small Business of the Week. Ernst, who chairs the Senate Small Business Committee, plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa’s 99 counties during the current Congress.
The recognition highlights efforts to support local businesses and honor entrepreneurship in rural communities across Iowa.
“Zeb’s Smokehouse represents the very best of Iowa’s entrepreneurial spirit. By turning their dream into reality, Zeb and Andrea created a business that serves farmers, feeds families, and strengthens rural America,” said Chair Ernst. “Through strong relationships with local farmers and producers, this small business knows how to meat the needs of their community.”
Since its founding in 2015, Zeb’s Smokehouse has developed from an idea into a wild game processing operation offering locally raised beef and pork. The business focuses on farm-to-table service and works closely with area farmers to help preserve traditions important to rural families.
Ernst is known for her work assisting Iowans with federal agency matters such as Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits, immigration, and military affairs according to her official website. She served over two decades in the Iowa Army National Guard—including commanding troops during Operation Iraqi Freedom—and achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel according to her official website. Raised on a family farm in Montgomery County where values like hard work were emphasized according to her official website, Ernst became the first woman from Iowa elected to federal office upon joining Congress according to her official website.
Ernst holds degrees from Iowa State University (bachelor’s) and Columbus State University (master’s) according to her official website. She also serves on multiple Senate committees after running on a platform focused on fiscal responsibility; she made history as both Iowa’s first female combat veteran elected senator and by serving more than 23 years in the military according to her official website.
Chair Ernst said she will continue highlighting outstanding small businesses throughout Iowa with future awards.
