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Minnesota Pork Producers Association Non-Profit
Minnesota Pork Board U.S. Postage
151 Saint Andrews Court, Suite 810 PAID
Mankato, MN 56001 Owatonna MN
5-6 Permit # 110
2019
FEB
CONVENTION CENTER
MINNEAPOLIS
MINNESOTA
At-A-Glance Prevacent
P R O D U C T S U M M A RY
Prevacent™ PRRS is a modified live virus vaccine for the respiratory form of porcine reproductive and respiratory
syndrome (PRRS) that is safe for use in piglets 2 weeks of age or older. With up to 26 weeks of demonstrated duration
of immunity in pigs, Prevacent PRRS is the only Lineage 1 vaccine available on the market today.
CO N T E M P O R A RY L I N E AG E 1 VACC I N E
• PRRS strains are classified into one of nine lineages based on their ORF-5 sequences1
• Over the years, these strains change and adapt, with the majority of global strains belonging to Lineage 11
• Prevacent PRRS is more homologous to Lineage 1 field strains MN184 and NC174 than any other modified live
PRRS vaccine on the market
• According to a presentation at the Allen D. Leman Swine Conference in September, 2018, the majority of PRRS
strains circulating in the U.S. are Lineage 12
E F F E C T I V E AG A I N S T P R R S
• Prevacent PRRS demonstrated protection against NC174 and NADC20 strains, resulting in a 93.2% reduction in lung lesions3,4
• Up to 26 weeks of demonstrated duration of immunity in pigs5,6
SA F E F O R YO U R O P E R AT I O N
• Prevacent PRRS did not revert to virulence and exhibited limited transmission7,8
• Safe for use in piglets 2 weeks of age or older
MO D I F I E D L I V E P R R S VACC I N E S
Prevacent I N G E LVAC FOSTERA® P R I M E PAC ®
P R R S ® M LV PRRS PRRS +
1 day of age or older; revaccinate
M I N I M U M AG E 2 weeks 3 weeks after maternal-derived antibodies 3-4 weeks
to PRRS have declined
26 weeks for
D U R AT I O N O F respiratory disease 16 weeks
26 weeks for respiratory
16 weeks
IMMUNITY disease in piglets
in piglets
Dose size: 1 mL
DOSE SIZE 1 mL 2 mL 2 mL 1 mL
Storage requirements:
O R F 5 L I N E AG E Lineage 1 Lineage 5.1 Lineage 8 Lineage 7 Store at 2°- 8° C (35°- 46° F)
Do not freeze
The label contains complete use information, including cautions and warnings.
Always read, understand and follow the label and use directions.
1
Brar MS. (2015). Evolutionary diversification of type 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. 2015. J.
Gen. Virology, 96:1570-80. Doi:10.1099/vir.0.000104.
2
Paploski I. Making epidemiological sense out of large datasets of PRRS sequences. Proc. Allen D. Leman
Conference, September 17, 2018.
3
Elanco Animal Health. Data on file.
4
Elanco Animal Health. Data on file.
5
Elanco Animal Health. Data on file.
6
Elanco Animal Health. Data on file.
7
Elanco Animal Health. Data on file.
8
Elanco Animal Health. Data on file.
Prevacent, Elanco and the diagonal bar logo are trademarks of Elanco or its affiliates. Other company and product
names are trademarks of their respective owners.
© 2018 Elanco or its affiliates.
vaccin 12312 | PM-18-0268
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TABLE OF
CONTENTS 2018 Minnesota Pork Board
Executive Board
President, Reuben Bode, Courtland
Vice-President, JoDee Haala, New Ulm
Secretary, Myrna Welter, Stewartville
Sam Baidoo, Waseca
Welcome....................................................................... 10
Chris Compart, Nicollet
Advertisers Index.................................................. 12 Meg Freking, Alpha
Schedule of Events............................................... 14 Dan Helvig, Truman
Brad Hennen, Ghent
Seminars.................................................................16-18 Galen Johnson, Dodge Center
State Pork Ambassadors..............................20-21 Rusty Kluver, Northfield
Wanda Patsche, Welcome
Retiring Board Members.............................22-23
Brian Schwartz, Sleepy Eye
Award Recognition Event............................... 24
National Pork Board Member
Award Winners.................................... 26-32, 40-46 Pat FitzSimmons, Dassel
Pork Congress Exhibitors........................ 35, 38 2018 Minnesota Pork Producers
Tradeshow Floor............................................36-37 Association
President, Greg Boerboom, Marshall
Taste of Elegance.............................................52-53 Vice-President, Dave Mensink, Preston
Pork Congress Secretary, Jay Moore, Jackson
Preregistration Form........................................ 54 John Anderson, Belgrade
Adam Barka, Sleepy Eye
Sponsors................................................................56-57
Ben Johnson, Rochester
What’s New At The Show.............................58-61 Lori Stevermer, Easton
Map of Downtown Minneapolis................. 62 Daryl Timmerman, North Mankato
Pat Thome, Adams
The Minnesota Pork Producers Association (MPPA) National Pork Producers Council
publishes the Pork Congress Magazine and sponsors
Board Members
Minnesota Pork Congress. For more information on future
Cory Bollum, Austin
tradeshows and exhibiting opportunities, contact the MPPA
Jim Compart, Nicollet
office at (507) 345-8814 or email, mnpork@mnpork.com
Dr. Gordon Spronk, Pipestone
Terry Wolters, Pipestone
Graphic design services by Lime Valley Advertising Inc.,
Mankato, Minnesota. For more information on Lime Staff
Valley Services, telephone (800) 896-5419 or visit David Preisler, Chief Executive Officer
www.limevalley.com Jill Resler, Chief Operating Officer
Colleen Carey, Administrative Assistant
Katelyn Gradert, Director of Communications
Vicki Kopischke, Accounting and HR Generalist
Lauren Servick, Director of Marketing
and Public Policy Engagement
Pam Voelkel, Director of Events and Promotions
Contact Information
ON THE COVER Minnesota Pork Producers Association
2019 Family of the Year Award Winner, Minnesota Pork Board
Boerboom Family 151 St. Andrews Court, Suite 810 | Mankato, MN 56001
(800) 537-7675 | (507) 345-8814
mnpork@mnpork.com
8 www.mnporkcongress.com www.mppainsider.com | www.mnpork.com
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WELCOME
Welcome to Pork Congress
Year after year, the pork industry advances leaps and bounds above what pig farmers in the past may
have ever thought possible. Continuous pressure and speculation radiating from consumers, volatile
trade and political environments, and threatening foreign animal diseases loom as Minnesota pig
farmers continually better their practices to meet demands while simultaneously upholding the We
Care ethical principles. Through the challenges and successes, the Minnesota Pork Board (MPB) and
Minnesota Pork Producers Association (MPPA) continually work on behalf of Minnesota pig farmers
to responsibly make impactful investment decisions to uphold MPB and MPPA investments.
The Minnesota Pork Board, funded through the mandatory pork checkoff, continues the development
and implementation of programming in the areas of research, promotion, and education to ultimately
elevate consumers’ confidence and trust in pork the product and the farmers who raise it. Several
seminars hosted by MPB will take place at the 2019 Minnesota Pork Congress addressing some of
our industry’s most pressing topics including Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) preparedness, trade,
consumer preferences, permitting, the generational gap, and an overall economic outlook.
The Minnesota Pork Producers Association, funded through voluntary enrollment in the Strategic
Investment Program (SIP), continues to build and strengthen relationships by providing visionary
leadership and advocacy to influencers and members in both St. Paul and Washington D.C.
Developing industry leaders and fostering a positive image for all Minnesota pig farmers stays
at the forefront.
As we come together for the Minnesota Pork Congress, we invite you to celebrate and focus on
the accomplishments and progress of pig farmers while connecting with fellow pork producers,
challenging your perspective on opportunities and challenges facing the industry, and networking
with allied partners and stakeholders.
As Presidents of the MPB and MPPA, we want to thank you for your investment in our organizations.
We are proud to be a part of this wonderful industry and look forward to seeing many of you at
Pork Congress!
Reuben Bode, Courtland Greg Boerboom, Marshall
2018 Minnesota Pork 2018 Minnesota Pork
Board President Producers Association President
10 www.mnporkcongress.comPROVEN IMPACT AGAINST
MYCOPLASMA HYOPNEUMONIAE. 1
LINCOMIX®: NOW APPROVED AT 100
TO 200 GRAMS PER TON
LINCOMIX® (lincomycin) from Zoetis now has a broader dosage range to provide
pork veterinarians and producers with greater flexibility in reducing M. hyopneumoniae
challenges. See how LINCOMIX — the only Type A Medicated Article approved for
the reduction of the severity of the effects of M. hyopneumoniae in the U.S. — can
improve health and economic outcomes at ZoetisUS.com/LINCOMIX.
CAUTION: Federal law restricts medicated feed containing this veterinary feed
directive (VFD) drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
Data on file, Study Report No. A121C-US-14-150, Zoetis Inc.
1
All trademarks are the property of Zoetis Services LLC or a related company or a licensor unless otherwise noted.
© 2018 Zoetis Services LLC. All rights reserved. LIN-00029ADVERTISERS
INDEX
Page Booth Page Booth
Advertiser Number Number Advertiser Number Number
Albert Lea Seed 64 ISG 47 224
Altenburg Construction Innovational Concepts Inc. 39 609
Slat Replacement 13 114
Innovative Heating
Anez Consulting Inc. 39 111 Technologies 17 236
APC, Inc. 67 J&D Manufacturing 64 533
Balzer 64 649 Lange Ag Systems 67 135
Big Dutchman Manitoba Pork Council 55 507
Pig Equipment 66 309
Maximum Ag Technologies 9 518
Boehringer Ingelheim 72 540
Merck 70 304
Central Confinement
Service, Ltd. 34 337 Minnesota Corn
Growers Association 61 204
Central Life Sciences 50 449
Minnesota Soybean Research
Compart's Boar Store, Inc. 43 332 & Promotion Council 50
Compeer Financial 33 Novel Energy Solutions 71 635
D&D Distributing 63 205 Once, Inc. 39 119
Devenish 34 553 Phibro Animal Health 17 415
Doda 63 208 PitCharger 19 138
Double L Group 48 105 Prairie Pride/PW Aire 19 338
Easy Automation 49 615 PrairiE Systems 66 324
Elanco Animal Health 2 104 Profinium 3
Engineered Products Red Rock Holdings 47 619
Company (EPCO) 15 328
Southwest Agri-Plastics, Inc. 5 444
Environment Control
Systems of Morris, Inc. 48 434 Topigs Norsvin USA 7 108
Fast Genetics 25 306 Udder Tech, Inc. 67
Hawk Alarm Systems 19 218 Zinpro 6
Hog Slat 68 320 Zoetis 4, 11 305
Hormel Foods Corp. 51 210
12 www.mnporkcongress.comBEFORE
®
Slat Replacement Professionals®
TOTAL SLAT REPLACEMENT CALL: 1-888-435-2210
TOTAL BEAM REPLACEMENT FAX: 507-435-2220
BARN RECONFIGURATION FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
WWW.ALTENBURGCONSTRUCTION.COM - EMAIL: OFFICE@ALTENBURGCONSTRUCTION.COMSCHEDULE OF More information on
EVENTS Educational Seminars can
be found on pages 16-18.
Monday, February 4 Trade Update
Erin Borror – Economist, United States Meat
Trade Show Set-up
Export Federation
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Convention Center
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. L100 F & G
Exhibit Hall A
Certified Animal Waste Technician
Minnesota Pork Board Annual Meeting
(CAWT) Workshop
10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Hilton Minneapolis
11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. M100 D & E
Symphony III
Consumer Insights Panel
Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. L100 F & G
1:00 – 1:30 p.m. Hilton Minneapolis
Symphony III Navigating the Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency’s Permitting & Environmental
Minnesota Pork Producers Annual Meeting Review Process
(Members-only)
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Staff
1:30 – 4:00 p.m. Hilton Minneapolis
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. L100 H
Symphony III
Minnesota Pork Congress Social Hour
Awards Reception
(Invitation-only event) 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. Convention Center
5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Hilton Minneapolis Trade Show Floor
Marquette II
Wednesday, February 6
Taste of Elegance Pork Congress Registration
(Invitation-only event) 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Convention Center
6:30 p.m. Hilton Minneapolis Mezzanine Level
Ballrooms D-G
Pork Congress Tradeshow
9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Convention Center
Tuesday, February 5 Exhibit Hall A
Pork Congress Registration
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Convention Center Transforming Your Generational Sticking Points
Mezzanine Level Haydn Shaw – Speaker and Leading Expert on the
Multiple Generations
Pork Congress Tradeshow 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. L100 F & G
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Convention Center
Exhibit Hall A Pork Industry Economic Update
Dustin Baker – Deputy Director of Economics
FAD Preparedness and Mitigation Efforts Update and Domestic Production, National Pork
Dr. Scott Dee – Director of Research, Pipestone Producers Council
Veterinary Services 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. L100 F & G
Dr. Patrick Webb – Director of Swine Health Trade Show Closes
Programs, National Pork Board 1:30 p.m.
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. L100 F & G
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5401 Smetana Drive, Minnetonka MN 55343 • engproducts.com • 800.336.1976
© 2019 Engineered Products Company. All Rights Reserved.SEMINARS
February 5, 2019
FAD Preparedness and Mitigation Efforts Update Certified Animal Waste
Technician (CAWT) Workshop
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
L100 F & G 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
M100 D & E
Presenters:
Dr. Scott Dee – Director of Research, Presenters: Minnesota Department of Agriculture Staff
Pipestone Veterinary Services • Update on DOT regulations for haulers
Dee Dr. Patrick Webb – Director of Swine • Nutrient availability in manure – what, when, where
Health Programs, National Pork Board • Applying manure in extreme conditions – activity
Join Dr. Patrick Webb and Dr. Scott and MPCA recommendations
Dee for the latest update on Foreign • Manure gas safety
Animal Disease preparedness and Presenter: Erin Cortus, UMN Extension Engineer
mitigation efforts including the latest in Sustainable Livestock Systems
science on ASFV transmission through
Webb feed and what the industry is doing to Consumer Insights Panel
reduce risk. 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
L100 F & G
Trade Update
Presenter: Consumer Insights Panel
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Evolving consumer preferences influence on-farm
L100 F & G
practices every day. Whether it is food labeling,
Presenter: Erin Borror – emerging technologies, or common industry practices –
Economist, United States the science is saying we CAN but consumers are asking
Meat Export Federation SHOULD WE. Stephen Covey said, “We must seek first
It is sure to be another wild year, with to understand; then to be understood.” Through this
Borror
tariff disadvantages continuing to discussion with a diverse cross-section of consumers
impact U.S. pork exports and with disease (African attendees will be doing just that – seeking to understand
Swine Fever) distorting production and trade in key consumer perceptions on food trends and on-farm
parts of the world, most notably China and Eastern agriculture practices.
Europe. With record U.S. pork production expected
again in 2019, the U.S. is well-positioned to meet global
demand, but market access must be restored to again
position the U.S. as a reliable supplier and to again
maximize carcass and hog values through exports.
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Food. Healthy World. and Tailor-Made are trademarks owned by or licensed to Phibro Animal Health
Corporation or its affiliates.SEMINARS
February 6, 2019
Transforming Your Generational Sticking Points
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Navigating the Minnesota Pollution Control L100 F & G
Agency's Permitting & Environmental Presenter:
Review Process Haydn Shaw –
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Speaker and Leading Expert
L100 H on the Multiple Generations
Shaw
Presenters: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Staff How to Get the 4 Generations Working
Together in the 12 Places They Come Apart has helped
Join members of the Minnesota Pollution Control
tens of thousands of people around the world understand
Agency staff for an interactive discussion focusing on
the new dynamic in business—for the first time in
how to navigate the permitting/environmental review
history, we have four generations of employees and five
process. In addition to attendee’s questions, topics that
generations of customers with a VAST number of options
will be covered include:
if their managers or fellow team members do not know
• Role of the county and township in permitting how they think and what they want. His simple process
helps organizations cut generational turnover in half
• Items needed for a complete permit application
(despite a 3% unemployment rate), get serious about
• Mandatory EAW Thresholds and Feedlots that knowledge transfer before the boomers head out the
are exempt door, and quit losing sales because they don’t know how
• Similarities and differences between various permits to speak the language of their customers.
Ex. Construction Short Form, NPDES, SDS
Pork Industry Economic Update
• General Permits vs. Individual Permits
• Public comment period 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
L100 F & G
• Capacity of facilities and industry standards
Presenter: Dustin Baker – Deputy Director
• Environmental Review process of Economics and Domestic Production,
National Pork Producers Council
Baker Dustin Baker will address key economic
trends impacting the pork industry
including, grain supplies and prices, protein demand,
hog prices and supply projections.
SAVE THE DATES!
Mark your calendars for future Minnesota Pork Congress dates:
MN PORK
CONGRESS 2020 MN PORK
CONGRESS 2021 MN PORK
CONGRESS 2022
JANUARY 28 - 29 JANUARY 19 - 20 JANUARY 18 - 19
18 www.mnporkcongress.com• NEW Offsite
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338!STATE PORK
AMBASSADORS
Leyton Becker
MINNESOTA PORK AMBASSADOR
My name is Leyton Becker, and off a year of undergrad and go right into vet school. I
I grew up on a 5th generation hog also work in the University of Minnesota Diagnostic Lab
and crop farm in the small town where I get to build relationships with many veterinarians
of Northrop, Minnesota. My and assist them in what ever way they need me to.
parents are Lynn and Julie Becker
and I have two siblings, Lincoln From the moment I could walk, I was placed into the
and Joni. farrowing barn helping wean pigs with my grandpa and
cousins. As I got older, my father gave me a small barn
Currently, I am a sophomore at the University of called K1, which held around 150 market hogs, to take
Minnesota – Twin Cities studying animal science on the care of. It was my job throughout middle school to
pre-vet track. I always knew I wanted to be a Gopher do chores for them after school every day. Into high
since the day I was born. Both my parents were Gophers school, I shifted into managing more barns and played
so there might have been a slight bit of push to go there, a more crucial role in the family business. As well as
but even so I knew it was the place for me after I visited. working with pigs, I enjoyed driving tractor during
I have always seen animal agriculture in my life and harvest and helping in the grain mill making rations. The
choosing animal science as a major just made perfect responsibility and the fun I was having managing these
sense to me. I didn’t decide to go on the veterinarian barns and working on the farm is something I’ll never
route until I shadowed our local vet in Fairmont and from forget. From these experiences, I fell love with the swine
which I fell in love. From the anatomy to the sheer talking industry as a whole and cannot see myself doing anything
to farmers in those short few hours, I was hooked. I knew else. Being in college has made it hard to get back home
that being a veterinarian was the career for me. Living off and help, but I make every opportunity to come back and
that spark, I was able to get into the Vet-FAST program lend a helping hand.
at the University of Minnesota which allows me to shave
Madeline Patterson
MINNESOTA PORK AMBASSADOR, FIRST RUNNER UP
My involvement in the swine At last, show day arrived, and I got to do what I had been
industry began as just a little practicing all summer. I walked Spotty around the ring,
kid, helping out on my family’s talked to the judge, and brushed her off, very proud of all
finishing pig farm. But where my of my accomplishments. But unfortunately, the rest of the
love and passion for the industry fair wasn’t so easy. When the day came to put Spotty on
started was really with my first the truck, I was distraught. I specifically remember being
4-H pig named Spotty. She was a gilt straight out of the coerced into doing a radio interview for KDHL with Jerry
finishing barn because, for biosecurity reasons, I wasn’t Groskreutz, and when Jerry asked me if I was going to
allowed to go buy an actual show pig. So Spotty was my do the pig project next year, I told him that I wasn’t sure.
Cloverbud hog, and I loved that pig! We would walk He asked why, and I replied something along the lines of,
around the yard every day weaving in and out of the apple “I like the pigs, just not putting them on the truck.” That
trees practicing showmanship and getting ready for the said, I still signed up for the pig project the next year.
county fair. That day came quickly, and as I washed Spotty And so, my love for the industry began with that one gilt,
off in the trailer I was so excited to go to the county fair and now has grown into a passion for pigs. This project
and be able to exhibit her. was the kick starter that developed a thirst in me to be a
bigger part of the industry, and is what led me to want a
20 www.mnporkcongress.comcareer where I can be an advocate for the industry every sophomore at North Dakota State University, working
day, teaching others about why pig farmers across our state on obtaining my Bachelors Degree in Agricultural
do what we do. Communications, with a minor in animal science. I hope
to someday return to Minnesota and start a finishing
Growing up on a pig farm and being involved in the
operation of my own, while also working to advocate
industry from a young age made me realize that it was
agriculture to the public, continuing to be involved in the
something I always wanted to be a part of, which drove
swine industry, while also actively promoting it.
me to pursue a career in agriculture. I am currently a
Emelia Melson
MINNESOTA PORK AMBASSADOR, SECOND RUNNER UP
My name is Emelia Melson and answer. Instead of thinking of those simple questions as
I am from Trimont, Minn. silly, I think about those questions by asking myself, ‘what
Trimont is a small town located can we as pork producers be doing so consumers already
in the northwest corner of Martin know the answer?’ I knew I wanted to be involved in the
County, which is also known as pork industry the day I started listening to the questions
‘Bacon Capital USA’. I was raised rather than just answering them.
on a swine and crop production farm where we finish
about 32,000 pigs annually. From a very young age I was In my opinion, the biggest factor in advocacy is
involved in farm work from picking rocks to doing pig communication. The key to good communication is not
chores. I was also involved in showing pigs in 4-H and only talking but listening. I use my knowledge of the
FFA. Growing up around pigs my entire life has instilled a pork industry to communicate with consumers. Having
true passion and respect for the pork industry. conversations with consumers is not only interesting but
eye opening. Coming from a small town, everyone I knew
I am attending the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities supported agriculture because they were all somehow
studying Agricultural Communications and Marketing in connected to the industry. Now, as I live in the Twin
the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Cities, I speak to people every day who have different
Sciences. I have chosen to go into the field of Agricultural views and beliefs than I do. What I have found is that I
Communications and Marketing because I want to tell am not going to change their beliefs in one conversation,
the story of agriculture from an honest perspective. I but if I listen to what they say, I can learn about what we
want to be an advocate for not only the pork industry, as pork producers need to communicate to the public in
but agriculture as a whole. I have a passion for agriculture order to grow as an industry.
that I want others to have as well. I believe the best way
for me to contribute to the pork industry will be
through communicating with consumers, farmers,
and organizations.
I knew I wanted to be involved in the pork industry
through my time in the 4-H program. Showing
pigs in 4-H are some of my favorite memories,
specifically, getting to show pigs at the Minnesota
State Fair. It was not necessarily the showing
I enjoyed the most, it was getting to talk with
bystanders. Some of these people had never
seen a pig before, let alone been to a farm.
I have found that I learn a lot about the pork
industry just by listening to the questions that
people ask. Some questions are very simple and
almost seem silly but if we stop and think about
it, the simplest questions can be the hardest to
www.mnporkcongress.com 21RETIRING
BOARD MEMBERS
Jay Moore
Jay Moore served on the MPPA
Executive Board for nine years
including his time as President,
Vice-President, and two terms
as Secretary. He has served on
Minnesota Pork the research and public affairs
Producers Association committees, and is currently
part of the NPPC Environmental
Three retiring Minnesota Pork Producers Association Policy Committee. In 2019, he
(MPPA) board members will be recognized at the 2019 will seek a position on NPPC’s
Minnesota Pork Congress for their years of service. Nomination Committee.
Jay Moore, Lori Stevermer and Pat Thome all served
multiple years as board and committee members “I have most enjoyed meeting and developing long-term
directing public policy, issues management, legislative relationships with great individuals within the pork
activities, and lobbying on behalf of MPPA members. industry. Good people find each other, and working
Jay, Lori, and Pat, thank you for your industry together with the excellent MPPA staff is something I
leadership and years of service. am very grateful for. Being a part of an organization that
is effective in resolving issues impacting our industry
is rewarding. Developing comprehensive goals and
strategies for the future enhancement of Minnesota
Pork is meaningful.”
When asked to share what motivated him most to serve
Moore said:
“With my environmental science background, I was
encouraged to serve on the Executive Board due
to the constant increase of environmental laws and
regulations. I have always been involved in livestock
agriculture more as a hired-hand, so I was naturally
compelled to serve. This is a special industry and a
special organization. We are involved in an honorable
profession producing a quality protein that is safe and
affordable to feed our nation and the world.”
22 www.mnporkcongress.comLori Stevermer Pat Thome
Lori Stevermer served on Pat Thome spent time serving
the MPPA Executive Board for one term on the MPPA Executive
a total of nine years. Stevermer Board and one term on the MPB
served as MPPA President for Executive Board, totaling six
two years, Vice-President, and years in all. He also chaired
Secretary, and was a member of both the Research and Pork
the Pork Congress committee. Congress committees.
She is currently a part of both the
“The most enjoyable part about
Promotion and Image and
serving was meeting the other
Human Capital committees.
producers in the state. It was a
Reflecting on her years of service, Stevermer said:
pleasure getting to know other board members better.
“There are many great aspects to being on the board,
I liked getting to know and work with legislators and
but what I enjoyed the most about serving on the MPPA
understanding how that process works. I now have an
Board was working closely with the Minnesota Pork
understanding of how much the decisions matter at
staff and Minnesota’s pig farmers on the issues that
the local, state, and federal levels, while understanding
affect our businesses. It was truly an honor to represent
how each of those decisions are made and how we can
pig farmers from across the state and to share their
positively influence legislators to work with us and work
concerns and experiences with not only public officials,
on more favorable policy for farmers. I also enjoyed
but even the general public.
working with and getting to know the staff and learning
To me it was very rewarding to interact and learn from how the two boards can work together for the farmers.
the other board members. Throughout my nine years
Having the opportunity to give back to the industry
on the board, we had a variety of size and type of farms,
that has been so good to my family and repay the
and everyone brings a difference perspective. You can
industry that has given me so much was what motivated
learn so much from listening to others. It is rewarding
me the most.”
when we work together to tackle tough issues or to avert
rules and regulations that might have a negative impact
on our farms. Serving on the board or a committee is
a learning experience, and I encourage others from all
aspects of the swine industry to participate. It makes
us better.”
www.mnporkcongress.com 23AWARD
RECOGNITION
EVENT Awards Reception
Sponsored by Zoetis
Congratulations to the 2019 Minnesota Pork Board award recipients!
Award winners will be recognized at the annual awards reception on Monday, February 4,
from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. at the Hilton Minneapolis. Learn more on the following pages about each
industry leader’s contributions to the pork industry.
Recipients of the
2019 Minnesota Pork Industry Awards:
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARD: SWINE MANGER OF THE YEAR:
Patrick Krzmarzick Fran Breiter
Sponsored by Hubbard Feeds Sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition
FAMILY OF THE YEAR: PORK PROMOTER OF THE YEAR:
Greg and Paula Boerboom Family Clair & Joanne Schmidt
Sponsored by Compeer Financial Sponsored by Elanco
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE:
Bill Crawford
Sponsored by Minnesota Farm Bureau
24 www.mnporkcongress.comPIGS THAT
OUTPERFORM
AND LIVE TO
PROFIT.
www.fastgenetics.com
PRESENTER
SEMINAR Dr. Scott Dee
Director of Research,
Pipestone Veterinary
Services
FAD Preparedness
and Mitigation PRESENTER
Dr. Patrick
Efforts Update Webb
Director of Swine
Join Dr. Patrick Webb and Dr. Scott Dee for the latest Health Programs,
update on Foreign Animal Disease preparedness and National Pork Board
mitigation efforts including the latest science on ASFV
transmission through feed and what the industry is doing
to reduce risk.
T U E S DAY, F E B R U A RY 5
9-10 AM | L100 F & GENVIRONMENTAL
STEWARD OF THE
YEAR
Patrick Krzmarzick
Sleepy Eye
Pig farming is progressive. Farmers are constantly the globe was fascinating,” explained Patrick. “The world
searching for ways to improve their operations, increase is full of hungry people; there are people who don’t have
efficiency, and adopt sustainable practices. Patrick food or a balanced diet. They need a good source of
Krzmarzick and his wife, Jacque, not only embrace protein and the nutrients that come with it.”
these changes, but they seek them out and embody
environmental stewardship to its core. With advancing technologies and data tracking, pig
farming has become a giant system comprised of a
Patrick grew up on the farm he currently lives on which multitude of specific processes allowing the industry to
was homesteaded by his grandfather. For as long as he grow and provide wholesome products to all parts of
can remember, Patrick has “always had a passion for the world.
farming.” He loves everything about it from living in the
country to caring for the pigs. He sees the same passion Patrick has seen firsthand how these processes evolved
in his son, Noah, and hopes he will carry on the family over the years and how “every aspect of pig farming has
tradition and take over the farm someday, following suit been broken down and managed so precisely. There’s no
with his predecessors. single part of it that hasn’t been analyzed and worked on
to the point where it’s been refined and advanced and
Growing up, Patrick’s father raised summertime feeding efficiencies have been obtained.” These systems and their
pigs outdoors on an open lot. Patrick recalled how the corresponding data led Patrick to delve deeper into other
pigs were always facing problems with parasites which sustainable projects.
created many difficulties.
In the spring of 2017, Patrick built solar panels on his
When he was fourteen years old, he received his first five-barn site. The panels produce enough energy to
group of pigs and upgraded to concrete monoslope floors. power all the barns, plus excess energy that can be sold
After facing challenges with feed inefficiencies, he knew back to the power company.
it was time for a change. “The writing was on the wall”
when he saw how efficient Bob Christensen’s operations “Though they are a great source of energy and hedge
were flowing, and he joined forces and began contracting against the future inflation of electrical rates, the
with Christensen Farms. “We were able to transition from efficiencies are also challenging,” noted Patrick. “Living in
a rather inefficient production system into a very modern Minnesota poses challenges for solar power considering
one. Our production increased by approximately the lack of sunshine during cloudy days and long nights.”
twenty-fold with less overall labor and a solid income Along with solar panels, Patrick notes numerous
with a promising future,” Patrick noted. measures he has taken on their farm to increase
Once the switch with Christensen’s was made, Patrick sustainability. The greatest of these, he noted, is the
never looked back. He notes the shift as one of the cycling of nutrients. Pork production presents a classic
highlights of his career. Not only did it provide great example of sustainability by the “continuous cycling
opportunities for himself and his family, but it created of nutrients between pigs and the land. We must work
a more environmentally sustainable system that better with nature in this regard” and respect manure’s natural
contained nutrients and reduced bounty as a fertilizer.
runoff issues. The idea of the meat Patrick believes the earth has been blessed with an
he produced traveling “to the far abundance of natural resources, and it is a farmer’s job to
corners of the world around responsibly utilize and protect those resources. He
26believes in “leaving things as good as or better than when He contributes most of his success to the examples
we first arrived. So often we say, ‘we own this’ or ‘we own his parents demonstrated – examples of hard work,
that’, but really, we are simply stewards of what has been dedication, good management, and never over-extending.
entrusted to us. We’re here for just a short while, and we They laid out the groundwork that helped him get things
need to think about the generations that are to follow us.” up and rolling.
From Patrick’s point of view, most farmers demonstrate As a successful, environmentally sustainable farmer
this way of thinking, and readily embrace the task of himself, Patrick noted a few pieces of advice: “First and
taking care of the land. It is in their own best interest to foremost, in order to be a successful farmer, you must
protect what they have; if they don’t take care of the land, love what you do; farming requires great sacrifice, and
it will degrade, decreasing its value and affecting their there are many challenges. Second, do not hesitate to
bottom line. All farmers, both in big and seemingly small speak with professionals at the FSA or NRCS; they are
“We are simply stewards of what has been entrusted to us. We’re here for just a short while,
and we need to think about the generations that are to follow us.”
ways, have adopted more environmentally sustainable well-trained and will assist you in developing the correct
methods than what was previously used. conservation plans for your farm and will ensure it is
done correctly.”
“My most favorite projects, hands down, have been the
soil conservation projects,” Patrick added. “We are so fortunate to live and work here in the upper
Midwest. We may have a limited number of days that are
Every farm he operates reaps benefits from water runoff sunny and 70, but our quality of life is unsurpassed. There
control. From terraces to waterways, and water diversions are other places in our country and in the world that are
to CRP filter strips, the Krzmarzick family utilizes them also great places to live, but I would say none are better
all. Not only do these inputs pay dividends, but once than here; it’s a blessing to live here in a small community
they are built, they are fairly easy to maintain. Patrick that supports each person, and it’s a lifestyle worth
also utilizes the technology available to manage inputs protecting,” Patrick explained. “There are few things as
on crops, thus reducing the likelihood of applying excess rewarding as growing a nice crop or caring for a group of
fertilizer, seed, and chemicals. animals. We work and live off the land, and we’re proud of
Though pig farmers are leaps and bounds more it and enjoy it.”
environmentally sustainable than decades past, public Reflecting on how he feels about receiving this award,
issues still face them daily. Urban sprawl remains the Patrick remarked, “I can’t say I’m really doing things
biggest issue in Patrick’s mind. A growing percentage of different than other pork producers. I see myself as a
people continually move into the country, changing the representative of all the other producers who are doing
environment in regard to farmers’ ability to farm. the right things day-by-day to protect the land, water,
“Farmers are not as readily accepted,” said Patrick. and environment. I am thrilled and honored to receive
“Urbanites see issues in farmer’s daily tasks whether it be this award and appreciate it
herbicide spray, dust in the air during harvest, or odors very much.”
from a livestock production site.” Environmental Steward
As Patrick reviews his faming career, he hopes his legacy of the Year Award
reflects his efforts to try and do the right things to protect Sponsor:
the soil and keep it in its rightful place on the land. Over
his lifetime, he has assembled advanced production
systems, and he hopes those systems are viable for the
next generation. His ultimate goal is to leave a legacy his
son, Noah, can continue to advance.
www.mnporkcongress.com 27SWINE MANAGER
OF THE YEAR
Fran Breiter
Osakis
In such a booming, advancing appreciate it because working in a pig barn is a physical
industry, it is easy to overlook job. If you can eliminate extra tasks, everyone benefits.
and underappreciate employees. Breiter recollected how sometimes, after the new manager
Managers like Fran Breiter deserve switches back to their farm, they try and revert back to
recognition for their efforts in their old ways again, but the employees would not let
properly managing and connecting them. It is a unique accountability system.
with employees to ensure quality individuals choose
careers in pig farming and experience career satisfaction “This tactic really helped me out early on, because I had
and value. to learn how to deal with different people I didn’t know,
and being able to convince them how things are supposed
As a “city kid” interested in sports, pursuing a career in to run was a big deal. In total, I have performed this
the agriculture sector never occurred to Breiter, though switch three or four times, and each time has helped my
when presented with the idea of working at a sow farm, career a great deal,” Breiter stated. “I feel very fortunate to
he was not opposed to the idea. After working as a baker work with lots of different people in the industry.”
with undesirable hours, his brother-in-law nonchalantly
mentioned the job opportunity to him. Breiter figured His love for sports and the competitiveness that comes
he might as well see what the job entailed. He “would with them is what initially attracted him to the job.
try anything once” and worked at the site on his days off.
“You’re always reaching to do better and be better. In
After a few weeks he discovered the unceasing challenges
the industry you want to be the best at what you do,”
that come with working with pigs. He quit his baking
noted Breiter.
job and set out for a career in pig farming in 1998 with
Protein Sources. The challenge of accomplishing different tasks throughout
Breiter’s road to a management position occurred fairly the day, as well as the organizational aspects of the
rapidly. Not long after being an animal caretaker, he job, encouraged him. Organization is imperative in a
willingly stepped up to help manage the site when his managing position, but Breiter revealed communication
manager was working on other farms to teach incoming as the most important.
leadership. More responsibilities piled on, and he eagerly “If you can’t listen and communicate with your
transitioned into an official manager. Sixteen years later, employees, management, or owners, you are going to
and he still happily holds this ever-changing position. struggle as a manager,” Breiter explained. The ability to
Reflecting on his own personal growth, Breiter notes a multitask encompasses the third quality he mentioned
process Protein Sources implemented during company that one must possess as a manager.
expansion that helped him grow as a professional. As the
Breiter said, “You need to know what’s going on in every
company grew and took on new farms, new management
aspect of the farm, and if there is a fire that needs to
was necessary. When a new manager was hired, Breiter
be put out, you need to handle it while simultaneously
would switch farms with them; he would go to their farm
looking after the rest of the farm.”
with their employees, and the new manager would go
to Breiter’s farm with Breiter’s employees. This created He tailors much of his success as a manager today to
an understanding for both the employees and the new those who managed him when he first started. Questions
manager about company expectations for operating were encouraged, and his managers patiently answered
the farm. them. “Sometimes I would ask questions more than once,
The switch lasts anywhere from two weeks to a full but my manager stuck with me until I got it, and that
month, depending on the needs of each site. This method is really how I manage today. There are a lot of things
decreases extra, unnecessary labor, and most employees thrown at pig caretakers over the course of a day, and
forgetting something, especially in the beginning stages of
a job, is inevitable,” Breiter reflected.
28 www.mnporkcongress.comSwine Manager of the Year Award Sponsor:
Even as a manager, questions arise when decisions which he notes as perfectly acceptable, but others come
must be made, and Breiter openly revealed his consulting to learn and get better. When he identifies those people
in other managers simply because some have more and takes the time to develop them, it is incredibly
expertise in certain areas. The goal of asking questions rewarding. Seeing them handle situations well and grow
is to learn, and if a similar situation presents itself in the their communication skills necessary to work with other
“There is value in what every employee does, and if you can work through some of their weaknesses
and develop them, it’s a great reward. One of the joys of my job is seeing people advance.”
future, a person will have the knowledge to make the people is an opportunity Breiter enjoys and noted as his
decision themselves. proudest moments.
Breiter noted, “Teaching people to think for themselves is Another aspect he takes pride in is getting involved
a big part of managing, and allowing employees to make in the community; it reflects well on the farm and has
decisions will inspire them to be the best at what they do.” beneficially worked for the company. Events such as
this encouraged people to ask questions and open up
Over the course of twenty years working with Protein conversation in a casual way. At these events, Breiter
Sources, Breiter realized managing people can be a notes a common question asked is, “So what do you
daunting task, especially when working with various really do?”, and he loves these opportunities to replace
personality types scattered across all walks of life. As a their thoughts on what really happens on a pig farm
manager, he prides himself in being patient with each versus their preconceived ideas on how “big industry
person and teaching them no matter their stage in life. farms” work. Pig farming opens up hundreds of jobs in
During a “light bulb moment” a few years into his communities that allow them to prosper, and most people
position, this philosophy revealed itself. In his early are unaware of how much work goes into running a farm.
managing years, focusing on worker’s negative qualities Not only does Breiter believe in community involvement,
was an easy path to fall back on. He has come to realize he also encourages employees to volunteer to grill pork
everyone has value. chops at school fundraisers, and most importantly,
“There is value in what every employee does, and if you to have fun at work. Breiter stated, “The community
can work through some of their weaknesses and develop events create a time away from work where everyone
them, it’s a great reward,” Breiter stated. “One of the joys gets to hang out together. We try to create a family type
of my job is seeing people advance.” of atmosphere so people want to come to work and get
along with each other. Wanting to get up and go to work
Training managers and showing them the ropes inspires every day is important, and it’s also when you get the
him to come back to his job every day. It is not a quick most out of people.”
process and finding the right person who is willing to
learn is difficult. Breiter declares he can teach anyone, but Breiter states, “It is an honor to be recognized for what
their willingness to learn is a different aspect. I do. This is what I do every day, and there are a lot of
quality people in the industry who are just as deserving of
He recalled some people just coming to work to do their this award.”
job to the best of their ability and receive their paycheck,
www.mnporkcongress.com 29FAMILY
OF THE YEAR
Boerboom Family
Marshall
It is rare to find a pig farming family Fashion Pork in Jackson but came back to the farm a few
as unique as this year’s Family of the years later after gaining other experiences. Mike oversees
Year award winners. Greg and Paula the entire operation including pig production and
Boerboom, along with their three risk management.
children, Laurie, Mike, and Matt,
all work alongside each other Their youngest child, Matt, also graduated from the
every day on their growing operation, Boerboom Ag University of Minnesota, and began his career on the
Resources, LLC. farm immediately. His main duties on the farm revolve
around managing the feed mill, a new addition to the
Their farm started out as a family farm in the 1930’s when farm, and comprises one of his greatest projects.
Greg’s parents began farming. The farm was incredibly
diversified with an array of animals including chickens, Greg and Paula never insisted their children come back to
dairy cows, beef cattle, and pigs, along with many run the farm. “We didn’t push any of them to come back
“Now that they are all back here, it is very exciting because it is working well.”
others. Though Greg and Paula still live on the original here. Our expectation was they were to go to college and
homestead, the farm has changed drastically over get a job after,” Paula stated. “Now that they are all back
the years. here, it is very exciting because it is working well. They
are gaining more and more ownership in the business and
“I went to college for one year, and then came home to over time it will transition to their total ownership. Since
the farm. We started farming with all of the livestock my Greg and I started, the farm has just continued to grow,
parents had, but after a few years, we switched to just and even more so since the kids have started working
raising pigs. After our youngest son, Matt, came back to here, so by and large, it’s their operation today.”
the farm, then we started to farm the land again,” Greg
said. “Since our children have come back to the farm, During the 1980s when the Farm Crisis hit, many farmers
it has really grown, and we owe that not only to our were not able to sustain their farms. The Boerbooms
children, but to the rest of our working family.” believe one of the main reasons their farm survived
was because of the diversification they had. “We had
Each member of the Boerboom family holds a specific, crops, cattle, and pigs, so if one thing was doing poorly
prominent role in the company’s operations. Greg economically, another sector maybe did a little better,”
oversees all of the day-to-day operations and makes sure Greg explained.
the farm is running smoothly; Paula has administered all
of the farm’s record-keeping since day one. Another reason they endured such challenges relied
heavily on the insights Greg’s parents, who were out of the
Laurie, the oldest of the three children, graduated from farming business at this point, gave him.
the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. She
works in the office as the Human Resources Director and “My parents were there as advisors and moral
keeps track of all production records as well as consultants,” stated Boerboom.
the accounting. Now, as their children are taking on larger roles in the
Mike is the middle child who studied at the University of operation, Greg and Paula’s roles are fading and they are
Minnesota. After graduating, he started his career at New becoming the consultants for their children.
Paula stated, “They come to us with ideas or questions on
the daily. At this point in time, all their ideas have made
30 www.mnporkcongress.comFamily of the Year Sponsor:
sense, and before we move any big project forward, we all The public’s view of farms is a topic all farmers battle right
meet in a room together and discuss it. Everyone has to now. When asked what the Boerbooms want the public
agree before moving forward.” to see their farm as, Paula said, “I want people to think of
our farm as sustainable. I know how far we have come in
It’s no secret giving up responsibilities and control on reducing the use of natural resources and increasing feed
the farm can be difficult for many farmers, but the efficiency, and I wish the public would be able to see these
Boerbooms have great confidence in their children and advances as well.”
the direction they are taking the farm.
Greg noted, “We could tell them what we do as an
“It’s a relief to have other people to bounce ideas off of, individual farm, but they really need to know about the
and it’s definitely good to be able delegate right now,” pig industry as a whole. I hope they respect what we do
agreed Greg. “We don’t have to do everything, and the and appreciate what we do for the neighborhood and
kids can just take an idea and run with it to get it done.”
The Boerbooms continually make progressions
on their farm to combat outside risks and
implemented their own internal trucking, truck
wash, feed mill, and feed delivery.
“We never stop planning for the worst-case
scenario and diseases affecting pigs,” added
Greg. “Now we can control down time on feed
ingredients that come from China; we can wash
our trucks to make sure they’re clean. We do all
of our internal movement of pigs with our own
trucks and know the health status of each farm so
we can use specific trucks for higher health farms
and other trucks for higher risk farms.”
www.mnporkcongress.com 31FAMILY
OF THE YEAR
Boerboom Family (Continued)
for the community. We hope people understand that help at the Oink Booth or Promotion Booth, as well as
we are providing 40 well-paying jobs with benefits.” volunteering at other community events, such as speaking
to the SMSU Ag club and at other local club meetings.”
Not only have the Boerbooms proved to be an
industry-leading family on the farm, but they are Not only do the Boerbooms encourage their children to
heavily involved off the farm as well. volunteer at industry-related events, but they urge the rest
of their employees, too.
“We have both been involved on a lot of different levels,”
Greg explained. “I served for many years on the county “Our company is very involved at the county level. We
board, multiple years at the state level, and then two have donated a sow and litter to our county fair that is
terms on the National Pork Board as budget chair and later donated to an FFA kid, we’ve helped host county
Vice President. In total, I would guess I’ve served around grill-outs, and we put on multiple farm tours every year,”
30 years between county, state, and national levels. That’s Paula added.
“Family is really the key word to this award because the kids are involved as much as I am,
and it’s not even just immediate family; it’s our business family. ”
a lot of time, but I’ve gotten much more back than what They estimated Boerboom Ag Resources gives
I’ve given. On every board I was a part of, I gained great approximately ten farm tours each year, to varying sizes
mentors from around the country.” of groups with different levels of industry knowledge.
Paula also spent much of her time immersing herself into “It is an honor and a privilege to be recognized for this
industry-related organizations. She was a part of the Lyon award,” Greg stated. “Family is really the key word to this
County Porkettes, and also served as president of the award because the kids are involved as much as I am,
county board in the late 1990s. and it’s not even just immediate family; it’s our business
family. We have employees that have worked with us for
“We have tried our best to expose our children to over 20 years who are very committed to the pig industry
all of the different ways they can get involved in the and who have helped with promotional events locally
industry, rather than encouraging them to be a part that nobody really knows about. It’s a big honor for us to
of an organization,” Paula stated. “All of the kids have receive this award, and I also hope everyone realizes it’s
volunteered to work at the Minnesota State Fair to the whole extended working family involved.”
32 www.mnporkcongress.comYou can also read
