Marotz represents state in national leadership program
Todd Marotz of Sleepy Eye is among 20 U.S. pork producers selected by their state pork associations to participate in Pork Leadership Academy (PLA), a national-level program designed to develop, train and educate leaders through hands-on experiences.
Participants in the 12-month PLA program learn techniques to educate consumers on the positive attributes of pork and to inform other pork producers about various Pork Checkoff resources and programs. Marotz’s pork production knowledge and community involvement are among reasons for his selection to PLA by the Minnesota Pork Board.
Marotz is a field staff representative for Wakefield Pork, Inc., headquartered in Gaylord, where he works with farm managers, contract growers and employees. His career in the swine industry began at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, where he earned a B.S. degree in animal science.
PLA participants had their first meeting earlier this month in Des Moines, Iowa, where they learned about quality assurance certification programs that enhance pork producer’s knowledge of animal well-being, swine handling and food safety. At future meetings, they will learn more about Pork Checkoff programs that address production research needs, consumer education, pork promotions, and export enhancement.
Marotz is active in the Sleepy Eye Parent Teachers Organization, volunteers with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, coaches youth sports, and participates in state and national-level pork association committees and programs. Marotz and his spouse Jodie have two children; Jordan, age 11, and Jace, age 7.
Cokato site of June 16 PQA Plus and TQA certification training
Pork producers and livestock transporters can earn their individual certifications for Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA Plus) and Transport Quality Assurance (TQA) at a free training on June 16 at the Cokato Township Hall, 14987 30th Street S.W., Cokato. The program begins at 6 p.m.
Wright County Pork Producers, Protein Sources, Inc., Minnesota Pork Board and University of Minnesota Extension Swine Team are program sponsors. For additional training locations and dates go to www.mnpork.com.
Pre-registration is requested to assure there are adequate training materials for all attendees. To pre-register, telephone Pat FitzSimmons at (507) 524-4511 (ext. 224) or (507)-380-7012. When pre-registering, provide your name, address, telephone number and email, if available.
As a condition of sale, most hog packers now require PQA Plus and TQA certification. Additionally, beginning Dec. 31, 2009, pork producers who sell to Hormel will be required to have completed facility site assessments and achieve PQA Plus Site Status. PQA Plus is for individuals who provide daily care of pigs, such as owners, managers and employees.
The PQA Plus training also describes the site assessment process and how to achieve PQA Plus Site Status. TQA training is for drivers who deliver hogs to the plant and for on-farm animal handlers.
The minimum age for PQA Plus certification eligibility is 14. Pork producers can check their PQA and TQA certification status by calling the Pork Checkoff Service Center at (800) 456-7675.
Frohling Meats earns grand champion honors in pork competition
A pork roast with “character” placed first in the 2009 Innovative Pork Contest, an annual competition cosponsored by the Minnesota Pork Board and Minnesota Association of Meat Processors.
Jon and Stephanie Frohling, owners of Frohling Meats, Inc., Hecla, S.D., had the grand champion entry with Italian Pork Roast. Jon describes the Italian Pork Roast as having “character” because of its attractive, season-laden exterior, and plump, perfect-roast appearance.
The Frohling’s recipe utilizes the pork picnic cushion. The cut is tumbled in an Italian seasoning mixture and then fully cooked in their smoke house. Jon says their customers serve the versatile roast thin-sliced for sandwiches or as an elegant center-of-the-plate pork entrée.
The pork roasts are available in the Frohling’s meat case throughout the year. Additional fully cooked seasoned pork roasts by Frohling Meats are garlic butter, southwest and raspberry chipotle.
A slightly sweet and smoky Ham Ball created by Keith and Sandy Winter, owners of Welcome Meats, Welcome, Minn., received champion honors.
Their Ham Ball recipe is made from lean ground pork, smoked ham, and the Winter’s special seasoning blend. Keith says the fully cooked Ham Balls are convenient, easy to prepare, and extremely popular for picnics, camping and other quick meals.
McDonald’s Meats of Clear Lake, Minn., placed third, reserve champion, with Pork Bites on a Stick. The pork bites are made from boneless barbecue rib meat, skewed on a stick and covered in Old West BBQ Sauce. Ashley McDonald says the pork bites are fully cooked and are especially popular in summer.
Judges rated the pork entries on edibility, flavor, texture, appearance, visual appeal, workmanship, creativity, marketability and packaging. To recognize the winners’ achievements, they received cash prizes and plaques.
Minnesota Pork Board administers Pork Checkoff promotional, educational and research programs on behalf of the state’s 4,000 pork producing families. The MAMP assists businesses and companies involved in the meat industry, including many local butcher shops.
PQA Plus and TQA training offered June 23 in Morris
Pork producers and livestock transporters can earn their individual certifications for Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA Plus) and Transport Quality Assurance (TQA) at free trainings on June 23 at the North Central Soil Research Lab, 803 Iowa Ave., Morris, Minn. PQA Plus training is from 10 a.m. to noon and TQA training is from 1:30-4 p.m.
To pre-register, telephone the Minnesota Pork Board office at (800) 537-7675 or email colleen@mnpork.com. When pre-registering, provide your name, address, telephone number and email, if available.
PQA Plus is required by nearly all packers for those individuals who provide daily care of pigs, such as owners, managers and employees. The PQA Plus training also describes the site assessment process and how to achieve PQA Plus Site Status. TQA training is required by most hog packers for the drivers who deliver hogs to the plant and for on-farm animal handlers.
The minimum age for PQA Plus certification eligibility is 14. Pork producers can check their PQA and TQA certification status by calling the Pork Checkoff Service Center at (800) 456-7675.
PQA Plus and TQA trainings are hosted by the Minnesota Pork Board and University of Minnesota Extension Swine Team. For additional training locations and dates go to www.mnpork.com.
