Click the ambassador's photo to read their biography
David Berning Wright County Pork Ambassador
Mary Faber - Martin County Pork Ambassador
Nancy Faber - Martin County Pork Ambassador
Aaron Gillespie - Fillmore County Pork Ambassador
Matthew Hanson - Scott County Pork Ambassador
Clayton Johnson -Pipestone County Pork Ambassador
Caleb Krusemark - Martin County Pork Ambassador
Anna Marxen - Renville County Pork Ambassador
Morgan Mensink - Fillmore County Pork Ambassador
Shelby Peterson - Watonwan County Pork Ambassador
James Roe - Mower County Pork Ambassador
Leah Sample - Le Sueur County Pork Ambassador
Kristi Stoltz - East Central Pork Ambassador
Ryan Strobel - Blue Earth County Pork Ambassador
Kevin Welter - Olmsted County Pork Ambassador
David Berning - Wright County Pork Ambassador
Parents: Mark and Julie Berning, St. Michael
Essay: Animal Welfare
Berning’s presentation will be on Aug. 3 at 3:45 p.m.
David Berning will begin his college career this fall at South Dakota State University, Brookings, where he will major in agricultural engineering. He hopes to eventually return to his parent’s farming operation or to start his own farm business. Berning would like to be Minnesota Pork Ambassador to further his understanding of the pork industry and to utilize his public speaking skills and his creative energies.
“I like learning about what is currently happening with the pork industry and where it is headed,” he said.
A major challenge that faces the pork industry is educating the public on animal production and livestock care practices. He says this education is achievable through farm tours, public speaking, youth education and participation at public events. “I feel that the public is misled into thinking some of our practices are inhumane and hurt the animals,” he said. “I think that we need to find new ways of informing the public about what we do and the reasons behind them.” Berning is active in 4-H, church and community activities. While in high school he competed in football, track and field, and baseball, and was a member of the National Honor Society.
Mary Faber - Martin County Pork Ambassador
Parents: David and Dana Faber, Sherburn
Essay: Educating the Public
Faber’s presentation will be on Aug. 3 at 4 p.m.
Mary Faber is a student at South Dakota State University, Brookings, where she combines her agriculture and mathematic interests by majoring in agribusiness and finance. Faber is an avid learner who strives towards personal improvement. She says the opportunity to be Minnesota Pork Ambassador would allow her to advocate for agriculture, share her pork industry knowledge and network with others who have a strong passion for agriculture. Faber says the ability of anti-livestock groups to use misinformation to push their agendas is the biggest issue facing the pork industry. She believes pork producers need to share their stories with consumers and be advocates for agriculture. “With consumers being poorly educated, we give other organizations the opportunity to reach consumers with bad information about our industry,” she said. Faber also serves as Martin County Dairy Princess, is active in 4-H, FFA and church, and took part in high school sports teams, band and Family Career and Community Leaders of America.
Nancy Faber - Martin County Pork Ambassador
Parents: David and Dana Faber, Sherburn
Essay: Stand, Speak and Share
Faber’s presentation will be on Aug. 3 at 8:15 a.m.
Nancy Faber majors in agriculture industries and marketing at the University of Minnesota. After graduation, she would like a career in agricultural sales. If selected Minnesota Pork Ambassador, Faber says she would work hard to promote pork and to educate others about pork production. Her positive attitude and energetic personality are qualities Faber would bring to the position. “While representing the Minnesota Pork Board, I would educate others on industry issues and also get other young people to share their passion for agriculture,” she said. Issues that face pork producers are the disconnection between consumers and food producers, feeding the growing global population and improving export market access for U.S. pork. Faber encourages farmers to build public understanding of the skills necessary to produce food through increased consumer interaction, investment into research and continually working on pork exports. Faber is an Operation Main Street speaker, a member of the Lambda Delta Phi Sorority, campus ambassador for the U of M, helps plan Minnesota Royal activities and U of M homecoming events, and takes part in Habitat for Humanity and Feed My Starving Children.
Gillespie’s presentation will be on Aug. 3 at 10 a.m.
Aaron Gillespie is an agribusiness and agronomy student at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls. His goal following college is to farm in partnership with his parents. Gillespie believes the leadership and communication skills he acquired through his FFA and 4-H participation will be useful should he become Minnesota Pork Ambassador. “I think this is a great opportunity for me to inform the public about pork and all that is good about it,” he said. Gillespie finds that misinformation about ‘swine flu’ continues to be an issue among his non-agricultural friends, resulting in their no longer eating pork. He believes additional consumer education on H1N1 transmission and pork safety is needed. Gillespie works on his parent’s and neighbors’ farms. A year ago he started a bale wrapping business and the experience as a business owner has taught him “lessons you cannot learn any other way.” Gillespie says his off-farm work experience has taught him how to work with others, as well as exposed him to other farm management practices. “I feel that I have grown as an individual because of it,” he said. Gillespie was awarded the FFA American Degree and has earned numerous other awards and recognition in both 4-H and FFA.
Matthew Hanson - Scott County Pork Ambassador
Parents: Allen and Theresa Hanson, Jordan
Essay: Should “Factory Farming” be Banned?
Hanson’s presentation will be on Aug. 3 at 3 p.m.
Matthew Hanson cites three reasons he would like to be Minnesota Pork Ambassador. First, representing pork producers and promoting pork would be enjoyable; second, the opportunity to meet new people and learn from their experiences; and lastly, to encourage other young adults and pork producers to educate the public about food production. This fall, Hanson will be a freshman at the University of Minnesota, Crookston, where he will major in animal science. He plans a career in animal nutrition and hopes to someday own a farming operation. A major challenge for all of animal agriculture is the public perception that farmers mistreat their livestock. Hanson says that those who mistreat livestock should face serious consequences and punishment, and that livestock producers must work hard to demonstrate high quality animal care practices. “Animal agriculture could be lost if we don’t start showing consumers how animals are being properly treated,” he said. Hanson is active in 4-H and FFA, and earned the FFA State Degree and several other proficiency awards. His work experience at a lumber company, on other people’s farms and with livestock has broadened his view of agriculture, taught him how to deal with customers, and the necessity to sometimes “sacrifice fancy for functional” when it comes to livestock facilities and farm equipment.
Essay: Manure Management Practices for the Pork Industry
Johnson’s presentation will be on Aug. 3 at 8:30 a.m.
Clayton Johnson, a senior at Pipestone Area High School, would put his motivational and leadership skills to work for the state’s pork producers should he become Minnesota Pork Ambassador. “I would like to help the public understand the pork industry and to explore the opportunities available to young people,” Johnson said. Johnson says the public perception and image of pork production are challenges facing the industry. He recommends that pork producers be more aware of their roles within the community, raise quality pork products, promote pork as a healthy protein and participate in Pork Checkoff programs such as We Care and Operation Main Street. “I feel these efforts by the industry need to continue and expand,” he said. Johnson says caring for pigs and working on his parent’s farm has taught him responsibility, how to rebound following hardship and that it requires hard work to reach worthwhile goals. Johnson is active in school sports, church, 4-H and FFA. After high school he plans to attend college to study veterinary science or a related agricultural field.
Caleb Krusemark - Martin County Pork Ambassador
Parents: Brad and Rochelle Krusemark, Trimont
Essay: Master’s Scoop, Pitch and Plow to the Plate Award
Krusemark’s presentation will be on Aug. 3 at 8 a.m.
Caleb Krusemark will be a freshman at North Dakota State University, Fargo, where he will study agricultural economics, farm systems management and political science. Qualities he would bring to the position of Minnesota Pork Ambassador include a strong work ethic, communication skills, and leadership and public service experience. Krusemark says that technological, political and economic change and the introduction of renewable resource industries has transformed and challenged agriculture. He believes that leadership must address how to harness these changes to benefit rural communities and agricultural commodity groups need to collaborate in developing strategic long-term plans that build public confidence in food and livestock production practices, assure food security and environmental sustainability. “We must accept the responsibility to educate consumers and continue to protect our industry,” he said. Krusemark is a FFA and 4-H member, presenter at Farm Safety Just 4 Kids and participated in high school cross country, track and wrestling. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout and the FFA State Degree.
Marxen’s presentation will be on Aug. 3 at 9:45 a.m.
Anna Marxen will attend Minnesota State University, Mankato, this fall where she plans to major in nursing. Marxen says her current job as a certified nursing assistant at a nursing home has been valuable in preparing for her future career, and her work experience both on and off the farm has taught her responsibility. Personal qualities that Marxen would bring to the position of Minnesota Pork Ambassador would be her friendly personality, confidence to speak in public and leadership abilities. “It would be a great experience to represent my industry,” Marxen said. Marxen has promoted pork and educated consumers as the Renville County Pork Ambassador for three years. She says her time as county ambassador has provided an “amazing experience” and she looks forward to continuing her work advocating for pork producers and for agriculture. She says that a current challenge facing pork producers is reaching consumers with factual information about livestock production and farming. While in high school, Marxen participated in basketball, volleyball and soccer. She is active in 4-H, volunteers in her community, helps with the Early Childhood Family Education program and serves as a Sunday school teacher.
Morgan Mensink - Fillmore County Pork Ambassador
Parents: David and Tracie Mensink, Preston
Essay: Energy Conservation
Mensink’s presentation will be on Aug. 3 at 8:45 a.m.
Morgan Mensink studies biology and chemistry at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and following college, she plans to attend graduate school to earn a master’s degree in animal or human genetics. Her experience growing up on a hog farm and her exposure to the pork industry are among reasons why she would like to be Minnesota Pork Ambassador. Qualities she would bring to the ambassador role are her ability to get along with others, speak in public and willingness to express her opinion. “I am not afraid to voice my opinion on issues I feel strongly about,” she said. Among challenges facing the pork industry is assuring consumers know that high quality animal care and environmental stewardship are priorities for livestock farmers. To further encourage pork producers to make environmental improvements, Mensink suggests incentive programs to assist pork producers develop and implement conservation practices. “I think the pork industry needs to focus on protecting the environment,” she said. Mensink has been active in 4-H for 12 years. She is a member of the college biology club and rugby team, and is recognized on the dean’s list for academic achievement.
Essay: How Does Advertising Affect Us in the Pork Industry?
Peterson’s presentation will be on Aug. 3 at 4:15 p.m.
Shelby Peterson will attend the University of Minnesota, Morris, and plans on an agricultural career that provides travel opportunities. Her experience growing up and working on her parent’s farm has taught her the importance of time management and that hard work and patience “can go a long way.” Peterson says research to develop more efficient feeders that prevent waste would help pork producers address the challenge of high feed costs. As Minnesota Pork Ambassador, Peterson would use her friendly and outgoing personality, positive attitude and dedication to the pork industry to educate others about pork production and pork products. “I would love to become the Minnesota Pork Ambassador to educate people around the state about the pork industry,” she said. “I am very active and passionate about everything I set my mind to.” Peterson is a 4-H and FFA member. In high school she played volleyball, basketball and softball, and was a member of band, choir, annual staff and student council. She has helped with ag in the classroom presentations and volunteers for the community’s annual threshing bee.
James Roe - Mower County Pork Ambassador
Parents: Rick and Jean Roe, LeRoy
Essay: Positive Image
Roe’s presentation will be on Aug. 3 at 9:30 a.m.
James Roe plans to return to his parent’s farm after completing his college degree in diversified agriculture at South Central College, Mankato. He would like to represent the state as pork ambassador because he is passionate about the pork industry and finds that involvement in the industry provides many educational opportunities. “I would like to educate myself and others as the industry evolves with each new generation,” he said. Roe says it’s important for the pork industry to regain consumer confidence during the recession and to provide a positive image of hog production. Tools to address these challenges are using modern media channels to reach the public and product labeling that shows how carefully pork is raised. This past year’s economic struggle has been an “eye-opening experience” for Roe, but he found that good family communication and perseverance has enabled the continuation of raising high quality pork. He credits his father, uncles, neighbors and instructors for teaching him important economic and technical skills that translate to work on the farm. Roe, who has his CDL and commercial pesticide application license, is completing an internship at All-American Co-op in Stewartville.
Sample’s presentation will be on Aug. 3 at 3:30 p.m.
Leah Sample would like to be Minnesota Pork Ambassador because the pork industry should be positively presented, a task that her first hand knowledge of pork production would provide. An important issue that faces pork producers is how consumers perceive the pork industry. Sample says pork producers need to find ways to gain consumer trust and to show consumers the care that goes into bringing pork to the meat case. Sample attends the University of Minnesota where her animal science degree will have an emphasis on swine. She would like a career in research or another area of the pork industry. Sample has been a tutor for at risk youth and has traveled to Europe with the People to People Program. She is active in 4-H and FFA, and has experience as county fair swine superintendent. Her 4-H experience has been a positive influence because of the people she has met and the opportunities it provides. As a grocery store cashier and meat department helper, Sample has used her background in pork production to visit with consumers about meat safety and how to prepare pork. “I get a chance to share my story with consumers and to assure them that producers do everything they can to ensure a safe and wholesome product,” Sample said.
Kristi Stoltz - East Central Pork Ambassador
Parents: Steven and Lynn Stoltz, Isanti
Essay: Ideas for Educating Youth on the Pork Industry
Stoltz’s presentation will be on Aug. 3 at 10:15 a.m.
Kristi Stoltz would like to educate youth on the importance of the pork industry, should she be named Minnesota Pork Ambassador. She would carry out her educational ideas through the leadership and public speaking skills she gained working as a community education instructor, summer camp teacher and as a 4-H member. “I feel through a variety of public appearances and different activities, children could become more interested and educated about the industry,” Stoltz said. Stoltz attends Cambridge Community College and will transfer to the University of Wisconsin, Stout. Her career goal is to become a 4-H program coordinator. She believes that the pork industry needs to address bad publicity it has received from issues such as H1N1 by communicating with the public and by preparing for future situations that require working with media to provide correct information. She is active in 4-H and earned her county’s Outstanding Youth Leadership Award, served as a 4-H State Ambassador and won the 4-H Award of Excellence for various state fair projects. Her 4-H experience has provided an opportunity to meet many different people, develop curriculum and organize activities.
Essay: Animal Welfare Issues for Today’s Swine Production
Strobel’s presentation will be on Aug. 3 at 3:15 p.m.
Ryan Strobel would like to be Minnesota Pork Ambassador so he can help promote agriculture and educate others. He believes in defending the industry from “short-sighted special interest groups” who work against animal agriculture through misinformation. Strobel says the most critical industry challenge centers around animal rights groups and the misconceptions they give the public about animal care, antibiotic use in livestock and environmental quality. “Agriculture, especially animal agriculture, is dwindling in the number of voices to speak out and to educate the public on behalf of our industry and our way of life,” he said. Strobel will attend the University of Minnesota where he plans to study veterinary medicine. Strobel is active in 4-H and has served as ambassador and club officer, and showed swine. He played high school sports and was named academic all conference in football and basketball. He earned KEYC Best of Class, and has volunteered for a student mentoring/tutoring program and as a youth basketball coach.
Kevin Welter - Olmsted County Pork Ambassador
Parents: Randy and Myrna Welter, Stewartville
Essay: Hog Manure as Fertilizer
Welter’s presentation will be on Aug. 3 at 9 a.m.
Kevin Welter’s experience caring for pigs on his parent’s farrow-to- finish farm provides him with a solid background to be Minnesota Pork Ambassador. He would like to share this knowledge with the growing number of youth and adults who do not know where their food comes from or understand how it’s grown. “I would like to have the opportunity to share the pork message with people who do not know it,” he said. Welter says he likes seeing projects through to completion and he is comfortable speaking in front of groups. He has served as chapter FFA president, vice president and reporter, and as regional FFA treasurer and assistant officer. He has been 4-H club president and treasurer, is a member of math league, National Honor Society and Business Professionals of America. After high school, Welter plans to attend college. Media coverage of the pork industry is among the challenges that pork producers face. Welter cites how quickly people stopped eating pork after the media incorrectly linked H1N1 to pigs. To overcome this challenge, Welter says the pork industry must continually improve its communication with the public and provide educational opportunities such as a 15- to 20-head sow operation that families could visit. “This would be a great idea because many people never get to see an operating hog farm due to biosecurity reasons,” he said.
