Each award is highlighted in the 2026 Minnesota Pork Congress magazine. Read the full magazine here.
The Minnesota Pork Board recognizes Jeff Senne as this year’s Swine Manager award recipient.
A commitment to consistency, attention to detail, and genuine care for both people and animals defines Jeff Senne’s career in swine production. As the recipient of the Swine Manager of the Year award, Senne is recognized for more than three decades of leadership in pork production and his lasting impact on the farm and people he works with every day.
As farm manager of Camalot Breeders (Camalot), part of the Fairmont Veterinary Clinic and Preferred Capital Management (PCM) family farms, Senne has built a career grounded in hands-on leadership, strong systems, and a deep respect for animal health. His approach reflects a belief that success in swine production comes from doing the basics well every day, without shortcuts.
A Career Built from the Ground Up
Senne has spent his entire career in the pork industry. During high school, he worked part time for independent pork producers in Martin County, gaining firsthand experience with daily farm responsibilities. After graduating, he moved directly into full-time swine production, beginning a career that would span more than 30 years.
In 1994, Senne joined Fairmont Veterinary Clinic/PCM as a pig technician at Wel-Cam Breeders in Granada, Minnesota. Over time, his dedication and work ethic led him to advance into the role of breeding manager.
In 2002, Senne relocated to Camalot, where he took on the breeding manager position. Over the next 14 years, he helped guide Camalot to consistent top performance within the PCM system, particularly in breeding efficiencies and pigs weaned per sow per year (PSY).
His leadership and results earned him a promotion to farm manager in 2016. Under his guidance, Camalot has continued to rank among the top-performing farms in the PCM system, even as the facility itself reached nearly 30 years of age.
In 2021, Senne led Camalot through a successful depopulation and repopulation, a major transition that required precision, patience, and trust in established protocols. Since 2022, Camalot has ranked as a top ten percent farm in the AcuFast SMS database, a testament to Senne’s steady leadership and attention to detail.
Consistency, Process, and Performance
Those who work with Senne describe him as a manager who leads by example and believes strongly in following systems.
“Jeff’s relentless attention to detail and commitment to process has kept Camalot a top producing farm for over 20 years,” said Brian Roggow, DVM, of Fairmont Veterinary Clinic/Preferred Capital Management.
From daily routines to long-term planning, Senne emphasizes that everyone on the team understands what is expected and why it matters. He believes consistency is the foundation of herd health and productivity.
“Everybody needs to be on the same page,” Senne said. “If people know the routine and understand the expectations, the animals benefit.”
That mindset carries through every aspect of the operation, from breeding and farrowing to weaning schedules and biosecurity protocols. Camalot is a 2,200-sow farm operating on a structured batch system, where Senne ensures the team adheres closely to established timelines and procedures.
A Focus on Biosecurity and Animal Health
Animal health is central to Senne’s management philosophy. He has long prioritized strong biosecurity practices, understanding that prevention is the most effective tool in maintaining herd performance.
Senne works closely with veterinarians and production partners to ensure protocols are followed consistently. His approach includes strict entry procedures, shower-in and shower-out requirements, and a focus on maintaining health across every stage of production.
“He was an early adopter of Post-Cervical Artificial Insemination (PCAI) technology and was instrumental in teaching those techniques to other PCM farms,” Roggow said.
Senne’s willingness to embrace innovation while staying grounded in proven practices has helped Camalot remain competitive and resilient, even as production challenges evolve.
Leading and Supporting His Team
Senne’s leadership style is hands-on and personal. He believes that good managers must be present, supportive, and willing to step in when needed.
“You’ve got to treat it like you own it,” Senne said. “That’s how I expect myself to show up every day.”
He works closely with his team to ensure safety, proper training, and accountability. Senne places a strong emphasis on making sure employees understand not just how tasks are done, but why they matter. In addition to the people, the health of the pigs is the main focus.
“If the pigs are healthy, everything else follows,” Senne said. “You can’t skip steps and expect good results.”
By reinforcing expectations and encouraging communication, Senne has built a team culture rooted in pride and responsibility.
Meeting Challenges Head-On
Senne has faced his share of challenges, from feed availability to market pressures and facility limitations. He approaches problems by focusing on what he can control: management, care, and consistency.
Producing high-quality pigs efficiently and responsibly remains his top priority. Senne believes that strong systems and disciplined execution are the best tools for navigating uncertainty.
Devoted Inside and Outside of the Barn
Beyond the farm, Senne’s dedication is just as evident at home. He is a devoted father who spends most of his free time with his son, Ashtyn, who is on the autism spectrum. Whether attending medical appointments, helping Ashtyn cast a fishing line, or spending time camping together as a family.
Those qualities, Roggow noted, are what makes Senne not only a strong manager, but a respected leader.
A Lasting Impact
When asked about the future, Senne says his focus remains simple: keep learning, keep improving, and continue doing things the right way.
“Ask questions and don’t ever think you know everything,” Senne said. “There’s always something new to learn.”
He is encouraged by advancements in genetics, technology and training that continue to improve pig health and productivity, and he takes pride in helping younger employees find fulfillment in the industry.
Being awarded Swine Manager of the Year is meaningful, Senne said, not just as personal recognition, but as a reflection of the people and systems around him.
“I enjoy this work and I’m grateful,” Senne said. “It’s about finding younger employees who want to be here and helping them succeed.”
Jeff Senne’s leadership, dedication to animal health, and commitment to doing things right have made a lasting impact at Camalot Breeders and across the PCM system, contributing to the continued success of Minnesota pork production. As Swine Manager of the Year, his example reflects the values that move the Minnesota pork industry forward.
