MANKATO, Minn. – June 26, 2025 – Minnesota Pork is proud to announce the launch of Activate: Minnesota Pork Leadership Cohort, a new 18-month leadership development program designed to equip emerging leaders in the pork industry with the tools, confidence, and connections to boldly advocate for Minnesota pig farmers.
Twelve individuals from across Minnesota have been selected to participate in the inaugural Activate class. Through hands-on training in advocacy, communications, relationship management, leadership, and industry knowledge, participants will develop the skills needed to shape policy, build trust with consumers, and ensure the long-term success of pork production in Minnesota.
“Minnesota Pork is excited to launch Activate and invest in the future of our state’s pork industry by supporting leaders who are passionate, knowledgeable, and ready to advocate on behalf of Minnesota pig farmers,” said Kate Maddock, Director of Farmer Outreach. “This inaugural class reflects the energy, insight, and leadership our industry needs, and we are excited to see all they will accomplish.”
Activate Class 1:
-
Brad Kluver, Dutch Creek Farms, Lakeville
-
Dusty Compart, Compeer Financial, Nicollet
-
Erin Krug, Anderson Farms, Belgrade
-
Guilherme Preis, Topigs Norsvin, Bloomington
-
Jayme Enamorado, Christensen Farms, New Ulm
-
Jordan Wiesen, Boerboom Ag Resources, Hendricks
-
Lance Goettl, TLP of Lake Crystal LLC, Lake Crystal
-
Logan Tesch, New Fashion Pork, Round Lake
-
Olivia Wolle, Wolle Pork, St. James
-
Scott Walter, Wakefield Pork, New Ulm
-
Sydney Rosenstengel, Schwartz Farms, Comfrey
-
Travis Brown, Brookfield Pork/Legacy Ag, Prinsburg
The Activate experience will begin with its first session on July 8–9, 2025, in Mankato and continue through February 2027, with six in-person sessions held throughout the program.
For more information or to follow along with the Activate class, visit our Activate landing page or contact Kate Maddock at kate@mnpork.com.
