MANKATO, Minn. – July 16, 2025 – Twelve emerging leaders from across Minnesota gathered in Mankato July 8–9 for the kickoff of Activate: Minnesota Pork Leadership Cohort, a new 18-month program created to empower the next generation of advocates for Minnesota pig farmers.
About Session One
Led by the Minnesota Pork Board and Minnesota Pork Producers Association, Activate provides immersive training in leadership, advocacy, communications, relationship management, and industry knowledge. Session one featured orientation, networking, and a dynamic workshop on advocacy and relationship management led by Spike Craven with Integrity Communications. Participants also explored personal and professional growth through a “Working Genius” session and goal-setting discussions tied to Minnesota Pork’s strategic priorities.
“Activate is investing in future leaders in the pork industry by giving them a platform centered around the tools needed to be effective advocates and communicators,” said Brad Kluver, Minnesota Pork board member and Class 1 participant. “Activate provides an opportunity to network and be surrounded by experts in every facet of the pork industry. As both a board member and participant, I see how this program encourages each of us to reinvest in themselves and build upon their unique skillsets, benefiting not only the individual, but the entire industry beyond the 18-month program.”
A key part of the session was building relationships, participants had numerous opportunities to connect, collaborate, and share experiences with one another, setting the tone for a strong, supportive network that will grow throughout the program.
“Voices From The Field” panel
Participants also had the opportunity to engage in a meaningful conversation during the “Voices from the Field” panel, which featured industry leaders Gary Thome, Dr. Gordon Spronk, Dr. Paul Yeske, and John Schwartz. Held during an evening dinner at Swiss & Madison, the panel offered personal reflections on leadership, career growth, and the future of the pork industry. The panelists shared valuable insights drawn from their decades of experience, offering participants a broader perspective on the industry and lessons they can apply throughout their leadership journey.
“The first Activate session was a great experience,” said Dusty Compart, Class 1 participant. “A highlight was having the opportunity to learn from a panel discussion of industry leaders. Their perspective is invaluable to our group of young professionals, as they provided us with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the pork industry.”
What’s Next
The Activate class will continue meeting through early 2027 with future sessions planned in Des Moines, St. Paul, and Washington, D.C., and will wrap up with a graduation ceremony at 2027 Minnesota Pork Congress.
Activate session two is scheduled for December 2–3 in Des Moines, Iowa, where participants will meet at the offices of both the National Pork Board and the National Pork Producers Council. This session will build on the foundation established during session one and continue to expand participants’ leadership skills, industry knowledge, and professional networks.
Visit the Activate page to get to know Class 1!
Front row, left to right:
Scott Walter (Wakefield Pork, New Ulm); Brad Kluver (Dutch Creek Farms, Lakeville); Olivia Wolle (Wolle Pork, St. James); Sydney Rosenstengel (Schwartz Farms, Comfrey); Jayme Enamorado (Christensen Farms, New Ulm); Travis Brown (Brookfield Pork/Legacy Ag, Prinsburg).
Back row, left to right:
Erin Krug (Anderson Farms, Belgrade); Logan Tesch (New Fashion Pork, Round Lake); Jordan Wiesen (Boerboom Ag Resources, Hendricks); Lance Goettl (TLP of Lake Crystal LLC, Lake Crystal); Guilherme Preis (Topigs Norsvin, Bloomington); Dusty Compart (Compeer Financial, Nicollet).
