Each award is highlighted in the 2026 Minnesota Pork Congress magazine. Read the full magazine here.
The Minnesota Pork Board recognizes Dr. Tom Wetzell as this year’s Distinguished Service award recipient.
For decades, Dr. Tom Wetzell has helped shape the success, resilience and future of Minnesota’s pork industry. Through clinical practice, corporate leadership and independent consulting, his career reflects a deep commitment to service, collaboration and the long-term well-being of pig farmers and veterinarians alike.
As the recipient of the 2026 Minnesota Pork Distinguished Service award, Dr. Wetzell is recognized not for a single achievement, but for a career of leadership rooted in integrity, humility and an unwavering dedication to the success of not only Minnesota’s pork industry, but agriculture as a whole.
A Foundation Built in Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Wetzell’s journey into veterinary medicine was shaped at a young age. Born in Ames, Iowa, he was exposed early to the profession through his father, a veterinarian, which sparked an interest that eventually led him to Iowa State University for his undergraduate studies. While there, Dr. Wetzell gravitated toward swine medicine, drawn by both the science and the people behind pork production.
He later attended the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, where Dr. Al Leman served as a professor and became a major influence on his career. After graduating, Dr. Wetzell began his career with South Central Veterinary Associates, where he served Minnesota pig farmers for three decades, from 1977 to 2007. During that time, he became a trusted practitioner across southern Minnesota, working closely with farm families during a period of significant transition in the pork sector.
The 1980s and 1990s brought rapid change, and Dr. Wetzell was among those willing to adapt early. As production systems evolved, he leaned into innovation rather than resisting it, helping producers navigate emerging health challenges and new management approaches.
“Tom was never afraid to be an early adopter or a risk taker,” Dr. Gordon Spronk, staff veterinarian and chair emeritus at Pipestone, said. “He understood that progress required thoughtful change.”
Expanding Impact Through Corporate Leadership
In 2008, Dr. Wetzell continued working with pig farmers in his role as Senior Professional Service Veterinarian with Boehringer Ingelheim. He worked across multiple regions to address complex animal health challenges while collaborating with veterinary teams, producers and industry partners to translate science and research into practical, on-farm solutions. The move into corporate leadership also brought personal and professional growth. Dr. Wetzell embraced new challenges as opportunities to gain perspective.
“It’s always exciting in swine to find solutions,” Dr. Wetzell said. “Because I already knew people through private practice, they were open to hearing from me in this role.”
Those qualities are evident to people who worked alongside him throughout his career.
“Although I could speak at lengths about Tom’s expertise and knowledge as a veterinarian, what I believe sets him apart is how he goes about his work: with integrity, care and genuine concern for the people he works with.” Mark Schwartz, director of innovation at Schwartz Farms Inc., said. “Tom lives a life of gratitude, being so keenly aware that everything is a gift, and he freely gives of his time and talents in service to others. His leadership is quiet, steady and rooted in generosity.”
Both his roles in private practice and in a corporate role strengthened Dr. Wetzell’s leadership and helped shape his later work as a consultant and industry leader in Minnesota.
Returning to Serve as a Consultant
In January 2020, Dr. Wetzell transitioned into independent consulting, a role that allowed him to combine decades of experience in private practice and corporate leadership with a renewed focus on service.
One of his early contributions as a consultant was leading Minnesota’s efforts within the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan (U.S. SHIP), where he helped increase farmer enrollment and position Minnesota as a national leader in in producer engagement.
More recently, Dr. Wetzell has played a central role in advancing Minnesota’s work on Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae elimination. As chair of the Minnesota Animal Health Task Force, he has helped bring producers, veterinarians and industry partners together around the shared goal to improve herd health. This is an effort that has drawn strong support from academic and industry leaders alike, including Dr. Montse Torremorell, DVM, PhD, professor and department chair of Veterinary Population Medicine at the University of Minnesota.
“What has always stood out about Tom is his unwavering commitment to Minnesota pig producers and veterinarians,” said Dr. Montse Torremorell, DVM, PhD, professor and department chair of Veterinary Population Medicine at the University of Minnesota. “He cares deeply about the long-term health and sustainability of the pork community, and he brings people together with a genuine desire to serve the greater good.”
Dr. Wetzell believes strongly in understanding others before seeking to be understood, an approach that has earned him trust and respect across generations.
“At the end of the day, it’s about people,” he said. “If you support them, listen well and work together, the industry is stronger for it.”
Even in a semi-retired role, Dr. Wetzell continues to show up with energy and purpose, guided by a belief that service does not end with a job title. His consulting work reflects a lifetime commitment to strengthening Minnesota pork, today and for the future.
Championing Collaboration and Mentorship
Dr. Wetzell has invested significant time supporting younger veterinarians and swine professionals, encouraging them to stay engaged in the pork industry and helping them navigate the realities of demanding careers. He has also been involved in initiatives designed to support early-career veterinarians, recognizing the importance of developing future leaders who are both skilled and grounded.
“Tom has always believed that strong people are the foundation of a strong industry,” Spronk added. “He gives freely of his time and knowledge.”
Long before podcasts were mainstream, Dr. Wetzell was creating space for thoughtful dialogue. With colleagues Dr. Spronk and the late Dr. Bob Morrison, he founded and co-hosted At the Meeting, a podcast focused on veterinary medicine, leadership and the evolving challenges facing pork producers. Early episodes were recorded on cassette tapes, proof that Dr. Wetzell and his colleagues were sharing insights and building connection well before podcasting became “cool.” Through long-form conversations with peers and industry leaders, Dr. Wetzell fostered learning and collaboration rooted in listening and shared experience.
Service Guided by Faith, Family, and Gratitude
Those who know Dr. Wetzell well often speak of his humility and gratitude. Grounded in faith and family, he brings a steady perspective that frames work as service and leadership as responsibility.
“Dr. Wetzell is a lifelong learner who consistently goes above and beyond what is expected of him to ensure the success of pork producers in Minnesota, and beyond,” Torremorell said.
That mindset extends beyond his professional life. Dr. Wetzell is actively involved in leadership at Crossroads Church in Albert Lea and a regional Christian radio station, serving on its board and supporting faith-based programming centered on encouragement and service.
An Industry That Continues to Inspire
When reflecting on the evolution of pork production, Dr. Wetzell points to innovation, adaptability and the people within the industry as defining strengths. He believes Minnesota’s pork community is uniquely positioned to lead, not only through technology, but through collaboration and shared values.
He also emphasizes the importance of preparing the next generation to take ownership of the industry’s future.
“There is so much potential in the next generation,” Dr. Wetzell said. “We need to continue challenging ourselves and supporting young leaders as they step forward.”
A Legacy of Distinguished Service
Dr. Wetzell’s career spans private practice, corporate leadership and consulting, but the common thread is service. He has consistently chosen roles that allow him to give back, support others and strengthen the long-term success of Minnesota’s pork community.
Those who nominated him for the Distinguished Service award describe a leader who seeks solutions, not credit, someone who is always willing to listen, collaborate and help move the industry forward.
“In short,” Schwartz said, “Tom Wetzell lives out the spirit of this award.”
As the 2026 Minnesota Pork Distinguished Service Award recipient, Dr. Wetzell’s legacy extends beyond the programs he has helped lead or the initiatives he has advanced. It is reflected in the people he has supported and the example he continues to set for service-driven leadership within Minnesota’s pork industry and beyond.
