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Celebrating the 2026

Minnesota Pork Awards

Each year, Minnesota Pork recognizes leaders who go above and beyond to support pork production in Minnesota. From the barn to the grocery store to the Capitol, six awards celebrate the people making a meaningful impact.

2027 Awards Timeline

July 2026: Nominations open
Friday, August 14, 2026: Nominations close
August 17 – September 1, 2026: Selection committee review
September 2, 2026: Award recipients selected and notified
September – October 2026: Award recipients participate in interviews
January 2027: Award articles published in the annual Minnesota Pork Congress Magazine
February 2027: Award recipients honored at the Minnesota Pork Awards Reception

2027 Nomination Forms:

Click each title to view forms. Forms are submitted via email to kate@mnpork.com. Download and complete online as a PDF OR print, write by hand and email.

Distinguished Service

Recognizes an individual whose lasting leadership and dedication have strengthened Minnesota’s pork industry through service, advocacy, or innovation.

Environmental Steward of the Year

An individual who demonstrates the positive contributions the pork industry makes to the natural environment.

Family of the Year

Celebrates a pig-farming family whose leadership, community involvement, and passion for pork have made a lasting impact.

Pork Promoter of the Year

Recognizes an individual, family, business, or organization that has gone above and beyond to share the story of pork and pig farming.
Candidates do not need to be pork producers.

Swine Manager of the Year

An employee (non-owner) who excels in leadership and management of a swine production operation.

2026 Minnesota Pork Awards

Distinguished Service

Dr. Tom Wetzell

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.

Environmental Steward of the Year

Dale Stevermer

At Trails End Farm, environmental stewardship is a way of thinking, one shaped by generations, sharpened by experience, and guided by a willingness to make thoughtful investments to help pigs, people, and the planet. Fro Stevermer, this award reflects a journey still in motion rather than a destination reached.

Family of the
Year

Terry & Sylvia Wolters Family

From building careers in pork production to serving pork to bring communities together, the Wolters family has touched nearly every aspect of strengthening pork in Minnesota. Their recognition as the 2026 Minnesota Family of the Year reflects a decades-long commitment to leadership, pork promotion, and growth.

Legislator of Distinction

Representative Paul Anderson

For Representative Paul Anderson, agriculture is not simply a policy focus. It is the foundation of his life, his values and his approach to public service. Anderson is recognized for nearly two decades of leadership at the Minnesota Capitol and his unwavering commitment to ensuring agriculture has a strong, informed voice in state government.

Pork Promoter of the Year

Lindsey Loken

Through her work as founder and owner of Blondies Butcher Shop in Wanamingo, MN, Loken has become a trusted and relatable voice for pork, one that meets consumers where they are and invites them to learn without judgment.

Swine Manager of the Year

Jeff Senne

As farm manager of Camalot Breeders, part of the Fairmont Veterinary Clinic and Preferred Capital Management family farms, Senne has built a career grounded in hands-on leadership, strong systems, and a deep respect for animal health. He believes success in swine production comes from doing the basics well every day, without shortcuts.