October is National Pork Month, a time to celebrate pork and the farm families who raise it! As the second largest pork producing state, Minnesota plays a vital role in the agricultural economy. According to a 2024 National Pork Producers Council report, the U.S. pork industry supports more than 573,000 jobs and contributes $62.7 billion to the U.S. economy. Behind these numbers are farm families dedicated to raising pigs responsibly and providing safe, nutritious pork for people in Minnesota and around the world. Brent and Mona Kueker are one example of the farm families whose dedication has helped shape Minnesota’s pork industry.
Raising pigs has been a family effort for decades. What began as a small farrow-to-finish operation alongside their crop farming has grown into a multigenerational partnership with Schwartz Farms, built on hard work, trust and a shared commitment to animal care.
Brent and Mona married in 1987 and began farming 2,100 acres of corn and soybeans with their family. They also farrowed-to-finished 16 sows per turn, three to four times a year. When hog prices bottomed out in 1998, they ended their personal journey raising pigs. However, on the recommendation of a neighbor who knew John Schwartz, Brent reached out to see if they could work for Schwartz Farms. They still talk about going upstairs in the old house to meet with John before the new office was built.
The Kuekers began working for Schwartz Farms in 1999, caring for three separate sites totaling 11,000 head while continuing to farm their 2,100 acres. During the fall, Mona managed the hog chores, walked pens and administered shots so Brent could focus on farming. After they built their second site, she graduated from nursing school and has only needed to help with the pigs a handful of times since. Their youngest son also helps load pigs when he can, as his schedule allows.
A Family Operation
In 2000, the Kuekers asked John if they could raise hogs under contract for Schwartz Farms. They eventually received permission to build their first site in 2002. Today, their family operates three sites and cares for 9,000 head, along with raising two turns of isoweans each year.
Their son Shane and his wife, Katlyn, officially joined the pig operation in 2019 when the family’s newest barn, Site 3, came online. Their son Wyatt initially worked for SFI, Inc., managing a site as an independent contractor. As circumstances changed for the family, he stepped away from that role and joined the Kuekers’ swine and farming operation in January 2024. He now cares for the pigs at their original site, Site 1.
Brent manages the barn on the family’s home place, Site 2, which came online in July 2006. In March 2007, the barn’s roof collapsed under the weight of snow while pigs were still inside. The family was able to safely get all but about 60 pigs out and move them to another site. It was a heartbreaking experience, but many people from Schwartz Farms came to help that day and offer their support. The Kuekers will always remember how people came together during such a difficult time.
Caring for Pigs, One Day at a Time
Although the family has downsized the number of acres they farm, they continue to enjoy the challenges of caring for pigs and work hard to keep them healthy and comfortable. The Kuekers remain committed to both swine husbandry and crop farming, guided by their mantra: “Feeding U.S. and you one day at a time.”
The Kuekers are grateful that John Schwartz trusted them all those years ago and gave their family the opportunity to work with SFI, Inc. What began as a way to continue working with pigs after hog prices forced them to change their own operation has grown into a family-run business spanning generations.
For the Kuekers, the work is about more than raising pigs and growing crops. It is about family, perseverance and making the most of an opportunity that has shaped their lives for nearly three decades.
Minnesota pig farmers are committed to raising pigs with care and providing safe, nutritious pork for families.
The Kueker family is one example of the people and values behind Minnesota pork.
Learn more about Minnesota pig farmers and their commitment to the people, animals and communities they serve.
