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Minnesota Pork Awards

Each year, Minnesota Pork offers awards to honor the hard work of leaders who have dedicated time and energy to bettering the Minnesota pork industry.

2026 nominations are now open. Complete the nomination by clicking on the award, downloading the pdf, and following the directions on the form.

2026 Nomination Forms:

Distinguished Service

Environmental Steward of the Year

Family of the Year

Pork Promoter of the Year

Swine Manager of the Year

2025 Awards

Distinguished Service

Lee Johnston

Lee Johnston’s commitment to agriculture, advancing research, and mentoring future leaders has earned him the Minnesota Pork Distinguished Service Award. His journey from a dairy farm in Pennsylvania to becoming a respected expert in the pork industry highlights a career marked by curiosity, commitment, and passion.

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Environmental Stewards

Dave and Tracie Mensink

Environmentally minded, humble, and grateful describes the 2025 Minnesota Pork Board Environmental Stewards of the Year, Dave and Tracie Mensink. Their determination to do the right thing and willingness to make decisions to improve their farm’s sustainability for the next generation is inspiring, deserving to be shared.

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Family of the
Year

Anderson Family

Pride for what came before them and a desire to continue the legacy centers the work of the Anderson Family and Anderson Farms of Belgrade, Minnesota.

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Legislator of Distinction

Sen. Nick Frentz

For Senator Nick Frentz, serving his district and supporting agriculture are deeply personal missions. As the recipient of the 2025 Legislator of Distinction award, Sen. Frentz’s commitment to pork producers and agriculture shines through his legislative work and his pride in representing a vibrant, diverse district.

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Pork Promoter of the Year

Myrna Welter

An unwavering passion for pigs and people can describe Myrna Welter’s lifelong pork promotion efforts. Although for her, promoting pork does not take effort, as her dedication and love of the industry permeates every aspect of her life. Her unyielding enthusiasm and decades-long commitment to promoting pork make her a natural and deserving recipient of the 2025 Minnesota Pork Promoter of the Year award.

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Swine Manager of the Year

Mike Atzenhoefer

Dedication to his team and his community sets Mike Atzenhoefer of Wakefield Pork apart as a leader in Minnesota’s pork industry. Known for his selfless “we” mindset and focus on collaboration, Atzenhoefer is recognized as Minnesota Pork’s 2025 Swine Manager of the Year for his tireless commitment to the people he works with, his expertise in pig management, and dedication to his community.

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