Each award is highlighted in the 2025 Minnesota Pork Congress magazine. Read the full magazine here.
The Minnesota Pork Board recognizes Senator Nick Frentz as this year’s Legislator of Distinction award recipient.
The Minnesota Pork Board recognizes Senator Nick Frentz as this year’s Legislator of Distinction award recipient.
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.
A Personal Connection to the Land
Sen. Frentz’s connection to his district and its agricultural roots dates back generations. His father’s family moved to the Mankato area more than 160 years ago, instilling in Sen. Frentz a deep appreciation for the rural landscapes of southern Minnesota.
Born on a military base in Japan while his father served in the United States Army, Sen. Frentz spent his early years in northern California after his father completed his service. Despite living on the West Coast, the family returned annually to the Mankato area to visit relatives, where Sen. Frentz developed a deep appreciation for southern Minnesota.
“I always knew I would move to Minnesota the first chance I had. One of the things I loved most growing up visiting the Mankato area was seeing the cornfields and barns. It’s part of what makes southern Minnesota special,” he said.
These early experiences fostered his respect for the hard work of farmers and the importance of agriculture to the state’s identity.
“I think I’m the number one consumer of pork in Nicollet County,” he joked, emphasizing his enthusiasm for supporting local producers.
After graduating from Macalester College in 1984 and William Mitchell College of Law in 1987, Sen. Frentz settled in North Mankato. There, he and his wife raised their four children, and have called the area home ever since.
Advocating for Agriculture
Sen. Frentz’s advocacy for agriculture began when he was first elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2016. Recognizing the vital role agriculture plays in the state’s economy—with pork alone contributing more than $4 billion annually—he requested to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee during his freshman term.
“One of the cool things about serving in the legislature is the incredible opportunity to learn about things you didn’t know before,” he said. “In the Agriculture Committee, we set policies and fund essential programs like the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Minnesota. It’s fascinating.”
Sen. Frentz quickly immersed himself in the local pork industry, learning from farmers about the challenges they face. These interactions deepened his understanding of the industry and informed his legislative efforts.
“Pork production is not just an economic driver; it’s about caring for living, breathing animals,” he noted. “I’ve even brought legislators from the Twin Cities on sow farm tours so they can see firsthand what goes into this work.”
He credits these tours as key to bridging the gap between urban and rural lawmakers.
“It’s one thing to talk about pork production in a committee room; it’s another to see the biosecurity measures and animal care up close,” Sen. Frentz explained. “It changes the conversation.”
Nicollet County pig farmer Dean Compart and the entire Compart Family Farms team have played a pivotal role in Senator Frentz’s introduction to pig farming. As a past member of the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, Compart has received strong support from Senator Frentz in his endeavors.
“He is very approachable and understands the importance swine production has in this state. He doesn’t try to hide decisions being made,” Compart said. “He is a very strong supporter and ally, advocating for new and emerging diseases and looks to find common ground.”
Bringing Agriculture to the Capitol
Representing Senate District 18, which includes Nicollet County, Mankato, and parts of Blue Earth and Le Sueur counties, Sen. Frentz’s district is home to nearly 2,000 family farms. This proximity to agriculture has shaped his legislative priorities.
“My role has always been to bring the voice of agriculture to the Capitol,” he explained. “With so many legislators lacking a background in farming, it’s crucial to educate them on policy and budget choices that impact producers.”
Sen. Frentz’s work extends beyond legislation. He is an affiliate member of the Nicollet County Pork Producers and actively participates in their events.
“These dinners and meetings aren’t just about great pork chops—though they are amazing,” he said with a laugh. “They’re about building relationships and understanding the issues farmers face.”
In addition to agriculture, Sen. Frentz’s committee assignments reflect the diversity of his district. He currently chairs the Senate Energy, Utilities, and Climate Committee and serves on the Senate Commerce, Transportation, and Rules Committees, among others. His leadership roles underscore his dedication to addressing a broad range of issues affecting Minnesotans.
Pride in the District
Sen. Frentz takes immense pride in the district he represents, which he describes as a microcosm of Minnesota.
“It’s a little bit of everything—rural areas, suburban neighborhoods, and a university town. I’m fortunate to represent a region that thrives because of its diversity,” he said.
One of his proudest achievements is fostering partnerships that strengthen the region. He highlighted Greater Mankato Growth, an integrated chamber of commerce that brings together business owners, agricultural leaders, and local government officials.
“When we collaborate, our voice is much stronger,” Sen. Frentz said. “That’s what makes our district special.”
Minnesota Pork Producers Association’s contract lobbyist, AJ Duerr, has worked alongside Sen. Frentz on many key pieces of legislation. He notes how Sen. Frentz has been a consistent champion for Minnesota’s pig farmers during his entire time in the Minnesota Senate.
“He always takes the time to thoughtfully hear the ideas and concerns of farmers and is very effective in moving positive legislation through the process,” Duerr said.
“In a time when politics is getting increasingly partisan, Senator Frentz goes against that trend by working well with both Democrats and Republicans in St. Paul to the benefit of our members. He is not afraid to go to bat for the pig farmers in his district, even if it means going against some members of his own party.
“He is one of the most respected members of the Legislature. Senator Frentz has the leadership qualities to bring together like minded colleagues in St. Paul to ensure that farmers and all rural Minnesotans have a fair seat at the table.”
A Vision for the Future
Sen. Frentz’s dedication to agriculture extends beyond his legislative accomplishments. He emphasizes the importance of partnerships and collaboration in policymaking. “What’s starting to go wrong in American politics is the idea that there has to be a winner and a loser,” he said. “You wouldn’t run a farm that way, so why run government that way? Partnerships bring credibility and stronger results.”
As a Legislator of Distinction, Sen. Frentz continues to champion the interests of pork producers and the agricultural community. His efforts include advocating for funding agricultural research and ensuring fair policies for producers. He also remains a staunch supporter of education initiatives that connect young Minnesotans to agriculture.
“We need to inspire the next generation to see farming as both a calling and a career,” he said.
Reflecting on his role, Sen. Frentz said, “If you like helping people and love the area you serve, there’s nothing more rewarding than this work.”
Sen. Frentz’s unwavering commitment to his district and the agricultural community ensures that his impact will be felt for years to come.
