Search

Events

Newsroom

Newsletter

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 will open in August 2025.

View the 2025 winners below.

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.

Continue Reading

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.

Continue Reading

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.

Continue Reading

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.

Continue Reading

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.

Continue Reading

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.

Continue Reading
Minnesota Pork Board logo
About Us
Pork 101
Youth
Farmer Resources
Events
Newsroom
Opportunities
Facebook-f Youtube Linkedin
151 Saint Andrews Court, Suite 810 Mankato, MN  56001
Phone: (507) 345.8814
Office Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Friday (Summer Hours): 8 a.m. – Noon

XML Sitemap | HTML Sitemap

©2025 All Rights Reserved MN Pork

About Jill

As CEO of the Minnesota Pork Board and Minnesota Pork Producers Association, Jill Resler is dedicated to developing and executing a strategic vision that serves and empowers Minnesota pig farmers. Working alongside a talented and committed team, she works to ensure an exceptional return on investment for farmers while cultivating a culture of excellence within the organization.

Jill is committed to leading well to ensure opportunities for the next generation of Minnesota pig farmers. Upholding integrity and fostering strong relationships are central to Jill’s values, driving the advancement of Minnesota’s pork industry with dedication and excellence. Rooted in her passion for agriculture and those who dedicate their lives to it, Jill has spent her career focused on listening to, understanding, and advocating for the farmer’s voice.

Email Jill

Opportunities

Thank you for your interest in working for MN Pork! Currently, we do not have any openings, but feel free to reach out to colleen@mnpork.com with any questions!

Email Colleen