Recognize Outstanding Contributions in the Pork Industry

Nominate for Prestigious Awards

The Martin County Pork Producers have been giving an award called the Friend of the Pork Industry.  This award recognizes service to the industry, and someone who goes above the normal call of duty in supporting and promoting pork production in Martin County. Previous winners have been from Media, Extension, allied industry, legislature, and educators. Nominate for the Friend of the Pork Industry Award, recognizing those who have made significant contributions to the community and industry. Submit your nomination by filling out our online form, detailing the nominee’s achievements and impact.

The Good Neighbor Award honors farmers who exemplify community spirit and environmental stewardship. Share stories of farmers who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to support their neighbors and maintain sustainable practices. Help us shine a light on these exemplary individuals by submitting your nomination today.

Empowering Future Generations

Martin County Pork Ambassador Program

The Martin County Pork Producers are proud to support the next generation of agricultural leaders through our scholarship program. This scholarship is open to high school seniors and college students to age 21. Applicants and/or parents who are actively engaged in the pork industry or applicant is pursuing a degree in agriculture or related fields.

Eligibility criteria include a demonstrated commitment to the pork industry, academic excellence, and community involvement. Applicants must submit a completed application form, a 600-word essay and two letters of recommendation by the deadline.

We are excited to invest in the future of agriculture and support students who are passionate about making a difference in the industry. For more information on how to apply, please contact our scholarship committee. (Josh Johnson :507-236-6798). 

Attached is the Application:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vRlNNq-01jvE5G3HuzmQGSVy2kmpCV-wW3cNxWR6WkgrhqMO6DqZWdwafEuabWiSvZoIynCdpdr1TU8/pub

 

 

 

 

2025 Award and Scholarship Winners

Jeff Senne

2025 Good Neighbor of the Year

Jeff is a true story of hard work and determination pays off. Jeff has been in the industry since 1991 when he started working for Larry and Linda Becker. In 1994, Jeff worked at Welcam for Preferred Capital Management and in 2002 continued work for PCM at the Camalot Breeders Site, a 3,200 head sow site managed by Dave Labenz, Jeff later took over the management of Camalot. During Jeff’s time in managing Camalot he has endured not one but two depopulations and a huge remodel. In November of 2024 Jeff got an opportunity to purchase Camalot Breeders, he is excited to continue to maintain the history and production for years to come.

When asked what kept him to continue pursuing a career in the pork industry one name came to mind, Barry Hilgendorf, a leader and profound friend of the industry. Barry was an inspiration to so many in Martin County

Although Jeff is not one to love getting recognized, please help me in congratulating a well deserving recipient of the good neighbor award.

Brian Roggow

2025 Friend of the Pork Industry

Brian graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 1990, marking the beginning of his impactful career. Shortly after graduation, he joined the Fairmont Veterinary Clinic in February 1990, eventually becoming a partner in 1993. For over 20 years, Brian has served as the managing partner at Fairmont Vet Clinic, where he has continuously adapted the practice to meet the evolving needs of the pork producers the clinic supports. His leadership and commitment have made the clinic a cornerstone of the local pork industry.
In addition to his professional success, Brian takes great pride in his personal life. He is married with three children and has three grandchildren, all of whom bring him immense joy. One of his greatest honors is being part of the founding of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter in Fairmont. He has witnessed firsthand the generosity of the community and the positive impact of local agricultural programs on young people.
Throughout his career, Brian has had the opportunity to tackle significant challenges, including his work on an outbreak of Strep within a production system. In 2021, he presented a paper titled “Best of Lemon: Tracking an Outbreak of Strep within a Production System,” which showcased his ability to address complex veterinary issues within the pork industry. This work stands out as a defining moment in his career, contributing valuable insights to industry practices.
With a strong reputation for his commitment to both animal health and the agricultural community, Brian’s contributions continue to make a difference in the pork industry and beyond.

2025 Martin County Pork Ambassador:

Alayna Haefner

1st Runner Up:

Tyler Kurt

2nd Runner-Up:

Ellie Nelson

2nd Runner-Up:

Alexa Schultze

Past Good Neighbor Award Winners

Tim Craw                                   1997

Chuck & Wanda Patsche        1998

Bentdale Farms                       1999  

LB Pork                                      2000

Roger Matejka                          2001

Hanson’s                                   2002

Lily Creek Farm                        2003

 

Duane & Myrna Behrens        2004

Doug & Dianne Bettin            2005

Roger, Brenda, Jon Kotewa   2006

Windmill Farms (Kotewa)      2007

 Ron & Dora Fowler Family   2008

Lynn & Mary Thate Family    2009

Kevin & Mary Hugoson         2010

 

 

Charles & Wanda Patsche      2011

Tim Steuber Family                 2012

Todd Steuber Family               2013

Schwieger Family Farms         2014

Clair & Joanne Schmidt           2015

Cory & Layne Ebeling              2016

Meyer Family                      2017

Chris Carlson                      2018

Doug & Laurie Quinn        2019

Chase & Summer Stahl     2021

Erica and Andy Jorgenson 2022

Brad Krusemark                 2023

Jeff Senne                             2024

Past Friend of the Pork Industry Winners

Bill Crawford                          1997

Bill Cahalan                            1998

Bob Gunther                           1999

Mike Murphy                          2000

Bob Wallace                            2001

Agstar Financial Services       2002

Comm. Gene Hugoson           2003

 

Barry Hilgendorf                    2004

Bryan Kittelson                       2005

Pat Murphy                             2006

Julie Rosen                              2007

Steve & Lori Pomerenke      2008

Bill Crawford                          2009

Jerry Jorgenson                    2010 

Dr. Dan Skow                 2011

Dr. Jeff Kurt                    2012

Tom Steffes                    2013

Dr. Jim Dick                     2014

Jim Hahn                          2015

Wanda Patsche               2016

Edwin “Eddie” Murphy   2017

 

Steve Hawkins                           2018

Dave & Kris Olson                     2019

Hy-Vee Fairmont Meat Dept   2021

Fairmont Ford                           2022

Tractor Supply                           2023

Brian Roggow                            2024