Recognize Outstanding Contributions in the Pork Industry

2025 Award and Scholarship Winners

Ethan Thate

2025 Good Neighbor of the Year

Ethan’s story is one that many of us in agriculture can appreciate. He and his family started farming with about 500 acres and a couple thousand pigs. Through years of dedication, hard work, and smart decisions, that operation has grown to 2,500 acres and around 14,000 pigs today. Their operation raises pigs from feeder to finish, and they own all of their pigs, which reflects a strong commitment to their livestock and their business.
Another sign of Ethan’s dedication is the relationships he builds. His operation has marketed exclusively to Hormel Foods since the 1990s—something that speaks to consistency, trust, and quality over many years.
Ethan also believes in giving back to the industry that has given him so much. He serves as President of Riverdale, Incorporated and previously spent six years working with the Martin County Pork Producers, helping support and advocate for local pork producers.
But what truly sets Ethan apart is his willingness to look for ways to make farming better and safer for everyone. Over the last two years, he has been developing an innovative tool called the Light Lifter. This cart is designed to help farmers safely remove deceased pigs from barns, reducing the risk of injury from lifting heavy animals. It’s a practical solution to a real problem—created by a farmer who understands the challenges of the job.
That spirit of innovation, combined with years of leadership, hard work, and commitment to the people around him, is exactly what this award is meant to recognize.
So tonight, it is my honor to ask you to join me in congratulating our Good Neighbor Award recipient. Ethan, thank you for being a great neighbor, a leader in our industry, and someone who is always working to make farming better for everyone.

BoeKett Building Supply

2025 Friend of the Pork Industry

We want to recognize the businesses that stand beside farmers every day. The Friend of the Pork Industry Award honors someone who consistently supports pork producers and strengthens the communities we all work in.
This year’s recipient is BoeKett Building Supply.
BoeKett was founded in 2004 by Terry Boesch and Dale Kettner with the goal of serving their community with dependable products and service. Over the years, the business has continued to grow alongside the agricultural community it supports. In 2013, they expanded with another location in Fairmont, and in 2018, they added a location in Jackson.
Today, BoeKett employs 30 people, and it’s clear that strong leadership and teamwork are part of their success. Their team includes General Manager Brandon Mosloski, Fairmont Store Manager Derek Landon, Jackson Store Manager Dustin Nosbusch, Truman Manager and part owner Derek Garry, and part owner/accountant Natalie Schubert, along with many other dedicated employees who help keep things running smoothly.
For pork producers, BoeKett is more than just a building supply store. They carry numerous parts and equipment specifically for hog barns, making them an important resource for farmers in the region.
Their support for the industry goes well beyond the products they sell. Over the past four years, BoeKett has partnered with the Martin County Pork Producers to host grilling events. And whenever the Pork Producers have asked for support, BoeKett has stepped up without hesitation—generously donating gift cards for door prizes and helping make community events successful. In fact, last year they became the first Platinum Sponsor, showing just how committed they are to supporting the pork industry and the people who make it possible.
Their generosity, partnership, and dedication to local agriculture are exactly what the Friend of the Pork Industry Award is meant to recognize.

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 Martin County Pork Ambassador

Katylin Faber

 

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1st Runner Up 

Ava Donohue

 

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2nd Runner Up

Courtney Anderson

 

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