Individuals and families who have made significant contributions through pork promotion, consumer and producer education, youth mentoring and service to the pork industry were recognized by the Minnesota Pork Board at its annual Award Recognition reception Feb. 14 at the Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery in Kasota, Minn.

Family of the Year: Spronk Family. Spronk Brothers III, a multifaceted farm spanning two generations in southwestern Minnesota, was established by brothers Gordon and Randy in 1993. What started as a 300-sow farm has grown to accommodate more than 10,000 sows. Though the sows are owned and produced by Spronk Brothers III, Edgerton, the sow sites are managed by the Pipestone System and operated by the Pipestone Veterinary Clinic.

Both brothers saw industry pressures and the changing of the model from their high exposure holding national leadership positions. They considered ways to be competitive domestically and internationally and decided to vertically integrate backwards, focusing on the network of crops, pigs and manure at the time of Spronk Brothers III’s implementation. An on-farm feed mill stands on the farm’s original homestead which allows the business to manage feed costs and rations, as well as use valuable manure for their crops.

Randy serves as managing partner of Spronk Brothers III, overseeing production and financial aspects of the business. As veterinarian, Gordon handles animal health and production model decisions. Randy’s son, Seth, is the farm’s “jack of all trades.” Gordon’s son-in-law, Tyler, oversees risk management of the operation.

The family farm generational transfer started five years ago for the Spronks. Ownership is passing to Gordon’s daughter, Courtney, and her husband, Tyler; and to Randy’s son, Seth, and Seth’s wife, Taylor.

Environmental Steward: Larry Liepold. Larry Liepold of Okabena grew up on a diversified livestock farm, but veered toward the pork industry after working at a large pig farm in the late 1970s. In 1988, he built his own pig barn and began his diversified farm on cropland passed down from both his parents and the parents of his wife, Jill.

More than 15 years ago, Liepold was inspired by his neighbor to test strip-till methods on his land. What began with custom application from the local cooperative turned into Liepold buying his own machinery, which he now uses on his own fields and custom strip-tills for neighbors. His influence in bringing more strip-till machines into the area has created a ripple effect, as more and more surrounding farmers realize the benefits of the farming practice. He also raises cover crops and incorporates pig manure onto his fields, following a prescribed manure management plan.

Pig farming is on its way to raising a carbon-neutral pig, Liepold believes. Calculated, effective strides over the last several decades have proven farmers are doing more with less.

“The carbon-neutral pig can be done,” he says. “We probably won’t hit zero every year, and we need to forgive ourselves and move on, but I believe it can and will be done — and we are on the right path.”

Swine Manager of the Year: Brian Majerus. Brian Majerus of Lakefield manages wean-to-finish pig barns for Mark and Stacey Soleta. His son, Dylan, works alongside him in the barns. Outside of pig farming, Majerus custom-feeds, and he owns his custom manure business.

Distinguished Service: Peter Davies. Born and raised in Perth, Australia, Peter Davies was a city boy who frequented his uncle’s wheat and sheep farm. He attended veterinary school at the University of Melbourne and worked in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the United Kingdom and Brazil before being recruited in 1991 to the University of Minnesota to help evaluate swine disease surveillance in the U.S.

Davies is known internationally for his extensive body of research and publications in swine health, antimicrobial use and resistance, and zoonotic and food-borne pathogens. In December, he marked his 46th year as a veterinarian. In addition to working as a veterinarian, he has served as adviser, researcher, professor and swine industry spokesperson.

Pork Promoter of the Year: Charlie Torgerson. Charlie Torgerson, executive chef-owner-consultant at Charlie T's Foods, Eagan, developed a taste for barbecue decades ago after a friend introduced him to barbecue at a northeast U.S. restaurant. Since then, he has traveled the U.S. to learn from pit masters who had been smoking meat for decades; and worked at various restaurants, developing his skills. For nearly two decades, he worked for Famous Dave’s as executive chef and senior director of culinary. He took over the Famous Dave’s stand at the Minnesota State Fair in 2001, which has since transformed into RC’s BBQ.

At the fair, Torgerson has worked for the Minnesota Pork Booth, doing demonstrations and showing consumers different ways to cook pork dishes. He also is the mastermind behind new pork dishes showcased at the Great Minnesota Get Together — Pig Ear french fries, Naughty Biscuit and Pig Lickers (chocolate-covered bacon).

Known as “the Meat Guy,” Torgerson has worked with the Minnesota Pork Board on several “how-to” videos for chefs and restaurants. Topics covered range from pork loin fabrication to complementary pork condiments to pork value cuts. Last September, he worked on the Midwest Pork Summit, which featured 13 chefs gathered for a three-day farm-to-fork learning experience.

Legislator of Distinction: Former Rep. Collin Peterson. Minnesota Pork handed out its first Legislator of Distinction Award to former Rep. Collin Peterson. The longtime lawmaker served in the state Senate for nine years before running for Congress in 1984. He won the election in 1990, representing Minnesota’s 7th Congressional District, a post he would hold until 2020. 

He served on the House Committee on Agriculture for 29 years, leading the committee twice as chairman in the 110th, 111th, and 116th Congresses, and serving as ranking member through five congressional sessions.

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