MPPA Supports Farm Bill 2.0 in addressing critical industry challenge

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Img 1263Minnesota’s family pig farmers appreciate the language included in Farm Bill 2.0 by Chairman Glenn Thompson (R-PA) that would provide a federal solution to the uncertainty created by California’s Proposition 12 (Prop 12) and prevent a patchwork of conflicting state laws.

 

“We thank Chairman Thompson and members of the House Agriculture Committee for their continued commitment to supporting Minnesota’s family pig farmers. As pig farmers, we care deeply about our animals and take pride in producing safe, affordable food for families here at home and across the country. Farm Bill 2.0 provides much-needed clarity and certainty for producers,” said Todd Selvik, president of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association. “We urge the full House Agriculture Committee to stand with family farmers, protect our ability to operate across state lines, and help keep pork affordable for American consumers.”

 

Similar language addressing the challenges created by Prop 12 was included in the 2025 Farm Bill that advanced through the House Agriculture Committee with bipartisan support. Providing regulatory certainty related to Prop 12 remains a top priority for the Minnesota Pork Producers Association as Congress works to finalize a comprehensive Farm Bill.

 

Since the U.S. Supreme Court determined that Congress must act to address the interstate commerce concerns raised by Prop 12, farmers have continued to voice serious concerns about its long-term consequences. These include accelerated industry consolidation that disadvantages small and medium-sized farms, the risk of a 50-state patchwork of production mandates, and policies that overlook established veterinary expertise in animal care and husbandry. Furthermore, data continues to show Prop 12 is increasing the cost of pork for California consumers.

Minnesota Pork Producers Association Recognizes 2026 Legislator of Distinction

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Minnesota Pork Names Sustainability Outreach Coordinator, Director of Producer Services

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Mankato, MN – The Minnesota Pork Producers Association (MPPA) has announced Kate Lorang as sustainability outreach coordinator and Kirby Hettver as director of producer services.

 

Lorang Named Sustainability Outreach Coordinator

As sustainability outreach coordinator, Lorang is responsible for the recruitment and engagement of farmers across Minnesota for sustainability grants and supply chain partnerships. She will act as a ‘one stop shop’ for farmers to support the utilization of sustainability-related programs and initiatives relevant to Minnesota. Kate will leverage existing contacts and aid in project promotion, answer questions, provide technical assistance, and ensure effective cross-functional communication.

“On behalf of the Minnesota Pork Board of Directors and staff, I am excited to announce the addition of Kate Lorang to the Minnesota Pork team,” said Jill Resler, CEO of the Minnesota Pork Board and Minnesota Pork Producers Association. “Kate’s background in agronomy and desire to serve Minnesota pig farmers will be tremendous assets as we continue to grow in the sustainability space.”

Lorang was instilled at a young age with a love of the land, growing up on a farm north of Morton, MN. Lorang is a 2024 graduate of South Dakota State University with a degree in Agricultural Communication with minors in Agronomy and Crop Protection. Lorang is committed and eager to engage with Minnesota pig farmers, helping to demonstrate data-driven continuous improvement within the Minnesota pork industry.

 

Hettver Named Director of Producer Services

Hettver has been named director of producer services. He is responsible for the development and execution of account management plans for Minnesota Pork stakeholders building relationships that are rooted in integrity, trust, respect, and value. Hettver will play a key role in increasing industry awareness of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association, Minnesota Pork Board, National Pork Producers Council, and National Pork Board priorities and programs.

“Kirby’s understanding of farmer’s needs and leadership experience in other commodity organizations will allow him to thrive in this role,” said Resler. “His passion to serve Minnesota pig farmers and develop new ways of providing an ROI to our members will be extremely valuable – we are fortunate to have Kirby on the team.”

Hettver was raised on a farm near Granite Falls, MN, where he currently resides with his wife and three daughters. He is a 1996 graduate of the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in Animal and Plant Systems. Prior to his role at Minnesota Pork, Hettver most recently spent 15 years farming full time with his family, where his brother continues to farm. He spent two terms serving on the Minnesota Corn Growers Board, including serving as President in 2018. Early in his career, Hettver held roles as Stevens County Extension Educator as well as Commercial and Ag Loan Officer at the Co-op Credit Union of Montevideo, MN.

 

Kate’s first day on staff was May 15. She can be reached at kate@mnpork.com.

Hettver’s first day on staff was May 1. He can be reached at kirby@mnpork.com.

 

Kate Lorang, Sustainability Outreach Coordinator

Kirby Hettver, Director of Producer Services

Minnesota Pork Executive Board of Directors Elects Four New Members

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On Monday, February 12, 2024, the new 12-member Executive Board of Directors was elected during a joint annual meeting session including members of the Minnesota Pork Board (MPB) delegate body and Minnesota Pork Producers Association (MPPA) partners and members.

The board represents the variety of pig farms found throughout the state. Each elected representative serves on the board of directors for three-year terms and may not serve more than three consecutive terms. 

The newly elected board members include:

  • Jay Fultz, Tracy
  • Brad Kluver, Lakeville (Secretary)
  • Mike Patterson, Kenyon
  • Mike Walker, Sleepy eye

The returning board members include:

  • Daryl Timmerman, North Mankato (President)
  • Todd Selvik, Waseca (Vice President)
  • Vince Baack, Jackson
  • Mike Boerboom, Marshall
  • Chris Compart, Nicollet
  • Roger Punt, Prinsburg
  • Brian Schwartz. Sleepy Eye
  • Myrna Welter, Stewartville
2024 Bod Group Photo Ps 2

2024 Minnesota Pork Executive Board of Directors at the 2024 Minnesota Pork Congress

 

National members include:

  • Dale Stevermer, Easton (National Pork Board)
  • Todd Marotz, Sleepy Eye (National Pork Producers Council Board)
  • Lori Stevermer, Easton (National Pork Producers Council Board)
  • Terry Wolters, Pipestone (National Pork Producers Council Board)