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Baack, Schafer and Schwartz Elected to MPPA Board

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Mppa Board

2022 MPPA Board Members Front to Back, Left to Right: Todd Marotz, John Anderson, Daryl Timmerman, Brandon Schafer. Back, Mike Mouw, Adam Barka, Vince Baack, and Tim Schwartz. Absent – Bill Drager

MANKATO, Minn. – Vince Baack, North Mankato; Brandon Schafer, Goodhue; and Tim Schwartz, Sleepy Eye were elected to the Minnesota Pork Producers Association (MPPA) during the Annual Meeting held on Wednesday, February 16, at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato following the Minnesota Pork Congress.

MPPA Board members are elected to three-year terms and work on behalf of Minnesota’s pig farmers to bring visionary leadership for its members by influencing public policy on a local, state and national level.

Leadership roles remained the same with John Anderson of Belgrade serving as MPPA president, Vince Baack as vice-president, and Adam Barka of Sleepy Eye as secretary.

“The Minnesota Pork Producers Association Board of Directors is diverse, representing the broad range of farms found throughout the state,” says president Anderson. “I’ve enjoyed leading the group these last two years and look forward to working on behalf of our members and partners through the next year.”

Other board members include Bill Drager, Mapleton; Todd Marotz, Sleepy Eye; Mike Mouw, Sioux Falls; Daryl Timmerman, North Mankato. In addition, Lori Stevermer of Easton and Terry Wolters of Pipestone currently serve as Minnesota representatives on the National Pork Producers Council Board of Directors.

Preisler to Retire as CEO of Minnesota Pork

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David Preisler HeadshotDavid Preisler, long-time CEO of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association and Minnesota Pork Board, announced his plans to retire from the organization effective June 1, 2022.  Preisler notified the Board of his plans at its Board meeting on December 16. His retirement will mark nearly 28 years leading the Pork association and representing the interests of Minnesota’s family pig farmers.

 

“It has been a privilege to work with some of the country’s best livestock farmers here in Minnesota who are not only excellent farmers but outstanding industry leaders at both the state and national levels,” Preisler said.  “Minnesota is the second largest state in pork production (value and number of market pigs raised) and we are fortunate to have a very strong producer-led organization with knowledgeable and committed Board members, a dedicated staff, and strong relationships across the agricultural community and beyond. It has been an honor to serve Minnesota’s pig farmers who are committed to doing what is right for their animals, their people and communities, and the environment. My career has really been about the people, and I have had the joy of working with exceptional staff who also believe in serving farmers. I really feel like I’m stepping away from the organization at the right time and in very good hands.”

 

John Anderson, a Stearns County pig farmer and current president of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association, commented, “Dave has provided excellent leadership to Minnesota Pork and has effectively represented the interests of pork producers throughout Minnesota and nationally. Over the years, Dave has helped producers navigate the intricacies of government policy, permitting, sustainability, animal wellbeing, and the importance of consumer outreach and engagement. The pork industry has faced difficult situations over Dave’s career and his steady leadership and commitment to Minnesota pig farmers helped see us through the challenging seasons of farming. Minnesota Pork is in a good place today because of Dave Preisler and we wish him the very best in future years.”

 

Preisler has committed to assisting Minnesota Pork with the transition to a new leader. The Board intends to conduct a search of potential candidates to replace Preisler over the coming months.

Anderson, Drager, Marotz, and Mouw Elected to MPPA Board

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MPPA Logo John Anderson, Belgrade; Bill Drager, Mapleton; Todd Marotz, Sleepy Eye; and Mike Mouw, Leota were elected to the Minnesota Pork Producers Association (MPPA) during the virtual Annual Meeting held on Thursday, February 4.

“It is an honor to represent my fellow pig farmers as president,” said Anderson. “Though this past year held many challenges, I am grateful to have gotten to work with a group of extremely talented individuals both at the state and national level. During this next three-year term, I look forward to networking with state producers, interacting with consumers, working closely with legislators, and providing sound science-based information to assist our regulatory community.”

MPPA board members are elected to three-year terms and work on behalf of Minnesota’s pig farmers to bring visionary leadership for its members by influencing public policy on a local, state, and national level.

Other board members include Vince Baack, Jackson; Amon Baer, Lake Park; Adam Barka, Sleepy Eye; Shelly Schell, Altura; and Daryl Timmerman, North Mankato. In addition, Minnesota representatives serving on the National Pork Producers Council board include Lori Stevermer of Easton and Terry Wolters of Pipestone.

MPPA Virtual Annual Meeting Set for February 4

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The Minnesota Pork Producers Association will be hosting its 2021 Annual Meeting virtually on Thursday, February 4, 2021.  The annual business meeting of the association will include a review of the financials and upcoming political sessions that the state and federal levels. In addition, 4 members will be elected to the executive board.

 

All Strategic Investment Program investors and MPPA Partner members are eligible to register and participate in the business of the annual meeting and have voting rights. Partner members must have a current membership in good standing prior to the annual meeting. You can register online at: www.mnpork.com/2021-annual-meeting-registration or call the Minnesota Pork Office at 507-345-8814.

Schmidt joins NPPC and MPPA in Producer Services

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Bradley Schmidt the National Pork Producers Council earlier in Spring 2020 and will take the role of Director of Producer Service. He’ll work closely with the Minnesota Pork Producers Association with members and Strategic Investment Program investors.  Brad can be reached at schmidtb@nppc.org.

 

Brad Schmidt Introduction:

Brad SchmidtHello, my name is Brad Schmidt. I am the new Director of Producer Services for the state of Minnesota, through the National Pork Producers Council. In this role, I will work directly with members and producers throughout the state of Minnesota. I grew up on a farm in Southern Minnesota, raising corn, soybeans, and hogs. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa where I majored in technology management with a minor in marketing.  After college, I started working for ZieglerCAT at their Minneapolis headquarters in various roles in both the Ag and construction divisions.  I live in Bloomington, Minnesota with my wife and I am excited to continue to be back working in the swine industry.