Next pork ambassador will be named Aug. 4 at Farmfest
Date Modified: 08/09/2010 3:33 PM
E-mail article | Print version
The 2010 Minnesota Pork Ambassador and first and second runners-up will be selected Aug. 4 at Farmfest.
This is the second year that the Minnesota Pork Board will host the competition on the Farmfest grounds.
Judges will select the top three individuals from a field of 15 county pork ambassadors. The candidates will be introduced and the winners announced during a 1 p.m. program in the Forum Tent following Linder Farm Network's Noontime Ag Jamboree. Program emcee will be farm broadcaster Lynn Ketelsen.
A three-judge panel will evaluate the pork ambassador candidates Aug. 2-4. The process includes a personal interview with the judges, public presentation on a swine-related topic, written essay and group interaction. The public is encouraged to attend the ambassador candidates' public presentations from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on Aug. 3 in the Minnesota Soybean/Minnesota Pork Tent, #618.
The Minnesota Pork Ambassador and runners-up will represent the state's 4,400 pork producing families at various educational and promotional functions throughout the year. The top placing individual earns a $1,500 scholarship, and first and second runners-up receive $750 and $500 scholarships, respectively. Judges also recognize the writer of the best essay with a $250 scholarship and the ambassadors will select a congeniality winner.
The Pork Ambassador program, funded through the mandatory Pork Checkoff and sponsored by the Minnesota Pork Board, strives to develop young pork industry leaders. The candidates are first selected by their respective county organizations. Throughout their terms as county ambassadors, the Minnesota Pork Board provides participants opportunities to improve their leadership and communication skills and to learn more about pork production and issues that shape the pork industry.
The candidates are:
Ryan Strobel
Blue Earth County
Parents: Greg and Robin Strobel, Pemberton
Ryan Strobel would like to be Minnesota Pork Ambassador so he can help promote agriculture and educate others. He believes in defending the industry from "short-sighted special interest groups" who work against animal agriculture through misinformation.
Strobel says the most critical industry challenge centers around animal rights groups and the misconceptions they give the public about animal care, antibiotic use in livestock and environmental quality.
"Agriculture, especially animal agriculture, is dwindling in the number of voices to speak out and to educate the public on behalf of our industry and our way of life," he said.
Strobel will attend the University of Minnesota where he plans to study veterinary medicine. Strobel is active in 4-H, played high school sports and was named academic all conference in football and basketball. He earned KEYC Best of Class, and has volunteered for a student mentoring/tutoring program and as a youth basketball coach.
Kristi Stoltz
East Central Counties
Parents: Steven and Lynn Stoltz, Isanti
Kristi Stoltz would like to educate youth on the importance of the pork industry, should she be name Minnesota Pork Ambassador. She would carry out her educational ideas through the leadership and public speaking skills she gained working as a community education instructor, summer camp teacher and in 4-H.
"I feel through a variety of public appearances and different activities, children could become more interested and educated about the industry," Stoltz said.
Stoltz attends Cambridge Community College and will transfer to the University of Wisconsin, Stout. Her career goal is to become a 4-H program coordinator.
She believes that the pork industry needs to address bad publicity it has received from issues such as H1N1 by communicating with the public and by preparing for similar future situations.
She is active in 4-H and said her 4-H experience has provided opportunities to meet many new people, develop curriculum and organize activities.
Aaron Gillespie
Fillmore County
Parents: Jeff and Jackie Gillespie, Fountain
Aaron Gillespie is an agribusiness and agronomy student at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls. His goal following college is to farm in partnership with his parents. Gillespie believes the leadership and communication skills he acquired through his FFA and 4-H participation will be useful should he become Minnesota Pork Ambassador.
"I think this is a great opportunity for me to inform the public about pork and all that is good about it," he said.
Gillespie works on his parents' and neighbors' farms. A year ago he started a bale wrapping business and the experience as a business owner has taught him "lessons you cannot learn any other way." Gillespie says his off-farm work experience has taught him how to work with others, as well as exposed him to other farm management practices.
Gillespie was awarded the FFA American Degree and has earned numerous other awards and recognition in both 4-H and FFA.
Morgan Mensink
Fillmore County
Parents: David and Tracie Mensink, Preston
Morgan Mensink studies biology and chemistry at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and following college, she plans to attend graduate school to earn a master's degree in animal or human genetics.
Her experience growing up on a hog farm and her exposure to the pork industry are among reasons why she would like to be Minnesota Pork Ambassador. Qualities she would bring to the ambassador role are her ability to get along with others and speak in public as well as her willingness to express her opinion.
Among challenges facing the pork industry is assuring consumers know that high quality animal care and environmental stewardship are priorities for livestock farmers. To further encourage pork producers to make environmental improvements, Mensink suggests incentive programs that assist pork producer develop and implement conservation practices.
Mensink has been active in 4-H for 12 years. She is a member of the college biology club and rugby team, and is recognized on the Dean's list for academic achievement.
Leah Sample
Le Sueur County
Parents: Mark and Teresa Ample, Le Sueur
Leah Sample would like to be Minnesota Pork Ambassador because the pork industry should be positively presented, a task that her first hand knowledge of pork production would provide. Sample attends the University of Minnesota where her animal science degree will have an emphasis on swine. She would like a career in research or another area of the pork industry.
An important issue that faces pork producers is how consumers perceive the pork industry. Sample says pork producers need to find ways to gain consumer trust and to show consumers the care that goes into bringing pork to the meat case.
As a grocery store cashier and meat department helper, Sample has used her background in pork production to visit with consumers about meat safety and how to prepare pork.
"I get a chance to share my story with consumers and to assure them that producers do everything they can to ensure a safe and wholesome product," Sample said.
Caleb Krusemark
Martin County
Parents: Brad and Rochelle Krusemark, Trimont
Caleb Krusemark will be a freshman at North Dakota State University, Fargo, where he will study agricultural economics, farm systems management and political science. Qualities he would bring to the position of Minnesota Pork Ambassador include a strong work ethic and communication skills.
Krusemark says that technological, political and economic change and the introduction of renewable resource industries has transformed and challenged agriculture. He believes that leadership must address how to harness these changes to benefit rural communities and agricultural commodity groups need to collaborate in developing strategic long-term plans that build public confidence in food and livestock production practices, assure food security and environmental sustainability.
Krusemark is a FFA and 4-H member, presenter at Farm Safety Just 4 Kids and participated in high school cross country, track and wrestling. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout and the FFA State Degree.
Mary Faber
Martin County
Parents: David and Dana Faber, Sherburn
Mary Faber is a student at South Dakota State University, Brookings, where she combines her agriculture and mathematic interests by majoring in agribusiness and financial engineering.
Faber is an avid learner who strives towards personal improvement. She says the opportunity to be Minnesota Pork Ambassador would allow her to advocate for agriculture, share her pork industry knowledge and network with others who have a strong passion for agriculture.
Faber says the ability of anti-livestock groups to use misinformation to push their agendas is the biggest issue facing the pork industry. She believes pork producers need to share their stories with consumers and be advocates for agriculture.
"With consumers being poorly educated, we give other organizations the opportunity to reach consumers with bad information about our industry," she said.
Nancy Faber
Martin County
Parents: David and Dana Faber, Sherburn
Nancy Faber majors in agriculture industries and marketing at the University of Minnesota. After graduation, she would like a career in agricultural sales.
If selected Minnesota Pork Ambassador, Faber says she would work hard to promote pork and to educate others about pork production. Her positive attitude and energetic personality are qualities Faber would bring to the position.
"While representing the Minnesota Pork Board, I would educate others on industry issues and also get other young people to share their passion for agriculture," she said.
Issues that face pork producers are the disconnection between consumers and food producers, feeding the growing global population and improving export market access for U.S. pork. Faber encourages farmers to build public understanding of the skills necessary to produce food through increased consumer interaction, investment into research and continually working on pork exports.
James Roe
Mower County
Parents: Rick and Jean Roe, LeRoy
James Roe plans to return to his parent's farm after completing his college degree in diversified agriculture. He would like to represent the state as pork ambassador because he is passionate about the pork industry and finds that involvement in the industry provides many educational opportunities.
This past year's economic struggle has been an "eye-opening experience" for Roe, but he found that good family communication and perseverance has enabled the continuation of raising high quality pork. He credits his father, uncles, neighbors and instructors for teaching him important economic and technical skills that translate to work on the farm.
Roe says it's important for the pork industry to regain consumer confidence during the recession and to provide a positive image of hog production. Tools to address these challenges are using modern media channels to reach the public and product labeling that shows how carefully pork is raised.
Kevin Welter
Olmsted County
Parents: Randy and Myrna Welter, Stewartville
Kevin Welter's experience caring for pigs on his parent's farrow-to-finish farm provides him with a solid background to be Minnesota Pork Ambassador. He would like to share this knowledge with the growing number of youth and adults who do not know where their food comes from or understand how it's grown.
"I would like to have the opportunity to share the pork message with people who do not know it," he said.
Welter likes seeing projects through to completion and he is comfortable speaking in front of groups. He has served as chapter FFA president, vice president, and reporter and as regional FFA treasurer and assistant officer. He has been 4-H club president and treasurer, is a member of math league, National Honor Society and Business Professionals of America.
Media coverage of the pork industry is among the challenges that pork producer's face, he said. To overcome this challenge, he said the pork industry must continually improve its communication with the public.
Clayton Johnson
Pipestone County
Parents: Curt and Diane Johnson, Jasper
Clayton Johnson, a senior at Pipestone Area High School, would put his motivational and leadership skills to work for the state's pork producers should he become Minnesota Pork Ambassador.
"I would like the help the public understand the pork industry and to explore the opportunities available to young people," Johnson said.
Johnson says the public perception and image of pork production are challenges facing the industry. He recommends that pork producers be more aware of their roles within the community, raise quality pork products, promote pork as a healthy protein and participate in Pork Checkoff programs such as We Care and Operation Main Street.
"I feel these efforts by the industry need to continue and expand," he said.
Johnson is active in school sports, church, 4-H and FFA. After high school he plans to attend college to study veterinary science or a related agricultural field.
Anna Marxen
Renville County
Parents: Paul and Teresa Marxen, Bird Island
Anna Marxen will attend Minnesota State University, Mankato, in the fall where she plans to major in nursing. Marxen says her current job as a certified nursing assist at a nursing home has been valuable in preparing for her future career and her work experience both on and off the farm has taught her responsibility.
She says that a current challenge facing pork producers is reaching consumers with factual information about livestock production and farming.
Marxen has promoted pork and educated consumers as the Renville County Pork Ambassador for three years. She says her time as county ambassador has provided an "amazing experience" and she looks forward to continuing her work advocating for pork producers and for agriculture.
While in high school, Marxen participated in basketball, volleyball and soccer. She is active in 4-H, volunteers in her community, helps with the Early Childhood Family Education program and serves as a Sunday school teacher.
Matthew Hanson
Scott County
Parents: Allen and Theresa Hanson, Jordan
Matthew Hanson cites three reasons he would like to be Minnesota Pork Ambassador. First, representing pork producers and promoting pork would be enjoyable; second, the opportunity to meet new people and learn from their experiences; and lastly, to encourage other young adults and pork producers to educate the public about food production.
This fall Hanson will be a freshman at the University of Minnesota, Crookston, where he will major in animal science. He plans a career in animal nutrition and hopes to someday own a farming operation.
A major challenge for all of animal agriculture is the public perception that farmers mistreat their livestock. Hanson says that those who mistreat livestock should face serious consequences and punishment, and that livestock producers must work hard to demonstrate high quality animal care practices.
"Animal agriculture could be lost if we don't start showing consumers how animals are being properly treated," he said.
Shelby Peterson
Watonwan County
Parents: Rakki and Diane Peterson, Butterfield
Shelby Peterson will attend the University of Minnesota, Morris, and plans on an agricultural career that provides travel opportunities. Her experience growing up and working on her parent's farm has taught her the importance of time management and that hard work and patience "can go a long way."
As Minnesota Pork Ambassador, Peterson would use her friendly and outgoing personality, positive attitude and dedication to the pork industry to educate others about pork production and pork products.
"I would love to become the Minnesota Pork Ambassador to educate people around the state about the pork industry," she said. "I am very active and passionate about everything I set my mind too."
Peterson is a 4-H and FFA member. In high school she played volleyball, basketball and softball and was a member of band, choir, annual staff and student council. She has helped with Ag In the Classroom presentations and volunteers for the community's annual threshing bee.
David Berning
Wright County
Parents: Mark and Julie Berning, St. Michael
David Berning will begin his college career this fall at South Dakota State University, Brookings, where he will major in agricultural engineering. He hopes to eventually return to his parents' farming operation or to start his own farm business.
Berning would like to be Minnesota Pork Ambassador to further his understanding of the pork industry and to utilize his public speaking skills and his creative energies.
A major challenge that faces the pork industry is educating the public on animal production and livestock care practices. He says this education is achievable through farm tours, public speaking, youth education and participation at public events.
"I feel that the public is misled into thinking some of our practices are inhumane and hurt the animals," he said. "I think that we need to find new ways of informing the pubic about what we do and the reasons behind them."
Berning is active in 4-H, church, community activities, high school sports and National Honor Society.