Each year Wisconsin Pork Association recognizes four individuals that are selected as outstanding pork industry leaders and friends during our annual meeting during the Corn Soy Expo in February.
The four award categories include the following:
To read the full press release, click HERE.
Alicia is from Platteville, WI, where she is the manager of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Swine Center. This operation is a cornerstone of the animal science curriculum as it offers hands-on, real-world experience for students to learn about pork production. Furthermore, Alicia teaches animal science classes, supervises students and farm staff, and is the Block and Bridle advisor. Alicia has been an avid supporter of WPA and currently serves on the Board of Directors. Alicia’s passion and impact on Wisconsin’s pork industry have been insurmountable, and we are grateful for her commitment to youth development and education. In her spare time, Alicia works on her beef cattle operation with her husband and children.
Jim Quackenbush spent his adult life working to better the US pork industry, not only on the family farm but also serving in many pork producer positions. In his early years, Jim served on the Minnesota Pork Producers Board, the National Pork Producers Council, and South Dakota Pork Producers Board making him one of the only people to serve on pork producer boards in multiple states. Jim was passionate about using his voice and his time, working to make things better for all pig farmers. In 2004, Jim left the family farm and worked for several pork production companies before moving to Wisconsin in 2017 to join his son John at Minitube, USA where he worked as a sow production consultant and quickly became involved as a very proactive supporter of WPA until the day of his passing. His calm demeanor yet passionate drive made him a great leader and respected icon in the pork industry. Jim is greatly missed, yet his legacy will carry on for generations to come.
Bob Middendorf has been the Farm Director at WGLR Radio since 1998. You may recognize Bob’s voice from the Southwest Tech Farm Show that airs weekday mornings. During this segment Bob interviews area farmers, public officials, delivers farm reports, and discusses everything the modern-day farmer needs to know. Bob’s ability to convey information and tell the story of agriculture is what makes him such a successful broadcaster. Over the years Bob has been a loyal ally of pork producers and farmers all over the state and done and great job promoting the pork industry to Wisconsinites.
State Representative Travis Tranel has been elected to the State Assembly and has served in the Wisconsin State Legislature since 2010. Representative Tranel is a 6th generation dairy farmer and small business owner from Cuba City, WI, where he farms with his wife, Stephanie, and their five children. He grew up on his family’s dairy farm in southern Grant County and his farm now milks over 550 cows. He also co-owns a custom square baling business.
Representative Tranel is the chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, and he is a relentless leader in the Legislature on agricultural and agribusiness issues. Last session, he led the efforts to create Wisconsin’s new Agricultural Road Improvement Program (ARIP), which provided $150 million to local governments to improve critical agricultural road infrastructure. We are pleased to award Representative Travis Tranel with WPA’s Friend of the Industry Award for 2024 for all his work supporting Wisconsin farmers.
The Wisconsin Pork Association Hall of Fame Award recognizes an outstanding individual who has demonstrated a long-time commitment to the Wisconsin State Fair in the open and junior shows, and who has developed a quality swine breeding program.
In 1965 Jim bought his first bred Yorkshire gilts from Hilman Schroeder. Jim and Linda, along with their children Chet and Tammy, quickly grew their love for raising pigs and began showing hogs at several county fairs in the area. After having much success locally, other breeders encouraged them to start showing at the state level. The Brinkmeier’s showed pigs at the Illinois and Wisconsin State Fairs for several years and eventually competed and showcased their impressive breeding program on the national level.
To read more, click HERE.
