The Wisconsin Pork Association recognized four pork industry leaders during the organization’s annual meeting.
Distinguished Service Producer Honoree
This award goes to a pork producer whose contributions to the Wisconsin swine industry merit special recognition. Alicia Prill-Adams is from Platteville, where she manages the UW-Platteville Swine Center. This operation is a cornerstone of the animal science curriculum as it offers hands-on, real-world experience for students. Furthermore, she teaches animal science classes, supervises students and farm staff, and is the Block and Bridle advisor. Prill-Adams has been an avid supporter of WPA and currently serves on the Board of Directors. In her spare time, she works on her beef cattle operation with her husband and children.
Distinguished Service Industry Honoree
The pork industry is fortunate to have many industry representatives who are dedicated to promoting and serving the industry. The late Jim Quackenbush spent his adult life working to better the U.S. pork industry. In his early years, he served on the Minnesota Pork Producers Board, the National Pork Producers Council, and South Dakota Pork Producers Board. Quackenbush was one of the only people to serve on pork producer boards in multiple states. He was passionate about using his voice and his time working to make things better for all pig farmers. In 2004, Quackenbush left the family farm for several pork production companies before moving to Wisconsin in 2017 to join his son John at Minitube USA. Here, he worked as a sow production consultant and quickly became involved with WPA until the day of his passing. His calm demeanor and passionate drive made him a great leader and respected icon in the pork industry.
Agri-Communicator Award
This award acknowledges the efforts of individuals in agriculture to communicate the happenings of the industry to stakeholders. Bob Middendorf has been the Farm Director at WGLR Radio since 1998. Over the years, Middendorf has been a loyal ally of farmers statewide promoting the pork industry to Wisconsinites.
Friend Of The Industry Award
State Rep. Travis Tranel has served in the Wisconsin State Legislature since 2010. Tranel is a sixth-generation dairy farmer and small business owner from Cuba City. He farms with his wife, Stephanie, and their five children. Tranel 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. Tranel is the chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee. Last session, he led the efforts to create Wisconsin’s new Agricultural Road Improvement Program, which provided $150 million to local governments to improve critical agricultural road infrastructure.
