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

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, Minnesota. 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 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 farmers' 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, Minnesota, 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, Minnesota.

Lorang's first day on staff was May 15. She can be reached at [email protected].

Hettver’s first day on staff was May 1. He can be reached at [email protected].