The Wisconsin Pork Association recognized four individuals selected as outstanding pork industry leaders during the organization’s annual meeting held on Feb. 1 in conjunction with the Corn/Soy Expo in Wisconsin Dells.

Distinguished Service Producer Honoree- Brian Klubertanz

Each year, WPA presents a Distinguished Service Award to a fellow pork producer whose contributions to the Wisconsin swine industry merit special recognition. Klubertanz is from Waterloo, Wisconsin, where he resides with his family on their farrow-to-finish operation. He has served two terms on the WPA Board of Directors and held the treasurer position. His passion for raising pigs, commitment to protecting the swine industry, and willingness to step up in time of need are what makes him a great role model and member of our organization.

Distinguished Service Industry Honoree- Heritage Swine Genetics

The pork industry is fortunate in having many industry representatives who are dedicated to promoting and serving the industry. The WPA honors these individuals and companies by presenting them with the Industry Honoree Award. This year’s recipient is Heritage Swine Genetics of Elkhorn. Heritage Swine has decades of expertise raising breeding stock and providing veterinary services and consulting to producers throughout Wisconsin and the nation. They pride themselves in their animal welfare practices and community outreach efforts.

Agri-Communicator Award- Larry Lee

WPA presents an Agri-Communicator Award, which acknowledges the efforts of individuals in the ag industry to communicate with others. After high school, Lee received a communications degree from Western Technical College with emphasis on photography and television production, but instead began a radio career in 1984 at WAQE in Rice Lake. Lee has been a news or program director at stations in Amery, Ladysmith, Stevens Point, and Wausau before joining Brownfield in 2016. He has been a loyal ally of farmers all over the state and done a great job promoting the pork industry.

Friend of the Industry Award- Representative Derrick Van Orden

This award is given to an individual that provides exemplary service to the WPA. Congressman Derrick Van Orden resides in Prairie du Chien and proudly represents the people of Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District. An American patriot and retired Navy SEAL, Derrick has dedicated his life to serving and protecting Americans. Now as a congressman, he continues the fight and advocates for our farmers, veterans, workers, tradesmen, job creators, seniors and families of Wisconsin.

Van Orden's life of public service began when he joined the Navy at the age of 18. He had the honor to serve for 26 years, retiring as a Navy SEAL Senior Chief with multiple combat tours. Additionally, he served in the Horn of Africa, Asia, Europe, and South and Central America. During his tour in Europe in 2012, he was responsible for planning Special Operations contingency operations for the European Continent. Van Orden also became involved in acting during his military service – starring in major motion picture films.