The Missouri Pork Association has named Scott Phillips from Drexel the recipient of the annual Chairman's Award during the 2020 Missouri Pork Expo on Feb. 11. Each year, the MPA chairman presents the award to a key individual for their support of the pork industry, the Association and its members.

Phillips returned to the family farm in 1990 after serving in the U.S. Air Force Reserves as an A-10 fighter pilot. He and his brother Martin own Phillips Family Farms, a 2,000 sow farrow-to-finish operation. Phillips and his nephew Nathan joined in a partnership to build and operate a 2,500 sow farrow-to-wean building called Mulberry Creek Farms.

Phillips is currently serving as a director on the National Pork Board and is on the producer services committee. He also served as a National Pork Producers Council delegate at Pork Forum, a Pork Board delegate and was a member of the Missouri Swine Focus Advisory Committee. Phillips participated in the Pork Leadership Academy in 2005 and received the Pork All American Award in 2002. He was chairman of the Missouri Pork Association in 2015 and 2016. He served on the U.S. Meat Export Federation Trade Committee and is a member of the board for the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance. Phillips continues to build on a strong family heritage as his parents Jim and Lois Phillips were extremely involved in a variety of leadership roles across the pork industry.

He earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics from the University of Missouri in 1982 and a master's degree in agricultural economics from the University of Missouri in 1984. Phillips and his wife, Dawnita, have three children, are active in the Garden City Baptist Church and Phillips also serves as a Boy Scouts leader.

Outstanding Legislator Award
Marcus Belshe, chairman of the MPA, also presented the Outstanding Legislator Award to Senator Mike Bernskoetter (R-59^th District) during the Expo. Senator Bernskoetter was chosen for his outstanding support of the Missouri Pork Association, the Missouri pork industry and all of agriculture.

"Senator Bernskoetter is a strong advocate for agriculture and the pork industry," says Belshe. "He understands agriculture needs fair and balanced statewide regulations in order to remain profitable."

This past year, Senator Bernskoetter sponsored legislation that created a level playing field for agriculture. His leadership in the State Capitol is appreciated by Missouri pork producers and all the agriculture community.

Source: Missouri Pork Association, which is solely responsible for the information provided, and wholly owns the information. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.