Don Laut, chairman of the Missouri Pork Association, has announced Dennis Dohrman from Sweet Springs, Missouri, as the recipient of the prestigious Chairman's Award during the 2023 Missouri Pork Expo on Feb. 21.

After graduating from the University of Missouri in 1974 with a bachelor's degree in agriculture mechanics, Dohrman returned home to farm with his father, Frosty Dohrman. He currently operates South Fork Farms in partnership with his brother, son and nephew. They farm 5,000 acres of corn, soybeans and wheat.

Dohrman has been actively involved in the pork industry for many years, and served as chairman of the MPA Board from 1988 to 1989. He and wife Kathy, who was involved for many years with the Pork Council Women, were instrumental in the early successes of the Pork Place on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. He was one of a select few that could operate the cooker, which pumped out chops and burgers each day of the fair, as well as numerous other events across the state.

Dohrman provided key leadership to the MPA for many years, served on the National Livestock and Meat Board, and has been the adult ag advisor in Sweet Springs for over 30 years. He is also the board president for the Sweet Springs Ambulance District.

Each year, the Chairman's Award is presented to a key individual for their outstanding service and support of the pork industry, the association and its members.

The 2023 Missouri Pork Expo was held Feb. 21-22 in Osage Beach. Pork producers from across the state enjoyed a trade show, producer education sessions and guest speakers.