The Wisconsin Pork Association (WPA) has recognized four outstanding individuals for their contributions to the pork industry during its annual meeting on February 6, 2025, held in conjunction with the Wisconsin Corn Soy Expo in Wisconsin Dells, WI. The awards honor producers, industry professionals, communicators, and policymakers who have made a lasting impact on Wisconsin’s pork sector.
Distinguished Service Producer Honoree – Alicia Prill-Adams, Platteville, WI
Each year, WPA honors a pork producer whose dedication to the industry has significantly contributed to its growth and education. Alicia Prill-Adams, manager of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Swine Center, was selected for this prestigious recognition.
Alicia plays a vital role in educating the next generation of swine industry professionals, overseeing hands-on learning experiences for students in pork production. In addition to managing the Swine Center, she teaches animal science courses, supervises farm operations, and serves as an advisor for the Block and Bridle Club. Her commitment to youth development and education has made a profound impact on the industry, and she continues to serve on the WPA Board of Directors.
Beyond her work at the university, Alicia is actively involved in her family’s beef cattle operation, demonstrating her dedication to agriculture and livestock production.
Distinguished Service Industry Honoree – In Memory of Jim Quackenbush, Minitube USA
The Distinguished Service Industry Honoree Award recognizes individuals and companies dedicated to advancing the pork industry. This year, the award was presented posthumously in honor of Jim Quackenbush, who devoted his life to improving the U.S. pork industry.
Jim served in leadership roles for the Minnesota Pork Producers Board, National Pork Producers Council, and South Dakota Pork Producers Board, making him one of the few individuals to represent pork producers across multiple states. His passion for advocacy and policy helped shape the industry, ensuring better opportunities for pork producers nationwide.
After leaving his family farm in 2004, Jim worked for various pork production companies before joining Minitube USA in 2017 as a sow production consultant. He quickly became an active supporter of WPA, using his expertise to mentor and support producers. His legacy as a leader and advocate will continue to inspire the industry for years to come.
Agri-Communicator Award – Bob Middendorf, WGLR Radio
Effective communication is key to keeping farmers and the public informed about the pork industry, and WPA’s Agri-Communicator Award celebrates individuals who excel in agricultural reporting. This year’s recipient, Bob Middendorf, has been the Farm Director at WGLR Radio since 1998, where he has played a crucial role in broadcasting agricultural news, farmer interviews, and industry insights.
Bob’s Southwest Tech Farm Show segment, which airs weekday mornings, provides timely updates on industry trends, policy changes, and local farm news. His ability to tell the story of modern agriculture has earned him the respect of farmers and stakeholders across Wisconsin.
Through his work, Bob has remained a dedicated ally to pork producers, ensuring that Wisconsin’s pork industry remains well-represented and understood by the broader public.
Friend of the Industry Award – Representative Travis Tranel
The Friend of the Industry Award is presented to individuals who champion policies and initiatives that support Wisconsin’s pork sector. State Representative Travis Tranel, a sixth-generation dairy farmer and small business owner from Cuba City, WI, was honored for his legislative efforts to improve infrastructure and support farmers.
Since being elected to the Wisconsin State Legislature in 2010, Representative Tranel has been a strong advocate for agriculture and agribusiness issues. As Chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, he played a pivotal role in creating Wisconsin’s Agricultural Road Improvement Program (ARIP), which allocated $150 million for critical road infrastructure projects benefiting farmers and rural communities.
His dedication to Wisconsin agriculture and tireless efforts to support the pork industry make him a deserving recipient of this award.
Recognizing Excellence in the Pork Industry
The Wisconsin Pork Association’s Distinguished Service Awards highlight leaders who are making a difference in pork production, advocacy, communication, and policymaking. By honoring these individuals, WPA continues to emphasize the importance of education, industry support, and policy advancements that contribute to a stronger and more sustainable pork industry.
For more information about this year’s award recipients and WPA’s ongoing initiatives, visit Wisconsin Pork Association.
