The Wisconsin Pork Association is recognizing four individuals for their outstanding pork industry leadership.
Friend of the Industry – DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski
Romanski has been very supportive of the meat industry and, through his involvement in the Badger Box
Program, WPA has been given the opportunity to develop our Passion for Pork Program.
Agri-Communicator Award – Extension Livestock Specialist Bernie O’Rourke
Bernie provides leadership and support to the livestock project areas by sharing current research and practices to youth and adults engaged in 4-H, FFA, and other organizations. She also teaches the Career Orientation course for college undergraduates, animal sciences prospective student recruitment, and actively involved in local and statewide organizations. Bernie has always been very supportive of youth programs and gone above and beyond to communicate and spread the word about WPA opportunities and events to families around the state.
Distinguished Service Producer Honoree – Silver Creek Family Farms
Berget Farms started with pigs as a 20-sow farrow-to-finish operation in 1967. In the 1980’s they moved the sows to the home farm and grew to a 300-sow farrow-to-finish. In 2000 the herd was sold in preparation for the new barns to be built. In 2002 Berget farms swine division got a new name, Silver Creek Family Farms, which is owned and operated by the Berget Family in Darlington, WI. It is now a 1,500 head sow unit that sells around 50,000 wean pigs annually. Silver Creek has 6 full-time and 3 part-time employees. The farm prides itself on exceptional animal husbandry, efficiency, sustainability, and its welcoming family-oriented atmosphere.
Since establishing the farm in 2002, Mike Berget has been highly proactive in establishing sustainability programs at the farm and as well as being involved in WPA. Christina (Berget) Meylor is currently the President of the WPA. Everyone at Silver Creek Family Farms is actively involved in the many activities WPA has to offer including the golf outing, fundraisers, Pork Schoppe, and the mentorship program. Additionally, the farm is enrolled in the Swine Health Improvement Program (SHIP), National Pork Board’s Sustainability Project, and the Secure Pork Supply Plan.
Distinguished Service Industry Honoree – Dr. Tara Donovan, DVM
Dr. Tara Donovan is a veterinarian and vice president of health management for The Hanor Company headquartered in Spring Green. She has been a key resource for Wisconsin’s swine health and also served on the WPA Swine Health Committee.
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