Pictured: Steve Van Lannen with his family.
Steve Van Lannen, former President and COO of American Foods Group, was officially inducted into the Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame, honoring a career that spanned more than three decades. A northeast Wisconsin native raised on a dairy farm, his journey took him from UW-Madison to meat processing leadership.
Van Lannen emphasizes to Mid-West Farm Report that Wisconsin’s unique agricultural landscape, specifically the synergy between the dairy and beef sectors, sets the state apart as a national leader. He also highlights the vital importance of mentorship and remaining a lifelong student of the trade.
“I’ve learned later in a career that asking questions and being curious is how you grow and how you expand in your career and in your knowledge of the business,” he says.
The induction also served as a celebration of family and community. Van Lannen credits his success to the “people business” nature of the industry and the steadfast support of his wife and children throughout his 30-year journey.
“It’s rewarding to work with someone and a mentor and then see their success, right? Their success becomes your success,” he says.
While technically retired from his executive role, Van Lannen notes he has no plans to step away entirely, pledging to remain active with state and national organizations to support both producers and processors.
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