Joe Kleinsasser, a prominent figure in Saskatchewan agriculture and a member of the Rosetown Hutterite Colony, has been named the 2024 Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan Champion. The award was presented during the Saskatchewan Pork Industry Symposium in Saskatoon, recognizing Kleinsasser’s dedication to building public trust in farming and food production.
The Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan Champion Award is an annual honor celebrating individuals who go above and beyond to engage with consumers about agriculture and foster transparency and trust in food production. Clinton Monchuk, Executive Director of Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan, praised Kleinsasser for his long-standing commitment to promoting agriculture and bridging the gap between farmers and consumers.
“Joe has been a constant positive communicator for agriculture since way before it was popular to do so,” said Monchuk. “His thoughtful and strong leadership helped establish Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan more than a decade ago. We’re very proud to recognize his contributions to build consumer confidence in farming and food production in this province.”
Kleinsasser has been a member and supporter of Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan since its inception 10 years ago, serving as the organization’s first Chair when it transitioned from the Farm Animal Council in 2014. His involvement in the agricultural sector spans decades, including nearly 17 years in the hog industry. He has managed a 400-sow farrow-to-finish hog operation, served on the Board of Sask Pork from 2002 to 2009, and held a director position with SPI Marketing Group from 1999 to 2013.
Beyond his work in the hog industry, Kleinsasser has played an influential role in shaping Saskatchewan’s agricultural policies and research. He serves on the Agriculture Development Fund Advisory Committee, guiding long-term agricultural research funding, and is a member of the Agri-Food Council, which supervises and monitors agri-food agencies in the province.
Kleinsasser’s passion for agriculture extends to his personal life as well. A Minister at the Rosetown Colony since 1995, he has also served as finance manager and president of the colony’s corporate unit. He and his wife, Kate, have four children, and he credits his family as a source of inspiration. “Seeing my grandkids interact with agriculture is why I do this work,” Kleinsasser said.
Adele Buettner of AgriBiz Communications, one of Kleinsasser’s nominators, highlighted his leadership and dedication to collaboration. “Joe has been a trailblazer: helping to develop progressive policies, demonstrating the importance of working collaboratively across all sectors, and has always been a champion of ‘doing the right thing’,” Buettner noted.
Kleinsasser’s achievements demonstrate the vital role of strong leadership and communication in fostering public confidence in food production. His legacy continues to inspire those within and beyond the agricultural community.
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