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NPPC President Lori Stevermer and Family Honored as 2024 Farm Family of the Year

Lori Stevermer, President of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and a dedicated pork producer from Easton, Minnesota, along with her family, has been named a 2024 Farm Family of the Year by the University of Minnesota and IDEAg Group. This prestigious award, presented at Farmfest in Morgan, Minnesota, recognizes the Stevermer family for their significant contributions to agriculture and their unwavering commitment to the pork industry and their local community.

The Farm Family of the Year award, now in its 45th year, honors Minnesota farmers who have made a lasting impact on agriculture and their communities. The Stevermer family, known for raising hogs and row crops, exemplifies dedication, innovation, and advocacy in American agriculture. Their recognition underscores the importance of family farms in maintaining the strength and sustainability of the agricultural sector.

During her time at Farmfest, Lori Stevermer also participated in a forum discussing the upcoming farm bill, hosted by Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. The panel featured representatives from various state and national farm organizations and provided a platform for discussing critical agricultural policies, including the contentious California Proposition 12.

When addressing the issue of California Prop. 12, Senator Smith acknowledged the concerns of pork producers, emphasizing her understanding of the frustration felt by those in the industry. She expressed her commitment to working with the NPPC and other agricultural stakeholders to find a legislative solution that could pass both the Senate and the House, aiming to alleviate the uncertainty surrounding the regulation.

The recognition of Lori Stevermer as a 2024 Farm Family of the Year elevates her profile as a leading advocate for the U.S. pork industry. Her contributions to the agricultural community, both on her family farm and through her leadership with the NPPC, make her a powerful voice in discussions with lawmakers, government representatives, and industry leaders. This award not only honors her family’s dedication to farming but also strengthens her influence as she continues to champion the interests of pork producers nationwide.

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How AI Is Changing Family Hog Farms | Duane Stateler on Technology & the Future of Pork Production

Video: How AI Is Changing Family Hog Farms | Duane Stateler on Technology & the Future of Pork Production

Artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape pork production, and longtime pork producer Duane Stateler believes the industry is only getting started.

Recorded at World Pork Expo 2026, Stateler shares how technology has already transformed modern hog farming—from automated barn climate control and feed monitoring to real-time alerts—and explains why AI will play an even bigger role in improving animal care, efficiency, and decision-making.

As a fifth-generation hog farmer, he also discusses the importance of family farms, succession planning, labor, and how technology is helping today's producers care for more animals while maintaining high welfare standards.

In this interview:

The future of AI in pork production

How smart barns improve pig care

Feed bin monitoring and automation

Labor challenges and family farming

Why technology is shaping the next generation of producers