Wisconsin Pork Association honors two from Waterloo

The Wisconsin Pork Association (WPA) announced last week that among the honorees selected at its organization’s annual meeting Feb. 1 were two individuals from Waterloo.

Brian Klubertanz was selected as a Distinguished Service Producer. Each year, the Wisconsin Pork Association presents a Distinguished Service Award to a fellow pork producer whose contributions to the Wisconsin swine industry merit special recognition.

Brian resides in Waterloo with his family on their farrow-to-finish operation. He has served two terms on the WPA Board of Directors and held the Treasurer position.

“His passion for raising pigs, commitment to protecting the swine industry, and willingness to step up in time of need are what makes him a great role model and member of our organization,” the news release noted about Klubertanz.

WPA also recognized scholarship recipients the annual meeting held. Six high school seniors and college students from across the state were awarded a total of $6,000 in scholarship funds.

Among them is Hillary Klubertanz, who was one of two recipients of a Gunderson Memorial Scholarship.

The Wisconsin Pork Association, in cooperation with the family of Buell Gunderson, established a scholarship program in 2007 to recognize the many contributions that Buell Gunderson made to the Wisconsin pork industry. Consideration is given to youth who have established their own production herd, been involved in their family operation, or shown specific interest in pork production or livestock judging.

Hillary Klubertanz, who received a $750 scholarship, is highly involved in her family’s farrow-to-finish operation and owns some Hampshire sows on her own. She is also very involved in her local FFA chapter.

Hillary plans to attend Kansas State University to major in Animal Science with an emphasis in Swine Nutrition and Production Management. Her goal is to work in the swine industry before returning home to the family farm.

The WPA annual meeting was held in conjunction with the Corn/Soy Expo in Wisconsin Dells.