The late Don Paulson, a pork producer from Bloomington, Minn., was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the National Pork Producers Council for his outstanding contributions to the U.S. pork industry on March 9. The induction came at the council's annual business meeting - the National Pork Industry Forum - held March 8-9 in Orlando, Fla.
One of the pioneers of the industry's grassroots organizing, Paulson developed a vibrant and successful state organization in Minnesota, with an impact that was felt far beyond his home state. He devoted his time and considerable talents to uniting producers and the pork industry for a common cause - increasing demand for pork.
Paulson, who grew up on a diversified farm in south central Minnesota, became a vocational agriculture teacher and a Future Farmers of America adviser. He helped establish the Minnesota Pork Producers Association, served as its first executive director and helped other states establish pork producer organizations, sharing his experience and expertise for the good of the national industry.
As head of the Minnesota association, he oversaw the establishment of county pork producer organizations and the steady growth in membership in them and the state organization. During the years of the voluntary Pork Checkoff, Minnesota under Paulson's leadership, consistently ranked among the top states in producer participation in the program.
"Don was a man of great humility, an energetic and enthusiastic motivator of people and a true champion for the U.S. pork industry," said National Pork Producers Council President Randy Spronk, a pork producer from Edgerton, Minn. "His leadership and mentoring of people for an improved pork industry in Minnesota and around the country was invaluable. The council is pleased to induct him into its Hall of Fame."
