Popular Pig

Larry’s background has been in farming and the pork industry of some kind his entire life. His parents still have the linear family farm that has been in the Bertrand’s name since 1876. Larry spent numerous years in the packing side of the pork industry in the procurement / management side of companies such as Oscar Mayer, Cargill / Excel , IBP/Tyson , Triumph Foods , JBS, from 1982 through 2019.

Larry found the love of his life and his forever partner Chris, and they were married in 2016. The two of them with their blended family have three children and two grandchildren. Chris has really enjoyed being included and being part of all the pork families and industry friends. Prior she had no experience or background in farming or the pork industry till she met Larry. Chris is now extremely involved in their business, understands the pork industry , can speak about hot pork topics , and is a CO-CEO of their business.

After many years of devotion to Pork Industry Companies , Chris suggested to Larry let us start our own business where we can give back and be helpful to all of pork families we have called our friends over the many years. That is when and how in 2019, we formed and started Pork Friendly B.M.LLC. This business is bonded and licensed to help families trade their ISO Weaners , Feeder Pigs , Cull Sows , and Market loads. We also negotiate packer contracts for families with packers, and from other pork operations to connect with one and other. We also recently teamed with an outstanding Indiana family to sell solar ag projects and appreciate our friendship with Jeremy Lipinski and his family and his company Emergent Solar Energy . We welcome all to please check out  http://porkfriendlybm.com

Chris and Larry Bertrand, then in 2021 decided to form another company that would become Swine Alliance Group – S/A/G . This company consists of a network of knowledgeable industry leaders. The Partner’s goal is to become a one stop shop for those families and operations in the pork industry. We welcome all to please check out https://www.swinealliancegroup.com

With 20 years of entrepreneurial and executive experience, Andrew brings a passion for servant leadership and a diversity of experience to serve Triune’s clients.

Beginning in 2010, Andrew was part of a team that developed and scaled an industry-leading weight management solution delivered exclusively through licensed healthcare providers, including partnerships with some of the nation’s premier hospitals and health systems. Following an exit to a private-equity group, Andrew was asked to serve in an executive role which resulted in leading a variety of teams across several functions and geographies.

In his leadership roles, Andrew consistently and intentionally applied a servant leadership approach often enabling challenging or underperforming individuals and teams to evolve into top performers while aligning to the organization’s mission, vision, and values. Andrew has lead through seasons of explosive organizational growth as well as challenging economic and industry cycles and is convinced that servant leadership is the only sustainable leadership style. Specifically, the framework provided by Triune Leadership Services gives a common language and thought process for empowering people and organizations to achieve transformational results, both personally and professionally.

Today, after experiencing first-hand the results of applying these principles, Andrew serves clients in our mission to awaken the servant hearts within leaders and empower them to make a significant impact on the world.

Andrew and his wife, Jasmine, have two children and reside in Willmar, MN. They attend Living Hope Church where Andrew currently serves as an Elder, member of the Global Impact Team (past chair), and as a Life Group & Life Community Leader & Teacher.

New Fashion Pork is headquartered in Jackson, Minnesota with Brad Freking as its CEO and managing partner.  Founded in 1994, New Fashion Pork (NFP) employs over 400 people and owns 53,000 sows in six states, along with having interests in several related businesses (i.e., Triumph Foods and Daily’s Premium Meats). Annually, NFP markets roughly 1.2 million hogs.

Jeff is the CEO of Decisive Dividend Corporation, an acquisition-oriented company that owns 11 manufacturing businesses across Canada and the UK. Decisive Dividend employs a “Buy, Build and Hold” business model with the purpose of being the sought-out choice for exiting, legacy minded business owners. Jeff oversees the head-office team of operational, M&A and financial personnel as well as the leaders of its 11 operating subsidiaries that operate as standalone businesses under Decisive Dividend’s decentralized model.

Decisive Dividend was recognized as a Top 50 TSX Venture Exchange Company in 2023 and 2024, where it placed first in the Diversified Industries sector. Prior to joining Decisive Dividend in June 2021, Jeff was Co-CEO & CFO of TerraPro Inc., an Alberta based, Canadian energy services business. During his tenure, TerraPro was recognized as one of Canada’s Fastest Growing Companies from 2013 through 2016 and one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies from 2013 through 2019. Jeff began his career as an investment banker with Merrill Lynch Canada Inc. from 2006 – 2013 after completing his legal articles at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP and being called to the bar in Ontario in 2006. Jeff completed his LL.B. / MBA from the University of Alberta in 2005 and has a B.Com from the University of Alberta. Jeff is married to his high school sweetheart and, together, they have three kids who they spend their time chasing through arenas and ball diamonds across Western Canada.

Luke Kerns is part of the third generation that represents Edgewood Locker, an essential component of the Edgewood, Iowa, community, and agricultural fabric. Inheriting the legacy of his grandparents, Tom and Joan Kerns, who founded the business in 1966, and with the guidance of his father, uncle, sister, and two cousins, Luke stepped into the family enterprise in 2019.

He is committed to maintaining the traditional values and innovative spirit that have been the hallmark of Edgewood Locker’s growth from a modest meat processing operation to a formidable business with over 60 full-time employees, offering services that range from custom processing to retail. Luke’s involvement in this familial consortium highlights the Kerns family’s dedication to excellence, community engagement, and the continuous evolution of Edgewood Locker, promising to meet the changing needs of their customers with award-winning products and services.

Dr. Cara Haden received her degree as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2014 from the Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, she joined Pipestone Vet Clinic as an associate Veterinarian working with independent pig farm clients throughout the Midwest. Today she serves as the Director of Animal Welfare for Pipestone. Cara is also active on social media, showcasing the swine industry and the ways farmers care for their pigs.

CP Kriek, at the forefront of Taaibosch, embodies a unique blend of expertise and passion. An Industrial Engineer by training, CP, alongside his wife Gerda, has turned their family heritage in farming into an advanced, sustainable pork production enterprise in South Africa. Their journey from engineers to innovative farmers showcases a deep commitment to animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and cutting-edge agricultural practices.

Gracee Poorman’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Emerging as a beacon of inspiration in the agricultural community, she has carved a unique path, defying the constraints of her challenging upbringing. Raised amidst the struggles of mental illness and addiction within her family, Gracee was driven by a vision of a different life for herself and her future children. With no prior experience in agriculture, but armed with an unwavering resolve, Gracee plunged into this new world.

It became more than a mere profession; it was a realm where she found the guidance, structure, and passion that were missing in her early years. Her story is a vivid illustration of how embracing a passion can profoundly alter life’s trajectory, regardless of its starting point. Gracee Poorman stands as a living embodiment of transformation and hope, showing that with passion and perseverance, one can not only overcome their past but also shape an inspiring future.

John Nickel is a seasoned pork producer and the esteemed owner and director of Border Genetics Ltd. With a rich history in the industry, John brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his role. His deep understanding of pork production is not only evident in the success of Border Genetics but also in his influential position on the Board of Directors for Manitoba Pork. John’s commitment to excellence and innovation in pork production has made him a respected figure in the agricultural community, where he continues to contribute significantly to the industry’s growth and sustainability.