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Dave Mensink
Dave Mensink and his family own and operate Mensink Farms, a diversified crop and livestock farm that includes pigs, beef cows and row crops near Preston, Minnesota. Mensink Farms also operates a feed mill on-site, feeding 100 per cent of the corn they grow to their pigs. This circular approach to farming aligns with Dave’s description of the sustainability cycle: “Corn feeds the pigs, pigs make manure, manure grows corn.” This is one example of the Mensinks’ commitment to environmental stewardship, which earned the family the 2025 Minnesota Pork Board Environmental Steward of the Year recognition.
In addition to using manure to grow corn to feed their pigs, the Mensinks also use cover crops and have planted buffer strips and grass waterways, installed pollinator habitats surrounding their pig barns, and placed four bat houses in wood lots around the Forestville/Myster Cave State Park to help create ideal summer habitat for forest-dwelling bat species.
Dave is an active member of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association (MPPA) Board and served on the board for several years, including a term as President. He’s proud to share his story and experiences with anyone he meets, including hosting tours for groups from New York City, Nashville, Houston and more. Dave and his wife Tracie have two children. Their son Alex lives on the home farm with his wife and three daughters, and their daughter Morgan lives in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, with her husband and daughter.
Sessions
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Farmers & Ranchers Spotlight08-Apr-2026Auditorium
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