Meet South Dakota’s Best Pork Producers

By Scout Nelson

Three pork producers in South Dakota were recently honored for their dedication and contributions to the state's swine industry. The 2024 South Dakota Master Pork Producer Awards were presented on January 15, 2025, during the 56th annual South Dakota Pork Congress in Sioux Falls. This year’s recipients were Brian Mehlhaf of Madison, Cristina Rocha of Iroquois, and Ross Mencke of Onida.

Brian Mehlhaf

Mehlhaf has a lifelong connection to farming and hog production. Before returning to the swine industry in 2012, he worked in trucking and hay sales. He initially established a 2,400-head finishing barn and later expanded with two additional barns in 2018. Following personal challenges, he signed a contract with Sunterra Farms in 2020 and later partnered with Tri-Tech-Agricare Nutrition and Compart Family Farms to produce high-quality pork. His sons and their families are now actively involved in the farm.

Cristina Rocha

Rocha manages a large-scale pork production facility in Iroquois, overseeing a 10,000-sow unit built by Pipestone Management in 2022. The farm consists of multiple barns for different stages of pig development, including farrowing, breeding, and gilt development. With a team of 24 employees, Rocha ensures smooth operations by maintaining strict breeding and farrowing standards. She attributes success to teamwork, attention to detail, and the implementation of key management protocols.

Ross Mencke

Mencke’s experience in the swine industry spans multiple states and even Canada. He studied agri-business at Oklahoma State University and began his career in South Dakota at a Pig Improvement Company (PIC) facility. His journey included managing farms in Saskatchewan and overseeing multiple sow farms across different states. In 2023, he returned to South Dakota to work with DNA Swine Genetics, where he leads operations in Oahe and Onida. His leadership has contributed to high employee retention and strong farm performance.

These producers exemplify dedication, innovation, and leadership in pork production, playing a vital role in strengthening South Dakota’s swine industry.

Photo Credit: istock-srdjan-stepic