Mike Atzenhoefer – 2025 Swine Manager of the Year

Wakefield Pork’s own Mike Atzenhoefer was recognized by the Minnesota Pork Board as the 2025 Swine Manager of the Year, a recognition that reflects not only his three decades of technical knowledge but also his leadership expertise and community-centered mindset.

Mike’s love for the farm came at an early age when his family moved to a farm near Trimont, Minnesota. After high school, Mike attended Minnesota State University–Mankato to pursue a career in accounting. He later realized his passion was in the barn instead of the balance sheet. Mike pivoted and transferred to the University of Minnesota–Waseca to study Animal Science. During his time there, he completed an internship that launched him into a long career in pig production.

Since then, Mike has worn almost every hat in pig production. From breeding and farrowing and wean-to-finish to staff training and record keeping. As Lincoln Langhorst, general manager of Wakefield Pork summed up, “He’s done it all.”

Mike’s journey with WPI began in 1994 and grew quickly from day-to-day production at the Langhorst home farm to managing sow units across southern Minnesota. In his role today as Head of Farrowing, he continues to lead by example whether that means overcoming a challenge or grabbing a pressure washer when an extra hand is needed.

Those who work closely with Mike describe him as a leader who always steers the credit toward his team.

Mike believes that effective management is rooted in trust and growth. He encourages employees to take time to think through problems, develop solutions, and learn from experience – an approach that allows for mistakes and learning.

Maintaining health, welfare, and productivity across WPI farrowing units are responsibilities Mike takes seriously. Working closely with barn managers to keep open lines of communication is critical to maintaining health and performance across the barns.

Over the years, Mike has embraced the new technology across the industry, including modern controllers and remote monitoring tools that help him stay connected to barns and anticipate challenges and respond quickly.

Mike’s commitment to helping others goes beyond his work at WPI. Mike and his wife, Ann, live in Lafayette, MN where Mike has volunteered as an EMT for 22 years and is in his 18th year with the Lafayette Fire Department. He also spends time volunteering in the community, at local events and as a member of the Lafayette Lions Club. Mike is proud of his contributions to revitalizing programs through the local park and recreation board.

Mike sees the future of the pork industry being driven by continual learning and technological progress. He encourages young professionals to ask questions, stay curious, and never assume they have learned it all.

In receiving this award, Mike emphasized the collective effort behind the success: “There are a lot of people who earned this award, just as much as I did.”

With his experience, team-centered leadership, and strong commitment to service, Mike Atzenhoefer sets a high standard for swine management, and also our team at Wakefield. He continues to make a meaningful impact on people, barns, and communities across Minnesota.