Christensen Farms, one of the largest, family-owned pork producers in the U.S., is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024. Founded in 1974 by Bob Christensen with the support of the Christensen family, the operation has grown not only in size (marketing approximately 3 million hogs per year), but also in impact as it contributes significantly to the pork industry’s progress and sustainability.
Headquartered in Sleepy Eye, Minn., the company continues to be guided by the values that helped establish the foundation of Christensen Farms.
“Bob believed in the values of integrity, innovation, and a commitment to excellence,” Glenn Stolt, Christensen Farms chief executive officer, said in a release. “It’s the passion and resilience of each member of the Christensen Farms team that has propelled us to this remarkable point in our history.”
In the coming year, the company is looking forward to celebrating with special events and community outreach. They have also planned initiatives that honor Christensen Farms’ heritage and celebrate the achievements and the people who have made it all possible.
“As we look to the future, we reflect to celebrate the achievements of our past and boldly envision the next chapter of our story,” Greg Howard, Christensen Farms president, said in a release. “The agricultural landscape is evolving, and I am confident that with the same spirit that has carried us through the last 50 years, we will continue to thrive, innovate, and lead.”
Throughout the past 50 years, Christensen Farms has demonstrated a commitment to the people who are forever woven into the success story of the company as it relates to their people, pigs, planet and prosperity through the values of respect, integrity, excellence, adaptability and innovation, the company said in a release.
“I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to every member of the Christensen Farms team – past and present,” Mary Ann Christensen, Christensen Farms owner, said in a release. “Your hard work, dedication and shared commitment to our values have been the driving force behind our success. It’s your passion that has transformed Christensen Farms into more than a business; it’s a legacy.”
The company operates throughout the Midwest with facilities in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois and South Dakota. Christensen Farms operates three feed mills, manages 143,000 sows on 44 farms, and oversees more than 350 nurseries and grow finish sites. The company employs nearly 1,000 people and maintains 1,500 contract partnerships.
Christensen Farms said it remains steadfast in its mission of responsibly raising high-quality, wholesome pork for the noble purpose of providing food to a growing population.
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