Mike Telford Wins 2023 Paulson-Whitmore State Executive Award

The room roared with applause as former Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) Executive Director Mike Telford was honored with the Paulson-Whitmore State Executive Award on March 9 at the National Pork Industry Forum. The award, presented by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and the National Pork Board, recognizes Telford's leadership, vision, and long-standing commitment to the pork industry.

“It's an honor to receive this award as well as be among those that have also received it before,” Telford said during his remarks. “I want to thank you for bringing my family and my friends together."

After learning about this honor, Telford said he spent time reflecting on some of his pork industry memories working with producers and staff who were industrious, talented, enthusiastic, dedicated and diligent. 

Like many pork association executives, he discovered his love for agriculture at a young age. Through his involvement in National FFA, he realized agriculture was where he belonged and enrolled at Iowa State University to study animal science. Doors continued to open while he was a student at Iowa State.

In 1978, Telford stepped in as IPPA’s executive director. During some of the most challenging years in agriculture, Telford led IPPA with his unconventional and bold thinking, NPPC said in a release. However, Telford quickly deflected credit for his great accomplishments and gave all the credit to his producers and team.

IPPA played a key role in the establishment of the mandatory checkoff under Telford's leadership. He saw issues from a unique perspective and could anticipate the needs and challenges facing the pork industry. Many members of the team Telford assembled have gone on to lead other state associations, on the national level and within other agricultural groups.

“NPPC and the National Pork Board are honored to present Mike with this well-deserved award,” outgoing NPPC President Terry Wolters, a producer from Pipestone, Minn., said. “Throughout his career, Mike Telford has been a well-respected visionary and committed mentor for pork producers across the country. His leadership and unconventional thinking helped the Iowa pork industry navigate through some challenging years, helping it to continue to flourish and succeed."

The award, named after former Minnesota and Wisconsin Executive Directors Don Paulson and Rex Whitmore, recognizes state pork organization executives for outstanding leadership and commitment.

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