The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) joined the National Pork Board to honor Missouri Pork Producers Association (MPPA) Executive Vice President Don Nikodim with the Paulson-Whitmore State Executive Award at the National Pork Industry Forum.
The award, named after former Minnesota and Wisconsin Executive Directors Don Paulson and Rex Whitmore, recognizes the outstanding leadership and commitment of state pork organization executives.
Nikodim’s life has revolved around the pork industry. He grew up on a small, diversified farm in southwest Missouri, and in high school had a 30-head sow herd. While attending the University of Missouri, he worked as a field representative for the Poland China Swine Record Association which allowed him to travel extensively and interact with pork producers throughout the country.
After graduating from the University of Missouri with a degree in agriculture, he taught ag for several years before being named executive secretary for the Poland China Swine Record Association. In December 1983, he joined MPPA as executive director. In his nearly 40 years serving the Missouri pork industry, he has helped expand pork promotion, education and public policy efforts, helped navigate Missouri’s Right-to-Farm legislation to ensure common-sense policies for producers and has effectively addressed opposition from animal rights’ activists.
Winning the Paulson-Whitmore State Executive Award is humbling, Nikodim says. In his eyes, he’s just doing what he’s supposed to do – to be recognized for that means a lot to him.
“The folks out raising pigs are just phenomenal, it’s a pleasure to work with them and see their commitment to the business, to leadership and the sacrifice they put forth to the organization in making things better,” Nikodim says. “One of the neat things about being around hog producers is that when you get a group of them together, it’s not a gripe session. It’s usually fixated on what can we do to get better? That positive attitude makes serving the industry such an enjoyment.”
He’s always been a champion of and encourager to all hog producers but has a special passion in building the next generation of hog farmers. MPPA has long been a leader in youth swine programs, including the Pork Institute, FFA Pork Speaking contest and year-round intern and ambassador programs. He has also volunteered in board roles for a variety of organizations, including Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow, the Kansas City Ag Business Council and Missouri Farmers Care.
“Throughout his career, Don Nikodim has been a well-respected, strong advocate for U.S. pork producers,” says NPPC CEO Neil Dierks. “His steady demeanor, fairness and insightful leadership have served the industry well for nearly four decades.”
Along the way, Nikodim says he’s learned a lot about leadership. Patience is key. Also, it’s important to listen to people and try to understand where they’re coming from and use that acquired knowledge to move the organization forward.
“We’ve all observed a tremendous amount of change in the pork industry over the years. And it seems like each step of the way, it’s resulted in improvement to the industry and the folks that are out there,” he adds. “I think the future is pretty bright.”
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