South Dakota
Biography
With 27 years of experience, Terry Wolters owns multiple sow farms in South Dakota and Minnesota, marketing 35,000 pigs annually, and a 2,400-head research finisher managed by Pipestone System. Terry and his family own shares in Wholestone Farms co-op packing plant and operates more than 120 acres of crop and pastureland.
His leadership service in the industry includes the South Dakota Pork Producers Council and the Minnesota Pork Producers Association (10 years each, including presidential terms for each), Operation Main Street (10 years) and the county association (20 years), where he led community outreach and promotion. Nationally, he has served on the National Pork Producers Council board of directors, including a term as president (2022), and committees (10 years). Finally, he is a past chair of the National Pork Board’s marketing committee (2017-2018).
Terry and his family support the community they live in and do business by facilitating or cooking pork for nearly 40 community events annually, further promoting pork and pig farming. Outside of the pork industry, Terry serves his community as a 4-H/Pheasant Forever youth hunt instructor and is an active member of the Minnesota Farm Bureau (10 years).
Nominating Committee Comments
Terry Wolters is a genuine, well-rounded producer with a credible understanding of business, production and the supply chain. He lives and breathes this industry, understanding the trials of health challenges and markets, along with recognizing that now is the critical time to improve demand. He elaborated on tangible examples of state- and national-level participation, stating how he adds value to producers, helps producers and works for producers.
Terry mentioned that he and fellow producer leaders “leave their hat at the door” when making decisions and listening to one another. Board members should be allies working for a common goal when they step into a boardroom, even if they are competitors in business.