SLEEPY EYE, MINN. — Pork producer Christensen Farms plans to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2024.

The company was founded in 1974 by Bob Christensen along with his family and grew into a cornerstone of the pork and agriculture community.

“Bob believed in the values of integrity, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. Those values continue to guide us today,” said Glenn Stolt, chief executive officer for Christensen Farms. “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.”

During 2024, Christensen Farms plans to commemorate its 50th anniversary with special events, community outreach and initiatives that honor its heritage and celebrate achievements.

“As we look to the future, we reflect to celebrate the achievements of our past and boldly envision the next chapter of our story,” said Greg Howard, president of Christensen Farms. “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.”

In its remarks about the anniversary, Christensen also mentioned how it would remain steadfast in its mission of responsibility raising high-quality, wholesome pork to provide food to a growing population.

“I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to every member of the Christensen Farms team — past and present,” said Mary Ann Christensen, owner of Christensen Farms. “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.”

In September 2023, Christensen Farms promoted Greg Howard to company president and announced that Glenn Stolt, current president and CEO, planned to retire near the end of 2024.  

Christensen Farms is one of the largest pork producers in the United States, marketing more than 3.6 million hogs per year. The company operates facilities in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois and South Dakota, with nearly 1,000 employees and 1,500 contract partners.

Christensen Farms remains one of the largest shareholders in the Triumph Foods pork processing plant in St. Joseph, Mo. The company noted that Triumph Foods members own 50% of Daily’s Premium Meats.

Triumph Foods and Seaboard share joint ownership of the Seaboard Triumph Foods pork processing plant in Sioux City, Iowa, as well as Daily’s Premium Meats.