Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame
The Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame was established to recognize the contributions of individuals who have had a significant impact on the meat industry of Wisconsin. This contribution may be regarded as a business venture, an idea, a process or invention, an educational effort, a leadership role or any other effort which has influenced positively the people and environment of the state of Wisconsin. The accomplishment is broadly interpreted as related to the production, distribution and consumption of meat products.
The rationale for this effort is to compile a historical documentation of significant achievements and impacts of meat industry leaders and innovators that contributed to a strong and vibrant Wisconsin Meat Industry. The concept is to recognize, record and thereby ensure not only a lasting tribute but equally important to serve as a challenge for greater accomplishments in future generations.
Each year, a committee of academic and industrial leaders in the field solicits nominations for honorees. Those who are selected receive a plaque and their photograph and biography are placed in the Hall alongside the other distinguished Hall of Fame inductees.
This activity was the inspiration of Dr. Robert W. Bray, Professor of Meat and Animal Science, University of Wisconsin, from 1941 to 1984, and was initiated in January, 1993. The Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame resides at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Meat Science Laboratory; 1805 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706 (608-262-0463).
The nomination form for the Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame can be found here, and completed nomination forms can be sent to Jeff Swenson, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer protection, 2811 Agriculture Drive, PO Box 8911, Madison, WI 63708-8911 or emailed to jeffrey.swenson@wisconsin.gov.
1993
Selection Committee
The first selection committee was convened on March 5, 1993 and consisted of the following:
Kenneth Bisarek, Wisconsin Assn. of Meat Processors
Bob Bjorklund, Wisconsin State Journal
Dennis Buege, University of Wisconsin
Robert Cassens, University of Wisconsin
Charles Cook, Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation
Norval Dvorak, Packerland Packing Company
Robert Kauffman, University of Wisconsin
James Smith, WI Dept. of Agr., Trade and Consumer Protection
Deane Thomas, Wisconsin Livestock and Meat Council
Fritz Usinger, Usinger Sausage Company
1994
Selection Committee
The 1994 Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame selection committee was convened on November 15, 1993 and consisted of the following:
Walter Anderson, Journalist
Dennis Buege, University of Wisconsin
Robert Cassens, University of Wisconsin
Charles Cook, Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation
Norval Dvorak, Packerland Packing Company
James Hewitt, Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors
Robert Kauffman, University of Wisconsin
James Smith, WI Dept. of Agr., Trade and Consumer Protection
Deane Thomas, Wisconsin Livestock and Meat Council
Fritz Usinger, Usinger Sausage Company
1995
Selection Committee
The 1995 Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame selection committee was convened on October 12, 1994 and consisted of the following:
Walter Anderson, Journalist
Gary Bernegger, Hillshire Farm Company
Larry Borchert, Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation
Dennis Buege, University of Wisconsin
Robert Cassens, University of Wisconsin
Robert Kauffman, University of Wisconsin
James Smith, WI Dept. of Agr., Trade and Consumer Protection
Deane Thomas, Wisconsin Livestock and Meat Council
Fritz Usinger, Usinger Sausage Company
Russell Wenzel, Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors
Robert Bray (Ex Officio), University of Wisconsin
1996
Selection Committee
The 1996 Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame selection committee selected the recipients on September 11, 1995. The committee consisted of:
Walter Anderson, Journalist
Stephen Becker, Becker Food Co., Inc.
Gary Bernegger, Hillshire Farm Company
Larry Borchert, Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation
Dennis Buege, University of Wisconsin
Robert Cassens, University of Wisconsin
Tom Chermak, Cher-Make Sausage Company
Robert Kauffman, University of Wisconsin
Dan Vogel, WI Dept. of Agr., Trade and Consumer Protection
Russell Wenzel, Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors
Robert Bray (Ex Officio), University of Wisconsin
1997
Selection Committee
The 1997 Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame selection committee selected the recipients on May 28, 1996. The committee consisted of:
Stephen Becker, Becker Food Co., Inc.
Gary Bernegger, Hillshire Farm Company
Larry Borchert, Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation
Dennis Buege, University of Wisconsin
Robert Cassens, University of Wisconsin
Tom Chermak, Cher-Make Sausage Company
Robert Kauffman, University of Wisconsin
Joan Sanstadt, Agri-View Magazine
Dan Vogel, WI Dept. of Agr., Trade and Consumer Protection
Russell Wenzel, Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors
Robert Bray (Ex Officio), University of Wisconsin
1999
Selection Committee
The 1999 Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame selection committee selected the recipients in September, 1998. The committee consisted of:
Larry Borchert, Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation
Dennis Buege, University of Wisconsin
Robert Cassens, University of Wisconsin
Larry Clark, WI Livestock and Meat Council
Marion Greaser, University of Wisconsin
Robert Kauffman, University of Wisconsin
William Kramlich, Silver Creek Specialty Meats
Marvin Leppert, Neesvig’s Inc.
Patrick Luby, Oscar Mayer Company
Rick McLimans, WI Association of Meat Processors
Joan Sanstadt, Agri-View Magazine
Dan Vogel, WI Dept. of Agr., Trade and Consumer Protection
Robert Bray (Ex Officio), University of Wisconsin
2000
Selection Committee
The 2000 Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame selection committee selected the recipients in September, 1999. The committee consisted of:
Larry Borchert, University of Wisconsin
Dennis Buege, University of Wisconsin
Robert Cassens, University of Wisconsin
Larry Clark, Wisconsin Livestock and Meat Council
Marion Greaser, University of Wisconsin
Robert Kauffman, University of Wisconsin
William Kramlich, Silver Creek Specialty Meats
Marvin Leppert, Neesvig’s Inc.
Patrick Luby, University of Wisconsin
Rick McLimans, Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors
Joan Sanstadt, Agri-View Magazine
Dan Vogel, Wisconsin Dept. of Agr., Trade and Consumer Protection
Robert Bray, University of Wisconsin
2001
Selection Committee
The 2001 Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame selection committee selected the recipients in September, 2000. The committee consisted of:
Ken Bisarek, Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors
Larry Borchert, University of Wisconsin
Dennis Buege, University of Wisconsin
Larry Clark, Wisconsin Livestock and Meat Council
James Claus, University of Wisconsin
Marion Greaser, University of Wisconsin
Robert Kauffman, University of Wisconsin
William Kramlich, Silver Creek Specialty Meats
Marvin Leppert, Neesvig’s Inc.
Patrick Luby, University of Wisconsin
Ron Russell, University of Wisconsin
Joan Sanstadt, Agri-View Magazine
Dan Vogel, Wisconsin Dept. of Agr., Trade and Consumer Protection
Robert Bray, University of Wisconsin
2002
Selection Committee
The 2002 Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame selection committee selected the recipients in September, 2001. The committee consisted of:
Ken Bisarek, Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors
Larry Borchert, University of Wisconsin
Dennis Buege, University of Wisconsin
James Claus, University of Wisconsin
Marion Greaser, University of Wisconsin
Neale Jones, Equity Livestock
Robert Kauffman, University of Wisconsin
William Kramlich, Silver Creek Specialty Meats
Marvin Leppert, Neesvig’s Inc.
Patrick Luby, University of Wisconsin
Jane Metcalf, Wisconsin State Farmer Magazine
Dan Vogel, Wisconsin Dept. of Agr., Trade and Consumer Protection
Robert Bray, University of Wisconsin
2003
Selection Committee
The 2003 Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame selection committee selected the recipients in November, 2002. The committee consisted of:
Ken Bisarek, Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors
Larry Borchert, University of Wisconsin
Robert Bray, University of Wisconsin
Dennis Buege, University of Wisconsin
Duane Bunting, Retired – – Sentry Foods
James Claus, University of Wisconsin
Marion Greaser, University of Wisconsin
Neale Jones, Equity Livestock
Robert Kauffman, University of Wisconsin
William Kramlich, Silver Creek Specialty Meats
Patrick Luby, University of Wisconsin
Jane Metcalf, Wisconsin State Farmer Magazine
Dan Vogel, Wisconsin Dept. of Agr., Trade and Consumer Protection
2004
Selection Committee
The 2004 Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame selection committee selected the recipients in November, 2003. The committee consisted of:
Ken Bisarek, Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors
Larry Borchert, University of Wisconsin
Robert Bray, University of Wisconsin
Dennis Buege, University of Wisconsin
Duane Bunting, Retired – – Sentry Foods
James Claus, University of Wisconsin
Marion Greaser, University of Wisconsin
William Hays, Retired – – Jefferson Meats
Neale Jones, Equity Livestock
William Kramlich, Silver Creek Specialty Meats
Patrick Luby, University of Wisconsin
Jane Metcalf, Wisconsin State Farmer Magazine
Dan Vogel, Wisconsin Dept. of Agr., Trade and Consumer Protection
2005
Selection Committee
The 2005 Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame selection committee selected the recipients in December, 2004. The committee consisted of:
Steve Becker, Becker Food Company
Ken Bisarek, Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors
Larry Borchert, University of Wisconsin
Robert Bray, University of Wisconsin
Dennis Buege, University of Wisconsin
Duane Bunting, Retired – – Sentry Foods
Jim Claus, University of Wisconsin
Marion Greaser, University of Wisconsin
Neale Jones, Equity Livestock
Robert Kauffman, University of Wisconsin
Patrick Luby, University of Wisconsin
Dan Vogel, Wisconsin Dept. of Agr., Trade and Consumer Protection
2006
Selection Committee
The 2006 Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame selection committee selected the recipients in December, 2005. The committee consisted of:
Steve Becker, Becker Food Company
Ken Bisarek, Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors
Larry Borchert, University of Wisconsin
Robert Bray, University of Wisconsin
Dennis Buege, University of Wisconsin
Duane Bunting, Retired – – Sentry Foods
James Claus, University of Wisconsin
Marion Greaser, University of Wisconsin
Neale Jones, Equity Livestock
Robert Kauffman, University of Wisconsin
Patrick Luby, University of Wisconsin
Dan Vogel, Wisconsin Dept. of Agr., Trade and Consumer Protection
2007
Selection Committee
The 2007 Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame selection committee selected the recipients in December, 2006. The committee consisted of:
Elton Aberle, University of Wisconsin
Steve Becker, Becker Food Company
Ken Bisarek, Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors
Larry Borchert, University of Wisconsin
Robert Bray, University of Wisconsin
Duane Bunting, Retired – – Sentry Foods
James Claus, University of Wisconsin
Marion Greaser, University of Wisconsin
Neale Jones, Equity Livestock
Robert Kauffman, University of Wisconsin
Patrick Luby, University of Wisconsin
Jeffrey Sindelar, University of Wisconsin
Dan Vogel, Wisconsin Dept. of Agr., Trade and Consumer Protection
Tom Whitemarsh, Retired – – Oscar Maye
2008
Selection Committee
The 2008 Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame selection committee selected the recipients in December, 2007. The committee consisted of:
Elton Aberle, University of Wisconsin
Steve Becker, Becker Food Company
Ken Bisarek, Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors
Larry Borchert, University of Wisconsin
Robert Bray, University of Wisconsin
Duane Bunting, Retired – – Sentry Foods
James Claus, University of Wisconsin
Marion Greaser, University of Wisconsin
Neale Jones, Equity Livestock
Robert Kauffman, University of Wisconsin
Patrick Luby, University of Wisconsin
Jefreyf Sindelar, University of Wisconsin
Dan Vogel, Wisconsin Dept. of Agr., Trade and Consumer Protection
Tom Whitemarsh, Retired – – Oscar Mayer
2009
Selection Committee
The 2009 Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame selection committee selected the recipients in December, 2008. The committee consisted of:
Elton Aberle, University of Wisconsin
Steve Becker, Becker Food Company
Larry Borchert, University of Wisconsin
Duane Bunting, Retired – – Sentry Foods
Larry Clark, Lodi Sausage
James Claus, University of Wisconsin
Marion Greaser, University of Wisconsin
Neale Jones, Equity Livestock
Robert Kauffman, University of Wisconsin
Patrick Luby, University of Wisconsin
Jeffrey Sindelar, University of Wisconsin
Dan Vogel, Wisconsin Dept. of Agr., Trade and Consumer Protection
2010
Selection Committee
The 2010 Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame selection committee selected the recipients in December, 2009. The committee consisted of:
Elton Aberle, University of Wisconsin
Steve Becker, Emory & Co.
Larry Borchert, University of Wisconsin
Duane Bunting, Retired – – Sentry Foods
Larry Clark, Lodi Sausage
James Claus, University of Wisconsin
Marion Greaser, University of Wisconsin
Neale Jones, Equity Livestock
Robert Kauffman, University of Wisconsin
Patrick Luby, University of Wisconsin
Jeffrey Sindelar, University of Wisconsin
Dan Vogel, Wisconsin Dept. of Agr., Trade and Consumer Protection
2011
Selection Committee
The 2011 Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame selection committee selected the recipients in December, 2010. The committee consisted of:
Elton Aberle, University of Wisconsin
Steve Becker, Emory & Co.
Larry Borchert, University of Wisconsin
Duane Bunting, Retired – – Sentry Foods
Larry Clark, Lodi Sausage
James Claus, University of Wisconsin
Dean Henderson, University of Wisconsin
Neale Jones, Equity Livestock
Andy Milkowski, University of Wisconsin
Jim Peterson, ALDAR-RapidPak, Inc.
Chris Salm, Salm Partners Inc.
Jeff Sindelar, University of Wisconsin
Jeff Swenson, Wisconsin Dept. of Agr., Trade and Consumer Protection
2012
Selection Committee
The 2012 Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame selection committee selected the recipients in December, 2011. The committee consisted of:
Elton Aberle, University of Wisconsin
Steve Becker, Emory & Co.
Larry Borchert, University of Wisconsin
Duane Bunting, Retired – – Sentry Foods
Larry Clark, Lodi Sausage
James Claus, University of Wisconsin
Dean Henderson, University of Wisconsin
Neale Jones, Equity Livestock
Andy Milkowski, University of Wisconsin
Jim Peterson, ALDAR-RapidPak, Inc.
Chris Salm, Salm Partners Inc.
Jeff Sindelar, University of Wisconsin
Jeff Swenson, Wisconsin Dept. of Agr., Trade and Consumer Protection
2013
Selection Committee
The 2013 Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame selection committee selected the recipients in December, 2012. The committee consisted of:
Elton Aberle, University of Wisconsin
Steve Becker, Emory & Co.
Larry Borchert, University of Wisconsin
Larry Clark, Lodi Sausage
James Claus, University of Wisconsin
Dean Henderson, University of Wisconsin
Neale Jones, Equity Livestock
Andy Milkowski, University of Wisconsin
Jim Peterson, ALDAR-RapidPak, Inc.
Chris Salm, Salm Partners Inc.
Jeff Sindelar, University of Wisconsin
Jeff Swenson, Wisconsin Dept. of Agr., Trade and Consumer Protection
2014
Selection Committee
The 2013 Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame selection committee selected the recipients in December, 2013. The committee consisted of:
Steve Becker, Emory & Co.
Larry Borchert, University of Wisconsin
Larry Clark, Lodi Sausage
James Claus, University of Wisconsin
Dean Henderson, University of Wisconsin
Neal Jones, Equity Livestock
Andy Milkowski, University of Wisconsin
Louis Muench, Louie’s Finer Meats, Inc
Jim Peterson, ALDAR-RapidPak, Inc.
Chris Salm, Salm Partners Inc.
Jeff Sindelar, University of Wisconsin
Jeff Swenson, Wisconsin Dept. of Agr., Trade and Consumer Protection
2015
Selection Committee
The 2015 Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame selection committee selected the recipients in December, 2014. The committee consisted of:
Elton Aberle, Chair, Emeritus Professor, University of Wisconsin
Steve Becker, Emory & Co.
Larry Clark, Lodi Sausage
Jim Claus, University of Wisconsin
Dean Henderson, University of Wisconsin
Neale Jones, Equity Livestock
Louis Muench, Louie’s Finer Meats, Inc
Jim Peterson, ALKAR- RapidPak, Inc
Chris Salm, Salm Partners Inc.
Jeff Sindelar, University of Wisconsin
Jeff Swenson, Wisconsin Dept of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
2016
Selection Committee
The 2016 Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame selection committee selected the recipients in December, 2015. The committee consisted of:
Elton Aberle, Chair, Emeritus Professor, University of Wisconsin
Jim Claus, University of Wisconsin
Dean Henderson, University of Wisconsin
Neale Jones, Equity Livestock
Louis Muench, Louie’s Finer Meats, Inc
Bill Paulos, JSK Consulting Services, Kraft Foods / Oscar Mayer
Jim Peterson, ALKAR- RapidPak, Inc
Chris Salm, Salm Partners Inc.
Jeff Sindelar, University of Wisconsin
Jeff Swenson, Wisconsin Dept of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Gary Underwood, Red Arrow Products
Dennis Vignieri, Birchwood Foods