Columbia, Mo.,–Francis Forst, chairman of the Missouri Pork Association (MPA), announced JR Reid from Sweet Springs as the recipient of the annual Chairman’s Award during the 2019 Missouri Pork Expo on February 12.

 

JR has been involved in the pork industry all his life, growing up with a grandfather and father who raised pigs. He bought his first Poland China gilt in 1962. Now, Reid’s Poland’s is nationally known for their Poland China, Spot and Chester show pigs, and have received numerous awards including the Distinguished Service Award from the Poland China Swine Association.

 

“JR’s leadership and enthusiasm has helped Missouri’s show pig industry grow,” said Forst. “We know our future lies in our youth, and JR’s influence helps make that future brighter.”

 

JR and wife Tina have been married for 25 years and live in Sweet Springs. He has two sons and a stepdaughter, six grandchildren, and one more on the way.

 

He has been an insurance agent with American Family Insurance since 1983, and achieved a goal of opening his third office in 2017. He has received the Premier Leader and Distinguished Life Diamond Award from American Family.

 

Since 2002, JR has been the superintendent of the Swine Pavilion at the Missouri State Fair, and it has flourished under his leadership. JR’s priority has always been the kids, and that dedication is evident in the decisions he’s made and support he’s given. The Pavilion has went through two rounds of upgrades in the last few years, and his support helped raise funds for those improvements.

 

JR was instrumental in the founding of MPA’s Youth Show Pig Circuit, which has awarded over $154,000 to youth swine exhibitors in the Circuit at on the Best of Breeds Row at the Missouri State Fair.

 

Additionally, JR was a high school and NCAA basketball referee for 30 years. He is currently a basketball official evaluator for the Missouri State High School Activities Association and State Fair Community College.

 

Each year, the MPA Chairman presents the award to a key individual for their support of the pork industry, the Association and its members.

 

The 2019 Missouri Pork Expo was held February 12-13 in Columbia. Pork producers from across the state enjoyed a trade show, producer education sessions and guest speakers.

 

The Missouri Pork Association represents the state’s pork producers in the areas of promotion, research, education and legislation. For more information about this or any other programs of the Missouri Pork Association, go to www.mopork.com, or call the Missouri Pork Association office at (573) 445-8375.

 

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